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Possible Options (possible + option)
Selected AbstractsProspects for a waveguide Raman amplifier in porous silicon at 1.5 ,mPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 7 2009Luigi Sirleto Abstract Recently, the possibility of light generation and/or amplification in silicon, based on Raman emission, has achieved significant results. However, limitations inherent to the physics of silicon have been pointed out, too. In order to overcome these limitations, a possible option is to consider low dimensional silicon. In this paper, an approach based on Raman scattering in porous silicon is investigated. First, we point out two significant advantages with respect to silicon: the broadening of the spontaneous Raman emission and the tuning of the Stokes shift. Then, we discuss about the prospect of Raman amplifier in porous silicon. Finally the design of a Raman amplifier in porous silicon waveguide is proposed. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] A one-year survey on the use of a powder from Rosa canina lito in acute exacerbations of chronic painPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 9 2008C. Chrubasik Abstract This pilot surveillance included 152 patients with acute exacerbations of chronic pain, 124 (Back group) with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP), 20 with NSLBP overridden by osteoarthritic pain (Knee-Hip group), and eight with specific LBP (included in the safety analysis). Patients were recommended the rose hip and seed powder LitozinR at a dose providing up to 3 mg of galactolipid/day for up to 54 weeks. Clinical symptoms and well-being were assessed every 6 weeks. The patients also kept a diary of their pain and the requirement for rescue medication. Data were analysed by intention to treat with last observation carried forward. Only 77 patients completed the year of surveillance. Multivariate analysis suggested an appreciable overall improvement during the surveillance, irrespective of group, and this was reflected for most of the individual measures in repeated measures ANOVA. The degree and time-course of improvement echoed that seen in similar surveillances of patients receiving an aqueous extract of Harpagophytum. Multiple regression analyses indicated that percentage changes from baseline tended to be greater in patients with greater degrees of pain and disability, but were otherwise largely unrelated to the patients' characteristics. There were no serious adverse events. The rose hip and seed powder, LitozinR, seems to deserve further, more definitive studies as a possible option in long-term management of NSLBP with or without osteoarthritic pain. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Clinical impact (cost-effectiveness) of qualifying atypical squamous cells of undeterminate significance (ASCUS) in cases favoring a reactive or dysplastic processDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2003F.M. Carozzi Ph.D. Abstract The cost-effectiveness of qualifying ASCUS cases into two different subcategories, favoring a reactive (ASCUS-R) or dysplastic process (ASCUS-S), was evaluated at the Centro per lo Studio e la Prevenzione Oncologica of Florence in a prospective study. The study determined the positive predictive value (PPV) for histologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2) or more (CIN>) severe lesion of the two ASCUS subgroups. ASCUS-S had a PPV (10.78%) comparable to low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) (11.40%). For ASCUS-R cases, the recommendation of 6-mo repeat cytology prompting colposcopy in cases of persistent ASCUS or more severe cytology was also effective, as it selected a subgroup with a relatively high PPV (10.34%). The cost-effectiveness of a protocol based on ASCUS qualification was compared with two other possible options for nonqualified ASCUS cases: immediate colposcopy and colposcopy in persistent ASCUS at 6-mo repeat cytology.. The detection rate of CIN2> was substantially higher using ASCUS qualification (35.9 vs 14.8 or 17.1). The cost per ASCUS subject was ,24.99, 27.11, or 25.14 and that per CIN2> detected was ,697, 1,831 or 1,470 for the three options, respectively. The evidence that ASCUS detection option implies a higher detection rate of CIN2> and subsequently a lower cost per CIN2> detection must be considered with caution and deserves confirmation by other comparative studies. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2003;29:4,7. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Feeding and eating disorders in childhoodINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EATING DISORDERS, Issue 2 2010Rachel Bryant-Waugh DPhil Abstract Objective: To review the literature related to the current DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria for feeding disorder of infancy or early childhood; pica; rumination disorder; and other childhood presentations that are characterized by avoidance of food or restricted food intake, with the purpose of informing options for DSM-V. Method: Articles were identified by computerized and manual searches and reviewed to evaluate the evidence supporting possible options for revision of criteria. Results: The study of childhood feeding and eating disturbances has been hampered by inconsistencies in classification and use of terminology. Greater clarity around subtypes of feeding and eating problems in children would benefit clinicians and patients alike. Discussion: A number of suggestions supported by existing evidence are made that provide clearer descriptions of subtypes to improve clinical utility and to promote research. © 2010 American Psychiatric Association. (Int J Eat Disord 2010) [source] Smart Labels for Waste and Resource ManagementJOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2008An Integrated Assessment Summary This article explores the potential of RFID (radio frequency identification device) for improving the current waste and resource management system in Switzerland. It presents the following three possible options for utilizing RFID tags to support waste management processes: "at source automation" (using a "smart" trash can), "end of pipe I" (combination of the current system with an additional separation of recyclables before incineration), and "end of pipe II" (replacement of the current recycling infrastructure by sorting at the incineration plant). These options tackle the waste and resource management chain during different processes (i.e., waste generation, waste separation, and treatment). Based on an MFA (material flow analysis), we performed a multicriteria assessment of these options with experts from the waste management sector. The assessment of ten experts in the waste management field regarding the proposed options for batteries and electrical appliances showed that, from an ecological perspective, the implementation of RFID in waste management would be desirable and would