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Different Methods (different + methods)
Kinds of Different Methods Terms modified by Different Methods Selected AbstractsEFFECT OF DIFFERENT METHODS FOR APPLICATION OF AN ANTIFOG SHRINK FILM TO MAINTAIN CAULIFLOWER QUALITY DURING STORAGEJOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY, Issue 3 2003J. R. DeELL The antifog shrink film improved quality retention and cauliflower packaged using any of the four methods exhibited less weight loss than controls (unwrapped) after 23 days in storage at 0,1C or 10C. The overwrap and sealed bag treatments resulted in higher appearance ratings and less curd browning and butt discoloration after storage at 0,1C. Shrinking the film with heat and/or vacuum may have damaged the tissue, providing a more favorable environment for microorganism growth, since more decay was found on these curds. [source] COMPARISON OF INFECTION RATE USING DIFFERENT METHODS OF ASSESSMENT FOR SURVEILLANCE OF TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONSANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 7 2007Yoke-Fong Chiew Background: The surveillance of surgical site infections (SSI) has been undertaken in many centres worldwide to ascertain the extent of the problem and where possible, to improve the incidence rates, thereby decreasing the undesirable outcomes. The study investigates the processes and outcomes of total hip replacement SSI surveillance carried out in Dunedin Public Hospital in 2004. Methods: Two hundred and six patients were enlisted in the study and 189 primary replacements and 22 revision replacements were carried out. Four methods of diagnosis of SSI were applied: (i) clinician diagnosis; (ii) ASEPSIS score; (iii) presence of pus cells; and (iv) assessment by a clinical microbiologist. Infection rates were calculated according to the risk indexes. Results: The incidence of infections varies considerably among these four methods. The infection rates for risk index 0 were 4.35% (method 1), 2.61% (method 2), 0.87% (methods 3 and 4); and for risk indexes 1 and 2 were 4.17% (method 1), 2.08% (method 2), 1.04% (methods 3 and 4). Conclusion: There is a need for accurate infection data so that the appropriate follow-up responses, including infection control measures for total hip replacement SSI can be carried out. The preponderance of elderly patients in the study who are frequently on ,polypharmacy' regimens adds pressure to the need to obtain true infection rates. This is because when antimicrobials are prescribed to them, drug interactions, adverse effects of the antimicrobials and the selective pressure of antimicrobials causing resistances may occur. More resources and a multidisciplinary approach are required for future studies of similar nature. [source] GRAPHICAL SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS WITH DIFFERENT METHODS OF IMPUTATION FOR A TRIAL WITH PROBABLE NON-IGNORABLE MISSING DATAAUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF STATISTICS, Issue 4 2009M. Weatherall Summary Graphical sensitivity analyses have recently been recommended for clinical trials with non-ignorable missing outcome. We demonstrate an adaptation of this methodology for a continuous outcome of a trial of three cognitive-behavioural therapies for mild depression in primary care, in which one arm had unexpectedly high levels of missing data. Fixed-value and multiple imputations from a normal distribution (assuming either varying mean and fixed standard deviation, or fixed mean and varying standard deviation) were used to obtain contour plots of the contrast estimates with their,P -values superimposed, their confidence intervals, and the root mean square errors. Imputation was based either on the outcome value alone, or on change from baseline. The plots showed fixed-value imputation to be more sensitive than imputing from a normal distribution, but the normally distributed imputations were subject to sampling noise. The contours of the sensitivity plots were close to linear in appearance, with the slope approximately equal to the ratio of the proportions of subjects with missing data in each trial arm. [source] Comparison of Different Methods of ST Segment Resolution Analysis for Prediction of 1-Year Mortality after Primary Angioplasty for Acute Myocardial InfarctionANNALS OF NONINVASIVE ELECTROCARDIOLOGY, Issue 1 2007Jakub Przyluski M.D. Background: Resolution of ST segment elevation corresponds with myocardial tissue reperfusion and correlates with clinical outcome after ST elevation myocardial infarction. Simpler method evaluating the extent of maximal deviation persisting in a single ECG lead was an even stronger mortality predictor. Our aim was to evaluate and compare prognostic accuracy of different methods of ST segment elevation resolution analysis after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a real-life setting. Methods: Paired 12-lead ECGs were analyzed in 324 consecutive and unselected patients treated routinely with primary PCI in a single high-volume center. ST segment resolution was quantified and categorized into complete, partial, or none, upon the (1) sum of multilead ST elevations (sumSTE) and (2) sum of ST elevations plus reciprocal depressions (sumSTE+D); or into the low-, medium-, and high-risk groups by (3) the single-lead extent of maximal postprocedural ST deviation (maxSTE). Results: Complete, partial, and nonresolution groups by sumSTE constituted 39%, 40%, and 21% of patients, respective groups by sumSTE+D comprised 40%, 39%, and 21%. The low-, medium-, and high-risk groups constituted 43%, 32%, and 25%. One-year mortality rates for rising risk groups by sumSTE were 4.7%, 10.2%, and 14.5% (P = 0.049), for sumSTE+D 3.8%, 9.6%, and 17.6% (P = 0.004) and for maxSTE 5.1%, 6.7%, and 18.5% (P = 0.001), respectively. After adjustment for multiple covariates only maxSTE (high vs low-risk, odds ratio [OR] 3.