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Background: Babies spend a lot of their time with sleeping thus they need to have a safe sleep. Inadequate sleeping arrangements might heighten the likelihood of Sudden Unexpected mortality in Infancy (SUDI), including SIDS and lethal sleeping mishaps, which continue to be the most prevalent cause of mortality for individuals aged 1 to 1 year. Objective: The study aimed to assess safe baby sleep practices and associated factors among women receiving immunizations at government healthcare facilities in Dessie Town. Design: An institution-based cross-sectional study Methods: We conducted interviews with a total of 392 mothers using semi-structured questionnaires at public health facilities of Dessie town, in 2021. After the data were entered into the EPI data version 3.1, SPSS 23 was utilized for the analysis. Additionally, multivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were carried out. In multivariate analysis, a P -value less than.05 indicate a significant association. Results: About 38.3%, 21.9%, and 14.7% had safe infant sleep practice regarding sleep position, no soft-bedding and sleep arrangement respectively. Significant association was observed between safe infant sleep position with baby age less than 3 months (AOR = 2.96, 95% CI = 1.50-5.84), baby age of 7 to 9 months (AOR = 3.84, 95% CI = 2.15-6.85), maternal level of education(AOR = 4.48, 95% CI = 1.87-10.76), relative/friend as their source of information (AOR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.14-3.44), grandmother as their source of information (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.00-3.57).Additionally, baby age 4 to 6 months (AOR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.19-0.94) and maternal level of education (AOR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.04-0.92) shows a significant safe infant bed arrangement practice. Furthermore, baby age of 10 to 12 months (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.25-0.98) and maternal education level of college and above (AOR = 3.44, 95% CI = 1.18-10.03) also shows significant association with safe soft-bedding practice. Conclusion: Mothers' safe infant sleep practices were found to be low in Dessie town. Therefore, efforts should be made to enhance mothers' attentiveness and engagement. This will help them follow healthy infant sleep practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Sleep disorders are associated with a range of health conditions, with poor sleep often further exacerbating individuals' health, well-being, and ability to participate in daily occupations. Weighted blankets offer a potentially simple nonpharmacological sleep intervention option. Objective: To summarize available literature on instrumentation and outcomes associated with overnight use of weighted blankets for therapeutic purpose. Evidence Review: A scoping review following the PRISMA review guidelines was conducted. Sources included MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Embase, and Google. Included studies reported on overnight use of weighted blankets. Critical appraisal of studies was conducted with standardized tools. Findings: Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Positive outcomes were reported for adults, including improved sleep, reduction in medication use, and improved mood. Sleep outcomes were mixed for children and adolescents but included improved occupational performance. Methodological quality of included studies regarding effectiveness was variable. Ten studies included details of the intervention, whereas only one study reported on implementation. No specific guidelines for use were included. Conclusions and Relevance: Weighted blankets are used as a sleep intervention for individuals across the life span experiencing a range of health conditions. Currently, there is more evidence of effectiveness with adults, although parents are favorable regarding weighted blanket use for children. Implementation and recommendation of weighted blankets are typically led by occupational therapists, with knowledge of the intervention facilitating use. This review provides information to inform occupational therapists' clinical decision-making and continued implementation of weighted blankets for individuals with sleep problems. Plain-Language Summary: This scoping review summarizes what is known about the use of weighted blankets as a sleep intervention for people of all ages. There is more evidence for overnight use of weighted blankets for adults, with improvements reported in sleep, mood, medication use, and pain. Although there is little evidence of improvement in sleep for children, some children show improvement in everyday functioning, and parents report positive outcomes from overnight use of weighted blankets. These findings suggest that occupational therapists should consider offering or recommending weighted blankets as a sleep intervention option for people of all ages, alongside consideration of individuals' preferences. Development of practice guidelines that incorporate current research findings is urgently needed to support occupational therapists' use of weighted blankets. The findings of this scoping review suggest that occupational therapists should consider recommending weighted blankets as a sleep intervention option