Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Process Used (process + used)
Selected AbstractsThe Need to Rationalize and Prioritize Threatening Processes Used to Determine Threat Status in the IUCN Red ListCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2009MATT W. HAYWARD carnivora; competencia; estatus de conservación; procesos amenazantes Abstract:,Thorough evaluation has made the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List the most widely used and accepted authority on the conservation status of biodiversity. Although the system used to determine risk of extinction is rigorously and objectively applied, the list of threatening processes affecting a species is far more subjectively determined and has not had adequate review. I reviewed the threats listed in the IUCN Red List for randomly selected groups within the three most threatened orders of mammals: Artiodactyla, Carnivora, and Primates. These groups are taxonomically related and often ecologically similar, so I expected they would suffer relatively similar threats. Hominoid primates and all other terrestrial fauna faced similar threats, except for bovine artiodactyls and large, predatory carnivores, which faced significantly different threats. Although the status of bovines and hominoids and the number of threats affecting them were correlated, this was not the case for large carnivores. Most notable, however, was the great variation in the threats affecting individual members of each group. For example, the endangered European bison (Bison bonasus) has no threatening processes listed for it, and the lion (Panthera leo) is the only large predator listed as threatened with extinction by civil war. Some threatening processes appear spurious for the conservation of the species, whereas other seemingly important factors are not recorded as threats. The subjective nature of listing threatening processes, via expert opinion, results in substantial biases that may be allayed by independent peer review, use of technical manuals, consensus among multiple assessors, incorporation of probability modeling via decision-tree analysis, and adequate coordination among evaluators. The primary focus should be on species-level threats rather than population-level threats because the IUCN Red List is a global assessment and smaller-scale threats are more appropriate for national status assessments. Until conservationists agree on the threats affecting species and their relative importance, conservation action and success will be hampered by scattering scarce resources too widely and often by implementing conflicting strategies. Resumen:,La evaluación exhaustiva ha hecho que la Lista Roja de la Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (UICN) sea la autoridad más aceptada y ampliamente utilizada respecto al estatus de conservación de la biodiversidad. Aunque el sistema utilizado para determinar el riesgo de extinción es aplicado rigurosa y objetivamente, la lista de procesos amenazantes que afectan a las especies es determinado muy subjetivamente y no es revisado adecuadamente. Revisé las amenazas consideradas en la Lista Roja UICN para grupos seleccionados aleatoriamente en los tres órdenes de mamíferos más amenazados: Artyodactila, Carnivora y Primates. Estos grupos están relacionados taxonómicamente y a menudo son ecológicamente similares, así que esperaba que tuvieran amenazas relativamente similares. Los primates homínidos y toda la demás fauna terrestre enfrentan amenazas similares, excepto por los bovinos artiodáctilos y los carnívoros depredadores mayores, que enfrentan amenazas significativamente diferentes. Aunque el estatus de los bovinos y homínidos y el número de amenazas que los afectan estuvieron correlacionados, este no fue el caso para los carnívoros mayores. Sin embargo, lo más notable fue la gran variación en las amenazas que afectan a miembros individuales de cada grupo. Por ejemplo, no hay procesos amenazantes enlistados para el bisonte europeo (Bison bonasus), y el león (Panthera leo) es el único depredador mayor enlistado como amenazado de extinción por la guerra civil. Algunos procesos amenazantes parecen espurios para la conservación de las especies, mientras que otros factores aparentemente importantes no están registrados como amenazas. La naturaleza subjetiva de los procesos de enlistado, por medio de la opinión de expertos, resulta en sesgos sustanciales que pueden disiparse por la revisión independiente por pares, el uso de manuales técnicos, el consenso de múltiples asesores, la incorporación del modelado probabilístico mediante análisis de árboles de decisión y la adecuada coordinación entre evaluadores. El enfoque principal debería ser sobre amenazas a nivel de especies en lugar de amenazas a nivel de poblaciones porque la Lista Roja UICN es una evaluación global y las amenazas a menor escala son más apropiadas para evaluaciones nacionales de estatus. Hasta que los conservacionistas estén de acuerdo sobre las amenazas que afectan a las especies y su importancia relativa, las acciones de conservación y su éxito estarán obstaculizados por la dispersión demasiado amplia de recursos limitados y a menudo por la implementación de estrategias contrapuestas. [source] Managing the curriculum , for a changeEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION, Issue 2 2007M. Manogue Abstract:, This article reports the model used to design a new dental curriculum, the design process used and its underlying rationale. The evidence base for the process is reviewed and discussed. Some suggestions are offered for those engaged in developing new curricula. The main conclusions drawn are that the design process needs to be managed openly and democratically; the alignment model is the most appropriate for designing dental curricula; the process of curriculum design is inextricably linked to organisational development; and the concepts of learning organisations, communities of practice and culture all have their part to play in the process of introducing deep innovations, such as new curricula'. [source] Improvement in the fatigue strength of chromium electroplated AISI 4340 steel by shot peeningFATIGUE & FRACTURE OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES, Issue 2 