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11,8.63; P = 0.030) and age (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.02,1.11; P = 0.002) remained independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions: In unselected population risk stratifications based on the postprocedural ST resolution analysis correlate with 1-year mortality after primary PCI. However, only the single-lead ST deviation analysis allows an independent mortality prediction. [source] Low-Density Lipoprotein Apheresis: Clinical Results with Different MethodsARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 2 2002Rolf Bambauer Abstract: In 40 patients (22 women, 18 men) suffering from familial hypercholesterolemia resistant to diet and lipid lowering drugs, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis was performed over 84.9 ± 43.2 months. Four different systems (Liposorber, 28 of 40, Kaneka, Osaka, Japan; Therasorb, 6 of 40, Baxter, Munich, Germany; Lipopak, 2 of 40, Pocard, Moscow, Russia; and Dali, 4 of 40, Fresenius, St. Wendel, Germany) were used. With all methods, average reductions of 50.6% for total cholesterol, 52.2% for LDL, 64.3% for lipoprotein (a) (Lp[a]), and 43.1% for triglycerides, and an average increase of 10.3% for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were reached. Severe side effects such as shock or allergic reactions were very rare (0.5%) in all methods. In the course of treatment, an improvement in general well being and increased performance were experienced by 39 of 40 patients. Assessing the different apheresis systems used, at the end of the trial, there were no significant differences with respect to the clinical outcome experienced with the patients' total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglyceride concentrations. However, to reduce high Lp(a) levels, the immunoadsorption method with special Lp(a) columns (Lipopak) seems to be most effective: ,59% versus ,25% (Kaneka) , (Baxter), and ,29% (Dali). The present data demonstrate that treatment with LDL apheresis of patients suffering from familial hypercholesterolemia resistant to maximum conservative therapy is very effective and safe even in long-term application. [source] Zur Auswahl eines geeigneten Verfahrens für die Berücksichtigung der Mitwirkung des Betons auf ZugBAUTECHNIK, Issue 7 2010Ulrich Quast Univ.-Prof. i. R. Dr.-Ing. Tension Stiffening; Different Methods; Stress-Strain Relationship; Moment-Curvature Relationship; Cracked Section; Circular Tube Section Stahlbetonbau Reinforced Concrete Construction Abstract Die Auswahl eines geeigneten Verfahrens zur Berücksichtigung der Mitwirkung des Betons auf Zug sollte nach DIN 1045-1:2001-07, 8.5.1 (9), in Abhängigkeit von der jeweiligen Bemessungsaufgabe getroffen werden. In den Erläuterungen zu DIN 1045-1 wird im Heft 525 des DAfStb als einziges Verfahren nur die Verringerung der Betonstahldehnung mit einer modifizierten Spannungs-Dehnungslinie für Betonstahl erläutert. Verfahren, die mittlere wirksame Betonzugspannungen in der Betonzugzone berücksichtigen, werden erwähnt aber nicht erläutert. Mit den Ergebnissen nachgerechneter Moment-Verkrümmungs-Werte von Stahlbetonröhren aus drei Versuchen mit unterschiedlichen Längskräften wird gezeigt, dass die Mitwirkung des Betons auf Zug mit dem Verfahren nach Heft 525 DAfStb nur bei reiner Biegung befriedigend erfasst wird. Bei Biegung mit Längskraft werden besser mittlere wirksame Betonzugspannungen berücksichtigt. Es werden vier unterschiedliche Ansätze für die Betonzugspannungen besprochen. On the selection of an adequate method for considering the contribution of concrete in tension. The selection of an adequate method for considering the contribution of concrete in tension should according to DIN 1045-1:2001-07, 8.5.1 (9), be chosen with respect to the particular design problem. The explanations to DIN 1045-1 in book 525 from DAfStb describe only one method, the method which reduces the steel strain taking a modified stress-strain relationship into account. Methods that consider mean effective concrete stresses in tension are mentioned but not explained. The results of recomputed moment-curvature values from three tests with different longitudinal forces show that the method in book 525 DAfStb covers the contribution of concrete in tension only for reinforced concrete members without longitudinal forces. For members with longitudinal forces methods with mean effective concrete stresses give better agreements. Four different assumptions for the concrete stresses in tension are discussed. [source] A Case of Foul Genital Odor Treated with Botulinum Toxin ADERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 9 2004Jae-Bong Lee MD Background. Genital odor is an uncommon condition characterized by an offensive and malodorous smell in the genital area. Although the etiology of foul genital odor is multifactorial, an important cause is sweat secretion and decomposition of sweat components by bacteria. Different methods are effective in reducing body odor secondary to bromhidrosis. Conservative methods only act for a short period of time, and more invasive surgical methods carry risk of complications or are inapplicable for the genital region. Methods. A patient with localized foul odor in the genital hair bearing area was treated with botulinum toxin A. Results. Botulinum toxin A was effective in creating an odorless and anhydrous response in the genital region, and no major adverse effects were noted during a follow-up of 9 months after injection. Conclusion. Local injection of botulinum toxin A appears to be a useful treatment for foul genital odor related to sweat glands activity. [source] A pilot randomized trial in primary care to investigate and improve knowledge, awareness and self-management among South Asians with diabetes in ManchesterDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 12 2003A. Vyas Abstract Aims To investigate whether a secondary,primary care partnership education package could improve understanding of