for people of all ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin tears are a major problem for patients and the health care professionals who treat them. Although opinions on their prevalence differ, it is estimated that they are encountered more frequently than pressure sores but are overlooked. Recommendations based on strong evidence were presented for the prevention and treatment of skin tears as classified by the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel. This case series includes the clinical status of 3 patients who developed skin tears while receiving care in the hospital, and the corrective and preventive practices related to skin tears. This article will contribute to raising the awareness of health care professionals in predicting, preventing, evaluating, and treating skin tears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The World Health Organization recognizes that participation is important to individuals’ well being; yet, autistic children participate in fewer activities compared to neurotypical children. This article aims to describe the role of autism assistance dogs (AADs) in promoting participation and engagement in occupations and activities of daily living (ADLs) for autistic children. Method. A qualitative interpretative phenomenological design was used. Two semi-structured interviews from a narrative perspective were conducted with each participant. Four volunteer parents and primary handlers of their child’s AAD participated in the study. Inductive analysis was used to interpret openended questions. Following transcription, Creswell’s thematic analysis was used to develop codes and theoretical perspectives to better understand the lived experience of AAD users. Results. The single overarching theme identified in this study was: The Multi-Factored Role of Autism Assistance Dogs. Conclusion. AADs are a valuable, alternative form of adaptive equipment for autistic children that can serve a broad purpose in increasing participation in daily life. This area of practice is an appropriate location for occupational therapists to concentrate interventions when working with families with autistic children. This is a novel research topic that is important and deserves further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the effect of bedding and initial confining pressure on the energy evolution characteristics of shale during the unloading process, samples were drilled with different bedding angles, unloading tests were conducted under different initial confining pressures, and the mechanical and energy evolution characteristics of shale during the unloading process were analyzed. The results show that the stress–strain curve of the unloading test can be divided into the linear elasticity stage, the stable crack growth stage, the accelerated crack growth stage, and the post-failure stage. Critical confining pressure can show the relative strength of the rock samples. The elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio increase with an increase in axial preset load. The elastic modulus increases with the bedding angle, and the effect of the bedding angle on the Poisson's ratio is insignificant. The energy evolution of the unloading test can be divided into three stages: energy accumulation, energy dissipation, and energy release. The larger the axial preset load, the higher the critical confining pressure, the higher the elastic modulus, and the higher the Poisson's ratio. The total energy, elastic energy, and dissipation energy all increase with the increase in the initial confining pressure, and the correlation is high. Confining pressure enhances the ability of the shale sample to store elastic energy and improves the ability of the shale sample to resist internal crack propagation. The total energy, elastic energy, and dissipated energy of the samples in the failure point decrease first and then increase with the increase in the bedding angle. The maximum value can be obtained when the bedding angle is 0°. The elastic energy and dissipated energy of shale are highly heterogeneous due to bedding, and the effects of bedding should be taken into account when exploring the law of rock deformation and failure from an energy perspective.

The study investigated the effects of housing conditions and temperature-humidity index (THI) during the dry period on total bacteria counts of bedding material, animal cleanliness, and teat bacterial contamination on 212 cows from three farms. Additionally, milk yield, quality, total somatic cells, and leucocyte fractions were evaluated in the subsequent lactation on a subgroup of 119 cows. The results showed a relationship between persistent high THI, teat bacterial contamination, and pathogens on teat skin. Somatic cell count (SCC) in milk at the beginning of the next lactation was not affected by THI during the dry period. Multiple correlation analysis revealed a relationship among high milk SCC, high percentage of neutrophils, high bacterial count of bedding during the dry period, and high milk production at dry-off. The study confirms that critical environmental conditions, such as high THI and poor bedding hygiene, during the dry period, can affect teat bacterial contamination and increase the risks for high SCC in the next lactation. High milk production at dry-off may be another risk factor.

