Study on Granular Dynamics in Vertically Vibrated Beds using Tracking Technique

The study of granular material is of great interest to many researchers in both engineering and science communities. The importance of such a study derives from its complex rheological character and also its significant role in a wide range of industrial applications, such as coal, food, plastics, pharmaceutical, powder metallurgy and mineral processing. A number of recent reports have been focused on the physics of non-cohesive granular material submitted to vertical vibration in either experimental or theoretical approaches. Such a kind of system can be used to separate, mix and dry granular materials in industries. It exhibits different instability behaviour on its surface when under vertical vibration, for example, avalanching, surface fluidization and surface wave, and these phenomena have attracted particular interest of many researchers. However, its fundamental understanding of the instability mechanism is not yet well-understood. This paper is therefore to study the dynamics of granular motion in such a kind of system using Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT), which allows the motion of a single tracer particle to be followed in a non-invasive way. Features of the solids motion such as cycle frequency and dispersion index were investigated via means of authors’ specially-written programmes. Regardless of the surface behaviour, particles are found to travel in rotational movement in horizontal plane. Particle cycle frequency is found to increase strongly with increasing vibration amplitude. Particle dispersion also increased strongly with vibration amplitude. Horizontal dispersion is observed to always exceed vertical dispersion.Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA

Effects of a transitional palliative care model on patients with end-stage heart failure: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is characterized by high rates of readmission after hospitalization, and readmission is a major contributor to healthcare costs. The transitional care model has proven efficacy in reducing the readmission rate and economic outcomes, and increasing satisfaction with care. However, the effectiveness of the transitional care model has not been evaluated in patients with end-stage HF. This study was designed to compare the customary hospital-based care and a comprehensive transitional care model, namely the Home-based Palliative HF Program (HPHP), in terms of readmission rate, quality of life, and satisfaction with care among end-stage HF patients under palliative care. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a randomized controlled trial taking place in hospitals in Hong Kong. We have been recruiting patients with end-stage HF who are identified as appropriate for palliative care during hospitalization, on referral by their physicians. A set of questionnaires is collected from each participant upon discharge. Participants are randomized to receive usual care (customary hospital-based care) or the intervention (HPHP). The HPHP will be implemented for up to 12 months. Outcome measures will be performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-discharge. The primary outcome of this study is quality of life measured by the Chronic Heart Failure Questionnaire - Chinese version; secondary outcomes include readmission rate, symptom intensity, functional status, and satisfaction with care. DISCUSSION: This study is original and will provide important information for service development in the area of palliative care. The introduction of palliative care to end-stage organ failure patients is new and has received increasing attention worldwide in the last decade. This study adopts the randomized controlled trial, a vigorous research design, to establish scientific evidence in exploring the best model for end-stage HF patients receiving palliative care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered as NCT02086305 on 7 March 2014 in the United States Clinical Trials Registration, and in the Clinical Trials Registry, Hong Kong University with the trial number UW12202. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1303-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

A Parametric Study of Piled Raft Foundation in Clay Subjected to Concentrated Loading

The use of piled raft foundation in building and infrastructure constructions is increasingly popular because of its effectiveness in reducing overall and differential settlements. Parameters influencing the performance of the piled raft foundation need to be comprehended in order to optimize the design of the piled raft system. Most of the current available literature focused on the piled raft foundation subjected to a uniform distributed load in sandy material.  This parametric study aims to provide insights into the performance of the piled raft foundations subjected to concentrated loading in clay. A series of 2D finite element analyses were performed to investigate the influencing parameters affecting the load distribution and settlement behaviour of the piled raft. The results suggested that increases in both pile length and raft thickness, as well as a decrease in pile spacing would reduce the differential settlement of the piled raft. Comparatively, raft thickness was the most significant controlling parameter affecting the differential settlement. The study also revealed the importance of placing the pile nearer to the location of concentrated load as it would yield a more uniform load distribution, and hence a lower differential settlement

Near-infrared probe as a quality control tool for milk powder blending processes

This study aims to evaluate the suitability and reliability of Process Analytical Tools (PAT) in monitoring milk powder blending processes. The uniformity end point was predicted using a Near-Infrared (NIR) probe, and subsequently validated using offline Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). A standard milk formulation (SMF) made up of 50% lactose, 40% skim milk powder, and 10% whey protein concentrate was used. Additionally, the detection limit of the NIR probe was investigated using vitamin C powder. The average predicted uniformity end point using the inline NIR fixed reference (63.89 ± 2.06 min), and dynamic reference conformity test (63.00 ± 5.25 min) were comparable with the offline FTIR measurement (56.6 ± 0.71 min). A three-component Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR) model was constructed and validated for vitamin C. The detection limit is 0.11%, which is higher than the vitamin C level commonly found in most infant milk formula (0.035%)