diabetes care among South Asians. Methods In a pilot randomized controlled trial, in the setting of eight general practices randomized to intervention or control, patients were invited to four or more rotating visits per year by one of a diabetes specialist nurse, dietician or chiropodist working with general practice staff. Participants were from lists of South Asian patients with known Type 2 diabetes in each (general) practice. Results Patients and practice scores at baseline and 1-year follow-up, from an interview using a questionnaire on knowledge, awareness and self-management of diabetes. Responses were developed into educational packages used during intervention. Of the 411 patients listed at baseline only 211 were traced for interview (refusal only 4%). Mean age was 55.4 years, age of diabetes onset 47.1 years. Fourteen percent were employed and 35% were able to communicate in English fluently. Only 118 could be traced and interviewed at 1 year, although there was no significant difference in demography between those who completed the study and those who did not. Despite a mean of four visits/patient, intervention had no impact on scores for diabetes knowledge, or awareness [score change 0.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) ,0.20, 0.49] or self-management (,0.05, 95% CI ,0.48, 0.39) between baseline and 1 year. Conclusions This form of secondary/primary care support did not transfer information effectively, and we suspect similar problems would arise in other similar communities. Different methods of clinician/patient information exchange need to be developed for diabetes in this South Asian group. [source] Different methods of monitoring susceptibility of oilseed rape beetles to insecticidesEPPO BULLETIN, Issue 1 2008T. Thieme The resistance of oilseed rape pollen beetles to lambda-cyhalothrin has increased in Germany over the period 2002 to 2007. Oilseed rape pollen beetles are very good at dispersing, therefore field results should always be compared with those of laboratory experiments. The response of oilseed rape pollen beetles to active substances may not be the same as that to formulated products. Bioassays in which beetles are exposed to insecticides on either complete inflorescences or flower buds give different results. It is evident that samples of the genus Meligethes collected in the field can include several different species. Monitoring for insecticide resistance should be done using only the true oilseed rape pollen beetle. [source] Factors influencing the service-like thermomechanical fatigue test cycle endurance of 1% CrMoV rotor steelFATIGUE & FRACTURE OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES, Issue 11 2003B. MASSEREY ABSTRACT Service-like thermomechanical fatigue tests have been performed in order to characterize the endurance of 1% CrMoV rotor steel under such transient thermal conditions. The key features of these tests are low strain rates (,10,5 s,1) and longer hold periods. In all testpieces, ratcheting with progressive section reduction is observed in the central portion of the gauge length accompanied by local amplification of the strain range. The finite-element-based analysis of this phenomenon allows the measured endurances to be rationalized with those determined from isothermal tests. Post-test inspection has revealed the development of two concurrent damaging mechanisms in the testpieces: (i) fatigue at the surface and (ii) creep in the interior. Different methods of damage calculation for creep,fatigue interaction are applied and compared in their predictive capabilities. [source] A multiple splitting approach to linkage analysis in large pedigrees identifies a linkage to asthma on chromosome 12GENETIC EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Céline Bellenguez Abstract Large genealogies are potentially very informative for linkage analysis. However, the software available for exact non-parametric multipoint linkage analysis is limited with respect to the complexity of the families it can handle. A solution is to split the large pedigrees into sub-families meeting complexity constraints. Different methods have been proposed to "best" split large genealogies. Here, we propose a new procedure in which linkage is performed on several carefully chosen sub-pedigree sets from the genealogy instead of using just a single sub-pedigree set. Our multiple splitting procedure capitalizes on the sensitivity of linkage results to family structure and has been designed to control computational feasibility and global type I error. We describe and apply this procedure to the extreme case of the highly complex Hutterite pedigree and use it to perform a genome-wide linkage analysis on asthma. The detection of a genome-wide significant linkage for asthma on chromosome 12q21 illustrates the potential of this multiple splitting approach. Genet. Epidemiol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Geothermal prognoses for tunnels in the Andes / . Geothermische Prognose für AndentunnelGEOMECHANICS AND TUNNELLING, Issue 5 2010Mag. Giorgio Höfer-Öllinger Geothermal energy - Geothermie; Reconnaissance - Baugrunderkundung; Hydrology - Hydrologie; Geology - Geologie Abstract Geothermal prognoses were carried out for two tunnel projects in the Andes, each running between Argentina and Chile. Different methods were applied in accordance with the different project phases. For the feasibility study of a 52 km long railway tunnel, hydrogeological mapping and hydrochemical analyses were carried out as well as isotope analyses on a thermal spring. An attempt to use silica and ionic solute geothermometers produced different results. For the central section of the tunnel temperatures are assumed to reach 50 to 70 °C and further investigations are recommended. The second tunnel project is now in the design phase. Two investigation phases have been completed including geological/ hydrogeological mapping, water sampling and analysis and core