2009H. J. C. VOORWALD ABSTRACT In landing gear, an important mechanical component for high responsible applications, wear and corrosion control is currently accomplished by chrome plating or hard anodising. However, some problems are associated with these operations. Experimental results have also shown that chrome-plated specimens have fatigue strength lower than those of uncoated parts, attributed to high residual tensile stress and microcracks density contained into the coating. Under fatigue conditions these microcracks propagate and will cross the interface coating-substrate and penetrate base metal without impediment. Shot peening is a surface process used to improve fatigue strength of metal components due to compressive residual stresses induced in the surface layers of the material, making the nucleation and propagation of fatigue cracks difficult. This investigation is concerned with analysis of the shot peening influence on the rotating bending fatigue strength of hard chromium electroplated AISI 4340 steel. Specimens were submitted to shot peening treatment with steel and ceramic shots and, in both cases, experimental results show increase in the fatigue life of AISI 4340 steel hard chromium electroplated, up to level of base metal without chromium. Peening using ceramic shot resulted in lower scatter in rotating bending fatigue data than steel shots. [source] When executives successfully influence peers: The role of target assessment, preparation, and tacticsHUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2005Harvey G. Enns We examined 62 lateral influence episodes to more fully understand the process used by executives to gain the support of peers for new initiatives. Behavioral complexity theories (cf. Zaccaro, 2001) were used to formulate the research questions related to this study and interpret the results. Interestingly, target assessment factors were connected to certain preparation efforts and the use of specific influence tactics. Executives' preparation efforts, however, were not associated with influence tactic use. Implications for HR professionals and directions for research are discussed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Fabrication of Precise Fluidic Structures in LTCCINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Fred Barlow A number of emerging applications of low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) require embedded fluidic structure within the co-fired ceramic and or precise external dimensional tolerances. These structures enable the control of fluids for cooling, sensing, and biomedical applications, and variations in their geometry from the design can have a significant impact on the overall performance of the devices. One example of this type of application is a multilayer cooler developed recently by the authors for cooling laser diode bars. In many laser systems, laser diodes are the primary emitters, or assemblies of these diode bars are used to pump traditional laser crystals such as Nd:YLF. Assemblies of these diodes require large amounts of electrical current for proper operation, and the device operating temperature must be carefully controlled in order to avoid a shift in the output wavelength. These diodes are packaged into water-cooled assemblies and by their nature dissipate enormous amounts of heat, with waste heat fluxes on the order of 2000 W/cm2. The traditional solution to this problem has been the development of copper multilayer coolers. Assemblies of laser diodes are then formed by stacking these diode bars and coolers. Several problems exist with this approach including the erosion of the copper coolers by the coolant, a requirement for the use of deionized water within the system, and a significant CTE mismatch between the diode bar and the metal cooler. Diodes are bonded to these metal structures and liquid coolant is circulated through the metal layers in order to cool the diode bar. In contrast, the coolers developed by the authors utilize fluid channels and jets formed within LTCC as well as embedded cavity structures to control the flow of a high-velocity liquid and actively cool the laser diode bars mounted on the surface of the LTCC., The dimensional tolerances of these cooler assemblies and complex shapes that are used to control the fluid can have a significant impact on the overall performance of the laser system. This paper describes the fabrication process used to create the precise channel and jet structures used in these LTCC-based coolers, as well as some of the challenges associated with these processes. [source] Power-delay optimization of D-latch/MUX source coupled logic gatesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CIRCUIT THEORY AND APPLICATIONS, Issue 1 2005M. Alioto In this paper a design strategy for MUX, XOR and D-latch source coupled logic (SCL) gates is proposed. To this end, an analytical model of the delay and the noise margin as a function of the transistors' aspect ratio and bias current is first introduced. Successively, analytical equations of the transistors' aspect ratio to meet a given noise margin specification are derived as a function of the bias current, and are then used along with the delay model to express the delay as an explicit function of the bias current and noise margin. The simplified delay expression explicitly relates speed performance to power dissipation and the noise margin, thereby providing the designer with the required understanding of the trade-offs involved in the design. Therefore, the criteria proposed allow the designer to consciously manage the power-delay trade-off. The delay dependence on the logic swing is also investigated with results showing that this delay is not necessarily reduced by reducing the logic swing, in contrast with the usual assumption. Since the results obtained are valid for all SCL gates and are independent of the CMOS process used, the guidelines provided afford a deeper understanding of SCL gates from a design point of view. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A novel HLA-A2 variant, A*9203, identified by sequence-based typingINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMMUNOGENETICS, Issue 1 2007C.