Is Induction of Labor with Early Rupture of Membranes Associated with an Increased Rate of Clinical Chorioamnionitis?

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if early rupture of membranes (ROM) in women undergoing induction of labor (IOL) at term is associated with an increased rate of clinical chorioamnionitis. Study Design: A retrospective cohort study was performed on women undergoing IOL. Early ROM was defined as ROM at a modified Bishop score less than 5, cervical dilation less than 4 cm, or cervical effacement less than 80%. The rate of clinical chorioamnionitis was compared between women with early and late ROM. Results: The rate of clinical chorioamnionitis was 8.6% (24/279). ROM at an effacement of less than 80% was associated with a rate of clinical chorioamnionitis of 15.4% (12/78) compared to 6.0% (12/201) at an effacement of equal to or greater than 80%, p = 0.017. The rate of cesarean delivery was higher for patients with early ROM by any definition: 32% compared to 17.5% by modified Bishop score (p = 0.031), 32.4% versus 18.2% by cervical dilation (p = 0.049), and 33.3% versus 14.9% by cervical effacement (p = 0.001). Conclusions: In patients undergoing IOL, early ROM may be associated with an increased rate of clinical chorioamnionitis when performed at a cervical effacement of less than 80% and an increased rate of cesarean delivery.

Safety and effectiveness of butorphanol in epidural labor analgesia:A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Epidural analgesia is the most effective analgesic method during labor.Butorphanol administered epidurally has been shown to be a successful analgesic method during labor.However,no comprehensive study has examined the safety and efficacy of using butorphanol as an epidural analgesic during labor.AIM To assess butorphanol's safety and efficacy for epidural labor analgesia.METHODS The PubMed,Cochrane Library,EMBASE,Web of Science,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,and Google Scholar databases will be searched from inception.Other types of literature,such as conference abstracts and references to pertinent reviews,will also be reviewed.We will include randomized controlled trials comparing butorphanol with other opioids combined with local anesthetics for epidural analgesia during labor.There will be no language restrictions.The primary outcomes will include the visual analog scale score for the first stage of labor,fetal effects,and Apgar score.Two independent reviewers will evaluate the full texts,extract data,and assess the risk of bias.Publication bias will be evaluated using Egger's or Begg's tests as well as visual analysis of a funnel plot,and heterogeneity will be evaluated using the Cochran Q test,P values,and I2 values.Meta-analysis,subgroup analysis,and sensitivity analysis will be performed using RevMan software version 5.4.This protocol was developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)Protocols statement,and the PRISMA statement will be used for the systematic review.RESULTS This study provides reliable information regarding the safety and efficacy of using butorphanol as an epidural analgesic during labor.CONCLUSION To support clinical practice and development,this study provides evidence-based findings regarding the safety and efficacy of using butorphanol as an epidural analgesic during labor.

The Efficacy and Safety of Dinoprostone Vaginal Insert for Labor Induction Following Optimization of Standard Operating Procedure: A Retrospective Study in China

Background:The study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of dinoprostone vaginal insert in labor induction following optimization of standard operating procedure(SOP)and to discover independent predictors of vaginal delivery.Methods:This study comprised 551 pregnant women who required cervical ripening with dinoprostone before induction of labor.Using univariate and multivariate analyses,independent predictors of vaginal delivery were identified.Results:443 of the 551 women(80.4%)gave birth vaginally.Vaginal delivery was predicted by maternal age(24-30 vs.<24,P<0.001;30-35 vs.<24,P=0.03),gestational age(P=0.005),birth weight(P<0.001),parity(P=0.001),pre-pregnancy BMI(P<0.001),premature rupture of membranes(P=0.001),meconium-stained amniotic fluid(P<0.001),fundal height(P<0.001)and the Bishop score(P<0.001).None of the women exhibited severe postpartum hemorrhage.Conclusions:The maternal age,gestational age,birth weight,parity,body mass index,premature membrane rupture,amniotic fluid contamination,fundal height,and the Bishop score were independent predictors of vaginal delivery.These may guide the clinical use of dinoprostone for induction of labor.