Coal seam water injection is an effective technique for dust reduction in coal mines. Imbibition is an important means of water transport in coal seams and is influenced by coal bedding. The spatial distribution of water in the seepage process was obtained, and the spontaneous seepage characteristics and water transport mechanisms of coals containing different layered angles were revealed by NMR. Results show that the bedding mainly serves as the water flow channels in the imbibition. When the angle increases, the imbibition rate of adsorption pores and seepage pores in the early stage decreases. The imbibition is firstly transported to the top quickly along the bedding flow channel, 1.5h for 0° bedding coal sample, 24h for 90°, when the water reached its apex, the curve no longer changed and imbibition proceeded slowly. With the increase of bedding angle, the imbibition equilibrium time increased from 3h to 30h, up to 9 times more, the maximum imbibition rate decreases significantly, reduced from 5.64 g/h to 1.13 g/h, the flow resistance increases, and the remaining capillary force after equilibrium increases from 0.007 Pa to 5.24 Pa. When the capillary force cannot overcome the flow resistance, the imbibition reaches equilibrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In order to study the failure mode and fracture evolution characteristics of red shale in Kaiyang Phosphorus mining area, conventional triaxial compression mechanical tests of red shale with different bedding dip angles were carried out by using DSTD-1000 electro-hydraulic servo rock mechanics experiment system. Based on the laboratory test results, the conventional triaxial particle flow simulation of red shale samples with different bedding dip angles was carried out using discrete element PFC2D. The results show that: (1) the failure mode of red shale is controlled by bedrock when the bedding dip angle is 0° and 60° ~ 90°. When the bedding dip angle is 15° ~ 45°, the rock failure mode is controlled by bedding. The compressive strength of rock is the minimum when the bedding dip angle is 30°and the maximum at 0°, which is about 2 times of the minimum. (2) In the failure process of red shale, the cracks with different bedding dip angles show slow growth stage, accelerated growth stage and stable stage with axial strain. The whole failure process is dominated by tensile cracks, accompanied by a few shear cracks. (3) The type of displacement field varies with the bedding dip angle: tensile failure and shear failure are the main displacement field types at 15° ~ 45°, and mixed failure is often the main mode at 60° ~ 90°and 0°. The research results provide the basis and reference for the safety control of red shale roadway.

BACKGROUND: Adults with cancer experience a significantly higher level of anxiety compared with the general population. Anxiety is reported at diagnosis and throughout the cancer trajectory, and it is particularly heightened at the initiation of infusion treatments. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated anxiety levels in patients receiving cancer treatments. OBJECTIVES: This evidence-based practice project evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of using medical-grade weighted blankets to reduce anxiety in patients with cancer receiving the first two infusion treatments in the ambulatory setting. METHODS: Patients completed a modified version of the Visual Analog Scale for Anxiety to self-report anxiety pre- and postimplementation. Patients and nurses completed feasibility surveys. FINDINGS: Patients reported reduced anxiety after using a weighted blanket and described weighted blankets as comforting and soothing. More than 90% of surveyed patients agreed or strongly agreed that the blanket was comfortable, not too heavy, and easy to put on, and did not interfere with nursing care or their own activities. Nurses valued the ease of use and adherence to infection control standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insomnia is prevalent in patients suffering from depression and may itself exacerbate the disability associated with depression and impede the path to recovery. Although crucial in ensuring meaningful interactions and interventions for patients, research on patients' experiences of depression-related insomnia and its treatment is limited. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate how adult patients with depression-related insomnia experience sleeping with a weighted Protac Ball Blanket®, focusing on how the blanket feels and works and contributes to their subjective sleep quality experience. An inductive content analysis approach was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 patients. Four categories were identified: 1) Deep and dynamic touch pressure from the plastic balls induced calmness; 2) Changing sensory impressions from the rolling balls distracted attention from distressing thoughts and emotions; 3) The ball blanket improved the quality and quantity of sleep, which increased daily well-being; 4) Sleeping with the ball blanket was associated with positive as well as negative experiences depending on personal preferences for sensory stimulation. This study explains how the Protac Ball Blanket® as a potential non-pharmacological sleep-intervention improved the sleep of adult patients with depression-related insomnia. The blanket was found meaningful for coping with sleeplessness and with mental and physical unrest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is greatly