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Considerable Advantages (considerable + advantage)
Selected AbstractsReview of the long-term effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy compared to medications in panic disorderDEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 2 2003Deepa N. Nadiga M.D. Abstract Panic disorder is a recurrent and disabling illness. It is believed that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has a long-term protective effect for this disorder. This would offer CBT considerable advantage over medication management of panic disorder, as patients often relapse when they are tapered off their medications. This is a review of the literature about the long-term effectiveness of CBT. We searched for follow-up studies of panic disorder using CBT. Of the 78 citations produced in the initial search, most had major methodological flaws, including ignoring losses to follow-up, not accounting for interval treatment, and unclear reporting. Three papers met strict methodological criteria, and two of these demonstrated a modest protective effect of CBT in panic disorder patients. We make recommendations for well-designed studies involving comparisons of medications and cognitive behavior therapy. Depression and Anxiety 17:58,64, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Floodplain friction parameterization in two-dimensional river flood models using vegetation heights derived from airborne scanning laser altimetryHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 9 2003David C. Mason Abstract Two-dimensional (2-D) hydraulic models are currently at the forefront of research into river flood inundation prediction. Airborne scanning laser altimetry is an important new data source that can provide such models with spatially distributed floodplain topography together with vegetation heights for parameterization of model friction. The paper investigates how vegetation height data can be used to realize the currently unexploited potential of 2-D flood models to specify a friction factor at each node of the finite element model mesh. The only vegetation attribute required in the estimation of floodplain node friction factors is vegetation height. Different sets of flow resistance equations are used to model channel sediment, short vegetation, and tall and intermediate vegetation. The scheme was tested in a modelling study of a flood event that occurred on the River Severn, UK, in October 1998. A synthetic aperture radar image acquired during the flood provided an observed flood extent against which to validate the predicted extent. The modelled flood extent using variable friction was found to agree with the observed extent almost everywhere within the model domain. The variable-friction model has the considerable advantage that it makes unnecessary the unphysical fitting of floodplain and channel friction factors required in the traditional approach to model calibration. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A numerical method for the determination of dextrous workspaces of Gough,Stewart platformsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 4 2001L. J. du Plessis Abstract An optimization approach to the computation of the boundaries of different dextrous workspaces of parallel manipulators is presented. A specific dextrous workspace is the region in space in which, at each position of the working point, a manipulator can control the orientation of its upper working platform through a specified range of orientation angles. Here the dextrous workspace is determined from the intersection of suitably chosen fixed orientation workspaces, which are found by application of a constrained optimization algorithm. The procedure is simple and has the considerable advantage that it may easily be automated. The method is illustrated by its application to both a planar and spatial Gough,Stewart platform. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] In situ generated hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene nanoparticles in polyimide filmsADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Anand Kumar Gupta Abstract Polyimide (PI) has been extensively investigated as matrices for blends in the search for novel materials for microelectronics and engineering application. The processing of the PI with hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) offers a considerable advantage to develop a material having good mechanical and thermal stability. Taking this into account, the HTPB was blended with polyamic acid, which is precursor to PI to form PI + HTPB films. A number of properties were evaluated for PI + HTPB films with ultra low concentrations of HTPB. The films prepared with ultra low concentration (10,3,1 wt%) showed unusual synergism, which is attributed to the presence of in situ generated micro/nanostructures derived from HTPB. The microhardness study was used to elucidate the actual mechanical performance due to structure formation of HTPB in a nanometer regime within PI matrix. Atomic force microscopy analysis confirmed the dispersion of HTPB at nano regime within PI matrix. The enhanced thermal stability as determined by thermogravimetric analyzer and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry was attributed to the presence of micro/nanoparticle of HTPB within the PI matrix. The water absorption isotherms were measured and their abnormal behavior was correlated with micro-/nano-sized particles in the PI/HTPB film. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 28:48,59, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20144 [source] Topical antifungal drugs for the treatment of onychomycosis: an overview of current strategies for monotherapy and combination therapyJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 1 2005R Baran ABSTRACT Background, Onychomycosis is a relatively common disease accounting for up to 50% of all nail disorders and its prevalence rises with age. As onychomycosis is an important medical disorder affecting both patient's health and quality of life, it requires prompt and effective treatment. Objective, Topical antifungal nail lacquers have been formulated to provide efficient delivery to the nail unit. As both amorolfine and ciclopirox have proved useful as monotherapy for onychomycosis that does not involve the nail matrix area, the purpose of this article is to check if, when combined with oral agents, the effectiveness and scope of treatment can be improved further. Methods, Combining data for mycological cure with clinical success (nail morphology) provides a more exacting efficacy measure. Results, Clinical investigations have shown that the combination of oral therapies with antifungal nail lacquer can confer considerable advantage over monotherapy with either drug type. Conclusion, The improved effectiveness and economic advantages of combined topical/oral therapies benefit both patients and health providers; these treatment regimens therefore have an important role to play in the modern management of onychomycosis. [source] Middle East set to benefit as petrochemical demand growsOIL AND ENERGY TRENDS, Issue 8 2005Article first published online: 15 AUG 200 Strong worldwide demand for petrochemicals, particularly in China, is prompting many oil and petrochemical producers to build new ethylene capacity. China itself has extensive plans for capacity additions, as do some other Asian countries, but the largest increase looks set to come from the Middle East. Here, the growth will be based on access to abundant low-cost feedstocks, especially gas, which will give the region a considerable advantage over regions dependent on expensive oil-based feedstocks, including much of Asia. The exploitation of gas-based feedstocks has enabled the Middle East to build up a significant presence in world ethylene markets already. Since 2000, it has been the largest exporter of ethylene and its dominance could grow considerably over the coming decade, largely at the expense of the US. On present projections of demand and capacity, the Middle East is likely to account for well over 90% of the world's net trade in ethylene by 2010, with China as its principal market. [source] Controlling and Motivating the Workforce: Evidence from the Banking Industry in the Late Nineteenth and Early Twentieth CenturiesAUSTRALIAN ECONOMIC HISTORY REVIEW, Issue 3 2000Andrew J. SeltzerArticle first published online: 18 DEC 200 Large banks have a considerable advantage over their smaller rivals because they are better able to diversify their portfolios. However, to achieve this advantage they must overcome agency problems associated with delegating decision making to non-owner employees. This paper uses evidence from the Union Bank of Australia to examine mechanisms used to monitor and motivate workers. Monitoring took the form of rigorous screening, beginning with the hiring process and continuing with frequent performance evaluations. Workers were also given strict rules of behaviour and incentives to supply effort in the form of seniority-based wages, performance-based promotions, and a generous pension plan. [source] Benefits and challenges of supervising occupational therapy fieldwork students: Supervisors' perspectivesAUSTRALIAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY JOURNAL, Issue 2007Yvonne Thomas Background/aim:,Increased enrolments in occupational therapy education programs, together with changes in the employment patterns of practising occupational therapists, have resulted in a crisis in fieldwork education in Australia. This study aimed to investigate fieldwork supervisors' perspectives regarding the benefits and challenges of providing fieldwork placements, explore the potential link between providing student placements and later workforce recruitment, and document currently employed models of fieldwork supervision. Methods:,Participants included past, present and potential future fieldwork supervisors, sourced from fieldwork coordinators' databases at The University of Queensland