In hydraulics, velocity distribution is needed to determine flow characteristics, like discharge, sediment discharge, head loss, energy coefficient, moment coefficient, and scour. However, the complicated interaction between water and sediment causes great difficulties in the measurement of flow and sediment discharge. Thus, the development of a method which can simulate the velocity distribution and sediment discharge in open channels is designable. Traditional methods for the estimation of velocity distribution, such as the Prandtl-von Karman logarithmic velocity and of sediment concentration distribution, such as the Rouse equation, are generally invalid at or near the channel bed and are inaccurate at the water surface. Considering the limitations of traditional methods, entropy based models have been applied, yet the assumption on the cumulative distribution function made in these methods limits their application. The objective of this research is to develop an efficient method to estimate velocity distribution and suspended sediment discharge in open channels using the Tsallis entropy. This research focuses on a better-organized hypothesis on the cumulative probability distribution function under more applicable coordinates, which should be transformable in different dimensions. Velocity distribution and sediment distribution are derived using the Tsallis entropy under the hypothesis that the cumulative probability distribution follows a non-linear function, in which the value of the exponent is shown to be related to the width-depth ratio of channel cross-section. Three different combinations of entropy and empirical methods for velocity and sediment concentration distribution are applied to compute suspended sediment discharge. Then advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed. The velocity distribution derived using the Tsallis entropy is expected to be easy to apply and valid throughout the whole cross-section of the open channel. This research contributes to the application of entropy theory and shows its advantages in hydraulic engineering.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the satisfaction and performance indicators in discharge planning services at a regional hospital in Taiwan. A structured questionnaire incorporating client databases, services items, performance indicators and satisfaction surveys was employed. A self-constructed structural questionnaire, with content validity of 0.7 which was verified by five experts and examined with Cranbach £\, is employed as a key research tool. Data were collected from March 2007 to September 2007. In total, 321 clients accepted discharge planning services and gave their choices among the offered after-discharge caring services. Visit with the phone after coming out of hospital, nine people who is death, eight people who have not contact, total seventeen people was deletes. As a result, a total of 304 respondents or 94.7% response rate, responded their satisfaction levels via telephone interview thereafter. The results show that the respondents suffering from CVA (p<0.05) and head injury (p<0.01) accepted (statistically significantly) more medical transfer services than those with lung diseases; the respondents who were taken care by caring institutions after discharge accepted more nursing teaching services than those live with family members (p<0.01); the respondents living with family members after discharge received more medical transfer services than those staying with caring institutions (p<0.01); satisfaction levels reported higher in respondents living with family members than those with caring institutions (p<0.01); the more nursing teaching, medical transfer and social services are offered, the higher the satisfaction level is achieved (p<0.01); The results could provide the valuable information on the implementation of discharge planning. The study contributes to several significant results such as: (1) The more demand for tubes care, the more days in hospitalization ¡]r¡×0.28, p¡×0.00¡^and the more unexpected emergency care within two weeks¡]r¡×0.14, p¡×0.02¡^. (2) Significant difference ¡]F=5.13, p¡×0.02¡^was found between relocation and total days in hospitalization. Post hoc analysis shows clients who live with family had statistically significant less days in hospitalization than those who were relocated to other hospitals (p=0.008) and caring institutions (p=0.008). (3). Significant difference of satisfaction was found among different relocations¡]F¡×3.50, p¡×0.01¡^. Clients who live with family displayed statistically higher satisfaction than those who were relocated to caring institutions. (4). Significant difference of days in hospitalization was found between on nasal-gastric tube¡]F¡×9.64, p¡×0.000¡^and on tracheal tube¡]F¡×30.13¡Ap¡×0.000¡^ (5). Different departments show significant difference in unexpected emergency care within two weeks¡]F¡×20.12¡Ap¡×0.00¡^. The unexpected emergency care within two weeks in the Medical Department was statistically higher than the Surgical Department. (6). Positive correlations (p<0.05) were found between days in hospitalization and several satisfaction measurements, indicating the more days in hospitalization, the more time available to provide services and the higher client satisfaction can be achieved. Furthermore, clients with unexpected emergency care within three days displayed statistically low satisfaction. The results are capable of providing us information for improvement so as to ensure that clients can receive sustainable, effective and integrated care.

