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Measurement Methods (measurement + methods)
Selected AbstractsComparative Overview of Cardiac Output Measurement Methods: Has Impedance Cardiography Come of Age?CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, Issue 2 2000Anthony N. De Maria MD Cardiac output, usually expressed as liters of blood ejected by the left ventricle per minute, is a fundamental measure of the adequacy of myocardial function to meet the perfusion needs of tissue at any time. Decreases in cardiac output over time (when cardiac output is measured under similar conditions) may signal myocardial functional deterioration and the onset or progression of heart failure. Conversely, improvements in cardiac output may indicate a positive response to medical therapy. However, most methods for evaluating cardiac output are technically demanding, require specialized training and specialized environments for measurement, and are costly. Therefore, most measurement techniques are impractical for routine evaluation of disease progression and/or response to treatment in the prevention and/or management of heart failure. This paper provides a comparative overview of commonly employed cardiac output measurement strategies with emphasis on developments in impedance cardiography which suggest that impedance cardiography has the potential to make routine assessment and trending of cardiac output a viable alternative to assist in the management of both chronically and acutely ill patients, including those with heart failure. [source] Acculturation Attitudes: A Comparison of Measurement Methods,JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 7 2007Judit Arends-Tóth Three measurement methods (1, 2, or 4 statements) to assess acculturation attitudes were compared in 2 studies involving Turkish immigrants in The Netherlands. Each measurement method revealed support for differentiation between acculturation in the public and the private domains. The Turkish culture was more valued than the Dutch culture in the private domain, while both cultures were about equally favored in the public domain. A direct comparison of the 3 measurement methods found evidence for a general method factor on which all 3 measurement methods loaded, and an acculturation attitude factor with positive loadings for 2 indicators (private and public domains). The 2-statement measurement method addressing public and private life domains was found to provide a short, though comprehensive instrument. [source] A practical 3D measurement system based on projection pattern control techniquesELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATIONS IN JAPAN, Issue 11 2009Genki Cho Abstract Most of the recent 3D image measurement methods have employed certain pattern projection techniques because of their higher reliabilities. Especially, the intensity-modulated technique can detect more stripe addresses by a single projection and therefore is very much expected for its practical use in the near future. The traditional techniques of this type, however, have encountered several serious problems where 3D measurements are difficult in sensitivity, speed and accuracy or fatally impossible for unknown objects. In order to solve these problems, we propose an automatic control technique of angle and space frequency of projection pattern. Furthermore, for security of measurement accuracy and measurement speed, projection pattern intensity control technique and optimal intensity-modulation projection technique are adopted in the proposal measurement system. By using the proposed technique the automatic 3D measurement intended for the geostationary objects and the swaying objects were realized in experimental results. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 92(11): 34,41, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10147 [source] Strategies for Improving Tensile Ductility of Bulk Nanostructured Materials,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 8 2010Yonghao Zhao Abstract The low ductility that is consistently associated with bulk nanostructured (NS) materials has been identified as perhaps the single most critical issue that must be resolved before this novel class of materials can be used in a wide variety of applications. Not surprisingly, a number of published studies, published mostly after 2000, identify the issue of low ductility and describe strategies to improve ductility. Details of these strategies were discussed in review papers published by Koch and Ma in 2005 and 2006, respectively.15,16 In view of continued efforts and recent results, in this paper we describe progress in attempting to address the low ductility of NS materials, after 2006. We first analyze the fundamental reasons for the observed low ductility of bulk NS materials, and summarize early (prior to 2006) attempts to enhance the ductility of bulk NS materials, which often sacrificed the strength. Then, we review recent progress in developing strategies for improving the tensile ductility of bulk NS materials, which involve mainly microstructure modifications, after 2006. Different from early efforts, these new strategies strive to increase the tensile ductility while increasing/maintaining the strength simultaneously. In addition, the influence of tensile testing conditions, including temperature, strain rate, tensile specimen size and geometry, and strain measurement methods, on tensile ductility of NS materials will also be