and James Cook University. Using an online, purpose-designed questionnaire, descriptive data (frequencies and percentages) were gathered from forced-choice questions. For open-ended questions, content analysis was conducted to identify categories and themes. Results:,One hundred and thirty-two surveys were completed. Benefits of fieldwork placements related to opportunities for later recruitment of fieldwork students, students conducting projects and developing resources, a sense of contributing to the occupational therapy profession, and the development of employee skills. Challenges related to staffing issues, lack of physical resources and prohibitive workload pressures. Multiple models of supervision were employed in supervisors' workplaces, and almost all participants responsible for workplace employment had employed fieldwork students they had previously supervised. Conclusions:The results demonstrate a strong link between supervision and later recruitment of fieldwork students, suggesting that supervision of students is of considerable advantage to the host organisations in the recruitment of appropriately prepared employees. The study also demonstrates additional benefits to be promoted to supervisors and organisations to encourage and support fieldwork placements. [source] VOLUNTARY ROADS AND STREETSECONOMIC AFFAIRS, Issue 2 2003Peter A. Watt This article examines the question of whether roads and streets could be financed by voluntary charges rather than by compulsory taxation as they are now. The question of private arrangements for long-distance roads is examined first, then local streets. Both questions are complicated, but there is more evidence available to look at the first question than the second. It is concluded that a move to greater use of private mechanisms for providing roads and streets would have considerable advantages and expansion of this mode of provision should be encouraged. [source] A New Frequency Analysis Method for Constructing Fire Histories from Flowering Events in Austral Grasstrees (Xanthorrhoea australis) from Southern VictoriaGEOGRAPHICAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2006GREGG MÜLLER Abstract Austral Grasstrees often flower in response to fire, leaving a discernable scar on the trunk. These scars act as a record of flowering, and by measuring the distance between the scars, and relating the growth to a known growth rate, a fire chronology can be constructed from each measured tree. By analysing the frequency distributions of the fire dates calculated from a population of grasstrees, lengthy fire chronologies can be constructed. While the results are provisional, a resolution of two years and spans exceeding 100 years are possible. The technique has considerable advantages over current methods, and should find applications in fire ecology, ecological history and vegetation management. [source] Scintigraphy can be used to compare delivery of sore throat formulationsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 4 2009M. Limb Summary Aims:, Sore throat (pharyngitis) is commonly treated with over-the-counter lozenges, tablets, sprays and gargles. While the efficacy of the active ingredients has been examined, less is known about the comparative efficacy of the different delivery formats. Methods:, A pilot study was initially performed, followed by an open-label, four-way crossover study in healthy volunteers to quantitatively assess the delivery efficacy of a lozenge, tablet, spray and gargle, using technetium-99m and scintigraphy as a marker of deposition and clearance of the active ingredients. Results:, Initial deposition in the mouth and throat combined was significantly greater for the solid dose forms (lozenge and tablet) than for the spray or gargle. Rates of clearance were initially similar for the tablet and lozenge with low levels of radioactivity present at up to 2 h. At 10 and 20 min, significantly more of the dose remained for the lozenge than for the tablet. The mouth appeared to act as a reservoir for continued clearance to the throat. Discussion and Conclusion:, Scintigraphy is an effective means of quantifying the delivery efficiency, and hence availability, of sore throat medications. The results presented here suggest that both lozenges and tablets offer considerable advantages over sprays or gargles, both in terms of proportion of the dose delivered to the mouth and throat, combined, and clearance from these regions. These delivery formats provide fast, effective and prolonged delivery of active ingredients, highlighting their potential benefits for sore throat medication. [source] Implementation of oral health recommendations into two residential aged care facilities in a regional Australian cityINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EVIDENCE BASED HEALTHCARE, Issue 3 2006Tony Fallon BAppSc(Hons) PhD Abstract Background, Residents of aged care facilities usually have a large number of oral health problems. Residents who suffer from dementia are at particular