Full scale phosphoric acid fuel cell stack technology development

The technology development for phosphoric acid fuel cells is summarized. The preparation, heat treatment, and characterization of carbon composites used as bipolar separator plates are described. Characterization included resistivity, porosity, and electrochemical corrosion. High density glassy carbon/graphite composites performed well in long-term fuel cell endurance tests. Platinum alloy cathode catalysts and low-loaded platinum electrodes were evaluated in 25 sq cm cells. Although the alloys displayed an initial improvement, some of this improvement diminished after a few thousand hours of testing. Low platinum loading (0.12 mg/sq cm anodes and 0.3 mg/sq cm cathodes) performed nearly as well as twice this loading. A selectively wetproofed anode backing paper was tested in a 5 by 15 inch three-cell stack. This material may provide for acid volume expansion, acid storage, and acid lateral distribution

Evaluation of Gas-Cooled Pressurized Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells for Electric Utility Power Generation

Gas cooling is a more reliable, less expensive and a more simple alternative to conventional liquid cooling for heat removal from the phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC). The feasibility of gas-cooling was already demonstrated in atmospheric pressure stacks. Theoretical and experimental investigations of gas-cooling for pressurized PAFC are presented. Two approaches to gas cooling, Distributed Gas-Cooling (DIGAS) and Separated Gas-Cooling (SGC) were considered, and a theoretical comparison on the basis of cell performance indicated SGC to be superior to DIGAS. The feasibility of SGC was experimentally demonstrated by operating a 45-cell stack for 700 hours at pressure, and determining thermal response and the effect of other related parameters

The Role of Corporate Workplace Inclusivity Policies, Brand Equity, and Innovation Intensity in Firm Profitability : A Moderated Mediational Approach

Firms are increasingly adopting pro-lesbian, -gay, -bisexual, -transgender, inclusivity and diversity (LGBT-ID) policies for workforce management. This study develops a parsimonious, albeit complex, moderated-mediated framework by employing a panel dataset combining data from archival sources and involving a sample of predominantly large and publicly held firms from the USA between 2002 and 2018. The number of observations varied across variables with a minimum of 414 observations (corporate brand equity) and a maximum of 3,566 observations (self-reported LGBT-ID policy). This treatise demonstrates that adopting LGBT-ID policies positively impacts firms’ profitability. Moreover, pro-LGBT-ID policies during this specific period have a positive effect on corporate brand equity, which in turn affects firm profitability, indicating that brand equity plays a mediating role in the nexus between pro-LGBT-ID policies and firms’ financial performance. Furthermore, innovation intensity strengthens the relationship between pro-LGBT-ID policies and brand equity during the sample period of the study.© The Author(s) 2023. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) which permits any use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).fi=vertaisarvioitu|en=peerReviewed

Assessment of factors related to treatment failure and recurrence of superficial dermatophytosis

Background: Superficial dermatophytosis, commonly known as ringworm, is a fungal infection of the skin, hair, or nails caused by dermatophytes, primarily belonging to the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. Despite being a superficial infection, the rising incidence of treatment failure and recurrence has become a matter of concern in recent years. Methods: This prospective observational study, conducted at the department of dermatology and venereology of Chittagong Medical College Hospital, aimed to investigate the epidemiological factors associated with treatment failure and recurrent cases of superficial dermatophytosis. The study spanned from March 2022 to February 2023, involving 249 participants diagnosed with Tinea corporis, Tinea cruris, Tinea facies, or Tinea pedis. Factors such as excessive sweating, use of warm water, clothing habits, sharing practices, and topical corticosteroid application were analyzed. Results: The most common age group affected was 21-30 years, with a male preponderance (1.6:1). Excessive sweating, wearing water-soaked garments, and sharing towels were prevalent among participants. After 4 weeks of treatment, 81.5% achieved complete cure, but 52.7% of these cases experienced a recurrence within the subsequent 4 weeks. Multivariate analysis identified sharing towels, family history of dermatophytosis, and past topical steroid use as significant risk factors for treatment failure/recurrence. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the importance of linen (sharing towels) in the transmission of dermatophytosis and highlights the increased risk associated with a family history of the condition. Additionally, the injudicious use of topical steroids emerged as a significant factor contributing to treatment failure and recurrence

Relationship between inter-arm blood pressure differences and predicted future cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients

Background: Hypertension stands as a widely recognized significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In clinical practice, it is advisable to measure blood pressure (BP) in both arms. The increasing attention on inter-arm blood pressure difference (IABPD) stems from its association with cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to assess the relationship between inter-arm blood pressure differences and predicted future cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the department of cardiology, Chittagong Medical College Hospital from July 2020 to June 2021. The study included 428 cases of previously or newly diagnosed hypertension, selected through convenient sampling. Data analysis was conducted using Microsoft Office tools and statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Results: In this study, 8.2% of patients exhibited noteworthy systolic IAD, and 2.3% demonstrated notable diastolic IAD. Median 10-year cardiovascular risk, assessed by Framingham and ASCVD calculators, was 21% and 11% respectively. A positive correlation was observed between sIAD and 10-year cardiovascular risk (p=0.003) and sIAD and 10-year ASCVD risk (p=0.041). Patients with significant sIAD had a higher incidence of ischemic heart disease compared to those without (p=0.041). Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between 10-year Framingham cardiovascular risk and sIAD (p=0.003). Conclusions: A significant difference in systolic blood pressure between arms is linked to a higher 10-year cardiovascular risk and the presence of cardiovascular disease in well-managed hypertensive patients. So, monitoring sIAD could be an additional factor in predicting future cardiovascular events in patients receiving hypertension treatment

Correlation of lipoprotein (a) level with severity of coronary lesion in coronary heart disease patients

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in developing nations, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Bangladesh has been undergoing an epidemiological transition from communicable to non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association of risk factors with coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients from Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the department of cardiology, Chattogram Medical College and Hospital, Chattogram, Bangladesh from July 2018 to June 2019. A total of 100 patients were enrolled. Results: This cross-sectional study enrolled 100 CHD patients with a mean age of 53.21±10.29 years. The majority were obese (64, 64.0%), and hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor (77, 77.0%), followed by smoking (65, 65.0%) and dyslipidemia (58, 58.0%). Most patients had triple vessel disease (53, 53.0%), and significant CHD (81, 81.0%). Patients with severe CHD had higher levels of blood LDL-C, triglycerides, and Lp(a). Lp(a) levels, history of dyslipidemia, and LDL-C were independently associated with a Gensini score ≥20. These findings emphasize the independent association between Lp(a) and CHD severity, warranting greater attention to patients with elevated Lp(a) levels. Conclusions: This study suggested that Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for CHD in patients from Bangladesh. More attention should be paid to such patients with elevated Lp(a) level

Correlation between red cell distribution width and coronary artery disease in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the primary cause of death in developed countries and is one of the leading causes of disease burden in developing countries. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 124 purposively selected patients who underwent elective CAG in the department of cardiology, Chittagong medical college hospital, Chattogram, from July 2020 to June 2021. SPSS 23.0 software was used for processing and analysis at the end of the data collection period. Results: According to the Gensini score, patients were categorized into two groups (score <30 and ≥30). There were no significant differences between the two groups concerning BMI, smoking, hypertension, DM, F/H of CAD, statin or beta-blocker use, or the levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH MCHC, and creatinine. However, the mean age was older, and there were more males in the severe CAD group. The percentage of dyslipidemia was significantly higher in patients with Gensini score ≥30 than in patients with <30. RDW (OR: 2.629; 95% CI: 1.425-4.484; p=0.002) and age (OR: 1.058; 95%CI: 1.00-1.111; p=0.027) were independently correlated with the severity of CAD. The AUROC for red cell distribution width (RDW) was 0.915 with a p<0.001 for predicting CAD on CAG. It indicated a statistically significant association of RDW with the presence of CAD.  A cut-off value of 13.65% RDW had a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 84.2% for the prediction of CAD. There were no significant differences between patients with and without angiographic CAD for BMI, hypertension, DM, statin, or beta-blocker use, or of the levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and creatinine. However, the mean age was older, and there were more males in the CAD group. The percentage with dyslipidemia, smoking, and F/H of CAD was significantly higher in patients with CAD than in patients without CAD. The data indicate that only RDW was independently correlated with the presence of CAD (OR: 2.593; 95% CI: 1.347-4.989; p=0.004). Conclusions: RDW is associated with the presence of CAD and suggests that it might be a readily available test for predicting coronary artery diseases

Performance implications of export assistance: the mediating role of export entrepreneurship