reviewed. Finally, we identify several issues that will require further, in depth analysis in the future. [source] Does market misvaluation help explain share market long-run underperformance following a seasoned equity issue?ACCOUNTING & FINANCE, Issue 2 2006Philip Brown G10; G14 Abstract We examine the relation between pre-seasoned equity offering (SEO) announcement date misvaluation and long-run post-SEO performance for a large sample of Australian SEOs made between 1993 and 2001. Our study is motivated by inconsistent findings across countries with respect to the SEO long-run underperformance anomaly first documented in the USA, inconclusive findings with respect to the hypothesis that managers exploit market misvaluation when timing equity issues, and a recent Australian Stock Exchange proposal to loosen SEO regulation. We find SEO firms underperform common share market benchmarks for up to 5 years after the announcement. Using a residual income valuation method, we show that this underperformance is related to pre-announcement date misvaluation. An unexpected result is that underperformance and misvaluation are more severe for private placements than rights issues. Institutional factors unique to the Australian setting, particularly the large number of smaller loss-making firms among private placement issuers, appear to explain the poorer performance of placement firms. Our results are robust to various measurement methods and assumptions, and demonstrate the importance of researching SEO performance in alternative institutional settings. [source] Ionic dialysance: Principle and review of its clinical relevance for quantification of hemodialysis efficiencyHEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2005Lucile Mercadal Ionic dialysance (D) is an online measured variable now available on several dialysis monitors to evaluate small-solute clearance. Based on conductivity measurements in the inlet and outlet dialysate, the principle of the measurement and the different measurement methods are described. Studies that have evaluated the reliability of ionic dialysance to assess dialysis efficiency are discussed. These studies are divided into two groups: the first comparing ionic dialysance to urea clearance and the second comparing Dt/V to Kt/Vurea, in which the uncertainties of the measurement of Vurea could have misrepresented the relationship between Dt/V and Kt/Vurea. When Kt/Vurea via the Daugirdas second-generation equation taking the rebound into account is considered, slight,even nonsignificant,differences are evidenced between Kt/Vurea and Dt/V. Therefore, ionic dialysance should be considered as a valid measure in future guidelines for dialysis efficiency. [source] Research to practice: Effectiveness of controlled workplace interventions to reduce musculoskeletal disorders in the manufacturing environment,critical appraisal and meta-analysisHUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 2 2008Setenay Tuncel Previous studies on the effectiveness of interventions in reducing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in manufacturing facilities had contradictory results, indicating a need for a quality assessment of these studies followed by a quantitative assessment of the overall effectiveness of the interventions. These assessments may also provide suggestions for practical implementations. The first objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of controlled workplace interventions to reduce the occurrence of MSD in the manufacturing environment by utilizing meta-analysis integrated with the study quality score. The second objective is to translate the research findings into practical guidelines. Two hypotheses were tested pertinent to the first objective: (1) Controlled workplace interventions are effective in reducing the occurrence of MSD in different body regions among manufacturing workers and (2) the study quality scores do not depend on the evaluator. The study quality was assessed for all articles, however, meta effect size (meta-OR) was calculated only for the articles that reported prevalence of low back disorders (LBDs), using the Mantel,Haenszel method. The effect of study quality was included into meta-OR. The chi-square test of independence was employed to test the second hypothesis. Seven articles were identified. Study quality was poor (0.39 out of 2) to moderate (0.97). Insignificant reduction in LBDs prevalence (meta-OR = 0.925; 95% CI: 0.566,1.512) was found. Integration of the study quality did not have a substantial effect on the meta-OR (meta-OR = 0.933; 95% CI: 0.571,1.525). Each evaluator's study quality scores were not independent from the agreed quality scores (p < 0.01). The results suggested that practitioners should consider scientific evidence during design and implementation of an intervention, especially in terms of study duration, confounders, outcome measures, and data analysis. The articles reviewed exhibited the following: (1) the statistical insignificance of the meta-OR; (2) the relatively low methodological quality of studies; and (3) the small number of studies included in the meta-OR. The extent of the generalizability of meta-OR for LBD to other body regions was also in question. Future research should consider the following: (1) the physical and nonphysical work environment should be assessed to determine the workplace-specific needs, and the intervention should be structured around these needs; (2) group comparability, participation rate, subject loss, and randomization of subjects should be taken into account; (3) exposure and outcome measurement methods should be reported, as well as blinding of the observers and subjects, when applicable, to ensure reliability and validity; and (4) data analysis should be conducted adjusting for covariates and confounders, different lengths of follow-up, and level of exposure. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Domestic Accounting Standards, International Accounting Standards, and the Predictability of EarningsJOURNAL OF ACCOUNTING RESEARCH, Issue 3 2001Hollis Ashbaugh We investigate (1) whether the variation in accounting standards across national boundaries relative to International Accounting Standards (IAS) has an impact on the ability of financial analysts to forecast non-U.S. firms' earnings accurately, and (2) whether analyst forecast accuracy changes after firms adopt IAS. IAS are a set of financial reporting policies that typically require increased disclosure and restrict management's choices of measurement methods relative to the accounting standards of our sample firms' countries of domicile. We develop indexes of differences in countries' accounting disclosure and measurement policies relative to IAS, and document that greater differences in accounting standards relative to IAS are significantly and positively associated with the absolute value of analyst earnings forecast errors. Further, we show that analyst forecast accuracy improves after firms adopt IAS. More specifically, after controlling for changes in the market value of equity, changes in analyst following, and changes in the number of news reports, we find that the convergence in firms' accounting policies brought about by adopting IAS is positively associated with the reduction in analyst forecast errors. [source] Evaluation of trimedlure dispensers by a method based on thermal desorption coupled with gas chromatography,mass spectrometryJOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 9-10 2008C. Alfaro Abstract Knowledge about the behaviour of trimedlure (TML) dispensers is essential to ensure the efficacy of monitoring and control methods based on TML as attractant. There are several commercially available TML dispensers, and each of them has a different useful life and TML release profile. Their emission is also affected differently by environmental factors. Even the same type of dispenser sometimes shows an important variability in the TML release rate. Because of the importance of methods based on TML lures in the control of the Mediterranean fruit fly and the influence of the TML dispenser on the efficacy of these control methods, we developed a non-destructive flow-through system to measure the TML release rate. This volatile collection method (VCM) adsorbs TML vapour on a Tenax TA desorption tube, and TML is quantified by Thermal desorption coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Two types of TML dispensers, a polymeric (Aralure) and a mesoporous (Epalure), were field aged during 3 months. The TML release rates of these dispensers were determined by both, VCM and solvent extraction method. In this study, the correlation between both measurement methods is shown. A field trial has also been carried out to correlate trap catches and TML emission of each type of tested dispenser. The VCM allows a quick and accurate evaluation of the current behaviour of commercial dispensers along their useful life. It also allows comparing the TML release rate between different dispensers. We believe that the VCM can be useful for dispenser manufacturers to determine seasonal dispenser performance before a new product is introduced in the market, and to rapidly verify TML dispenser release when field-aged dispenser efficacy is in question. Thus, it can be employed as a quality control of commercial dispensers. [source] Acculturation Attitudes: A Comparison of Measurement Methods,JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 7 2007Judit Arends-Tóth Three measurement methods (1, 2, or 4 statements) to assess acculturation attitudes were compared in 2 studies involving Turkish immigrants in The Netherlands. Each measurement method revealed support for differentiation between acculturation in the public and the private domains. The Turkish culture was more valued than the Dutch culture in the private domain, while both cultures were about equally favored in the public domain. A direct comparison of the 3 measurement methods found evidence for a general method factor on which all 3 measurement methods loaded, and an acculturation attitude factor with positive loadings for 2 indicators (private and public domains). The 2-statement measurement method addressing public and private life domains was found to provide a short, though comprehensive instrument. [source] Interlaboratory validation of oxidation-index measurement methods for UHMWPE after long-term shelf agingJOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 1 2002S. M. Kurtz Abstract An international oxidation index standard would greatly benefit the orthopedic community by providing a universal scale for reporting oxidation data of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). We investigated whether severe oxidation associated with long-term shelf aging affects the repeatability and reproducibility of area-based oxidation index measurement techniques based on normalization with the use of 1370- or 2022-cm,1 infrared (IR) absorption reference peaks. Because an oxidation index is expected to be independent of sample thickness, subsurface oxidation was examined with the use of both 100- and 200-,m-thick sections from tibial components (compression-molded GUR 1120, gamma irradiated in air) that were shelf aged for up to 11.5 years. Eight institutions in the United States and Europe participated in the present study, which was administered in accordance with ASTM E691. On average, the 100-,m-thick samples were associated with significantly greater interlaboratory relative standard uncertainty (40.3%) when compared with the 200-,m samples (21.8%, p = 0.002). In contrast, the intralaboratory relative standard uncertainty was not significantly affected by the sample thickness (p = 0.21). The oxidation index method did not significantly influence either the interlaboratory or intralaboratory relative standard uncertainty (p = 0.32 or 0.75, respectively). Our interlaboratory data suggest that with the suitable choice of specimen thickness (e.g., 200 ,m) and either of the two optimal oxidation index methods, interlaboratory reproducibility of the most heavily oxidized regions in long-term shelf-aged components can be quantified with a relative standard uncertainty of 21% or less. Therefore, both the 1370-cm,1 and the 2022-cm,1 reference peaks appear equally suitable for use in defining a standard method for calculating an oxidation index for UHMWPE. © 2001 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res (Appl Biomater) 63: 15,23, 2002 [source] Facial Soft Tissue Depths in Craniofacial Identification (Part II): An Analytical Review of the Published Sub-Adult Data,JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 6 2008Carl N. Stephan Ph.D. Abstract:, Prior research indicates that while statistically significant differences exist between subcategories of the adult soft tissue depth data, magnitudes of difference are small and possess little practical meaning when measurement errors and variations between measurement methods are considered. These findings raise questions as to what variables may or may not hold meaning for the sub-adult data. Of primary interest is the effect of age, as these differences have the potential to surpass the magnitude of measurement error. Data from the five studies in the literature on sub-adults which describe values for single integer age groups were pooled and differences across the ages examined. From 1 to 18 years, most soft tissue depth measurements increased by less than 3 mm. These results suggest that dividing the data for children into more than two age groups is unlikely to hold many advantages. Data were therefore split into two groups with the division point corresponding to the mid-point of the observed trends and main data density (0,11 and 12,18 years; division point = 11.5 years). Published sub-adult data for seven further studies which reported broader age groups were pooled with the data above to produce the final tallied soft tissue depth tables. These tables hold the advantages of increased sample sizes (pogonion has greater than 1770 individuals for either age group) and increased levels of certainty (as random and opposing systematic errors specific to each independent study should average out when the data are combined). [source] Impact of deposit ageing on thermal fouling: Lumped parameter modelAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 2 2010Edward. Abstract The thermal and hydraulic performance of heat exchangers can be seriously impaired by the formation of fouling deposits on the heat transfer surfaces. The thermal effect of fouling can be complicated when the deposit is subject to ageing, represented here as a change in deposit thermal conductivity (but not thickness) over time. In this article, we revisit the ageing concept for crude oil fouling proposed by Nelson (Refiner Nat Gas Manufacturer. 1934;13:271,276, 292,298), using a numerical model incorporating first order kinetics to generate quantitative comparisons of different ageing rates. Results are reported for lumped parameter systems (which also simulate point measurement methods commonly used in laboratory testing) that demonstrate that ageing can have a substantial influence on the rate of heat transfer and hence on the surface temperature and rate of fouling. Rapid ageing (compared with the rate of deposition) does not pose problems, but slow ageing, or the use of constant heat fluxes in experiments, can lead to modified thermal fouling behavior. It is concluded that deposit ageing dynamics should be considered alongside deposition rate dynamics when interpreting experimental fouling data and when modeling fouling behavior in support of heat exchanger design or operation. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010 [source] Long-range and short-range mechanisms of hydrophobic attraction and hydrophilic repulsion in specific and aspecific interactionsJOURNAL OF MOLECULAR RECOGNITION, Issue 4 2003Carel Jan van Oss Abstract Among the three different non-covalent forces acting in aqueous media, i.e. Lifshitz,van der Waals (LW), Lewis acid,base (AB) and electrical double layer (EL) forces, the AB forces or electron,acceptor/electron,donor interactions are quantitatively by far the predominant ones. A subset of the AB forces acting in water causes the hydrophobic effect, which is the attraction caused by the hydrogen-bonding (AB) free energy of cohesion between the water molecules which surround all apolar as well as polar molecules and particles when they are immersed in water. As the polar energy of cohesion among water molecules is an innate property of water, the hydrophobic attraction (due to the hydrophobic effect) is unavoidably always present in aqueous media and has a value of ,Ghydrophobic,=,,102,mJ/m2, at 20,°C, being equal to the AB free energy of cohesion between the water molecules at that temperature. The strong underlying hydrophobic attraction due to this effect can, however, be surmounted by very hydrophilic molecules and particles that attract water molecules more strongly than the free energy of attraction of these molecules or particles for one another, plus the hydrogen-bonding free energy of cohesion between the water molecules, thus resulting in a net non-electrical double layer repulsion. Each of the three non-covalent forces, LW, AB or EL, any of which can be independently attractive or repulsive, decays, dependent on the circumstances, as a function of distance according to different rules. These rules, following an extended DLVO (XDLVO) approach, are given, as well as the measurement methods for the LW, AB and EL surface thermodynamic properties, determined at ,contact'. The implications of the resulting hydrophobic attractive and hydrophilic repulsive free energies, as a function of distance, are discussed with respect to specific and aspecific interactions in biological systems. The discussion furnishes a description of the manner by which shorter-range specific attractions can surmount the usually much stronger long-range aspecific repulsion, and ends with examples of in vitro and in vivo effects of hydrophilization of biopolymers, particles or surfaces by linkage with polyethylene oxide (PEO; also called polyethylene glycol, PEG). Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Binary Phase Diagram of the Manganese Oxide,Iron Oxide SystemJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 10 2009Jarrod V. Crum The phase equilibrium of the MnOx,FeOy binary system was measured within a temperature range of 750°,1590°C in air to examine inconsistencies found in literature, i.e., discrepancies related to the boundary between the spinel and hausmannite+spinel phase fields. Several studies are available in the literature that describe this boundary however the results and methods by which they were studied vary namely in terms of the atmosphere (air versus reducing) used and heat treatment/analysis methods. In addition, samples in the discrepancy region of the diagram revert to the hausmannite phase spontaneously upon cooling due to a displacive transformation. In order to accurately measure the phase boundaries, the following measurement methods were used: isothermal heat treatments followed by rapid quenching (in air or water), dilatometry, differential thermal analysis with thermogravimetric analysis, as well as room temperature and hot-stage X-ray diffraction (XRD). Phase assemblage(s) in each specimen were determined by XRD. Data were compared with literature and a new, self consistent phase diagram was developed. The results are reported along with background information and a comparison with previously reported data. This study will support development of a model for thermodynamic equilibria in complex, multioxide silicate melts. [source] Cerebral near infrared spectroscopy for the measurement of indocyanine green elimination in cirrhosisALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 7 2000Therapondos Background: Indocyanine green (ICG) clearance is a useful indicator of hepatic function but most measurement methods are invasive. Aim: To validate a less invasive technique using cerebral near infrared spectrophotometry (NIRS) to measure ICG elimination, and to compare it with the established methods for the determination of ICG clearance in a group of normal controls and patients with cirrhosis. Method: NIRS was used to measure ICG elimination in 41 cirrhotic patients and nine healthy volunteers. The first 13 of the cirrhotic patients also had their ICG clearance measured by the conventional spectrophotometric technique. Results: NIRS ICG elimination rate (ICG-k) and spectrophotometry ICG-k values correlated strongly (r= 0.828, P < 0.001, n=13). There was a significant reduction in the mean NIRS-k in cirrhotic patients and within Child,Pugh classes A, B, and C (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Measurement of ICG elimination by the NIRS method is at least as reliable as the conventional spectrophotometric technique in normals and in patients with cirrhosis. This technique merits further development for use as a bedside, less invasive liver function test. [source] Functional imaging with FENSI: Flow-enhanced signal intensityMAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE, Issue 2 2007Bradley P. Sutton Abstract Flow measurement methods for functional MRI (fMRI) are desirable as they are more closely tied to neuronal activity than the commonly used blood oxygenation techniques. In this work we introduce a flow-based functional imaging method. The method, called flow enhancement of signal intensity (FENSI), is an extension of the diffusion enhancement of signal and resolution (DESIRE) method from MR microscopy. The FENSI method offers a localized flow-weighted signal across a very thin slice (0.4 mm in this study) that provides a signal enhancement that is dependent on the velocity and direction of the flow. The FENSI method was