significant to evaluate the stability of the shales with characteristic defects that the propagation and crack initiation behavior under the dynamic impact. For studying the influence of bedding and preset cracks on the dynamic fracture characteristics of shales, the dynamic tensile mechanical test of cracked layered shales was operated using the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar. Using high-speed photography technology to record this whole process of crack propagation and dynamic failure. According to the results, the bedding angles and pre-existing crack angles of the specimen affected the characteristics of crack initiation points, crack initiation angles, and propagation paths. As the pre-existing crack angle increases, the crack initiation points of shale specimens gradually shift from a pre-existing crack tip to a pre-set hole edge region. When these pre-existing crack angles increased, it is important to the influence of bedding angles on crack initiation angles. The cracks of the specimen mainly propagated along or across the bedding plane to both sides of the loading end. According to the crack growth and propagation characteristics, we divided the failure modes of the shale specimen into five typical modes. The study can supply some theoretical support for the actual exploitation of deep shale gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shale gas, as an important unconventional oil and gas resource, plays an important role in energy supply. Due to the strong mechanical heterogeneity and compactness, which requires the use of fracturing to crush the formation to obtain industrial production capacity. Therefore, it is very important to analyze shale's mechanical properties and fracturing propagation laws. In this paper, the shale numerical model is established by adopting discrete element method (DEM). The mesoscopic constitutive parameters of shale with different matrix and bedding strength are determined based on rock samples tests. The reliability of the model is verified by finite element method. And the fracture propagation laws under the influence of shale beddings are studied. The results show that the existence of bedding fractures leads to the nonuniformity of fractures propagation in shale reservoirs. The stress difference of 5MPa and the approach Angle of 75° are the key factors affecting the interaction between hydraulic fractures and natural fractures. As the bedding number increases, the borehole pressure increases and the total number of fractures' propagation decreases. The results provide a theoretical basis for further understanding of fractures' propagation in deep shale reservoirs, and have important guiding significance for optimization and improvement of fracture complexity in the subsequent construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Sleepwear and bedding materials can affect sleep quality by influencing the skin and body temperature and thermal comfort. This review systematically evaluates the impact of sleepwear or bedding of different fibre types on sleep quality. A systematic search was conducted in six data bases plus Google Scholar and manual searches. Original articles that compared human sleep quality between at least two fibre types of bedding or sleepwear were included, resulting in nine eligible articles included in the review. The fibre types included cotton, polyester, wool, and blended materials for sleepwear; cotton, duck down, goose down, polyester and wool for duvet; and linen and a combination of cotton and polyester for bedding. The interplay between fibre materials and sleep quality is complex. Blended sleepwear demonstrated potential benefits for specific populations. Wool sleepwear showed benefits for sleep onset in adults (cool conditions) and in older adults (warm conditions). Linen bedsheets improved sleep quality under warm conditions in young adults. Goose down‐filled duvets increased slow‐wave sleep under cool conditions in young adults. However, a systematic comparison of fibre types is challenging due to the diverse nature of the studies evaluating sleep quality. Further research employing standardised methodologies with standard fibre samples in different populations and in different temperature conditions is imperative to elucidate comprehensively the effects of fibre choices on sleep quality. Despite the limitations and heterogeneity of the included studies, this analysis offers valuable insights for individuals seeking to optimise their sleep experiences and for manufacturers developing sleep‐related products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perforating phase leads to complex and diverse hydraulic fracture propagation behaviors in laminated shale formations. In this paper, a 2D high-speed imaging scheme which can capture the interaction between perforating phase and natural shale bedding planes was proposed. The phase field method was used to simulate the same conditions as in the experiment for verification and hydraulic fracture propagation mechanism under the competition of perforating phase and bedding planes was discussed. The results indicate that the bedding planes appear to be no influence on fracture propagation while the perforating phase is perpendicular to the bedding planes, and the fracture propagates along the perforating phase without deflection. When the perforating phase algins with the bedding planes, the fracture initiation pressure reserves the lowest value, and no deflection occurs during fracture propagation. When