-C. Chu Summary HLA-A*9203, found in Taiwan using sequence-based typing method, was identical to HLA-A*0207 in exon 3 but differed in exon 2 by five nucleotide substitutions at positions 240,282 corresponding to three amino acid changes at codons 62, 66 and 70. Since this substitution motif is also seen in A*11 and A*03, it is likely that a gene conversion event from A*11 or A*03 to a A*0207 backbone may have been the process used in generating HLA-A*9203. [source] H, fuzzy control design of discrete-time nonlinear active fault-tolerant control systemsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ROBUST AND NONLINEAR CONTROL, Issue 10 2009Huai-Ning Wu Abstract This paper is concerned with the problem of H, fuzzy controller synthesis for a class of discrete-time nonlinear active fault-tolerant control systems (AFTCSs) in a stochastic setting. The Takagi and Sugeno (T,S) fuzzy model is employed to exactly represent a nonlinear AFTCS. For this AFTCS, two random processes with Markovian transition characteristics are introduced to model the failure process of system components and the fault detection and isolation (FDI) decision process used to reconfigure the control law, respectively. The random behavior of the FDI process is conditioned on the state of the failure process. A non-parallel distributed compensation (non-PDC) scheme is adopted for the design of the fault-tolerant control laws. The resulting closed-loop fuzzy system is the one with two Markovian jump parameters. Based on a stochastic fuzzy Lyapunov function (FLF), sufficient conditions for the stochastic stability and H, disturbance attenuation of the closed-loop fuzzy system are first derived. A linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach to the fuzzy control design is then developed. Moreover, a suboptimal fault-tolerant H, fuzzy controller is given in the sense of minimizing the level of disturbance attenuation. Finally, a simulation example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed design method. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Nurses' experiences with telephone triage and advice: a meta-ethnographyJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 3 2010Rebecca J. Purc-Stephenson purc-stephenson r.j. & thrasher c. (2010) Nurses' experiences with telephone triage and advice: a meta-ethnography. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(3), 482,494. Abstract Aims., This study is a meta-ethnography of nurses' experiences with telephone triage and advice and factors that facilitate or impede their decision-making process. Background., Telephone triage and advice services are a rapidly expanding development in health care. Unlike traditional forms of nursing practice, telenurses offer triage recommendations and advice to the general public without visual cues. Data sources., Published qualitative research on telephone triage and advice were sought from interdisciplinary research databases (1980,2008) and bibliographical reviews of retrieved studies. Review methods., Our systematic search identified 16 relevant studies. Two researchers independently reviewed, critically appraised, and extracted key themes and concepts from each study. We followed techniques of meta-ethnography to synthesize the findings, using both reciprocal and refutational translation to compare similar or contradictory findings, and a line-of-arguments synthesis. Results., We identified five major themes that highlight common issues and concerns experienced by telenurses: gaining and maintaining skills, autonomy, new work environment, holistic assessment, and stress and pressure. A line-of-arguments synthesis produced a three-stage model that describes the decision-making process used by telenurses and highlights how assessments largely depend on the ability to ,build a picture' of the patient and the presenting health issue. Conclusion., Telenurses experience a range of common concerns and issues which either impede or facilitate the decision-making process. Although ,building a picture' of the patient is key to making assessments over the telephone, final triage decisions are influenced by balancing the conflicting demands of being both carer and gatekeeper to limited healthcare services. [source] Efficient utilization of plastic waste through product design and process adaptation: A case study on stiffness enhancement of beams produced from plastic lumberADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2008Cristian Pio Abstract The aim of the present work is the development of a method for structural reinforcement of beams obtained by in-mold extrusion of plastics from solid urban waste. The beams obtained by in-mold extrusion are commonly used for outdoor furniture and structures. The material used for such applications is mainly composed of low-density polyethylene derived from bags and films, with small amounts of high density polyethylene and polypropylene, as well as traces of polyethylene terephthalate. This material is usually referred to as "plastic lumber." Plastic lumber products have a low stiffness, which results in high deflections under flexural loads, particularly under creep loading. In this study, reinforcing rods of high aspect ratio were incorporated into plastic lumber beams in specific positions with respect to the cross section of the beam. The reinforcement of the plastic lumber beams with fine rods is introduced in the typical intrusion process used for the production of unreinforced beams. Glass fiber reinforced pultruded rods were chosen for this purpose from a preliminary evaluation of different materials. Different diameter glass fiber reinforced pultruded rods, including surface-abraded systems to increase the roughness, were used for the reinforcement of plastic lumber beams. The reinforced beams were tested in terms of flexural stiffness, creep resistance, and pullout resistance of the embedded rods. The results obtained from the mechanical tests showed a significant enhancement of flexural stiffness and creep resistance behavior. The performance at higher stress levels was shown to be significantly dependent on the interfacial adhesion between rods and polymer matrix. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 27:133,142, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20131 [source] The Critical Care Research Network: a partnership in community-based research and research transferJOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 1 2000.FRCPC, MSc(Epid), Sean P. Keenan MD The objectives of this study were to present a short history of the Critical Care Research Network (CCR-Net), describe its approach to health services research and to summarize completed and current research projects. In doing this, we explored the question is this research network accomplishing its goals? We reviewed the medical literature to identify studies on similar types of Networks and also the evidence supporting the methodology used by CCR-Net to conduct research using MEDLINE, HEALTHSTAR, CINAHL and the keywords network and health care or healthcare, benchmarking and health care or healthcare, and research transfer or research utilization. We also reviewed the bibliographies of retrieved articles and our personal files. In addition, we summarized the results of studies conducted by CCR-Net and outlined those currently in progress. A review of the literature identified studies on two similar networks that appeared to be succeeding. In addition, the literature was also supportive of the general process used by CCR-Net, although the level of evidence varied. Finally, the studies conducted to date within CCR-Net follow the suggested methodology. At the time of this preliminary communication CCR-Net appears to have adopted a valid approach to health services research within the area of Critical Care Medicine. Further direct evidence is required and appropriate studies are planned. [source] JOURNAL of FOOD PROCESSING and PRESERVATION SEP 2000 Vol-24.4. DEVELOPMENT of A PROCESS FOR DETECTING NONTHERMAL EFFECTS of MICROWAVE ENERGY ON MICROORGANISMS AT LOW TEMPERATURE,JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION, Issue 4 2000MICHAEL KOZEMPEL We developed an experimental process capable of isolating thermal and nonthermal effects of microwave energy relative to the destruction of microorganisms at low temperature. the concept combines instantaneous energy input to the food system by microwaves with rapid removal of thermal energy. the process used a double tube heat exchanger inside a continuous microwave dryer. the outer tube was transparent to microwaves, whereas the inner tube was stainless steel and was used for cooling the system. the microwave energy, 5,6 kW power, was absorbed by the process fluid in the annulus. the cooling water flowing in the inner tube removed the thermal energy from the process fluid to control temperature at or below 45C. the process was at turbulent flow to assure a uniform temperature and dwell time. There were no detected nonthermal effects from microwave energy for yeast, Pediococcus sp., Escherichia coli, Listeria innocua, or Enterobacter aerogenes in various test fluids, such as water, liquid egg, beer, apple juice, apple cider, and tomato juice. [source] Creating the conditions for growth: a collaborative practice development programme for clinical nurse leadersJOURNAL OF NURSING MANAGEMENT, Issue 6 2010CHRISTINE A. BOOMER RGN, PG Cert. boomer c.a.& mccormack b. (2010) Journal of Nursing Management 18, 633,644 Creating the conditions for growth: a collaborative practice development programme for clinical nurse leaders Aim, To evaluate a 3-year practice development (PD) programme for clinical nurse leaders. Background, The development of effective leaders is a key objective to progress the modernization agenda. This programme aimed to develop the participants alongside development of the culture and context of care. Methods, Programme evaluation methodology to determine the ,worth' of the programme, inform the experience of the participation, effect on workplace cultures and determine effectiveness of the process used. Results, Created the conditions for growth under two broad themes: process outcomes demonstrating growth as leaders contributing to cultural shifts; and general outcomes demonstrating practice changes. Conclusions, Developing communities of reflective leaders are required to meet demands within contemporary healthcare. PD provides a model to develop leaders to achieve sustainable changes and transform practice. Implications for nursing management, Active collaboration and participation of managers is crucial in the facilitation of and sustainability of cultural change. Approaches adopted to develop and sustain the transformation of practice need to focus on developing the skills and attributes of leaders and managers as facilitators. [source] Crystal temperature control in the Czochralski crystal growth processAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 1 2001Antonios Armaou This work proposes a control configuration and a nonlinear multivariable model-based feedback controller for the reduction of thermal gradients inside the crystal in the Czochralski crystal growth process after the crystal radius has reached its final value. Initially, a mathematical model which describes the evolution of the temperature inside the crystal in the radial and axial directions and accounts for radiative heat exchange between the crystal and its surroundings and motion of the crystal boundary is derived from first principles. This model is numericully solved using Galerkin's method and the behaviour of the crystal temperature is studied to obtain valuable insights which lead to the precise formulation of the control problem, the design of a new control configuration for the reduction of thermal gradients inside the crystal and the derivation of a simplified 1-D in a space dynamic model. Then, a model reduction procedure for partial differential equation systems with time-dependent spatial domains (Armaou and Christofides, 1999) based on a combination of Galerkin's method with approximate inertial manifolds is used to construct a fourth-order model that describes the dominant thermal dynamics of the Czochralski process. This low-order model is employed for the synthesis of a fourth-order nonlinear multivariable controller that can be readily implemented in practice. The proposed control scheme is successfully implemented on a Czochralski process used to produce a 0.7 m long silicon crystal with a radius of 0.05 m