risk. A systematic review of the best available evidence with regard to maintaining the oral health of older people with dementia in residential aged care facilities provided a number of recommendations. Objectives, The aim of the implementation project was to introduce evidence-based oral hygiene practices for patients with dementia in two publicly funded residential aged care facilities and monitor for changes in nursing awareness, knowledge, documentation and practice to improve patient outcomes and ensure appropriate accreditation standards were met. An additional aim was to identify barriers and strategies to overcome barriers to implementation of evidence-based recommendations. Methods, Two facilities, a 40-bed facility and a 71-bed facility in the health service district of the regional Australian city of Toowoomba, provided the setting. A quality improvement approach was taken, using a number of strategies from the National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines for implementation studies. The implementation involved a number of stages, including project development, interactive oral health education, oral audits of residents, changes to oral hygiene practice via care plans and critical reflection. Results, The multidisciplinary approach to improving oral healthcare appeared to improve knowledge and awareness and move oral health practices in facilities closer to best practice. Specialised training in oral health was provided to a Clinical Nurse Consultant. Regular oral audits were introduced and facility staff were trained in the use of the oral audit tool. Care plans at one facility were of better quality and more comprehensive than before the intervention. Comments made during critical reflection suggested improvements in the oral health of residents, increased use of oral swabs and saliva substitutes, improved care of dentures and mention of the use of mouth props in resident care plans. There was also some evidence that changes brought about by the implementation are sustainable. Conclusion, The majority of recommendations provided in the systematic review of oral healthcare for dementia patients were applicable to the applied context. The importance of day-to-day leaders was highlighted by the apparently varied outcomes across target facilities. The quality improvement approach would appear to have considerable advantages when applied to improving practice in residential aged care. [source] Thermal and hydrodynamic characteristics of constructal tree-shaped minichannel heat sinkAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 8 2010Yongping Chen Abstract A three-dimensional thermal and hydrodynamic model for constructal tree-shaped minichannel heat sink is developed. The heat and fluid flow in the constructal heat sink with an inlet hydraulic diameter of 4 mm are numerically analyzed, taking into consideration conjugate heat transfer in the channel walls. The pressure drop, temperature uniformity, and coefficient of performance (COP) of the constructal tree-shaped heat sink are evaluated and compared with those of the corresponding traditional serpentine flow pattern. The results indicate that the constructal tree-shaped minichannel heat sinks have considerable advantages over the traditional serpentine flow patterns in both heat transfer and pressure drop. The strong and weak heat flow can be effectively allocated in tree-shaped flow structures; hence, the inherent advantage of uniform temperature on the heating surface in the constructal tree-shaped heat sink is demonstrated. And in tree-shaped flow structures, the local pressure loss due to confluence flow is found to be larger than that due to diffluence flow. In addition, an aluminum constructal tree-shaped minichannel heat sink is fabricated to conduct the verification experiment. The experimentally measured temperature distribution and pressure drop are in agreement with the numerical simulation, which verifies that the present model is reasonable. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010 [source] Characterisation of lubricants on ball bearings by FT-IR using an integrating sphereLUBRICATION SCIENCE, Issue 3 2007K.W. Street Abstract Fourier transform-infrared reflectance microspectroscopy has been used extensively for the examination of coatings on non-planar surfaces such as ball bearings. While this technique offers considerable advantages, practical application has many drawbacks, some of which are easily overcome by the use of integrating sphere technology. This paper described the use of an integrating sphere for the quantification of thin layers of lubricant on the surface of ball bearings and the parameters that require optimisation in order to obtain reliable data. Several applications of the technique were discussed including determination of lubricant load on 12.7mm steel ball bearings and the examination of degraded lubricant on post-mortem specimens. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Learning Curve for Translaryngeal Tracheotomy in Head and Neck SurgeryTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 4 2001Gioacchino Giugliano MD Abstract Objectives Translaryngeal tracheotomy (TLT) is a widely accepted procedure in intensive-care units for its simplicity of execution, low morbidity, rapid wound closure after cannula removal, good esthetic results, and lack of long-term sequelae. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and use of adopting TLT in patients with cancer undergoing major head and neck surgery. Study Design Prospective analysis of learning curve and incidence of complications in 41 patients with cancer who underwent TLT at the Division of Head and Neck Surgery of the European Institute of Oncology from November 1997 to June 1999. Methods Patient characteristics, pathology, anatomic characteristics of the neck, and surgical short-term and long-term complications were noted. The patients were divided into consecutive groups of six or seven patients, and time trends in occurrence of complications and time to execute the procedure were assessed. Results TLT performance time decreased from 50 minutes in the first seven patients to 24 minutes in the last group. The technique was easy to perform and safe, with only two minor complications during surgery. However, minor complications occurred in three and major complications in 17 patients in the days immediately following surgery, almost entirely attributable to lack of counter-cannu1a and stylet. Conclusions In view of the high proportion of major complications, TLT using the presently available kit is unsuitable for major head and neck surgery. However, the considerable advantages of the technique would recommend it as a valid alternative to surgical tracheotomy if the kit included a counter-cannu1a and stylet. [source] A new mirrored laryngoscope,ANAESTHESIA, Issue 10 2003R. C. N. McMorrow Summary A new laryngoscope has been designed, incorporating an adjustable mirror and a levered tip similar to the McCoy blade, in an attempt to bridge the gulf between simple direct laryngoscopy and fiberoptic laryngoscopy. Manual in-line neck stabilisation was used to simulate difficult laryngoscopy in 14 anaesthetised patients after full neuromuscular blockade. The best view at laryngoscopy was assessed using a standard Macintosh laryngsocope, a size 3 McCoy laryngoscope and the mirrored laryngoscope. The best laryngeal view obtained in all cases with the Macintosh blade was a grade 3. The mirrored laryngoscope improved this view in 10 cases (71%) compared with five cases (36%) with the McCoy laryngoscope (p =,0.005); in seven cases (50%), the view improved to a grade 1 compared with no cases when the McCoy was used (p =,0.02). We conclude that the mirrored laryngoscope offers considerable advantages over the Macintosh and the McCoy laryngoscopes in simulated difficult laryngoscopy, is simple to use and requires no special training. [source] CT and Cross-sectional Anatomy of the Normal Head of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 2005A. Arencibia The objective of this study is to describe the CT anatomy of the normal loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) head using three loggerhead sea turtle heads. CT imaging was performed using the following parameters: K.v.: 120 mAs: 220, and a soft-tissue window (WW 1880, WL 465): Transverse and sagittal CT images were obtained. Detailed anatomy of the head was acquired with the sagittal and transverse series. The heads were frozen and then sectioned using an electric saw, to compare them with the CT images. In CT, the grey scale is directly related to the radiation attenuation of the head structures. The skull and hyoid bones, and the lower jaw were easily identifiable due to the high CT density image compared to adjacent or surrounding structures such as the respiratory system, oral cavity, oesophagus and cranial cavity that appeared as a low opacity. The nervous structures, salt gland, eyeball, ramphoteca structure and different muscles of the head had an intermediate CT density and appeared grey. CT images of the loggerhead sea turtle head provided excellent detail of clinically relevant anatomy and correlated well with corresponding gross specimens. CT of the head has considerable advantages over other techniques: CT provides excellent spatial resolution and good discrimination between bone and soft tissue, and the structures are viewed without superimposition. The planimetric or sectional anatomy of the head allows a correct morphologic and topographic evaluation of the anatomic structures, which is a useful tool for the identification of the CT images. With developing technology, CT imaging may soon become more readily available for exotic animals imaging. In the same way, we consider it quite useful to be able to establish some references on head, in order to scan only selected parts during a clinical or experimental approach. The information presented in this communication should serve as an initial reference to evaluate CT images of the loggerhead