Objectives: Free Water Protocols (FWPs) are implemented selectively because of mixed evidence on the benefits associated with their use. This retrospective study examines the implementation a long-standing clinical program and descriptively reports rehabilitation and quality care outcomes. Methods: Data were collected over 6 years (n = 575). Inpatient rehabilitation setting. Variables included in this study were age, medical diagnoses, rate of acute care hospital transfers, discharge destinations, length of time on FWP. Results: Cohort consisted of older adults (M = 68.43, SD = 15.11), with diagnosis of stroke (60.2%), brain injury (19.1%), spinal cord injury (7.3%), cardiac (1%), orthopedics (5%), other (13.1%). Acute care hospital transfers occurred in 6% as descriptively compared to national average (14%). Additionally, participants tolerated FWP for days (M = 14.1, SD = 14.4) and most went home following rehabilitation Discussion: This retrospective study concludes the feasibility of implementing a FWP in a rehabilitation facility and reports descriptive outcomes. Experimental research is required for conclusions to be made regarding effectiveness of the FWP for dysphagia.

This study was conducted to develop a high-moisture food waste dryer that uses steam as a direct heat source to improve the drying speed. Another objective was to verify its performance through experiments. A dryer with a drying capacity of 10,000 kg/hr, which uses steam from an incineration plant as a drying heat source, was fabricated. The performance and applicability of the dryer were verified through drying experiments, in which the food waste collected from large restaurants near the incineration plant was used as the experimental material. The drying experiment results showed that the input steam temperature increased by 21℃ from approximately 145℃ to 166℃ compared to the case in which drying was performed by converting steam into heated air. The drying speed increased by 1.5 times from approximately 0.63 to 0.94 %/hr, and drying up to approximately 20%(wb) moisture content was possible. The drying energy rate, which represents the ratio of the energy consumed for drying to the input energy, increased by approximately ten times from 7.17% to 70.87%. The total drying time still remained approximately 100 hr due to the re-condensation of moisture. When steam was directly used as a drying heat source to improve the drying speed of food waste containing high moisture, the drying speed, water content after drying, and drying energy rate were clearly improved compared to the case in which steam was converted into heated air for use. Therefore, it was deemed necessary to develop a dryer that directly uses steam from an incineration plant for drying. To shorten the total drying time, it is necessary to develop a device that solves the problem of moisture condensation in the dryer.

Colibacillosis, which is caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), is one of the most common infectious diseases affecting poultry and causes the great economic losses to poultry production worldwide. The present study investigated the presence of E. coli in broiler chickens affected by colibacillosis and reared at various locations in Tiaret Province as well as evaluated the susceptibility of isolated E. coli strains to various antimicrobial agents. A total of 110 samples collected from 55 broiler chickens representing liver (n=55) and spleen (n=55) showing lesions suspected to be colibacillosis were analyzed by conventional methods, and 33 E. coli isolates were tested on a panel of seven antimicrobial agents using the disk diffusion method. The overall isolation rates of E. coli were 60% (33/55) and 50.9% (56/110) in whole chickens and organs, respectively. There was no variation in the isolation rate between organs: 50% (28/56) for liver and 50% (28/56) for spleen. All E. coli isolates tested showed 100% resistance to Nalidixic acid and Ofloxacine, followed by 93.93%, 90.90%, and 51.51% resistance to Tetracycline, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Co-trimoxazole), and Chloramphenicol, respectively. However, low resistance to Gentamycin was observed (12.12%), whereas all E. coli isolates were susceptible to Colistin sulfate. Multidrug resistance was observed in 96.96% (32/33) of the isolates tested. We conclude that E. coli was largely present in broiler chickens affected by colibacillosis in Tiaret Province, and multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates showed high resistance to multiple antibiotics.

We study the photometric phase curves for the planets of our solar system which can be considered as a prototypical non-compact planetary system. We focus on modeling the small variations caused by three effects: reflection, ellipsoidal, and Doppler beaming. Theoretical predictions for these photometric variations are proposed, considering a hypothetical external observer. Unlike similar studies of multi-planetary systems, the physical and geometrical parameters for each planet of the solar system are well-known. Therefore, we can accurately evaluate the relationships that shape the planetary light curves for a fictitious external observer. Our results suggest that, for all planets, the ellipsoidal effect is very weak while the Doppler beaming effect (DBE) is, in general, dominant. In fact, the DBE seems to be the principal cause of variations of the light curves for the planets of the solar system. However, for Mercury and Venus the Doppler beaming and reflection effects have similar amplitudes. The phase curves obtained for the planets of the solar system show new interesting features of interest for the study of other non-compact planetary systems.