and is shown to significantly reduce the axial and radial thermal gradients inside the crystal. The robustness of the proposed controller with respect to model uncertainty is demonstrated through simulations. [source] Microenvironmental pH modulation in solid dosage formsJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 5 2007Sherif I. Farag Badawy Abstract There are many reports in the literature referring to the effect of ,microenvironmental pH' on solid dosage form performance, particularly stability and dissolution profiles. Several techniques have been proposed for the measurement of the microenvironmental pH. Those techniques use certain assumptions and approximations and many of them employ a solution calibration curve of a probe to predict hydrogen ion activity in a substantially dry solid. Despite the limitation of the methodology, it is clear from the literature that microenvironmental pH has a significant impact on stability of compounds which demonstrate pH dependent stability in solution. Degradation kinetics of such compounds, and in some cases degradation profile as well, are dependent on the microenvironmental pH of the solid. Modulation of the microenvironmental pH through the use of pH modifiers can hence prove to be a very effective tool in maximizing solid dosage form stability. Judicial selection of the appropriate pH modifier, its concentration and the manufacturing process used to incorporate the pH modifier is necessary to enhance stability. Control of microenvironmental pH to maximize stability can be achieved without the use of pH modifier in some cases if an appropriate counter ion is used to provide an inherently optimal pH for the salt. Microenvironmental pH modulation was also shown to control the dissolution profile of both immediate and controlled release dosage forms of compounds with pH dependent solubility. The pH modifiers have been used in conjunction with high energy or salt forms in immediate release formulations to minimize the precipitation of the less soluble free form during initial dissolution. Additionally, pH modifiers were utilized in controlled release dosage forms of weakly basic drugs which exhibit diminished release in dissolution media with high pH. The incorporation of acidic pH modifiers in the controlled release formulation increases the solubility of the basic drug even as the high pH dissolution medium enters into the dosage form hence increasing drug release rate. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 96: 948,959, 2007 [source] The process of software maintenance: a comparison of object-oriented and third-generation development languagesJOURNAL OF SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND EVOLUTION: RESEARCH AND PRACTICE, Issue 1 2007Michael A. Eierman Abstract We suggest that there is a lack of empirical evidence for claims that object-oriented software has an advantage in terms of software maintenance. We use a model of software maintenance that suggests that the maintenance task and programming language have an impact on the maintenance process and, in turn, use the maintenance process to explore the impact of the programming language on the maintenance process. A field study design, using students, examined the perceived difference in process employed by students using an object-oriented language and those using a third-generation language. We found a difference in the perceived process used by the two groups of students. Students using the object-oriented language perceived that they performed more planning and diagnosis activities during the maintenance process and students using a third-generation language perceived that they performed more knowledge building activities. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Policy on Acute Toxic Ingestion or Dermal or Inhalation ExposureJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, Issue 7 2003ANP-C FAANP, Mary Jo Goolsby EdD ABSTRACT Many nurse practitioners (NPs) practice in emergency and urgent-care settings, and fir more practical remote settings. NPs in each of these settings should be familiar with the assessment, stabilization, and treatment of patients who seek treatment for suspected intentional or accidental poisoning. This month's Clinical practice guideline (CPG) column reviews the "Clinical Policy for the Initial Approach to Patients Presenting With Acute Toxic Ingestion or Dermal or Inhalation Exposure." SUMMARY The ACEP "Clinical Policy for the Initial Approach to Patients Presenting With Acute Toxic Ingestion or Dermal or Inhalation Exposure" includes several helpful resources. In addition to recommending specific clinical actions in response to patient variables, the document includes a table identifying the antidote for many of the most commonly ingested drugs. These include digoxin, iron, opioids, salicylates, acetaminophen, and tricyclic antidepressants. The table also includes both the adult and pediatric dose of each listed antidote. A quick reference is included. This form can be used to guide the history, physical examination, and subsequent actions for treating patients with acute toxic ingestion or dermal or inhalation exposure. Finally, there is a quality assurance form to guide chart reviews. Many of the attributes of a well-developed guideline are identified in the report. The authors clearly identify the situations for which the recommendations are intended as well as those in which they do not apply. For instance, the guidance is not intended for use when patients are unstable and stabilization is the primary focus. It is also not intended for cases of radiation, parenteral, or eye exposure or of food poisoning. The authors describe the process used to develop the recommendations and identify the strength of the evidence on which each recommendation is based. The role of provider judgment in application of the guidance is addressed. Prior to its dissemination, the CPG was subjected to external review by dinical experts. This ACEP policy has applicability for the growing number of NPs working in emergency and urgent cafe settings as well as for those who must provide front line emergency care in remote settings. It provides a framework for responding to acute toxic exposures and provides