the perforating phase is the angle 45°, 60° and 75° of bedding planes, the bedding planes begin to play a key role on the fracture deflection. The maximum deflection degree is reached at the perforating phase of 75°. Numerical simulation provides evidence that the existence of shale bedding planes is not exactly equivalent to anisotropy for fracture propagation and the difference of mechanical properties between different shale layers is the fundamental reason for fracture deflection. The findings help to understand the intrinsic characteristics of shale and provide a theoretical basis for the optimization design of field perforation parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to investigate the impact of intraoperative hypothermia on the recovery period of anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 384 elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled in a grade A tertiary hospital in Chengdu, Sichuan Province from October 2021 and October 2022. After anesthesia induction, inflatable warming blankets were routinely used for active heat preservation, and nasopharyngeal temperature was monitored to observe the occurrence of intraoperative hypothermia. Patients were divided into hypothermia group and nonhypothermia group according to whether hypothermia occurred during the operation. Anesthesia recovery time and the incidence of adverse events or unwanted events during anesthesia recovery between the two groups were compared. Results: The numbers (percentage) of 384 patients who underwent abdominal surgery developed intraoperative hypothermia occurred in 240 (62.5%) patients, all of whom had mild hypothermia. There were statistically significant differences between mild hypothermia after active warming and nonhypothermia in the occurrence of shivering (χ2 = 5.197, P = 0.023) and anesthesia recovery time (Z = -2.269, P = 0.02) in elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery during anesthesia recovery, and there were no statistically significant differences in hypoxemia, nausea or vomiting, hypertension, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, analgesic drug use,postoperative wound infection or postoperative hospitalization days. Conclusions: The incidence of intraoperative mild hypothermia after active warming was high in elderly patients who underwent abdominal surgery. Mild hypothermia increased the incidence of shivering and prolonged anesthesia recovery time in elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this mixed methods case study was to describe the perceived sleep quality experience of an adolescent, without a pre-identified sleep need, when they used a weighted blanket during sleep. Method: Adolescents (n = 5) 11 to 16 years of age completed a sleep diary for 7 days, sleeping with a selfselected weighted blanket for at least 3 days. A semi-structured individual interview was held after Day 7. Results: The majority of the participants would like to continue using a weighted blanket for sleep. Eighty percent of the adolescents choose to sleep with a blanket at or above 12% of their body weight. Qualitative data revealed the following themes: perceptions regarding the characteristics of a weighted blanket, perceived changes in quality of sleep, and perceived changes in quantity of sleep. Conclusion: A weighted blanket is a sleep hygiene tool that can be used safely and effectively to improve sleep quality for healthy adolescents when the weight and the size of the blanket are based on adolescent preference. Future directions include the exploration of sleep quantity and weighted blankets and the use of a weighted blanket as a sleep hygiene tool with other populations. Occupational therapists' unique skill set addresses sleep quality, and they are ideal leaders to promote this sleep hygiene tool from a global wellness perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A community‐academic nursing partnership formed to care for the urgent healthcare needs of individuals extracted from human trafficking during a multidisciplinary team operation. During past human trafficking extraction operations, law enforcement and the state sexual assault nurse examiner coordinator recognized the need to meet the patients' immediate physical and emotional needs while providing essential comfort to the newly extracted individuals. To meet the immediate holistic healthcare needs during the recovery operation, the nursing faculty partnered with a local nonprofit community clinic to provide onsite trauma‐informed, patient‐centered healthcare and comfort items. The healthcare team consisted of advanced practice nurses, mental health nurses who triaged the patient's immediate psychological needs, sexual assault nurses who collected forensic specimens, and nurses with expertise in substance use disorder who evaluated the patient's treatment needs. The patient's physical comfort was met by providing hygiene kits, blankets, socks, food, and drinks. Trauma‐informed language was utilized to help the patient feel safe and to convey respect for the patient's autonomy in making decisions during the extraction process. The innovative community‐academic nursing partnership laid the groundwork for providing healthcare to future human trafficking extraction operations with plans to incorporate nursing students and graduate nursing students to increase the number of patients served while providing a rich learning experience to the students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local problem: In 2019 and the first half of 2020, our facility experienced an increase in the number and severity of hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) among our cardiothoracic surgery population. Fifty percent of these HAPIs occurred within 72 hours of surgery. A review of the literature revealed that alternating pressure overlays (APOs) have been successfully used to prevent HAPIs in surgical patients. Purpose: The primary purpose of our quality improvement (QI) project was to measure perioperative HAPI rates in cardiothoracic surgery patients after the addition of APOs to our HAPI prevention protocol. Our secondary purpose was to identify common factors among those patients who developed HAPIs. Methods: This QI project collected both pre- and postintervention data and compared the findings. A nurse-led team was responsible for measuring HAPI rates during the intervention--from July through October 2020--which involved placing an APO under cardiothoracic surgery patients during the 72-hour perioperative period. APOs were placed on all operating room (OR) tables and remained with the patients following surgery. Bed linens and skin care products were standardized for consistency. Lifts were used to reduce friction during repositioning. Results: During preintervention data collection, we identified 10 patients who developed HAPIs (seven out of 1,174 cardiothoracic surgery patients in 2019, for a HAPI rate of 0.6%, and three out of 333 patients in the first half of 2020, for a HAPI rate of 0.9%). During the four-month intervention period, in which APOs were used in 331 patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery, no HAPIs developed. Conclusion: Use of an APO in cardiothoracic ORs and critical care units may help reduce HAPI rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adequate and high-quality supply of animal feed and bedding materials constitutes a high cost factor for horse farms. Cost reductions in the type of straw bedding as well as in working time provide economic advantages. The purpose of this study was to investigate green waste compost as an alternative bedding material from an economic and animal welfare point of view The material and labor costs of green waste compost (G) and the possible manure reduction compared to the use of straw bedding (S) were determined. In two practical trials, the lying time of horses was examined for G and S, as well as the stable air parameters particulate matter and NH3 in group and single husbandry. In the laboratory, G samples from two manufacturers were tested for their water absorption capacity (WAC). For this, 500 g of fresh mass was dried at 105 °C for 24 h to determine the dry mass (DM). The dry mass sample and a further 500 g fresh mass sample were then immersed in a water bath for 24 hours. The amount of absorbed water was determined and compared with wheat straw. For the practical studies in the exercise barn and in the stall barn, the lying areas were littered with G to a depth of 20 cm. In order to determine the economic efficiency, the muck removal time on S, G and green waste compost with straw bedding (GKS) was measured in both studies. In the lying box study, the manure mass was also weighed. The lying behavior was documented manually with a monitoring camera in the movement stable study. In the lying box study with six horses, lying behavior was recorded for 20 days on S, 14 days on G and eight days on GKS by an intelligent camera system (Acaris Horse Protector). Stable air quality was measured by digital sensors. Fine dust (Talkpool OY 1700), CO2 and NH3 (Dräger X node), air temperature and humidity (Huesker Lubratec Smart Box), pH value (Dragino S01 Soil Sensor). In the laboratory test, the G-samples showed a WAC value of 76-109%. This was well below the WAC value of straw (392%). In the moving stable study, the costs were for G (13.84 €/m2/year), S (31.62 €/m2/year) and GKS (16.29 €/m2/year). In the lying box study, the annual maintenance costs were G (728.05 €/box), GKS (998.73 €/box) and S (1,361.12 €/box). The weighed manure amount per box and day for G (mean = 20 kg; SD = 5.8 kg) was below the recorded manure amount for GKS (mean = 26.3 kg; SD = 11.7 kg) and S (mean = 29.4 kg, SD = 7.0 kg). By using G as bedding, the amount of manure can be reduced and the storage capacity on the manure plates of horse farms can be increased. Only 34 times a single horse was lying down on moist G (N = 816, mean = 0.05, SD = 0.266). In order to increase the lying time, G was covered with a layer of straw (2.7 kg/m2), which significantly enhanced the lying behavior. Single horses laid down significantly more often (n = 186), as well as groups of up to seven animals at the same time. The NH3 concentrations measured in G (N = 12,097, MW = 1.12 ppm, SD = 0.63) and GKS (N = 11,400, MW = 0.95 ppm, SD = 0.49) were low, S was not measured in the movement stable experiment. The measured particulate matter load was also low in the watered G (PM2.5 = 7.9 µg/m², PM10 = 8.4 µg/m²), but increased steadily with decreasing litter moisture, which was also evident in the GKS (PM2.5 = 17.5 µg/m², PM10 = 19.5 µg/m²). In the lying box test, the horses (N=6) laid down on S or GKS the longest in relation to the total time spent in the box, with the exception of horse no. 2. The particulate matter concentration was in a low range for S (N = 1393) in the particle sizes PM2.5 (MW = 8 µg/m², SD = 9.2) and PM10 (MW = 9 µg/m², SD = 10), GKS (N = 753) reached the highest values in the particle sizes PM2.5 (MW = 35 µg/m², SD = 14.4) and PM10 (MW = 42 µg/m², SD = 19.8). The measured values of G (N = 1319) were between PM2.5 (MW = 22 µg/m², SD = 14) and PM10 (MW = 26 µg/m², SD = 18.7). In conclusion, G and GKS can be recommended as litter from an economic point of view as long as fine dust values, possible oral intake and lying behavior are taken into observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify comfortable bedding colors, we examined 80 psychiatric inpatients' impressions of bedding in 6 different tones (pale, dull, bright, greyish, deep, and light) of blue, focusing on the suitability for patient rooms. 