Role of End-ring Configuration in Shaping IE4 Induction Motor Performance

The performance characteristics,particularly the starting performance of direct line-fed induction motors,which are mainly influenced by the design of the rotor,are crucial considerations for end-users.It is quite a challenging issue for motor manufacturers to enhance the starting performance of existing mass-produced motors with minimal modifications and expenses.In this paper,a simple and cost-effective method to improve the starting performance of a commercial squirrel-cage induction motor(SCIM)is proposed.The influence of geometric parameters of the end-ring on the performance characteristics,including starting(locked rotor)torque,pull-up and break down torque,starting current,rotor electric parameters,current density,power losses,and efficiency have been comprehensively investigated.It has been revealed that among the other end-ring design parameters,the ring thickness has a significant effect on the performance characteristics.An optimal end-ring thickness is determined,and its performance characteristics have been compared to those of its initial counterpart.Numeric and parametric analyses have been conducted using a 2D time-stepping finite element method(FEM).The FEM results were validated using experimental measurements obtained from an 11 kW SCIM prototype.

Harmonics in the Squirrel Cage Induction Motor Analytic Calculation Part III: Influence on the Torque-speed Characteristic

The harmonics that appear in the squirrel cage asynchronous machine have been discussed in great detail in the literature for a long time. However, the systematization of the phenomenon is still pending, so we made an attempt to fill this gap in the previous parts of our study by elaborating formulas for calculation of parasitic torques. It was a general demand among those who work in this field towards the author to verify his formulas with measurements. In the literature, it seems,only one detailed, purposeful series of measurements has been published so far, the purpose of which was to investigate the effect of the number of rotor slots on the torque-speed characteristic curve of the machine. The main goal of this study is to verify the correctness of the formulas by comparing them with the referred series of measurements. Relying on this, the expected synchronous parasitic torques were developed for the frequently used rotor slot numbers-as a design guide for the engineer.Thus, together with our complete table for radial magnetic pull published in our previous work, the designer has all the principles, data and formulas available for the right number of rotor slots for his given machine and for the drive system. This brings this series of papers to an end.

Butorphanol in epidural:Could this be the breakthrough solution for safe and effective labor analgesia that we've been waiting for?

The authors have conducted a comprehensive investigation into the safety and effectiveness of butorphanol for epidural analgesia during labor.Their critical analysis of the paper and discussion of the technique's advantages and disadvantages provide a thorough understanding of the topic.

Rural labor migration and farmers’arrangements of rice production systems in Central China:Insight from the intergenerational division of labor

Rice production is crucial for food security in China,and its relationship with rural labor migration has been studied extensively.Labor migration in rural China has taken new forms in recent years.There has been a discernible trend wherein adult children have started migrating to cities while their elderly parents return to villages to re-engage in on-farm work.The phenomenon has notably shaped the intergenerational division of labor(IDL)within households.However,it remains to be seen how farmers adjust their rice production systems in response to the IDL.The age of 60 years for employment injury insurance is the eligibility threshold for off-farm employment and is used to obtain a source of exogenous variation in the IDL.Based on a representative household survey of 1,752 rice farmers in the Hubei Province of Central China,our fuzzy regression discontinuity analysis reveals that farmers in IDL households are more likely to adopt ratoon rice(RR)than single cropping rice(SR)or double cropping rice(DR).The effect of the IDL varies under different levels of operational scales and specialized agricultural service availability.Further analysis suggests that farmers’arrangements are associated with two potential mechanisms of downward intergenerational transfer.Monetary transfer for urban housing purchases increases RR in IDL households,and time transfer for intergenerational childcare significantly promotes SR in IDL households.This study enhances the understanding of the relationship between rural labor migration and rice production in China,providing a reference for adjusting rice production systems to ensure food security.