implemented on a human 3 T system and applied to a blocked visual cognitive task. Activation maps showed good localization and the measured signal changes of around 10% were in good agreement with the predicted enhancements. Magn Reson Med 58:396,401, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Bayesian galaxy shape measurement for weak lensing surveys , II.MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 1 2008Application to simulations ABSTRACT In this paper, we extend the Bayesian model fitting shape measurement method presented in Miller et al., and use the method to estimate the shear from the Shear TEsting Programme simulations (STEP). The method uses a fast model fitting algorithm that uses realistic galaxy profiles and analytically marginalizes over the position and amplitude of the model by doing the model fitting in Fourier space. This is used to find the full posterior probability in ellipticity. The shear is then estimated in a Bayesian way from this posterior probability surface. The Bayesian estimation allows measurement bias arising from the presence of random noise to be removed. In this paper, we introduce an iterative algorithm that can be used to estimate the intrinsic ellipticity prior and show that this is accurate and stable. We present results using the STEP parametrization that relates the input shear ,T to the estimated shear ,M by introducing a bias m and an offset c: ,M,,T=m,T+c. The average number density of galaxies used in the STEP1 analysis was 9 per square arcminute, for STEP2 the number density was 30 per square arcminute. By using the method to estimate the shear from the STEP1 simulations we find the method to have a shear bias of m= 0.006 ± 0.005 and a variation in shear offset with point spread function type of ,c= 0.0002. Using the method to estimate the shear from the STEP2 simulations we find that the shear bias and offset are m= 0.002 ± 0.016 and c=,0.0007 ± 0.0006, respectively. In addition, we find that the bias and offset are stable to changes in the magnitude and size of the galaxies. Such biases should yield any cosmological constraints from future weak lensing surveys robust to systematic effects in shape measurement. Finally, we present an alternative to the STEP parametrization by using a quality factor that relates the intrinsic shear variance in a simulation to the variance in shear that is measured and show that the method presented has an average of Q, 100 which is at least a factor of 10 times better than other shape measurement methods. [source] Associations between obesity and morbidity: effects of measurement methodsOBESITY REVIEWS, Issue 5 2008M. Shields No abstract is available for this article. [source] Lower energy content of human milk than calculated using conversion factorsPEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2005Satoko Hosoi Abstract,Background:,Bodyweight gain of formula-fed babies is usually higher than that of breast-fed ones. The energy content of human milk is usually quantified not by direct measurement but by calculation based on The Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan. For this study, the energy of human milk was quantified in two ways, using a direct measurement and a calculation method. Methods:,A total of 227 milk samples (192 colostrum, 21 transitional milk, and 14 mature milk) were collected from 114 healthy women. Energy of the whole milk was measured by ballistic bomb calorimetry. The content of protein, fat, and carbohydrate was determined by direct measurement methods. Energy of the milk was also calculated according to the indices in The Standard Tables. Results:,The mean value for all milk samples of directly measured energy was significantly lower than that of the calculated energy (58.1 ± 8.1 vs. 64.5 ± 10.6 kcal/100 g, n = 227, P < 0.05). Similar results were observed in colostrum and transitional milk but not in mature milk. Measured energy in mature milk was significantly higher than that in colostrum (64.2 ± 3.6 vs. 57.1 ± 8.0 kcal/100 g, P < 0.05). Protein concentration in mature milk was significantly lower than that in colostrum (1.4 ± 0.4 vs. 2.2 ± 0.7 g/100 g, P < 0.05). Conclusions:,The measured energy content of human milk was lower than the calculated energy based upon the Standard Tables, suggesting that formula milk contains excessive energy. [source] Evaluation of a High Exposure Solar UV Dosimeter for Underwater UsePHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2007Peter W. Schouten ABSTRACT Solar ultraviolet radiation (UV) is known to have a significant effect upon the marine ecosystem. This has been documented by many previous studies using a variety of measurement methods in aquatic environments such as oceans, streams and lakes. Evidence gathered from these investigations has shown that UVB radiation (280,320 nm) can negatively affect numerous aquatic life forms, while UVA radiation (320,400 nm) can both damage and possibly even repair certain types of underwater life. Chemical dosimeters such as polysulphone have been tested to record underwater UV exposures and in turn quantify the relationship between water column depth and dissolved organic carbon levels to the distribution of biologically damaging UV underwater. However, these studies have only been able to intercept UV exposures over relatively short time intervals. This paper reports on the evaluation of a high exposure UV dosimeter for underwater use. The UV dosimeter was fabricated from poly 