1) In both the male and female groups, the samples chosen as the most and least suitable for patient rooms were pale tone and greyish tone, respectively. 2) The female group rated pale tone and light tone more positively than the male group. 3) Through factor analysis, 2 factors were identified: [psychological comfort] and [brightness/warmth]. For Factor 1, greyish tone was rated significantly lower than pale and light tones only in the female group. For Factor 2, greyish tone was rated significantly lower than pale and light tones in both the male and female groups. Based on these findings, bedding in various tones of blue, except for greyish tone, is recommendable for psychiatric wards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weak planes in the sandstone bedding generate anisotropy in the mechanical behavior of the rock. These discontinuities affect both the strength and deformation behavior of sandstones. Under laboratory circumstances, it is difficult to analyze the brittle fracture mechanism and the micro-cracking process brought upon by crack initiation and propagation at the grain size. In this research, the fracture behavior and the micro-cracking process of anisotropic sandstone were studied using experimental tests and the particle flow code (PFC2D). The fracture behavior of anisotropic sandstone was modeled and confirmed by comparison with laboratory findings using bonded-particle DEM modeling and embedding weakness planes (smooth-joint model) in undamaged rock (flat-joint model). The failure process at the various inclination angles of bedding planes was examined under various loading regimes. Based on a study of the effects of changing the distance between bedding planes and the inclination angle, it was discovered that the inclination angle's influence on strength is more significant than that of spacing. Highlights: Using the DEM modeling in PFC, it is possible to quantify the fracture behavior. The number of cracks in intact and bedding areas determines the failure mechanism. The strength is significantly affected by the inclination angle rather than spacing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Equine asthma, a chronic respiratory disease in horses, is primarily caused by environmental factors. In this review, we will present and compare the most relevant and recent information about the environmental management of equine asthma. In terms of feeding, not only the type of forage but also its production method and potential contamination are the most important factors to consider. Soaking and steaming forage can improve its hygienic quality, but these practices also reduce its nutritional value, necessitating dietary supplementation. Concerning housing, despite some contradictory results, avoiding straw bedding and improving barn ventilation remain common recommendations when pasture turnout is not possible. Finally, owners' compliance has been identified as the most crucial aspect of effective environmental management and the focus of equine asthma treatment should be a detailed explanation to owners of the real benefits of these measures. Environmental practices related to the inhalation of airborne dust have been identified as the main cause of equine asthma (EA) and reasonably, they are truly relevant in its treatment and control, especially for horses with its severe form. Vast research regarding environmental recommendations has been conducted in recent years. However, no recent exhaustive reviews exist that gather all this new evidence. The aim of this review is to report and compare the most pertinent information concerning the environmental management of EA. The main findings highlight the importance of the type of forage used for feeding but also its method of production and possible contamination during manufacture and/or storage. Procedures to reduce this, such as soaking and steaming hay, improve its hygienic quality, although they also decrease forage's nutritional value, making dietetic supplementation necessary. Regarding stabling, despite some conflicting results, avoiding straw as bedding and improving barn ventilation continue to be the common recommendations if turning to pasture is not feasible. Finally, owners' compliance has been identified as the most critical point in correct environmental control. Educating owners about the genuine benefits of these measures should be a cornerstone of EA management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated lethal temperatures and times for killing bed bugs in diverse covered and uncovered conditions simulating their natural habitats. A total of 5400 adult bed bugs were collected alive from 17 infested locations in Paris. They were morphologically identified in laboratory as Cimex lectularius. They were then distributed in multiple sets of 30 specimens to examine in covered (tissue, furniture, mattress or blanket) and uncovered (direct