Purpose Although both institutional export assistance and entrepreneurial orientation (EO) contribute separately and positively to export performance, the interplay between them has received little attention. This study examines the role of international EO in deriving performance benefits from governmental and nongovernmental export assistance. Design/methodology/approach In this longitudinal study, two surveys were administered at two different times: In 2011, 705 Bangladeshi apparel exporters were surveyed, and in 2019, a subsequent survey of 198 firms in multiple industries was conducted. The aim of the surveys was to assess the relationships between governmental and nongovernmental assistance, EO and export performance. Findings The results of the first survey show that, while nongovernmental assistance influences performance directly and via EO, governmental assistance has only direct effects. Furthermore, the negative influence of government assistance on EO reduces the total effects and renders them nonsignificant. The results of the second survey demonstrate that government EPPs have both direct and indirect positive and significant effects on market performance, indicating a partial mediation, whereas quasi-governmental assistance has positive and significant direct effects as well as negative but nonsignificant indirect effects. Nongovernmental EPPs have both direct and indirect significant effects on international performance, indicating a partial mediation. Research limitations/implications The study has important implications for researchers studying export assistance and its impact on firm performance. Instead of adopting a parochial view of government assistance, this study categorizes such assistance into three types – government, quasi-government and nongovernment. Furthermore, this study bridges the export assistance and international entrepreneurship literature by including EO. Practical implications Entrepreneurs must emphasize the use of government assistance in order to enhance export performance. However, to promote both entrepreneurship and performance, they must emphasize nongovernment assistance. Exporters should also capitalize on the assistance extended by various quasi-governmental agencies to bolster export performance. Originality/value Given the performance advantage of export assistance, this study highlights the contribution of the private sector in promoting export entrepreneurship while shedding light on the pernicious role of (quasi-)governmental assistance in export entrepreneurship

Workplace Violence Among Health Care Professionals in Public and Private Health Facilities in Bangladesh

Objectives: The main objectives of this study were to examine the prevalence of workplace violence (WPV), its associated factors and explore the experiences of healthcare workers. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study design used a nationally representative sample of 1,081 healthcare workers covering eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh. Logistic regression analysis was employed to estimate the adjusted effect of independent factors on WPV among healthcare workers. Results: Of the participants, 43% (468) experienced some form of WPV. Of those, 84% reported experiencing nonphysical violence, and 16% experienced physical violence in the past year. About 65% of victims claimed no action was taken to investigate the incident, and 44% reported no consequence for perpetrators. Four factors: being married (AOR = 1.63; CI: 1.12–2.39); public sector healthcare worker (AOR = 2.74; CI:1.99–3.76); working in an emergency department (AOR = 2.30; CI:1.03–5.12); and undertaking shift work (AOR = 1.52; CI: 1.10–2.11) were found to be significantly associated with WPV. One-third of the participants were worried about violence in their workplace. Conclusion: WPV is highly prevalent among healthcare workers in Bangladesh. Formal guidelines for reporting and managing WPV are urgently needed at the individual, hospital, and national levels

A comprehensive situation assessment of injection practices in primary health care hospitals in Bangladesh

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Understanding injection practices is crucial for evidence-based development of intervention initiatives. This study explored the extent of injection use and injection safety practices in primary care hospitals in Bangladesh.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The methods used were - a retrospective audit of prescriptions (n = 4320), focus group discussions (six with 43 participants), in-depth interviews (n = 38) with a range service providers, and systematic observation of the activities of injection providers (n = 120), waste handlers (n = 48) and hospital facilities (n = 24). Quantitative and qualitative data were assessed with statistical and thematic analysis, respectively, and then combined.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>As many as 78% of our study sample (n = 4230) received an injection. The most commonly prescribed injections (n = 3354) including antibiotics (78.3%), IV fluids (38.6%), analgesics/pain killers (29.4%), vitamins (26.7%), and anti-histamines (18.5%). Further, 43.7% (n = 1145) of the prescribed antibiotics (n = 2626) were given to treat diarrhea and 42.3% (n = 600) of IV fluids (n = 1295) were used to manage general weakness conditions. Nearly one-third (29.8%; n = 36/120) of injection providers reported needle-stick injuries in the last 6 months with highest incidences in Rajshahi division followed by Dhaka division. Disposal of injection needles, syringes and other materials was not done properly in 83.5% (n = 20/24) of the facilities. Health providers' safety concerns were not addressed properly; only 23% (n = 28/120) of the health providers and 4.2% (n = 2/48) of the waste handlers were fully immunized against Hepatitis B virus. Moreover, 73% (n = 87/120) of the injection providers and 90% (n = 43/48) of the waste handlers were not trained in injection safety practices and infection prevention. Qualitative data further confirmed that both providers and patients preferred injections, believing that they provide quick relief. The doctors' perceived injection use as their prescribing norm that enabled them to prove their professional credibility and to remain popular in a competitive health care market. Additionally, persistent pressure from hospital administration to use up injections before their expiry dates also influenced doctors to prescribe injections regardless of actual indications.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>As far as the patients and providers' safety is concerned, this study demonstrated a need for further research exploring the dynamics of injection use and safety in Bangladesh. In a context where a high level of injection use and unsafe practices were reported, immediate prevention initiatives need to be operated through continued intervention efforts and health providers' training in primary care hospitals in Bangladesh.</p