drilling. The geothermal gradient is well known from borehole temperature measurements. The thermal conductivity of the rocks was determined from core samples in a laboratory, and an average heat flow of approximately 100 mW/m2 was calculated. During the driving of the tunnel, temperatures of just over 50 °C are expected. Für zwei Tunnelvorhaben in den Anden, jeweils zwischen Argentinien und Chile, wurden geothermische Prognosen durchgeführt. Für verschiedene Projektphasen kamen entsprechend unterschiedliche Methoden zur Anwendung: Für eine Machbarkeitsstudie eines 52 km langen Eisenbahntunnels wurde eine Quellkartierung mit Probennahme durchgeführt sowie Isotopenanalytik an einer Thermalquelle. Ein Versuch, Geothermometer anhand der Lösungsfracht des Quellwassers zu verwenden, scheiterte. Für den zentralen Bereich des Tunnels werden Temperaturen von 50 bis 70 °C vermutet, weitere Erkundungen wurden empfohlen. Das zweite Tunnelvorhaben ist in der Planungsphase deutlich weiter. Neben Kartierungen liegen zwei Erkundungsphasen mit Kernbohrungen vor. Aus Bohrlochmessungen ist der geothermische Gradient bekannt, die Wärmeleitfähigkeit der Gesteine wurde anhand von Bohrkernen im Labor ermittelt. Es konnte ein durchschnittlicher Wärmefluss von etwa 100 mW/m2 errechnet werden, für den Tunnelvortrieb werden Gebirgstemperaturen von maximal knapp über 50 °C erwartet. [source] Ankerung im Untertagebau , Entwicklungen in Theorie und PraxisGEOMECHANICS AND TUNNELLING, Issue 5 2008Stefan Kainrath-Reumayer Dipl.-Ing. Die systematische Ankerung des Gebirges stellt ein wesentliches Verfahren zur Stabilisierung unterirdischer Hohlraumbauten dar. Die geschichtliche Entwicklung verschiedener Ankersysteme wird kurz vorgestellt und Unterteilungsmöglichkeiten werden aufgezeigt. Unterschiedliche Ansätze der Systemankerungen in analytischen und numerischen Berechnungen werden mit der diskreten Modellierung des Gesamtssystems in numerischen Berechnungen mit FLAC3D verglichen. Der Einfluss von Systemankerungen auf das Systemverhalten ist von einer Reihe von Randbedingungen abhängig, der Erfolg der Anwendung oftmals von den verwendeten Ankersystemen. Extreme Spannungszustände im Gebirge stellen hohe Anforderungen an die Methodik der Gebirgsankerung in Untertagebauwerken, die mit den herkömmlichen Ankerungssystemen nur eher unzufriedenstellend zu bewältigen sind. In Abhängigkeit von den Eigenschaften des Gebirges ist unter solch hohen, die Festigkeit des intakten Gebirges meist bereits überschreitenden Spannungszuständen mit großen Verschiebungen, Stabilitätsproblemen sowie Bergschlagphänomenen zu rechnen. Um diesen Anforderungen bestmöglich gerecht zu werden, wird ein neuartiger, energieabsorbierender Ankertyp "Roofex" vorgestellt, der sowohl unter langsam kriechenden, statischen, wie auch abrupten, dynamischen Beanspruchungen einen kontrollierbaren und konstanten Widerstand entlang eines definierten Gleitwegs aufweist. Rock bolting in subsurface constructions , developments in theory and praxis The systematic bolting of rock is a key support element in NATM tunnelling. A short review on the historical development and methods of classification is presented. Different methods of implementation in analytical and numerical calculations are compared to the discrete modelling of the system via FLAC 3D. The influence of the systematic rock bolting to the system behaviour is dependent on many boundary conditions, the success often depends on the used rock bolting techniques. High rock mass stress conditions in underground excavations are serious challenges for rock bolting systems, where conventional bolting systems can only cope with in an rather unsatisfactory way. Depending on the rock mass conditions, high stresses, which mostly exceed already the intact rock mass strength, will lead to serious stability problems, high deformation rates and rockburst phenomena. To provide the mining and tunnelling industry with a rock reinforcement fixture that is better suited to mining with high stress conditions, Atlas Copco GDE designed a new, energy absorbing rock bolt "Roofex" that can accommodate both very large displacements (static yielding) and high energy release (dynamic rupture) in the rock mass by offering an accurate pre-set deformation behaviour. [source] Stakeholders' views on measuring outcomes for people with learning disabilitiesHEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 1 2006Anita F. Young PhD DipCOT Abstract What works and how do we know? These are recurring questions for health and social care professionals, although mediated through differing philosophies and historical perspectives. The aims of the study reported here were to discover views of managers and commissioners of services for people with learning disabilities in Scotland regarding (a) current approaches to service evaluation (as an indication of what is to be measured) and (b) healthcare outcome measurement (as an indication of preferences regarding how this should be measured). A postal questionnaire was used to survey 94 stakeholders from the NHS, Local Authorities, and non-statutory organisations across Scotland. Respondents' views were sought on current approaches to service evaluation within learning disabilities; outcome measurement; appropriateness of specified methods of measuring health outcomes; desired future methods of outcome measurement within learning disabilities; and service user involvement in care. A 77% (73/94) response rate to the questionnaire was achieved. Different methods of service evaluation were used by different stakeholders. Staff appraisal was the most frequently identified method (used by 85% of respondents). Specific outcome measures were used by 32% of respondents although there were differences of opinion as to what constitutes specific outcome measures. Overall there was strong support for goal-setting and reviewing (83%) and individualised outcome measures (75%) as appropriate methods for use with people with