2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide (PPO) film. This paper presents the dose response, cosine response, exposure additivity and watermarking effect relating to the PPO dosimeter as measured in a controlled underwater environment and will also detail the overnight dark reaction and UVA and visible radiation response of the PPO dosimeter, which can be used for error correction to improve the reliability of the UV data measured by the PPO dosimeters. These results show that this dosimeter has the potential for long-term underwater UV exposure measurements. [source] The influence of sociodemographic characteristics on agreement between self-reports and expert exposure assessments,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 10 2010Grace Sembajwe ScD Abstract Background Often in exposure assessment for epidemiology, there are no highly accurate exposure data and different measurement methods are considered. The objective of this study was to use various statistical techniques to explore agreement between individual reports and expert ratings of workplace exposures in several industries and investigate the sociodemographic influences on this agreement. Methods A cohort of 1,282 employees at 4 industries/14 worksites answered questions on workplace physical, chemical, and psychosocial exposures over the past 12 months. Occupational hygienists constructed job exposure matrices (JEMs) based on worksite walkthrough exposure evaluations. Worker self-reports were compared with the JEMs using multivariable analyses to explore discord. Results There was poor agreement between the self-reported and expert exposure assessments, but there was evidence that agreement was modified by sociodemographic characteristics. Several characteristics including gender, age, race/ethnicity, hourly wage and nativity strongly affected the degree of discord between self-reports and expert raters across a wide array of different exposures. Conclusions Agreement between exposure assessment tools may be affected by sociodemographic characteristics. This study is cross-sectional and therefore, a snapshot of potential exposures in the workplace. Nevertheless, future studies should take into account the social contexts within which workplace exposures occur. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:1019,1031, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Selected experimental methods for determining droplet parameters from the intensity distribution of scattered light: A reviewPROCEEDINGS IN APPLIED MATHEMATICS & MECHANICS, Issue 1 2003N. Roth The present paper summarizes some experimental methods, which have been developed using the results of calculations based on the theory of Gustav Mie. As examples two regions of the scattered light are considered in more detail. The intensity distribution in the forward hemisphere for scattering angles 30 , , , 60 shows maxima, which can be identified as regular fringes on a screen. The spacing between the fringes is a measure for the droplet size. In the intensity distribution of the backward hemisphere the region of the first rainbow can be found. In the rainbow region a main maximum, subsidiary maxima and a ripple structure can be identified. The angular position of the main maximum is a measure for the refractive index of the droplet. The angular distance between the subsidiary maxima and the angular distance between the ripples both are a function of droplet size. A comparison with other size measurement methods gives information about the sphericity of the droplet. An evaporating droplet shows for instance oscillations of the rainbow position due to morphology dependent resonances. The oscillation frequency is proportional to the evaporation rate. [source] Preservation causes shrinkage in seahorses: implications for biological studies and for managing sustainable trade with minimum size limitsAQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS, Issue 4 2009Julie L. Nadeau Abstract 1.The implications of shrinkage associated with desiccation and ethanol preservation for seahorses (genus Hippocampus) were investigated using Hippocampus guttulatus (European long-snouted seahorse) as a model. Specifically, this research addressed the implications of preservation for taxonomy and life history studies and the application of minimum size limits (MSL) for managing seahorse trade. 2.In 2004, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) listed all seahorse species on its Appendix II, and recommended a 10,cm MSL as an interim means of ensuring sustainable international trade. Inconsistencies in seahorse measurement methods and repeatability posed challenges for applying the MSL. Moreover, the shrinking effect of desiccation on body length observed in other fish was assumed to be negligible for seahorses because of their high degree of ossification. 3.Changes in seahorse sizes were measured following immersion in ethanol and desiccation. H. guttulatus shrank on average by 0.1,2.3% when preserved in ethanol and 3.0,6.4% when dried, depending on the trait measured. Similar trends were observed in a sample of H. kuda (yellow seahorse). Specimen posture during drying, and measurement methods also influenced estimates of size. 4.Based on the shrinkage observed, 14,44% of captured seahorses that are dried could shrink to below the recommended MSL, even if all seahorses were longer than the MSL at capture. This demonstrates that small changes in body lengths can have significant implications for trade of species managed with size limits. 