Microstructural evolution and strengthening mechanism of aligned steel fiber cement-based tail backfills exposed to electromagnetic induction

Cemented tailings backfill(CTB)not only boosts mining safety and cuts surface environmental pollution but also recovers ores previously retained as pillars,thereby improving resource utilization.The use of alternative reinforcing products,such as steel fiber(SF),has continuously strengthened CTB into SFCTB.This approach prevents strength decreases over time and reinforces its long-term durability,especially when mining ore in adjacent underground stopes.In this study,various microstructure and strength tests were performed on SFCTB,considering steel fiber ratio and electromagnetic induction strength effects.Lab findings show that combining steel fibers and their distribution dominantly influences the improvement of the fill’s strength.Fill’s strength rises by fiber insertion and has an evident correlation with fiber insertion and magnetic induction strength.When magnetic induction strength is 3×10^(-4) T,peak uniaxial compressive stress reaches 5.73 MPa for a fiber ratio of 2.0vol%.The cracks’expansion mainly started from the specimen’s upper part,which steadily expanded downward by increasing the load until damage occurred.The doping of steel fiber and its directional distribution delayed crack development.When the doping of steel fiber was 2.0vol%,SFCTBs showed excellent ductility characteristics.The energy required for fills to reach destruction increases when steel-fiber insertion and magnetic induction strength increase.This study provides notional references for steel fibers as underground filling additives to enhance the fill’s durability in the course of mining operations.

Advances in epidural labor analgesia:Effectiveness and treatment strategies of butorphanol

In this editorial,we provide a critical review of the article by Tang et al published in the World J Clin Cases,focusing on the utilization of butorphanol for epidural analgesia during labor.Our discussion encompasses recent research developments in epidural labor analgesia,specifically highlighting the current status of clinical applications of butorphanol and associated treatment approaches.Epidural analgesia is widely acknowledged as the primary method for pain management during labor,offering effective and prolonged pain relief while allowing mothers to remain alert and actively participate in the delivery process.Among the various drugs utilized for epidural labor analgesia,butorphanol has received increasing attention due to its potential efficacy and distinctive pharmacological properties.As a synthetic opioid analgesic,butorphanol exhibits both agonistic and antagonistic activity on opioid receptors,striking a balance between analgesia and minimizing side effects.Nevertheless,the safety and efficacy of butorphanol in epidural labor analgesia remains controversial.While certain studies have reported positive outcomes with butorphanol,including effective pain relief and a reduced incidence of side effects,others have raised concerns about its safety and efficacy compared to traditional opioids or alternative analgesics.In addition,the optimal dosing strategy and regimen of butorphanol as an adjuvant in epidural labor analgesia still need to be verified.Through comprehensive synthesis and analysis of existing literature,we aim to evaluate the current evidence regarding the use of butorphanol for epidural labor analgesia,delineate areas of consensus and controversy,and propose future avenues for research and clinical practice in this domain.

Association of Squatting Activities of Pregnant Women during the Antenatal Period and Labor Outcomes