learning disabilities. The hypothetical question asking what outcome measures should be introduced for this client group had by far the lowest response rate (51/73). The overwhelming majority of all respondents, 68 (92%), reported user involvement in their service. Staff ambivalence to outcome measurement was evident in the research and respondents highlighted the complexity and multidimensional nature of outcomes for this service user group. Managers recognised that outcome measurement was expected but were uncertain how to go about it. [source] Human reliability: A key to improved quality in manufacturingHUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 4 2005Heiner Bubb For one to learn, one must make mistakes. Human error can be defined on the basis of the definition of quality. Because quality is influenced by human actions, the so-called performance shaping factors have an important influence on the human error probability. Different methods have been developed to predict human error probability. One of the most established and detailed methods is THERP (technique for human error rate prediction), which was originally developed for application in the nuclear power industry. Here this method is applied to a simple example of manufacturing. Further experimental research in the area of commission will be reported, where methods of error prediction were also applied. In both cases, measures of improving human reliability can be derived. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 15: 353,368, 2005. [source] Accuracy and precision of different sampling strategies and flux integration methods for runoff water: comparisons based on measurements of the electrical conductivityHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 2 2006Patrick Schleppi Abstract Because of their fast response to hydrological events, small catchments show strong quantitative and qualitative variations in their water runoff. Fluxes of solutes or suspended material can be estimated from water samples only if an appropriate sampling scheme is used. We used continuous in-stream measurements of the electrical conductivity of the runoff in a small subalpine catchment (64 ha) in central Switzerland and in a very small (0·16 ha) subcatchment. Different sampling and flux integration methods were simulated for weekly water analyses. Fluxes calculated directly from grab samples are strongly biased towards high conductivities observed at low discharges. Several regressions and weighted averages have been proposed to correct for this bias. Their accuracy and precision are better, but none of these integration methods gives a consistently low bias and a low residual error. Different methods of peak sampling were also tested. Like regressions, they produce important residual errors and their bias is variable. This variability (both between methods and between catchments) does not allow one to tell a priori which sampling scheme and integration method would be more accurate. Only discharge-proportional sampling methods were found to give essentially unbiased flux estimates. Programmed samplers with a fraction collector allow for a proportional pooling and are appropriate for short-term studies. For long-term monitoring or experiments, sampling at a frequency proportional to the discharge appears to be the best way to obtain accurate and precise flux estimates. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Different methods for modelling the areal infiltration of a grass field under heavy precipitationHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 7 2002Bruno Merz Abstract The areal infiltration behaviour of a grass field is studied using a data set of 78 sprinkler infiltration experiments. The analysis of the experimental data shows a distinct event dependency: once runoff begins, the final infiltration rate increases with increasing rainfall intensity. This behaviour is attributed to the effects of small-scale variability. Increasing rainfall intensity increases the ponded area and therefore the portion of the plot which infiltrates at maximum rate. To describe the areal infiltration behaviour of the grass field the study uses two different model structures and investigates different approaches for consideration of subgrid variability. It is found that the effective parameter approach is not suited for this purpose. A good representation of the observed behaviour is obtained by using a distribution function approach or a parameterization approach. However, it is not clear how the parameters can be derived for these two approaches without a large measurement campaign. The data analysis and the simulations show the great importance of considering the effects of spatial variability for the infiltration process. This may be significant even at a small scale for a comparatively homogeneous area. The consideration of heterogeneity seems to be more important than the choice of the model type. Furthermore, similar results may be obtained with different modelling approaches. Even the relatively detailed data set does not seem to permit a clear model choice. In view of these results it is questionable to use very complex and detailed simulation models given the approximate nature of the problem. Although the principle processes may be well understood there is a lack of models that represent these processes and, more importantly, there is a lack of techniques to measure and parameterize them. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] On the numerical treatment of initial strains in biological soft tissuesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 8 2006E. Peña Abstract In this paper, different methodologies to enforce initial stresses or strains in finite strain problems are compared. Since our main interest relies on the simulation of living tissues, an orthotropic hyperelastic constitutive model has been used to describe their passive material behaviour. Different methods are presented and discussed. Firstly, the initial strain distribution is obtained after deformation from a previously assumed to be known stress-free state using an appropriate finite element approach. This approach usually involves important mesh distortions. The second method consists on imposing the initial strain field from the definition of an initial incompatible ,deformation gradient' field obtained from experimental data. This incompatible tensor field can be imposed in two ways, depending on the origin of the experimental tests. In some cases as ligaments, the experiment is carried out from the stress-free configuration, while in blood vessels the starting point is usually the load-free configuration with residual stresses. So the strain energy function would remain the same for the whole simulation or redefined from the new origin of the experiment. Some validation and realistic examples are presented to show the performance of the strategies and to quantify the errors appearing in each of them. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Varicocelectomy: semen parameters and protamine deficiencyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 2 2009M. H. Nasr-Esfahani Summary Different methods have been used to evaluate the beneficial effect of varicocelectomy; these include semen parameters and pregnancy rate. Because of high biological variability of semen parameters, sperm functional tests have been considered as an efficient end point in assessment of fertility. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of varicocelectomy on semen parameters and sperm protamine deficiency in 192 patients. The results of the present study show that all the three semen parameters and percentage of sperms with normal protamine content have improved post-surgery. The cumulative pregnancy rate was 34.6%. Comparing the results of the semen parameters and protamine content between patients whose partner became pregnant to those who did not benefit from varicocelectomy before and 6 months after surgery, show that patients may benefit from varicocelectomy that had higher initial semen density and better sperm morphology prior to surgery. Detailed analyses of sperm morphology, along with aforementioned results reveal that the factors which account for pregnancy difference are: (i) improvement in early events of spermatogenesis, possibly during spermatocytogensis and reduction division; and (ii) late spermiogenesis events. Thus, it can be suggested that patients with low initial sperm count may benefit more from assisted reproductive techniques or varicocelectomy followed by assisted reproduction. [source] An empowerment approach to needs assessment in health visiting practiceJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 5 2002ANNA M. HOUSTON BSc ,,This paper examines the usefulness of an integrated approach to needs assessment using an empowerment framework, within a health visitor/client interaction, in the home setting. ,,It is intended to demonstrate the existence of a flexible approach to assessing need that is based on research about necessary processes for carrying out health visiting. ,,The design of the tool described in this paper allows the use of professional judgement as well as fulfilling commissioning requirements to address health outcomes. ,,Health promotion and empowerment are central to health visiting practice and should be reflected in the way needs are assessed. ,,Many NHS trusts have introduced a system of targeting and prioritizing health visiting through a system of questioning to assess needs. This may reveal the work that health visitors do, but may also inhibit the open, listening approach required for client empowerment. ,,Different methods of assessing need can be used that do not compromise the commissioning requirements, the health visitor's duty of care or professional accountability. ,,The empowerment approach is key to the philosophy of health visiting. ,,There are ways of approaching needs assessment that do not compromise the ethos of partnership-working in a health promoting way. [source] Constructing Rotating Item Pools for Constrained Adaptive TestingJOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT, Issue 4 2004Adelaide Ariel Preventing items in adaptive testing from being over- or underexposed is one of the main problems in computerized adaptive testing. Though the problem of overexposed items can be solved using a probabilistic item-exposure control method, such methods are unable to deal with the problem of underexposed items. Using a system of rotating item pools, on the other hand, is a method that potentially solves both problems. In this method, a master pool is divided into (possibly overlapping) smaller item pools, which are required to have similar distributions of content and statistical attributes. These pools are rotated among the testing sites to realize desirable exposure rates for the items. A test assembly model, motivated by Gulliksen's matched random subtests method, was explored to help solve the problem of dividing a master pool into a set of smaller pools. Different methods to solve the model are proposed. An item pool from the Law School Admission Test was used to evaluate the performances of computerized adaptive tests from systems of rotating item pools constructed using these methods. [source] A convenient purification and preconcentration of peptides with ,-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid matrix crystals in a pipette tip for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry,JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (INCORP BIOLOGICAL MASS SPECTROMETRY), Issue 1 2010Helena, ehulková Abstract Peptide samples derived from enzymatic in-gel digestion of proteins resolved by gel electrophoresis often contain high amount of salts originating from reaction and separation buffers. Different methods are used for desalting prior to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS), e.g. reversed-phase