lead to an improvement in the current recycling rate in Switzerland for the goods studied. From an economic perspective, new investments would be required in the range of 1 to 5 times the maintenance costs of the current separate collection system. From a social perspective, the utilization of RFID tags in the waste management process was ambiguous. In particular, the end of pipe II option would, on the one hand, significantly improve convenience for consumers. On the other hand, experts see privacy and, what is more, social responsibility as being under threat. The experts considered the ecological and social aspects to be more relevant than the economic ones, preferring the end of pipe I option over the other options and the status quo. [source] Design of a high-efficiency hydrofoil through the use of computational fluid dynamics and multiobjective optimizationAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 7 2009N. Spogis Abstract A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is proposed, based on ANSYS-CFX tools coupled to optimization models inside the commercial optimization software modeFRONTIER in order to obtain an optimal design of a high-efficiency impeller for solids suspension. The analysis of impeller shape performance was carried out using the shear-stress transport (SST) turbulence model with streamline curvature correction. This turbulence model combined the advantages of the ,,, and ,,, models, ensuring a proper relation between turbulent stress and turbulent kinetic energy, allowing an accurate and robust prediction of the impeller blade flow separation. The multiple frames of reference and the frozen rotor frame change models were used for the rotor/stator interaction inside the mixing vessel. The optimization procedure used seven design variables, two nonlinear constraints and two objective functions. The objective functions chosen (among many other possible options) to evaluate the impeller performance were the maximum solid distribution throughout the vessel (homogeneous suspension) reflected by a low variance between local solid concentration and average solid concentration inside the vessel and the higher pumping effectiveness, which was defined as the quotient of the flow and power numbers. The first objective function searches for impeller configurations able to provide good solid suspension, since it aims to achieve homogeneous suspension. The second objective function aims to reduce power consumption for a high-pumping capacity of the impeller. These criteria were considered enough to characterize the optimized impeller. Results indicated that the optimized impeller presented an increase of the pumping impeller capacity and homogeneous solid suspension with low-power consumption, especially when compared with the PBT 45° impeller. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009 [source] Classification and design of teledermatology practice: What dermatoses?JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 8 2009Which technology to apply? Abstract Dermatologists are mostly confined to urban regions and rural population is deprived of specialist care. Teledermatology Practice (TDP) is a solution to overcome this global problem. Tools for TDP includes video conference, store and forward, hybrid, mobile, satellite communication, integration model, nurse-led teledermatology, teledermatology focusing on difficult-to-manage cases, teledermoscopy, and teledermatopathology with combined applications. This article reviews the feasibility studies focusing teledermatology tools and analyses the possible options in designing TDP. Categorizing dermatoses for TDP depends on the purpose and types of technology. The dermatoses presenting from a remote geographic regions requires any of the following approaches (i) only TDP, (b) initial TDP followed by face-to-face, (iii) initial face-to-face followed by TDP and (iv) only face-to-face examination. The technology should suit the dermatoses, meet the purpose, be cost-effective and provide better management with follow-up care. We recommend store and forward as a basic TDP model as most dermatoses are diagnosed and follow-up care is delivered. Leprosy, pigmented skin lesions, leg ulcers, HIV and endemic dermatoses require screening and triage services using mobile teledermatology. Counselling and education require videoconference. Rural dermatology's camps require satellite communication mounted on a vehicle. Objective assessment (vitiligo and leg ulcer) after treatment requires integration model at a tertiary centre. Difficult-to-manage cases require second opinion using hybrid/store and forward TDP. Lower rural centre are provided with mobile/ store and forward teledermatology services. Selected or major community centre should be equipped with hybrid teledermatology and linked to a tertiary centre. This process helps healthcare administration to plan a TDP to cover all dermatoses, utilizing the available health care professional (HCP) and technology with minimum budget investment. Conflicts of interest None declared. [source] Setting up a clinical skills learning facilityMEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 2003P Bradley Objective, This paper outlines the considerations to be made when establishing a clinical skills learning facility. Considerations, Establishing a clinical skills learning facility is a complex project with many possible options to be considered. A number of professional groups, undergraduate or postgraduate, may be users. Their collaboration can have benefits for funding, uses and promotion of interprofessional education. Best evidence and educational theory should underpin teaching and learning. The physical environment should be flexible to allow a range of clinical settings to be simulated and to facilitate a range of teaching and learning methods, supported by computing and audio-visual resources. Facilities should be available to encourage self-directed learning. The skills programme should be designed to support the intended learning outcomes and be integrated within the overall curriculum, including within the assessment strategy. Teaching staff may be configured in a number of ways and may be drawn from a variety of backgrounds. Appropriate staff development will be required to ensure consistency and quality of teaching with monitoring and evaluation to assure appropriate standards. Patients can also play a role, not only as passive teaching material, but also as teachers and assessors. Clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic equipment will be required, as will models and manikins. The latter will vary from simple part task trainers to highly sophisticated human patient simulators. Care must be taken when choosing equipment to ensure it matches specified requirements for teaching and learning. Conclusion, Detailed planning is required across a number of domains when setting up a clinical skills learning facility. [source] | ||||||||||