Aim: To investigate impact of antenatal squatting activities on labour outcomes. Methods: All eligible primigravida women, with singleton cephalic fetuses, who presented to ward 18 of Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka, during the period 1st of February to 28th of May 2017 were invited into the study. Those who were already in active stage of labor (at least more than two moderate contractions per 10 minutes) on admission were excluded. Demographic data such as age, ethnicity, religion, educational level, occupation, latrine type in use, and booking Body mass index (BMI) were collected via an interviewer administered questionnaire. Data related to labor (modified Bishop score at onset of active labor, labor augmentation, pain relief, labor duration, mode of delivery, episiotomy or tears) and neonatal outcome (birth weight, APGAR score at 1, 5, 10 minutes) were collected from delivery notes. A pre tested interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain data regarding routine squatting activities during the previous 6 months. Pain visual analogue scale was used on day after delivery to assess the degree of labour pain. Duration of each squatting activity per day and number of days engaged with the activity per week;were used to calculate total squatting hours per week. In the absence of an accepted threshold for adequate squatting, we employed the sample mean as an operational data-driven threshold to define “more” against “less” squatting activities. Women who did not have squatting activities were considered as the controls. We used chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests to compare characteristics and outcomes between those engaging in more and less levels of squatting activity. We fitted a series of logistic regression models with each dichotomized outcome as the dependent variable, more/less squatting activity as the main independent variable of interest, and age, gestation period, BMI and patient’s occupation as covariates. The resulting adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) and statistical significance (p < 0.05) were used to draw conclusions of adjusted associations. Results: We recruited 430 women into this study. Overall, 68% of the women were of 20 - 30 years old, 47% had normal body mass index and 65% were housewives. The most frequent squatting activities were for urination/defecation and clothes washing (146 and 62 minutes/week, respectively). Mean total time was 246 minutes per week, of which more than 147 women (34%) achieved above this level of squatting activities. Those with more squatting activities had a greater modified Bishop Score ≥ 6/10 (92% vs 82%;p < 0.01);labor duration of <6 hours (82% vs 56%;p < 0.01), less likely for labour augmentation (39% vs 51%;p < 0.01) and pain relief (53% vs 65%;p = 0.013). Similar results were obtained after adjustments for maternal age, BMI, gestational age and occupation. However, there were no significant differences in the mode of delivery (normal vaginal vs instrumental vs caesarean), episiotomy rate, birth weight and neonatal Apgar scores. Conclusion: Squatting activities of more than 246 minutes per week may improve labor outcome. Women should be encouraged to increase squatting exercises or incorporate more habitual squatting activities antenatally.

Analytical Model and Topology Optimization of Doubly-fed Induction Generator

As the core component of energy conversion for large wind turbines,the output performance of doubly-fed induction generators (DFIGs) plays a decisive role in the power quality of wind turbines.To realize the fast and accurate design optimization of DFIGs,this paper proposes a novel hybriddriven surrogate-assisted optimization method.It firstly establishes an accurate subdomain model of DFIGs to analytically predict performance indexes.Furthermore,taking the inexpensive analytical dataset produced by the subdomain model as the source domain and the expensive finite element analysis dataset as the target domain,a high-precision surrogate model is trained in a transfer learning way and used for the subsequent multi-objective optimization process.Based on this model,taking the total harmonic distortion of electromotive force,cogging torque,and iron loss as objectives,and the slot and inner/outer diameters as parameters for optimizing the topology,achieve a rapid and accurate electromagnetic design for DFIGs.Finally,experiments are carried out on a 3MW DFIG to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

A Loss-model-based Efficiency Optimization Control Method for Induction Traction System of High-speed Train under Emergency Self-propelled Mode

Increasing attention has been paid to the efficiency improvement of the induction traction system of high-speed trains due to the high demand for energy saving. In emergency self-propelled mode, however, the dc-link voltage and the traction power of the motor are significantly reduced, resulting in decreased traction efficiency due to the low load and low speed operations. Aiming to tackle this problem, a novel efficiency improved control method is introduced to the emergency mode of high-speed train traction system in this paper. In the proposed method, a total loss model of induction motor considering the behaviors of both iron and copper loss is established. An improved iterative algorithm with decreased computational burden is then introduced, resulting in a fast solving of the optimal flux reference for loss minimization at each control period. In addition, considering the parameter variation problem due to the low load and low speed operations, a parameter estimation method is integrated to improve the controller's robustness. The effectiveness of the proposed method on efficiency improvement at low voltage and low load conditions is demonstrated by simulated and experimental results.

A Stable Fuzzy-Based Computational Model and Control for Inductions Motors

In this paper,a stable and adaptive sliding mode control(SMC)method for induction motors is introduced.Determining the parameters of this system has been one of the existing challenges.To solve this challenge,a new self-tuning type-2 fuzzy neural network calculates and updates the control system parameters with a fast mechanism.According to the dynamic changes of the system,in addition to the parameters of the SMC,the parameters of the type-2 fuzzy neural network are also updated online.The conditions for guaranteeing the convergence and stability of the control system are provided.In the simulation part,in order to test the proposed method,several uncertain models and load torque have been applied.Also,the results have been compared to the SMC based on the type-1 fuzzy system,the traditional SMC,and the PI controller.The average RMSE in different scenarios,for type-2 fuzzy SMC,is 0.0311,for type-1 fuzzy SMC is 0.0497,for traditional SMC is 0.0778,and finally for PI controller is 0.0997.