pipette tip purification, on-target washing, adding co-matrices, etc. As a suitable matrix for MALDI MS of peptides, ,-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) is frequently used. Crystalline CHCA shows the ability to bind peptides on its surface and because it is almost insoluble in acidic water solutions, the on-target washing of peptide samples can significantly improve MALDI MS signals. Although the common on-target washing represents a simple, cheap and fast procedure, only a small portion of the available peptide solution is efficiently used for the subsequent MS analysis. The present approach is a combination of the on-target washing principle carried out in a narrow-end pipette tip (e.g. GELoader tip) and preconcentration of peptides from acidified solution by passing it through small CHCA crystals captured inside the tip on a glass microfiber frit. The results of MALDI MS analysis using CHCA-tip peptide preconcentration are comparable with the use of homemade POROS R2 pipette tip microcolumns. Advantages and limitations of this approach are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Methodology of oral sensory testsJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 8 2002R. Jacobs Summary Different methods of oral sensory tests including light touch sensation, two-point discrimination, vibrotactile function and thermal sensation were compared. Healthy subjects were tested to assess the results obtained from two psychophysical approaches, namely the staircase and the ascending & descending method of limits for light touch sensation and two-point discrimination. Both methods appeared to be reliable for examining oral sensory function. The effect of topical anaesthesia was also evaluated but no conclusion could be drawn as too few subjects were involved. Newly developed simple testing tools for two-point discrimination and thermal sensation in a clinical situation were developed prior to this study and tested for their reproducibility. Thermal sensation could be reliably detected in repeated trials. Although the hand-held instruments have some drawbacks, the outcome of these instruments in a clinical environment is suitable for assessing oral sensory function. Three different frequencies (32, 128 and 256 Hz) were used to estimate the vibrotactile function. Different threshold levels were found at different frequencies. [source] Hydrogen bonding strength,measures based on geometric and topological parameters,JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2004awomir Janusz Grabowski Abstract Different methods of estimating H-bond strength are presented. The studies are based on the results of MP2/6,311++G** calculations and the binding energies are corrected for the basis set superposition error (BSSE). The wavefunctions were further applied to localize bond critical points and ring critical points. The characteristics based on the Bader theory are also applied as indicators and measures of hydrogen bonding. This study compares samples of different compounds. The H-bond strength measures such as the proton,acceptor distance (H···Y), the length of the proton donating bond, the electron density at H···Y bond critical point, the H-bond energy and others are analysed. The case of the intramolecular hydrogen bonding is also analysed, and its special characteristics are given. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A Suspension Culture Method for the Rapid Mass Culture of Cistella japonica MyceliumJOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 9 2006T. Yamanobe Abstract Different methods were investigated for the rapid mass culture of Cistella japonica by using water extracts of some nutritional sources. In an agar culture test, there was little difference in mycelial growth in water extracts of wheat bran, rice bran and potato. In suspension culture with wheat bran extract, which is easily and cheaply available, the mycelium of C. japonica increased seven times more than that in agar culture after a month's incubation. C. japonica from suspension culture was pathogenic to Chamaecyparis obtusa. These results suggest that suspension culture in water extract of wheat bran can be adopted for the rapid mass culturing of C. japonica for use in inoculation tests. [source] Different methods of creatinine measurement significantly affect MELD scoresLIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 4 2007Evangelos Cholongitas Bilirubin (Bil) interferes with creatinine (Cr) measurement. Different laboratory methods are used to overcome this problem. Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scoring incorporates Cr and is used to prioritize patients for liver transplantation. Thus, MELD scores may vary with different Cr measurements influencing patients' priority. Our aim was to evaluate 4 different Cr assays (O'Leary modified Jaffe [mJCr], compensated [rate blanked] kinetic Jaffe [cJCr], enzymatic [ECr], and standard kinetic Jaffe [JCr]) in patients with abnormal liver function tests and assess changes in MELD score. A total of 403 consecutive samples from 158 patients' Cr assays were evaluated.. Bland-Altman plots and MELD scores were also evaluated for each assay. Agreement was found to be poor among all Cr assays. Increased variability in Cr occurred with increasing Bil concentrations: Bil <100 ,mol/L ,3-point MELD variation - 3-point difference in 2%; Bil ,400,mol/L ,7-point MELD variation - ,3-point difference in 78%. When MELD was ,25 (mJCr as reference; mean, 30.5 points), MELD variation was greatest: mean, 28 (MELD cJCr), 27.5 (MELD ECr), and 28.4 (MELD JCr) (P < 0.001). In conclusion, there is poor agreement among different assays for Cr. As Bil concentration rises, there is greater variability in each creatinine measurements and thus greater variability in MELD scores that, this affect prioritization for liver transplantation. Liver Transpl, 2006. © 2006 AASLD. [source] INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON BLUE