sea turtle head and to assist interpretation of lesions of this region. [source] Structure of murine angiogenin: features of the substrate- and cell-binding regions and prospects for inhibitor-binding studiesACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D, Issue 12 2005Daniel E. Holloway Angiogenin is an unusual member of the pancreatic ribonuclease superfamily that induces blood-vessel formation and is a promising anticancer target. The three-dimensional structure of murine angiogenin (mAng) has been determined by X-ray crystallography. Two structures are presented: one is a complex with sulfate ions (1.5,Å resolution) and the other a complex with phosphate ions (1.6,Å resolution). Residues forming the putative B1, P1 and B2 subsites occupy positions similar to their hAng counterparts and are likely to play similar roles. The anions occupy the P1 subsite, sulfate binding conventionally and phosphate adopting two orientations, one of which is novel. The B1 subsite is obstructed by Glu116 and Phe119, with the latter assuming a less invasive position than its hAng counterpart. Hydrophobic interactions between the C-terminal segment and the main body of the protein are more extensive than in hAng and may underly the lower enzymatic activity of the murine protein. Elsewhere, the structure of the H3,B2 loop supports the view that hAng Asn61 interacts directly with cell-surface molecules and does not merely stabilize adjacent regions of the hAng structure. mAng crystals appear to offer small-molecule inhibitors a clear route to the active site and may even withstand a reorientation of the C-terminal segment that provides access to the cryptic B1 subsite. These features represent considerable advantages over crystalline hAng and bAng. [source] HPLC of basic drugs using non-aqueous ionic eluents: evaluation of a 3,,m strong cation-exchange materialBIOMEDICAL CHROMATOGRAPHY, Issue 3 2010Phillip E. Morgan Abstract HPLC columns packed with 3,,m particle size HPLC Technology Techsphere SCX (propylsulfonic acid-modified) silica offer considerable advantages over 5,,m SCX packings in the analysis of basic drugs using 100% methanol eluents containing an ionic modifier such as ammonium perchlorate. The basic drugs studied included clozapine and norclozapine, olanzapine, quinine and quinidine, and amitriptyline, nortriptyline, imipramine and desipramine. The 3,,m column was not only more efficient for a given column length compared with 5,,m materials, but also elution times were less, a phenomenon observed in reversed-phase systems. The high efficiencies and excellent peak shapes obtained with the 3,,m SCX-modified packing together with the relatively low back-pressures attained show that such materials deserve serious consideration by laboratories involved in the analysis of basic drugs. Manufacturers should offer such packings as a matter of routine. Alternative ionic modifiers such as ammonium acetate are available for use with mass spectrometric detection if required. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Nanostructured Praseodymium Oxide: Correlation Between Phase Transitions and Catalytic ActivityCHEMCATCHEM, Issue 6 2010Patrick Sonström Abstract Praseodymia gives rise to a rich phase diagram with a large number of phases between the limiting stoichiometries Pr2O3 and PrO2 that differ only slightly in oxygen content (PrnO2n,2). This chemical and crystallographic variability allows the system to release or incorporate lattice oxygen easily at sufficiently high temperatures and thus renders the material interesting as a catalyst for redox reactions according to a Mars,van,Krevelen mechanism. Nanostructured praseodymia samples are investigated in this study with respect to their catalytic properties, focusing on methane oxidation and selective NO reduction by CO and CH4. To correlate catalytic activity and crystallographic changes, complementary high-temperature X-ray diffraction measurements have been carried out. The determined temperatures of transitions between different oxide phases agree well with peaks in the temperature-programmed reduction measurements, confirming the direct connection between the availability of lattice oxygen and crystallographic transformations. The catalytic activity for methane oxidation and NO reduction sets in at 450,500,°C, at which temperature the starting material,mainly Pr6O11,transforms into the next oxygen-depleted phase Pr7O12. With respect to NO reduction, the results show that it is possible to employ both methane and carbon monoxide as reducing agents in the absence of oxygen, in agreement with a Mars,van,Krevelen mechanism. Nevertheless, the use of CO instead of CH4 offers considerable advantages, as no deactivation due to carbon residues takes place in this case. Whereas, in an excess of oxygen, NO reduction is inhibited independently of the reducing agent, it is shown that NO reduction can proceed if the O2 concentration remains below a critical concentration. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||