5.Recommendations are to (1) standardize seahorse measurement methods, (2) consider the effects of preservation and measurement technique on body lengths, and apply appropriate corrections in comparative studies and when developing fisheries management strategies, and (3) adjust size limits at the point of capture to ensure retained seahorses comply with the CITES recommended MSL. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Accounting for SGARAs: Towards Comparability and ConsistencyAUSTRALIAN ACCOUNTING REVIEW, Issue 2 2009Belinda Williams The objectives of this study were to examine whether consistency and comparability has been achieved through the introduction of AASB 1037 and the subsequent adoption of AASB 141. We find that consistency in measurement methods has not been achieved through the introduction of a prescribed accounting method under AASB 1037 and is not likely to be achieved through the application of AASB 141. Consistency was found however in the application of measurement methods over time and, in particular, in these SGARA types of native forests and plantation timber. The study contributes to an understanding of the issues faced by Australian firms surrounding the processes leading to the introduction of a new accounting standard. [source] Artificial disruption of skin barrier prior to irritant patch testing does not improve test designBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2004K.L. Gebhard Summary Background, Irritant patch testing is often performed as a 24- or 48-h occlusive patch test with low concentrations of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Objectives, The aim of this study was to investigate potential ways to shorten this test procedure and obtain precise test results. Patients and methods, Thirty-six healthy volunteers underwent irritant patch testing with different pretreatments (PT) of the test fields. Occlusive test chambers were applied on the upper back with SLS 0·5%, 1%, 2% and 5% in large Finn Chambers®. The patches were removed after 4 and 24 h, respectively, depending on the concentration used. Test fields were pretreated as follows: PT 0, field without any PT (control); PT 1, prick with lancet; PT 2, prick with test stamp; PT 3, scratch with lancet; PT 4, incision with standardized incision instrument (0·1,0·2 mm depth). Skin reactions were evaluated by transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin erythema and skin hydration and as well by a visual score (VS) at 4, 24 and 72 h. Results, Our data show an obvious distinction between PT 0,2 and PT 3,4 at all measurement methods. The average TEWL values with PT 3,4 were higher than those with PT 0,2, especially on the 4-h course. This distinction may derive from the shape and size of the skin impairment achieved by PT 3,4, leading to a mechanical barrier disruption. However, SLS may infiltrate directly into deeper skin layers supported by capillarity. Consequently, no or little penetration through the epidermis and interaction with its structures occurs, which is responsible for irritant skin reactions. The SLS dose in the upper skin layers is therefore lower at these PTs. The lower remaining dose of SLS also explains this distinction, especially for the VS. Additionally, there are presumed reactions in deeper layers of the epidermis and dermis at PT 3,4. Conclusions, In summary, all data suggest a different reaction pattern from the classical irritant response. Therefore, application without any PT seems to be best suited for irritancy skin testing, especially for visual assessment. PTs prior to irritant patch testing have been shown to be unjustifiable. [source] Quantitation of Mandibular Symphysis Volume as a Source of Bone GraftingCLINICAL IMPLANT DENTISTRY AND RELATED RESEARCH, Issue 2 2010Fernando Verdugo DDS ABSTRACT Background: Autogenous intramembranous bone graft present several advantages such as minimal resorption and high concentration of bone morphogenetic proteins. A method for measuring the amount of bone that can be harvested from the symphysis area has not been reported in real patients. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to intrasurgically quantitate the volume of the symphysis bone graft that can be safely harvested in live patients and compare it with AutoCAD® (version 16.0, Autodesk, Inc., San Rafael, CA, USA) tomographic calculations. Materials and Methods: AutoCAD software program quantitated symphysis bone graft in 40 patients using computerized tomographies. Direct intrasurgical measurements were recorded thereafter and compared with AutoCAD data. The bone volume was measured at the recipient sites of a subgroup of 10 patients, 6 months post sinus augmentation. Results: The volume of bone graft measured by AutoCAD averaged 1.4 mL (SD 0.6 mL, range: 0.5,2.7 mL). The volume of bone graft measured intrasurgically averaged 2.3 mL (SD 0.4 mL, range 1.7,2.8 mL). The statistical difference between the two measurement methods was significant. The bone volume measured at the recipient sites 6 months post sinus augmentation averaged 1.9 mL (SD 0.3 mL, range 1.3,2.6 mL) with a mean loss of 0.4 mL. Conclusion: AutoCAD did not overestimate the volume of bone that can be safely harvested from the mandibular symphysis. The use of the design software program may improve surgical treatment planning prior to sinus augmentation. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||