This study evaluated effects of the addition of garlic powder allicin (GPA) mixture on rumen fermentation with methane in Hanwoo steer. On in vitro trial, two experimental groups were used: control (without GPA) and treatment group (addition of 0.1% GPA mixed with the basal concentrate). Similar to in vitro trial, two experimental groups were used in vivo trial. Five Hanwoo steers (3 steers in one group and 2 in another group; average body weight = 500 ± 43 kg) were assigned by crossover design for 20 d consists of 15 d diet adaptation and 5 d data collection in each experimental period. Daily feed intake and enteric methane production were recorded by an automated head chamber system. The results of in vitro study showed that the GPA treatment group had higher acetic acid (24.30 vs 23.45 mmol/L) and butyric acid (16.55 vs 15.47 mmol/L) concentrations, but lower CH4 production (1.40 vs 2.71 mmol/ml) after 24 h of incubation compared to the control (p<0.05). Total gas, propionic acid, total volatile fatty acid (VFA), and acetic acid: propionic acid ratio were not affected by treatment after 24 h incubation. In the in vivo experiment, rumen pH and VFA were not significantly different between treatments (p>0.05), except acetic acid, which was significantly higher in GPA mixture group (60.97 vs 53.94 mM) than in the control group (p<0.05). Furthermore, no significant differences were recorded in CH4 production (g/d) and CH4 yield (g/kg DMI) between the two groups (p>0.05). In conclusion, the addition of 0.1% GPA mixture reduced CH4 proudcition on in vitro trial, but no effect on in vivo trial.

The purpose of this study is to identify methods for attracting more students into maritime colleges, for making sure they remain happy, satisfied with their decision and finally for enabling them to have job security. At International Maritime College Oman (IMCO), the Deck Officer program is a field of study that incorporates the ancient knowledge and techniques in navigation with the latest information and technology in the maritime industry. The industry requires officers who are well trained and capable of working as professionals on board vessels. The goal is to attract more students into the maritime industry, to ensure their achievement in future and to make sure they are happy with their choice to join the maritime industry. For the purposes of this research, a questionnaire about deck cadets’ experiences of work and life at sea, with thirty-one questions, was prepared, based on the authors’ experiences, and distributed to deck cadets studying in International Maritime College of Oman (IMCO). It was answered by sixty deck students in years two, three and four. The students were of both genders and from various countries including Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Egypt. The age ranges varied between eighteen to twenty-five. The main problems adversely affecting the students’ happiness and satisfaction were found to be related to loneliness and emotional insecurity at sea, resulting from inadequate opportunities for communication with family and friends, as well as uncertainty about employment prospects. Colleges need to focus more on supporting cadets’ emotional well-being. Shipping companies also need to play a greater role in reducing cadets’ uncertainty by sponsoring them, by providing guarantees of employment and by looking after them well at sea, especially by ensuring availability of cheap internet.

The changes of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) are inevitable in all areas of daily life, from government to healthcare and commerce, including the educational field. Education 4.0 brings potential challenges to schools around the globe, such as digital technology, personalized data, and a connected world. Thus, this paper presents a Mexican case study about a classroom enhanced with digital technology to study the challenges that both students and teachers face to acquire and transmit the skills and competencies that Industry 4.0 requires. As a preliminary result, we found that the probability of students accepting this technology for learning is very high.

This paper reports a survey done that examined the relationship between the use of Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and Youtube on students’ academic performance in Osun State secondary schools. The study adopted the descriptive research design. The population of the study comprised all 7,767 teachers in Osun State secondary schools. The sample of 385 teachers was randomly selected. Two self-designed questionnaires were used. The data were analysed using Pearson Product Movement Correlation Statistics (PPMCS) at 0.05 level of significant. The findings showed that the use of Facebook (r = 0.692, df = 2071 & p<0.05), WhatsApp (r = 0.615, df = 2071 & p<0.05), Twitter (r = 0.542, df = 2071 & p<0.05), and Youtube (r = 0.461, df = 2071 & p<0.05) were significantly related to students’ academic performance of Osun State secondary schools. The study concluded that that the use of Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and Youtube among teachers and students had positive contributions to students’ academic performance of Osun State secondary schools. The findings implicate that the teachers and students in Osun State secondary schools and Nigeria at large should admire the use of social medial such as Facebook WhatsApp, Twitter and Youtube as an interactive forum for teaching-learning activities.

