Premixed Hydrogen/air Flame in Ceramic Granular Bed
CLEAN, EFFICIENT AND AFFORDABLE ENERGY FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Authors: Yang, S. I.; Lin, S. C.
Abstract
This study investigates the characteristics of a lean premixed hydrogen/air flame in a ceramic granular bed (CGB) by conducting experimental measurements and numerical simulations. The experimental results show that the operating range (equivalence ratio, phi=0.2-0.4) of CGBs for flame propagation is smaller than that of free flame due to the laminar flame speed (S-L), reactivity, and firing rate (Gamma) of H-2. In addition, flame temperature (T-f) increases with increasing, but decreases with increasing phi. Furthermore, S-ab/S-L decreases with increasing u(epsilon)/S-L by the fuel characteristic of Hydrogen (H-2) and heat recirculation in the CGB. The numerical simulation results show that the flame reaction zone in the CGB (porosity, epsilon = 0.33) is greater than that of free flame (epsilon = 1) because H2 reacts early and changes the flame propagation characteristics. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
A Process-Oriented Breastfeeding Training Program for Healthcare Professionals to Promote Breastfeeding: An Intervention Study
BREASTFEEDING MEDICINE
Authors: Ekstrom, Anette; Kylberg, Elisabeth; Nissen, Eva
Abstract
Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of process-oriented training in supportive breastfeeding counseling for midwives and postnatal nurses on the time lapse between the initial breastfeeding session, introduction of breastmilk substitutes and solids, and the duration of breastfeeding. Materials and Methods: Ten municipalities in Sweden were randomized to either the intervention or control groups. The intervention included a process-oriented training program for midwives and postnatal nurses in the intervention municipalities. Primiparas (n = 540) living in either an intervention or control municipality were asked to participate in a longitudinal study to evaluate the care given. Data collection for control group A (CGA) (n = 162) started before the intervention was initiated. Data for control group B (CGB) (n = 172) were collected simultaneously with the intervention group (IG) (n = 206). The mothers responded to questionnaires at 3 days, 3 months, and 9 months postpartum. Results: As a result of the process-oriented training program for midwives and postnatal nurses, the IG mothers had a significantly longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding, even if the initial breastfeeding session did not occur within 2 hours after birth, than the corresponding group of CGA mothers (p = 0.01). Fewer infants in the IG received breastmilk substitutes (in the first week of life) without medical reasons compared with the control groups (p = 0.01). The IG infants were significantly older (3.8 months) when breastmilk substitutes were introduced (after discharge from the hospital) compared with the infants in the control groups (CGA, 2.3 months, p = 0.01; CGB, 2.5 months, p = 0.03). Conclusion: A process-oriented training program for midwives and postnatal nurses was associated with a reduced number of infants being given breastmilk substitutes during the 1st week without medical reasons and delayed the introduction of breastmilk substitutes after discharge from the hospital.