This work focused on the study of self-discharge mechanisms of carbon electrochemical capacitor electrodes in 1.0 M H2SO4 electrolyte. Electrochemical capacitors have an increasingly important role in the future of energy storage for specific applications due to their high cycle lives, high power capabilities and the ability to use environmentally friendly materials. Remediation of the occurrence of self-discharge – the loss of charge over time when left in open-circuit configuration – must take place before electrochemical capacitors can be used more widely as this diminished potential results in a reduction of stored energy. By examining the now poorly understood causes and mechanisms of self-discharge, beneficial modifications to the electrochemical capacitors systems can be made, improving device performance. Three-electrode electrochemical set-ups were used to separate self-discharge mechanisms on the negative and positive electrodes. Various electrode and electrolyte reactions were investigated in relation to self-discharge, including Fe-contamination reaction, electrolyte decomposition, oxygen-reduction, carbon oxidation, and carbon surface group development. All experiments were conducted on porous carbon electrodes. It was determined that Fe-contamination increased self-discharge on both carbon electrodes at concentrations >10-3 M, and that previously developed planar kinetic models applied to these porous systems. Electrolyte decomposition did not result in increased self-discharge on either electrode. Electrolyte oxygen content must be minimized as oxygen is believed to undergo reduction to hydrogen peroxide on the negative-electrode, resulting in an increase in self-discharge. The carbon electrodes used in this work must be cycled prior to energy storage as the capacitance varies greatly with continued cycling, and the lack of cycling results in increased self-discharge. Additionally, interest in the carbon electrode’s surface functionalities resulted in the standardization of the Boehm titration.

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No description available.

One thousand four hundred and twenty two patients in an Acute General Hospital in Mansfield were studied over a one year period, 1989-90, in order to determine their needs for formal and informal care on discharge. The research method included a screening project for 189 patients on admission, an analysis of 1064 referrals to the Hospital Social Workers, and 169 referrals to the Hospital Discharge Scheme for Volunteer support. Patient/client needs for formal and informal care were found, and unmet needs after Hospital discharge were identified. Problems relating to formal care systems and shortage of Public Sector resources were found to cause serious difficulties for patients and Carers. The availability of Carers and lack of family members in informal care structures was a key issue. The work showed how Volunteers from the Discharge Scheme were able to contribute to the work of formal and informal Carers and ensure that safe Hospital Discharges occurred for very vulnerable people.

This is an experimental and theoretical investigation of the dispersion of a round water jet discharging at various angles into a rectangular channel. A fundamental study of the jet is not only essential for a better understanding of the flow conditions produced by confined water jets but for a scientific approach to the design of hydraulic structures and to determine an efficient form of stilling basin for high velocity discharge from pipe outlets. The Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA) technique was adapted for measurement of mean velocities and turbulence characteristics,, without any interference in the flow, and was utilised for the investigation of the complex three dimensional circulating flow which was experienced in the channel. In the experiments the inclination of the jet was varied from 45 to 90 degrees to the bed of the channel, while differing ratios of channel width and depth to jet diameter were studied for various Froude numbers. Detailed measurements of velocity decay, normal and lateral velocity profiles, distributions of pressure and turbulence characteristics have been carried out for selected flow conditions relating to the 45 degree oblique and vertical jet in order to determine the flow pattern and head dissipations. The experimental results have been analysed and compared with Glauert Is theory for a radial wall jet as a first approximation neglecting gravity forces when small compared with turbulent forces. Based on these results erosion experiments and model studies using a solid apron and a sand bed downstream, have been conducted to predict the minimum size of an efficient stilling basin and dimensions of any required blocks. Finally generalised design guide-lines and a standard code of practice have been developed for a stilling basin with high velocity pipe outlets. The research work will provide practical information and design procedures for consultants and other organisations working on the design and maintenance of a variety of water projects both in the UK and overseas.

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The work presented in this thesis is concerned with the development of an on-line technique for detecting and locating partial discharges in the stator winding of a high voltage electrical machine. This technique forms part of an on-line health monitoring strategy for the insulation of high voltage machines. Existing diagnostic techniques and partial discharge measurement systems are reviewed. The requirement for an on-line partial discharge location technique is discussed. An experimental investigation was carried out into the propagation characteristics of partial discharge pulses within a model stator winding. This allowed identification of the main propagation characteristics which were used as the basis for the development of a partial discharge location technique. In the development of a location technique, a means of on-line detection of discharge signals at the motor terminals is required. A study was therefore made on the use of the Rogowski coil for the non-invasive measurement of partial discharges. A partial discharge location system was developed based on the correlation of partial discharge pulses detected at the two ends of a motor phase winding. The performance of the location system was investigated by injecting artificially generated discharge pulses into the model stator winding. Further verification of the ability of the technique to locate the position of discharges was done by injecting high voltage discharges. The final part of the research work was to develop a theoretical model to predict the propagation behaviour of partial discharge pulses in the stator winding of an electrical machine . The effect of electromagnetic propagation through the endwinding region is incorporated in the model of two adjacent coils in a winding.

No description available.