several useful resources to assist the clinician in responding to situations in which accidental or intentional poisoning is suspected. [source] Textural properties of legume protein isolate and polysaccharide gelsJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 12 2006Eleousa A Makri Abstract The influence of legume proteins from lupin, pea and fababean on the formation of gels prepared by heat treatment in the absence or presence of xanthan gum, locust bean gum and NaCl was investigated. The resulting fracture and texture properties of gels not only are associated with the heating process used to form the gel but also depend on the conformational aspects of xanthan,locust bean gum in admixture with legume proteins, which after 10 days of aging reinforce the system. The fracture and textural properties are explained in terms of the effect of the protein,polysaccharide molecular structure and physicochemical conditions applied in the gel system during the gel preparation and measurements. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Inactivation of Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis in milk by UV treatmentLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2009J. Donaghy Abstract Aims:, To determine the effect of UV radiation on the viability of two strains of Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (Map) inoculated into milk. Methods and Results:,Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis in a ultra heat treated milk matrix was subjected to increasing doses of UV-C radiation from 0 to 1836 mJ ml,1 using a pilot-scale UV reactor (20 l capacity). Survival of Map was monitored by culture on Herrold's egg yolk medium, Middlebrook 7H10 medium and the FASTPlaqueTBÔ phage assay. Differences in sensitivity to UV treatment were observed between strains, however, at 1000 mJ ml,1 a Map kill rate of 0·1,0·6 log10 was achieved regardless of strain used or method employed to enumerate Map. Although the inactivation trend was similar on the culture and phage assay, the former gave a consistently higher viable count. Conclusions:, The use of UV radiation alone does not represent an alternative to current pasteurization regimes for a large reduction in viable Map in milk. Significance and Impact of the Study:, To the authors' knowledge the work here represents the first pilot-scale UV treatment process used to assess UV efficacy to inactivate Map in milk. The results are similar to those obtained with a laboratory-scale process indicating the difficulties associated with UV treatment of an opaque liquid and the recalcitrance of Map towards inimical treatments. [source] Structure and gas transmission characteristics of microperforations in plastic filmsPACKAGING TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE, Issue 4 2008P. Allan-Wojtas Abstract Bright field transmitted light microscopy (BFTLM), differential interference contrast light microscopy (DICLM), conventional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and low-vacuum scanning electron microscopy (LV-SEM) were used to observe microperforations in plastic film used for modified atmosphere packaging. Characteristics of the microperforations, including size, shape and obstructions are indicators of consistency and reproducibility of the process used to produce the microperforations. In addition, the microperforations appeared differently on the upper and lower surfaces of the plastic films, including a local thickening at the site of the microperforation and size of the opening. Microperforations in the range of 30 to 100,µm in diameter exhibited a linear increase of both O2 and CO2 transmission rates with hole area, for diffusion under calm conditions. Further testing indicated that microperforations larger than 55,µm in diameter can lose their diffusion constant if convection is present. Holes with a diameter less than 55,µm should therefore be used to achieve the required oxygen transmission rates (OTR). Copyright © 2007 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] What delay should there be between primary infectious mononucleosis and renal transplantation?PEDIATRIC TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 8 2006L. Kerecuk Abstract:, A 17-yr-old girl in end-stage renal failure was due to undergo living-related pre-emptive renal transplantation when she developed acute infectious mononucleosis (AIM) from Epstein,Barr virus (EBV). In view of the risk of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) we were unsure as to the optimal delay between AIM and renal transplantation. This report describes the process used to determine maturation of the immune response to EBV using a combination of serology, immunophenotyping and molecular viral load estimation. These tests showed that EBV had not been cleared and dialysis was instituted rather than proceed directly to transplantation. After EBV viral load became undetectable in the blood, living-related donor was successfully performed 13 months after AIM. With 42-month post-transplant follow up there has been no evidence of PTLD. [source] Direct bonding conditions of ferrite garnet layer on ion-exchanged glass waveguidesPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 10 2008Anne-Laure Joudrier Abstract In order to realize an integrated optical isolator, a new hybrid optical structure has been proposed. This structure is composed of an active magneto-optic garnet layer with a strong refractive index, transferred on a passive ion-exchanged glass waveguide. Given the thermal restraints relating to the stability of the glass waveguides, the process used to achieve this hybrid structure is composed of two main steps: firstly, good quality garnet films were grown by liquid phase epitaxy, then these active films were bonded successfully on glass wafer. According to modelling, the thickness of the garnet layer does not exceed 300 nm for maintaining a good confinement. Good wafer bondings on ion-exchanged glass waveguides are obtained. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Si/SiO2 nanocomposite by CVD infiltration of porous SiO2PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 8 2005G. Amato Abstract The aim of the present paper is to report first results on an innovative method for producing Si/SiO2 nanocomposites. Starting from a porous oxide structure, we infiltrated Si by Chemical Vapour Deposition of SiH4, under controlled conditions. In this way, we succeeded in infiltrating Si into the SiO2 template. Porous oxide is obtained by dry oxidation of mesoporous Si. By means of the electrochemical process used for producing porous Si, an interconnected pore structure is obtained. This allows for Si infiltration, giving rise, in principle, to an interconnected network of Si crystallites, in which electrical carriers are easily driven. Efficient charge injection in Si nanocrystals is of crucial importance for several applications, from electroluminescence to memory devices. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Structure, chemistry and electrical properties of extended defects in crystalline silicon for photovoltaicsPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 8 2009M. Seibt Abstract The electronic properties of present-day multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) materials for photovoltaic applications are strongly influenced by point defects, their mutual interaction and their interaction with dislocations and grain boundaries. This paper presents results from fundamental investigations of metal impurity interaction with extended defects, namely a small-angle grain boundary and bulk microdefects. It is shown that the distribution of copper silicide precipitates closely follows the density of bulk microdefects indicating the underlying physics of ,good' and ,bad' grains frequently observed in mc-Si. Co-precipitation of copper and nickel in the same samples leads to virtually the same distribution of multimetal silicide precipitates which according to light-beam induced current measurements show the same recombination activity as single-metal silicide particles. Transmission electron microscopy is used to show that for copper-rich and nickel-rich conditions two types of silicides co-exist, i.e. Cu3Si precipitates containing a small amount of nickel and NiSi2 precipitates containing some copper. Finally, phosphorus-diffusion gettering (PDG) is discussed as the main gettering process used in presentday silicon photovoltaics. Special emphasis is put on the effect of extended defects and their interaction with metal impurities on PDG kinetics. It is shown that different limiting processes will be simultaneously operative in mc-Si as a result of inhomogeneous bulk defect distributions (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Using a partnership between academic faculty and a physical therapist liaison to develop a framework for an evidence-based journal club: a discussionPHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2009Tricia M. Austin Abstract Evidence-based practice (EBP) in rehabilitation is increasingly recognized as important. Despite the importance of EBP, physical therapists' knowledge of EBP varies. Journal clubs have been used to educate clinicians about EBP. This discussion paper describes the partnership between academic faculty members and a physical therapist at a community hospital, and the process used to develop a framework to implement an evidence-based journal club. The partnership blended the expertise of academic faculty members and a physical therapist with knowledge of EBP who served as the liaison between members of the partnership team and the clinicians at the community hospital. The three-step framework developed enabled the clinicians to learn about critical appraisal, participate in guided practice of critical appraisal with the liaison, and lead critical appraisal of a paper with the assistance of the liaison as needed. This process could be easily replicated by other partnerships between academic faculty members and clinicians. Developing partnerships like the one described enables academicians to provide service to the profession, may enhance physical therapists' knowledge of the principles of EBP and may encourage EBP. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Comparison of device performance and measured transport parameters in widely-varying Cu(In,Ga) (Se,S) solar cellsPROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS: RESEARCH & APPLICATIONS, Issue 1 2006I. L. Repins Abstract We report the results of an extensive study employing numerous methods to characterize carrier transport within copper indium gallium sulfoselenide (CIGSS) photovoltaic devices, whose absorber layers were fabricated by diverse process methods in multiple laboratories. This collection of samples exhibits a wide variation of morphologies, compositions, and solar power conversion efficiencies. An extensive characterization of transport properties is reported here,including those derived from capacitance,voltage, admittance spectroscopy, deep level transient spectroscopy, time-resolved photoluminescence, Auger emission profiling, Hall effect, and drive level capacitance profiling. Data from each technique were examined for correlation with device performance, and those providing indicators of related properties were compared to determine which techniques and interpretations provide credible values for transport properties. Although these transport properties are not sufficient to predict all aspects of current-voltage characteristics, we have identified specific physical and transport characterization methods that can be combined using a model-based analysis algorithm to provide a quantitative prediction of voltage loss within the absorber. The approach has potential as a tool to optimize and understand device performance irrespective of the specific process used to fabricate the CIGSS absorber layer. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] ERP correlates of online monitoring of auditory feedback during vocalizationPSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2009Colin S. Hawco Abstract When speakers hear the fundamental frequency (F0) of their voice altered, they shift their F0 in the direction opposite the perturbation. The current study used ERPs to examine sensory processing of short feedback perturbations during an ongoing utterance. In one session, participants produced a vowel at an F0 of their own choosing. In another session, participants matched the F0 of a cue voice. An F0 perturbation of 0, 25, 50, 100, or 200 cents was introduced for 100 ms. A mismatch negativity (MMN) was observed. Differences between sessions were only found for 200-cent perturbations. Reduced compensation when speakers experienced the 200-cent perturbations suggests that this larger perturbation was perceived as externally generated. The presence of an MMN, and no earlier (N100) response suggests that the underlying sensory process used to identify and compensate for errors in mid-utterance may differ from feedback monitoring at utterance onset. [source] An integrated approach to optimization of Escherichia coli fermentations using historical dataBIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOENGINEERING, Issue 3 2003Matthew C. Coleman Abstract Using a fermentation database for Escherichia coli producing green fluorescent protein (GFP), we have implemented a novel three-step optimization method to identify the process input variables most important in modeling the fermentation, as well as the values of those critical input variables that result in an increase in the desired output. In the first step of this algorithm, we use either decision-tree analysis (DTA) or information theoretic subset selection (ITSS) as a database mining technique to identify which process input variables best classify each of the process outputs (maximum cell concentration, maximum product concentration, and productivity) monitored in the experimental fermentations. The second step of the optimization method is to train an artificial neural network (ANN) model of the process input,output data, using the critical inputs identified in the first step. Finally, a hybrid genetic algorithm (hybrid GA), which includes both gradient and stochastic search methods, is used to identify the maximum output modeled by the ANN and the values of the input conditions that result in that maximum. The results of the database mining techniques are compared, both in terms of the inputs selected and the subsequent ANN performance. For the E. coli process used in this study, we identified 6 inputs from the original 13 that resulted in an ANN that best modeled the GFP fluorescence outputs of an independent test set. Values of the six inputs that resulted in a modeled maximum fluorescence were identified by applying a hybrid GA to the ANN model developed. When these conditions were tested in laboratory fermentors, an actual maximum fluorescence of 2.16E6 AU was obtained. The previous high value of fluorescence that was observed was 1.51E6 AU. Thus, this input condition set that was suggested by implementing the proposed optimization scheme on the available historical database increased the maximum fluorescence by 55%. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 84: 274,285, 2003. [source] Intensified Process for the Purification of an Enzyme from Inclusion Bodies Using Integrated Expanded Bed Adsorption and RefoldingBIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 4 2006Matthew H. Hutchinson This work describes the integration of expanded bed adsorption (EBA) and adsorptive protein refolding operations in an intensified process used to recover purified and biologically active proteins from inclusion bodies expressed in E. coli. ,5 -3-Ketosteroid isomerase with a C-terminal hexahistidine tag was expressed as inclusion bodies in the cytoplasm of E. coli. Chemical extraction was used to disrupt the host cells and simultaneously solubilize the inclusion bodies, after which EBA utilizing immobilized metal affinity interactions was used to purify the polyhistidine-tagged protein. Adsorptive refolding was then initiated in the column by changing the denaturant concentration in the feed stream from 8 to 0 M urea. Three strategies were tested for performing the refolding step in the EBA column: (i) the denaturant was removed using a step change in feed-buffer composition, (ii) the denaturant was gradually removed using a gradient change in feed-buffer composition, and (iii) the liquid flow direction through the column was reversed and adsorptive refolding performed in the packed bed. Buoyancy-induced mixing disrupted the operation of the expanded bed when adsorptive refolding was performed using either a step change or a rapid gradient change in feed-buffer composition. A shallow gradient reduction in denaturant concentration of the feed stream over 30 min maintained the stability of the expanded bed during adsorptive refolding. In a separate experiment, buoyancy-induced mixing was completely avoided by performing refolding in a settled bed, which achieved comparable yields to refolding in an expanded bed but required a slightly more complex process. A total of 10% of the available KSI,(His6) was recovered as biologically active and purified protein using the described purification and refolding process, and the yield was further increased to 19% by performing a second iteration of the on-column refolding operation. This process should be applicable for other polyhistidine tagged proteins and is likely to have the greatest benefit for proteins that tend to aggregate when refolded by dilution. [source] Refocusing children's services: evaluation of an initial assessment processCHILD & FAMILY SOCIAL WORK, Issue 2 2001Platt This paper describes a small scale evaluation carried out in a social services department in England. It was concerned with the impact of a pilot initial assessment process used by social workers with children in need. The pilot was, in part, an attempt to adopt the ,refocusing' agenda of the late 1990s, and the analysis is presented within this context. The research involved quantitative examination of 47 cases, and qualitative interviews with the social worker and main carer/parent in a subsample of 10. The results suggested a high level of consumer satisfaction with the assessment/family support approach, and very little evidence that the use of broadly based assessments where there are low-key concerns about a child's safety would be a dangerous form of practice. A wholehearted commitment to refocusing children's services will, however, require attention to resourcing and management issues. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||