Reduction of a Ni/Spinel Catalyst for Methane Reforming

A nickel/spinel (Ni/MgAl_2O_4) catalyst, w(Ni) = 22 wt %, was investigated in situ during reduction with wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) in a laboratory setup and with anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering (ASAXS) at a synchrotron source. Complementary high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was performed on the fresh catalyst sample. The Ni particles in the fresh catalyst sample were observed to exhibit a Ni/NiO core-shell structure. A decrease of the Ni lattice parameter is observed during the reduction in a temperature interval from 413 to 453 K, which can be related to the reduction of the NiO shell, whereby stress due to the lattice mismatch of Ni and NiO is relieved

Exercise-Based Real-time Telerehabilitation for Older Adult Patients Recently Discharged After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation:Mixed Methods Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND: The use of telehealth technology to improve functional recovery following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to examine the feasibility of exercise-based cardiac telerehabilitation after TAVI. METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective, nonrandomized study using a mixed methods approach. Data collection included testing, researchers’ observations, logbooks, and individual patient interviews, which were analyzed using a content analysis approach. The intervention lasted 3 weeks and consisted of home-based web-based exercise training, an activity tracker, a TAVI information website, and 1 web-based session with a nurse. RESULTS: Of the initially included 13 patients, 5 (40%) completed the study and were interviewed; the median age was 82 (range 74-84) years, and the sample comprised 3 men and 2 women. Easy access to supervised exercise training at home with real-time feedback and use of the activity tracker to count daily steps were emphasized by the patients who completed the intervention. Reasons for patients not completing the program included poor data coverage, participants’ limited information technology skills, and a lack of functionality in the systems used. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise-based telerehabilitation for older people after TAVI, in the population as included in this study, and delivered as a web-based intervention, does not seem feasible, as 60% (8/13) of patients did not complete the study. Those completing the intervention highly appreciated the real-time feedback during the web-based training sessions. Future studies should address aspects that support retention rates and enhance patients’ information technology skills

Drought Tolerance and Perennial Weed Management

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of controlled soil water deficits on sprouting and shoot growth of Canada thistle, coltsfoots and quackgrass. A gradient of soil water contents was created by establishing different densities of barley. The plants were harvested 14 days after watering was stopped. On Canada thistle and coltsfoots, relative water content (RWC) in leaves was measured prior to harvest and biomass of all weed shoots were recorded at harvest. In terms of shoot biomass and leaf RWC quackgrass was drought tolerant while coltsfoot was drought sensitive and Canada thistle was between the two. The barley cover crop could have had a competitive effect upon the growth of the weeds; the effect, however, was not detrimental compared to the drought effect, because relationships between initial height and the final height of coltsfoot and Canada thistle were not different among barley densities. The results suggest that the shooting from subterranean parts of broadleaf perennial weeds can to some extent be impeded by reducing soil water availability. However, the use of reduced soil water content can be challenging in fields in humid temperate regions

Perspectives on Participation in a Feasibility Study on Exercise-Based Cardiac Telerehabilitation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation:Qualitative Interview Study Among Patients and Health Professionals

BACKGROUND: Aortic valve stenosis affects approximately half of people aged ≥85 years, and the recommended surgical treatment for older patients is transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Despite strong evidence for its advantages, low attendance rate in cardiac rehabilitation is observed among patients after TAVI. Cardiac telerehabilitation (CTR) has proven comparable with center-based rehabilitation; however, no study has investigated CTR targeting patients after TAVI. On the basis of participatory design, an exercise-based CTR program (TeleTAVI) was developed, which included a web-based session with a cardiac nurse, a tablet containing an informative website, an activity tracker, and supervised home-based exercise sessions that follow the national recommendations for cardiac rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore patients’ and health professionals’ experiences with using health technologies and participating in the exercise-based CTR program, TeleTAVI. METHODS: This study is a part of a feasibility study and will only report patients’ and health professionals’ experiences of being a part of TeleTAVI. A total of 11 qualitative interviews were conducted using a semistructured interview guide (n=7, 64% patients and n=4, 36% health professionals). Patient interviews were conducted after 8 weeks of participation in TeleTAVI, and interviews with health professionals were conducted after the end of the program. The analysis was conducted as inductive content analysis to create a condensed meaning presented as themes. RESULTS: Reticence toward using the website was evident with reduced curiosity to explore it, and reduced benefit from using the activity tracker was observed, as the patients’ technical competencies were challenged. This was also found when using the tablet for web-based training sessions, leading to patients feeling worried before the training, as they anticipated technical problems. Disadvantages of the TeleTAVI program were technical problems and inability to use hands-on guidance with the patients. However, both physiotherapists and patients reported a feeling of improvement in patients’ physical fitness. The home training created a feeling of safety, supported adherence, and made individualization possible, which the patients valued. A good relationship and continuity in the contact with health professionals seemed very important for the patients and affected their positive attitude toward the program. CONCLUSIONS: The home-based nature of the TeleTAVI program seems to provide the opportunity to support individualization, autonomy, independence, and adherence to physical training in addition to improvement in physical capability in older patients. Despite technological challenges, basing the relationship between the health professionals and patients on continuity may be beneficial for patients. Prehabilitation may also be considered, as it may create familiarity toward technology and adherence to the training