CRAB FISHERY AND THE BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN, TURSIOPS TRUNCATUSMARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE, Issue 4 2002Wendy D. Noke Abstract Anecdotal reports from blue crab fishermen in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida suggested that bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) followed their boats, and stole bait fish from crab pots soon after they were deployed. To investigate these reports, we made biweekly observations from IRL commercial crab boats from January 1998 to January 1999 (670 h). Only 2.8% of the 18,891 crab pots surveyed revealed evidence of dolphin/crab pot interaction. Dolphin interactions included: (1) begging at boats, (2) feeding on discarded bait fish, (3) engaging in crab pot tipping behavior, and (4) dolphin mortality from crab pot float line entanglement. Overall, 16.6% of the 1,296 dolphins sighted interacted with fishing boats. Seasonal trends were evident, with fishery interactions peaking in the summer. Crab pot interactions ranged from 0% to 36% of the traps checked daily. Different methods of securing the bait-well door and the role of trap locality were tested using a replicated experimental design. Results showed significant differences in successful bait removal by dolphins, among the degrees of door security (P < 0.001) and between trap location (P < 0.01). Thus, increased door security may help to reduce the negative impacts to the fishery and dolphins involved. [source] Analysis and characterization of transponder antennae for radio frequency identification (RFID) systemsPACKAGING TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE, Issue 1 2006T. C. Chau Abstract An investigation into the use of various radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna designs was performed. Passive RFID tag antennae with a resonant frequency range of 902,928,MHz were tested for robustness and efficiency in the Packaging Science RFID Laboratory at the University of Florida. Commercially available single- and dual-dipole tags were examined for read performance. Electromagnetic modelling software was used to model the impedance matching and detuning effects of nearby conducting surfaces. s-Parameters, current densities and polar plots of various dipole designs were estimated. Strategies used to shorten antenna length, such as capacitive loading, were evaluated. A simple half-wave dipole antenna was modelled in order to determine the effect of length on resonant frequency and performance. Parameter sweeps showed that a length of 14.4,cm was required for resonance at 915,MHz and 50,, termination. Capacitive loads shortened the dipole to 8.4,cm while adding 4.2,cm to height. It was verified that a conducting surface, such as metal packaging, had strong detuning effects on RFID tag antennae. Different methods, such as tuning stubs, alleviated the detuning effects by allowing bandwidths twice as large as with a simple dipole. Finally, the rationale for commercially available RFID antenna designs was discussed. It was found that analysis of actual antenna tag structures in the laboratory and exploring different methods to improve efficiency can lead to improvements in RFID performance. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Prediction of oxygen transmission rate for thermoformed traysPACKAGING TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE, Issue 6 2004Marit KvalvÅg Pettersen Abstract There is a desire in the food industry to be able to estimate the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of packages by knowing the permeability data of unconverted sheet/film, instead of measuring the OTR of packages. Due to thermoforming, the permeability of a material changes and therefore it is difficult to estimate the permeability (OTR) of converted trays from the OTR values of unconverted material. This paper evaluates the possibilities and limitations of predicting the OTR of thermoformed trays. Different methods for the calculation of OTR due to thickness measurements were compared. The use of theoretical thickness was satisfactory in the calculation of OTR of trays based on the OTR of unconverted sheet, area and thickness. Both linear and quadratic regression models were evaluated. Validation of the regression models was made by comparing the measured and calculated OTR of trays made of PS/EVOH/PE, A-PET/PE, PS/PE and PP/PE. These trays were manufactured on different thermoforming machines, different processing parameters and different sizes of mould. None of the models (linear and quadratic) were suitable for the calculation of OTR of trays made of PS/PE and PP/PE. Both linear and quadratic models gave satisfactory agreement with measured values for trays made of both PS/EVOH/PE and A-PET/PE. This case study indicates that a general equation for the calculation of OTR for different polymer combinations was not possible to generate. The equations presented in this paper are strictly applicable only for the polymer combinations used in this experiment, and can not be considered as general equations. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The Economic Impact of Climate ChangePERSPEKTIVEN DER WIRTSCHAFTSPOLITIK, Issue 2010Richard S. J. Tol Different methods have been used to estimate the impact of climate change on human welfare. Studies agree that there are positive and negative impacts. In the short term, positive impacts may dominate, but these are largely sunk. In the longer term, there are net negative impacts. Poorer people tend to be more vulnerable to climate change. There is a trade-off between development policy and climate policy. Estimated aggregate impacts are not very large, but they are uncertain and incomplete. Estimates of the marginal impacts suggest that greenhouse gas emissions should be taxed, and that the emission reduction targets announced by politicians are probably too ambitious. 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