The formulation of Halal and Catering Regulation on board is a new draft proposal in shipping industry in the nation to ensure Muslim seafarers will be protected under social welfare. Currently, there are no regulations in place regarding the formulation of provision of Halal and Catering which have been enforced by several authorities at different sector in the nation. However, Halal JAKIM is an expert and focal point with the right to issue Halal certification not only in this nation but globally. The main objective of the study was to form a Halal committee on board for the co-ordination of responsibilities between the agencies, and the second objective was to establish the Halal and Catering Regulations on the merchant vessel for the Malaysian flag. The problem is that seafarers feel insecure about the preparation of halal food and no regulations have been issued to date. In fact, this study requires Qualitative methods because several actions related to the Halal-Toyibban Policy and food preparation rules should be obtained through closed-ended interviews with Halal regulatory experts, ship-owners, and selected stakeholders. Therefore, the analytical process will refer to the use of transmitted transitions from oral to text through the coding system in facilitate the content analysis process; and further to the level of discussion and findings. Ship-owners should ratify the Halal and Catering Regulations once they are enacted. The results of this study are expected to formulate the framework for the Halal and Catering Committee involving the agency by reference to interdependent theory. The second finding was to formulate a draft of the Halal and Catering Regulations on the Malaysian merchant vessel by reference to the application of benchmarking theory. Finally, this study will benefit the Muslim seafarer with the cooperation of the ship-owner and the relevant government agencies.

Background: The gastrocnemius (GCM) is one of the lower extremity muscles that tend to tighten easily. GCM tightness results in limited ankle dorsi-flexion (DF), especially when the knee joint is fully extended. Joint flexibility is determined by the morphological and physiological characteristics of joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Impaired joint flexibility can be attributed to increased susceptibility to muscle injury. High-frequency diathermy is clinically used to reduce pain and muscle tightness and to improve limited range of motion. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of high-frequency therapy in subjects with GCM tightness. Methods: The study was designed as a one-group before–after trial. The subjects included 28 volunteers with GCM tightness (an active ankle DF angle of less than 12°) without any known neurological and musculoskeletal pathologies in the ankle and calf areas. WINBACK Transfer Electrode Capacitive and Resistive Therapy equipment was used to apply high-frequency therapy to the subjects’ GCMs for 10–15 minutes. The pennation angle and the fascicle length of the GCM were measured using ultrasonography. The flexibility of the ankle joint, peak torque to the passive ankle DF (Biodex), and soft tissue stiffness (MyotonPRO) were also measured. Results: The pennation angle was significantly decreased following the treatment; however, no significant difference in the fascicle length was found (p < 0.05). The flexibility was significantly increased and both the passive peak torque to passive ankle DF and the soft tissue stiffness significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusion: High-frequency therapy is immediately effective for improving the muscle’s architectural properties and functional factors in subjects with GCM tightness. Further longitudinal clinical studies are required to investigate the long-term effects of high-frequency therapy on subjects with GCM tightness from various causes.

Background: Augmented somatosensory feedback stimulates the mechanoreceptor to deliver information on bodily position, improving the postural control. The various types of such feedback include ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) and vibration. The optimal feedback to mitigate postural sway remains unclear, as does the effect of augmented somatosensory feedback on muscle co-contraction. Objects: We compared postural sway and ankle muscle co-contraction without feedback (control) and with either of two forms of somatosensory feedback (AFOs and vibration). Methods: We recruited 15 healthy subjects and tested them under three feedback conditions (control, AFOs, vibration) with two sensory conditions (eyes open, or eyes closed and the head tilted back), in random order. Postural sway was measured using a force platform; the mean sway area of the 95% confidence ellipse (AREA) and the mean velocity of the center-of-pressure displacement (VEL) were assessed. Co-contraction of the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles was measured using electromyography and converted into a cocontraction index (CI). Results: We found significant main effects of the three feedback states on postural sway (AREA, VEL) and the CI. The two sensory conditions exerted significant main effects on postural sway (AREA and VEL). AFOs reduced postural sway to a level significantly lower than that of the control (p = 0.014, p < 0.001) or that afforded by vibration (p = 0.024, p < 0.001). In terms of CI amelioration, the AFOs condition was significantly better than the control (p = 0.004). Vibration did not significantly improve either postural sway or the CI compared to the control condition. There was no significant interaction effect between the three feedback conditions and the two sensory conditions. Conclusion: Lower-extremity devices such as AFOs enhance somatosensory perception, improving postural control and decreasing the CI during static standing.

The fish influx and behavioral properties at a set-net off Goseong, South Korea were investigated using an imaging sonar. As a result, the average influx of fish was 33.9% at day time and 66.1% at night time, respectively, which indicated that a majority of fish entered into a playground in the set-net at night. The fish behavioral properties such as target (fish) length, range, orientation and major-axis angle were examined and compared among survey dates (4, 5, and 6 June 2019) using the statistical analysis tool (analysis of variance, ANOVA). The behavioral properties presented differently sometime of survey dates. This is preparatory study to support fish behavior properties in a set-net. It is expected that more elaborated behavioral information of fishes in the set-net is beneficial for designing and deploying a set-net fishing gear as well as general fish behavior research in the future.