Cognitive debriefing findings on the English-Korean translation of the Shortened Perception of Aggression Scale (POAS-S)

This study is about cognitive debriefing findings on the English-Korean translation of of perception of workplace violence questionnaire and shortened perception of aggression scale. For translation and transcultural adaptation, we used foward translation, backward translation, confirmation for English consistency, cognitive debriefing by nurses and experts, and pilot testing in nurses

State-of-the-Art Microplastic Sampling Sources, Identification Approaches and Possible Transformation to Wealth

Microplastics are defined as plastic particles of different shapes and polymer compositions, ranging in size from 1μm to 5 mm. There are two types of microplastics: primary microplastics, such as microbeads added to household products, and secondary microplastics, commonly used to make bottles and plastic bags. Microplastic pollution has become a major issue affecting human health. Research suggests that once humans ingest microplastics ranging from 0.1 to 10 μm, these particles can be absorbed by the blood-brain barrier and placenta. This can potentially cause damage to the circulatory system. This study aims to review the techniques used for sampling microplastics, including passive and active sampling. The review of microplastic articles encompasses sources from both indoor and outdoor environments, such as soil, water, and air. Research suggests that individuals who consume water from plastic bottles may ingest up to 90,000 microplastic particles annually. In addition, studies conducted in indoor environments, such as houses, dormitories, and offices, indicate that an individual can ingest approximately 190 microplastic particles per day and up to 69,000 particles per year due to the high abundance of microplastics indoors (1,583 ± 1,180 particles/m3).This review also emphasizes the analytical methods employed by scientists to identify and characterize microplastics. For instance, visual observation (stereomicroscope), micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, laser direct infrared analysis, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and mass spectrometry. Also, this review article explores the potential for transforming microplastics into valuable products through innovative recycling and upcycling methods.</p

The Impact of China’s Belt and Road Initiative on Malaysia’s Construction Sector

The Belt and Road Initiative aims to connect Eurasia, African and Asian countries in several ways. To achieve this objective, huge investments in the construction sector funded by China in various participating countries are underway. Some megaprojects had achieved great success. However, dissenting voices were expressed in some participating countries. As such, there is a need to study the real benefits of BRI by the receiving countries. This study therefore aims to examine the impact of the BRI on Malaysia’s construction sector by identifying the longrun relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows from China to Malaysia and the development of Malaysia’s construction sector during the period 1991-2018 using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach. The empirical results signify positive impact of FDI inflows from China on the development of Malaysia’s construction sector. This finding suggests that Malaysia should continue to implement an open-door policy for the influx of FDI from China and collaborate with China in planning and executing construction projects in order to stimulate the development of construction sector and to sustain the long-run economic growth. It is highly likely that the FDI inflow from China, in particular the FDI involving high-technology, enable the local labours to gain from the benefits of technology transfer and subsequently enjoy the upliftment of skill-set. In order to ensure the success of BRI-linked projects in stimulating the development of Malaysian construction sector, a competent team should be formed in Malaysia to monitor the progress of each BRI-linked project to avoid falling into any debt trap situation, any loss of national sovereignty, as well as to ensure adherence to the spirit of the agreements signed between the donor and recipient of BRI projects

Design of the Anti-tuberculosis Drugs induced Adverse Reactions in China National Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Scheme Study (ADACS)

Abstract Background More than 1 million tuberculosis (TB) patients are receiving the standard anti-TB treatment provided by China National Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Scheme (CNTS) in China every year. Adverse reactions (ADRs) induced by anti-TB drugs could both do harm to patients and lead to anti-TB treatment failure. The ADACS aimed to explore ADRs' incidences, prognoses, economical and public health impacts for TB patients and TB control, and build a DNA bank of TB patients. Methods/Design Multiple study designs were adopted. Firstly, a prospective cohort with 4488 sputum smears positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients was established. Patients were followed up for 6-9 months in 52 counties of four regions. Those suspected ADRs should be checked and confirmed by Chinese State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA). Secondly, if the suspected ADR was anti-TB drug induced liver injury (ATLI), a nested case-control study would be performed which comprised choosing a matched control and doing a plus questionnaire inquiry. Thirdly, health economical data of ADRs would be collected to analyze financial burdens brought by ADRs and cost-effectiveness of ADRs' treatments. Fourthly, a drop of intravenous blood for each patient was taken and saved in FTA card for DNA banking and genotyping. Finally, the demographic, clinical, environmental, administrative and genetic data would be merged for the comprehensive analysis. Discussion ADACS will give an overview of anti-TB drugs induced ADRs' incidences, risk factors, treatments, prognoses, and clinical, economical and public health impacts for TB patients applying CNTS regimen in China, and provide suggestions for individualized health care and TB control policy.</p