Coupled Numerical Simulation of Electromagnetic and Flow Fields in a Magnetohydrodynamic Induction Pump

Magnetohydrodynamic(MHD)induction pumps are contactless pumps able to withstand harsh environments.The rate of fluid flow through the pump directly affects the efficiency and stability of the device.To explore the influence of induction pump settings on the related delivery speed,in this study,a numerical model for coupled electromagnetic and flow field effects is introduced and used to simulate liquid metal lithium flow in the induction pump.The effects of current intensity,frequency,coil turns and coil winding size on the velocity of the working fluid are analyzed.It is shown that the first three parameters have a significant impact,while changes in the coil turns have a negligible influence.The maximum increase in working fluid velocity within the pump for the parameter combination investigated in this paper is approximately 618%.As the frequency is increased from 20 to 60 Hz,the maximum increase in the mean flow rate of the working fluid is approximately 241%.These research findings are intended to support the design and optimization of these devices.

Dual-negative-objective Coordinated Control of Brushless Doubly Fed Induction Generator under Unbalanced Grid Voltage

This article proposes a dual-negative-objective coordinated control strategy for brushless doubly fed induction generator(BDFIG)based wind power generation system under unbalanced grid voltage.To alleviate the mechanical stress and impaction on rotating shaft,the negative control objective(NCO)of machine side converter(MSC)is set to suppress the ripple of electromagnetic torque.While the NCO of grid side converter(GSC)is selected to suppress the oscillation of total output active power or the unbalanced degree of total output current for BDFIG generation system.In comparison with traditional single converter control scheme of the MSC or GSC,dual NCOs can be satisfied at the same time due to the enlarged freedom degree in the proposed improved coordinated control system for back-toback converters.The effectiveness of proposed control strategy is validated by simulation and experimental results on a dual-cagerotor BDFIG(DCR-BDFIG)prototype.

Performance and Safety Improvement of Induction Motors based on Testing and Evaluation Standards

The induction motor,which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy,has been recognized as the cornerstone of industrialization.The rotor of an induction motor can be either a squirrel cage rotor or a wound-type rotor,both existing as magnetless topologies.Three-phase squirrel cage induction motors are frequently utilized in industrial drives because they are dependable,have high starting torque,are selfstarting and affordable.Single-phase induction motors,on the other hand,are commonly used for small loads such as domestic appliances in form of modest fans,pumps and electric power tools.In South Africa,there have been reports of fires and explosions resulting in live and property loss because of induction motors that have not been thoroughly tested or are incorrectly labelled in terms of ratings,electrical safety and performance.The goal of this study is targeted at preventing end-user injuries and failures caused by non-compliant induction motors,by evaluating locally manufactured/imported induction motors based on tests and evaluation from standards(IEC and SANS).The study is conducted using experimental procedures at the Explosion Prevention Technology and Rotating Machines(EPT and RM)laboratory,South African Bureau of Standards(SABS),South Africa.The main finding from the study shows differences in the nameplate characteristics of various induction motors which could have detrimental effects such as production and operational downtime in their end-use industries,at later stages.