exposure) conditions and in diverse step-function temperatures (50, 55 and 60°C) and times (15, 30, 60 and 120 minutes), replicated three times. Effective mortality was observed in 1080 specimens exposed directly to 50°C for 60 minutes. In specimens covered by tissue (1080 specimens), furniture (1080) or mattress (1080), all were dead at 60°C within 60 minutes. The specimens covered by blanket (1080) at the same temperature were dead after 120 minutes. A 60-minutes delay in reaching to lethal temperature within blanket compared to uncovered thermometer was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Multiple organizations recommend that individualized end-of-life (EOL) care should be standard practice. However, a standardized approach does not exist because EOL care should be individually tailored. The 3 Wishes Project is an EOL intervention that provides direction for individualized care with 3 goals: dignify death, celebrate the patient's life, and support family members and the intensive care unit clinicians caring for the patient. Patients and families are given the opportunity to choose 3 wishes during the dying process. Objective To ascertain if the implementation of the 3 Wishes Project allowed the medical team to provide individualized EOL care. Methods The Iowa Model was used for this evidencebased project. The project was implemented in the medical intensive care unit at an academic medical center. Outcomes were evaluated by the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data. Results From the 57 patients who died during the 2-month implementation period, 32 wish forms were collected; 31 patients participated and 1 declined. Overall participation among patients was 56%. The top 5 wishes were cloth hearts, blankets, heartbeat printouts, fingerprints and handprints, and music. The total cost was $992, and the average cost per wish was $6.98. Eighty-five percent (33 of 39) of the respondents to the medical team survey indicated that they either agreed or strongly agreed that the project allowed the medical team to consistently provide individualized EOL care. Conclusions The survey data support the 3 Wishes Project as a method that allowed the medical team to individualize EOL care and as a valuable tool for incorporation at the bedside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shale gas, as an important unconventional oil and gas resource, plays an important role in energy supply. Due to the strong mechanical heterogeneity and compactness, which requires the use of fracturing to crush the formation to obtain industrial production capacity. Therefore, it is very important to analyze shale’s mechanical properties and fracturing propagation laws. In this paper, the shale numerical model is established by adopting discrete element method (DEM). The mesoscopic constitutive parameters of shale with different matrix and bedding strength are determined based on rock samples tests. The reliability of the model is verified by finite element method. And the fracture propagation laws under the influence of shale beddings are studied. The results show that the existence of bedding fractures leads to the nonuniformity of fractures propagation in shale reservoirs. The stress difference of 5 MPa and the approach Angle of 75° are the key factors affecting the interaction between hydraulic fractures and natural fractures. As the bedding number increases, the borehole pressure increases and the total number of fractures’ propagation decreases. The results provide a theoretical basis for further understanding of fractures’ propagation in deep shale reservoirs, and have important guiding significance for optimization and improvement of fracture complexity in the subsequent construction.

According to the transversely isotropic theory and weak plane criterion, and considering the mechanical damages due to stress unloading and hydration during drilling, a shale wellbore stability model with the influence of stress unloading and hydration was established using triaxial test and shear test. Then, factors influencing the wellbore stability in shale were analyzed. The results indicate that stress unloading occurs during drilling in shale. The larger the confining pressure and axial stress, the more remarkable weakening of shale strength caused by stress unloading . The stress unloading range is positively correlated with the weakening degree of shale strength. Shale with a higher development degree of bedding is more prone to damage along bedding. In this case, during stress unloading, the synergistic effect of weak structural plane and stress unloading happens, leading to a higher weakening degree of shale strength and poorer mechanical stability, which brings a higher risk of wellbore instability. Fluid tends to invade shale through bedding, promoting the shale hydration. Hydration also can weaken shale mechanical stability, causing the decline of wellbore stability. Influence of stress unloading on collapse pressure of shale mainly occurs at the early stage of drilling, while the influence of hydration on wellbore stability mainly happens at the late stage of drilling. Bedding, stress unloading and hydration jointly affect the wellbore stability in shale. The presented shale wellbore stability model with the influence of stress unloading and hydration considers the influences of the three factors. Field application demonstrates that the prediction results of the model agree with the actual drilling results, verifying the reliability of the model.