Enhanced Fuzzy Logic Control Model and Sliding Mode Based on Field Oriented Control of Induction Motor

In the context of induction motor control, there are various control strategies used to separately control torque and flux. One common approach is known as Field-Oriented Control (FOC). This technique involves transforming the three-phase currents and voltages into a rotating reference frame, commonly referred to as the “dq” frame. In this frame, the torque/speed and flux components are decoupled, allowing for independent control, by doing so, the motor’s speed can be regulated accurately and maintain a constant flux which is crucial to ensure optimal motor performance and efficiency. The research focused on studying and simulating a field-oriented control system using fuzzy control techniques for an induction motor. The aim was to address the issue of parameter variations, particularly the change in rotor resistance during motor operation, which causes the control system to deviate from the desired direction. This deviation implies to an increase in the magnetic flux value, specifically the flux component on the q-axis. By employing fuzzy logic techniques to regulate flux vector’s components in the dq frame, this problem was successfully resolved, ensuring that the magnetic flux value remains within the nominal limits. To enhance the control system’s performance, response speed, and efficiency of the motor, sliding mode controllers were implemented to regulate the current in the inner loop. The simulation results demonstrated the proficiency of the proposed methodology.

The Absence of “Perfect Induction”in the Science

The present paper is finalized to show that the Science, even if considered in its two different Phenomenological Approaches at present known, is unable to assert that: “Thinks are like that”. This is because both the two Scientific Approaches previously mentioned have not the property of “the perfect induction”. Consequently, although they can even reach an experimental confirmation of the theoretical results, and thus a “valid description” of the various phenomena of the surrounding world, such a description has not an “absolute value”. In fact, it always and only has an “operative validity”, that is, it exclusively and solely refers to an “experimental point of view”. This means that such an “operative validity” cannot represent the basis for a logical process characterized by a “perfect induction”. In addition, the Traditional Scientific Approach is also characterized by “Insoluble” Problems, “Intractable Problems”, Problems with “drifts”, which could generally be termed as “side effects”. On the other hand, the same com-possible Scientific Approach based on the Emerging Quality of Self-Organizing Systems, also presents its “Emerging Exits”. Consequently, none of the two mentioned scientific Approaches has the “gift” of “the perfect induction”. However, there are significant differences between the two. Differences that may “suggest” the most appropriate choice among them for an “operative point of view”. This conclusion will be com-proved by considering, with particular reference, both the “side effects”, which are related to the Traditional Approach and, on the other hand, the “Emerging Exits”, which specifically pertain to the new Scientific Approach based on the Emerging Quality of Self-Organizing Systems.

A Mode of Electromagnetic Wave Propagation Based on the Inter-induction of Scalar Electric Field and Vortex Magnetic Field

Drawing upon the electromagnetic conversion formulas in a continuous conductive medium,an extensive examination for total current law and Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction(Faraday’s law)is undertaken to expound on the laws of electromagnetic induction and conversion.The longitudinal wave term of Faraday’s law is reinstated to render it suitable for theoretical derivation of the LEM(Longitudinal Electromagnetic Wave)equation.Subsequently,we formulate the wave and energy equations for electric P-wave based on reevaluated total current law and modified Faraday’s law;meanwhile proposing a propagation mode that reveals its mechanisms absorbing free energy for LEM waves in a conductor predicated on interaction between scalar electric field and vortex magnetic field.Furthermore,through theoretical derivations based on LEM waves,insights into concealed relationships between electric P-wave and electromagnetism scalar potential are disclosed alongside the constraint equation between the wave velocities of LEM wave and TEM(Transverse Electromagnetic)waves,unveiling the significance of LEM wave.

Analysis of the Effect of Midwives’ Psychological Care Intervention on the Progress of Labor and Cesarean Rate of Elderly Women in Labor

Objective:To analyze the effect of midwife psychological nursing intervention in the clinical care of elderly women in labor.Methods:According to the order of admission,74 elderly women were divided into the control group and the observation group.In addition to the routine perinatal nursing interventions,the observation group strengthened the implementation of midwives’psychological nursing interventions.The duration of labor,mode of delivery,psychological state,and stress response indexes of the two groups were analyzed and compared.Results:The observation group had a shorter duration of all labor stages and total duration of labor than the control group,a lower cesarean section rate than the control group,and a higher degree of improvement in anxiety,depression,and stress response indexes in the 3-day postpartum period as compared to the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The implementation of midwife psychological care intervention in perinatal care of elderly women can further shorten the duration of labor,reduce the cesarean section rate,and improve the psychological state and stress indicators,which is worth promoting.