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Modern Technology (modern + technology)
Selected AbstractsThe Metabolic Syndrome: A Modern Plague Spread by Modern TechnologyJOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPERTENSION, Issue 12 2009Aaron Spalding MD Malnutrition and infectious disease represent the most common health threats facing the developing world. However, increasing technological developments and the expansion of western culture have contributed to the increasing prevalence of the metabolic syndrome. The epidemiologic significance and potential costs to governmental health care systems of an increasing incidence of metabolic syndrome could become high. The role of environmental influences that lead to the development of the metabolic syndrome needs to be explored. Because the metabolic syndrome becomes more common as nations develop, investigations into the ramifications of this disease often come too late. [source] Genetic technology and family conflictCONFLICT RESOLUTION QUARTERLY, Issue 1 2000Deborah B. Gentry Modern technologies are taking laypersons and professionals into uncharted waters, prompting many to ask: Just because we can, should we? Specifically, genetic technologies are presenting numerous issues for which there are no easy answers. What role can family mediators play in resolving family conflicts related to genetic testing, treatments, and therapies? [source] The use of probiotics in shrimp aquacultureFEMS IMMUNOLOGY & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2006Ali Farzanfar Abstract Shrimp aquaculture, as well as other industries, constantly requires new techniques in order to increase production yield. Modern technologies and other sciences such as biotechnology and microbiology are important tools that could lead to a higher quality and greater quantity of products. Feeding and new practices in farming usually play an important role in aquaculture, and the addition of various additives to a balanced feed formula to achieve better growth is a common practice of many fish and shrimp feed manufacturers and farmers. Probiotics, as ,bio-friendly agents' such as lactic acid bacteria and Bacillus spp., can be introduced into the culture environment to control and compete with pathogenic bacteria as well as to promote the growth of the cultured organisms. In addition, probiotics are nonpathogenic and nontoxic microorganisms without undesirable side-effects when administered to aquatic organisms. These strains of bacteria have many other positive effects, which are described in this article. [source] Non-surgical management of periodontal diseaseAUSTRALIAN DENTAL JOURNAL, Issue 2009I Darby Abstract Non-surgical removal of plaque and calculus has been part of the initial phase of the management of patients with gingivitis and periodontitis for decades. It consists of patient motivation and oral hygiene instruction as well as mechanical removal of supra and subgingival plaque deposits. The purpose of this review was to assess recent changes. The article reports on changes in our understanding of plaque as a biofilm, developments in patient plaque control, chemical plaque control and scaling instruments. It also comments on full-mouth disinfection, the use of lasers and host modulation. Modern technology has made removal of microbial deposits by the patient and dental professionals more efficient. However, other advancements need to be used in conjunction with mechanical debridement at this time. [source] Errors in technological systemsHUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 4 2003R.B. Duffey Massive data and experience exist on the rates and causes of errors and accidents in modern industrial and technological society. We have examined the available human record, and have shown the existence of learning curves, and that there is an attainable and discernible minimum or asymptotic lower bound for error rates. The major common contributor is human error, including in the operation, design, manufacturing, procedures, training, maintenance, management, and safety methodologies adopted for technological systems. To analyze error and accident rates in many diverse industries and activities, we used a combined empirical and theoretical approach. We examine the national and international reported error, incident and fatal accident rates for multiple modern technologies, including shipping losses, industrial injuries, automobile fatalities, aircraft events and fatal crashes, chemical industry accidents, train derailments and accidents, medical errors, nuclear events, and mining accidents. We selected national and worldwide data sets for time spans of up to ,200 years, covering many millions of errors in diverse technologies. We developed and adopted a new approach using the accumulated experience; thus, we show that all the data follow universal learning curves. The vast amounts of data collected and analyzed exhibit trends consistent with the existence of a minimum error rate, and follow failure rate theory. There are potential and key practical impacts for the management of technological systems, the regulatory practices for complex technological processes, the assignment of liability and blame, the assessment of risk, and for the reporting and prediction of errors and accident rates. The results are of fundamental importance to society as we adopt, manage, and use modern technology. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 13: 279,291, 2003. [source] The need for integration of drought monitoring tools for proactive food security management in sub-Saharan AfricaNATURAL RESOURCES FORUM, Issue 4 2008Tsegaye Tadesse Abstract Reducing the impact of drought and famine remains a challenge in sub-Saharan Africa despite ongoing drought relief assistance in recent decades. This is because drought and famine are primarily addressed through a crisis management approach when a disaster occurs, rather than stressing preparedness and risk management. Moreover, drought planning and food security efforts have been hampered by a lack of integrated drought monitoring tools, inadequate early warning systems (EWS), and insufficient information flow within and between levels of government in many sub-Saharan countries. The integration of existing drought monitoring tools for sub-Saharan Africa is essential for improving food security systems to reduce the impacts of drought and famine on society in this region. A proactive approach emphasizing integration requires the collective use of multiple tools, which can be used to detect trends in food availability and provide early indicators at local, national, and regional scales on the likely occurrence of food crises. In addition, improving the ability to monitor and disseminate critical drought-related information using available modern technologies (e.g., satellites, computers, and modern communication techniques) may help trigger timely and appropriate preventive responses and, ultimately, contribute to food security and sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa. [source] The Cogeneration Potential of the Sugar Industry in VietnamOPEC ENERGY REVIEW, Issue 1 2004Subhes C. Bhattacharyya Vietnam produces about 15 million tons of sugarcane per year and about five mt of bagasse. There is the potential for cogeneration using bagasse, which can also help overcome power shortages in the country. This paper analyses the potential for cogeneration from the sugar industry in Vietnam under three different scenarios and finds that between 100 and 300 megawatts of power-generating capacity could be supported by the bagasse generated from sugar mills, depending on the technology considered for sugar mills and cogeneration and the possibility of renovation of the existing mills. The paper also assesses the expense of cogeneration and finds it to be a cost-effective option for all types of sugar mill. It is found that the cost savings from cogeneration would more than offset the cost of introducing cogeneration in sugar mills with inefficient caneprocessing technologies. Sugar mills with modern technologies would have a significant amount of excess power and most of these plants would break-even if they sold excess power at around 4.5 cents per kilowatt hour. The break-even cost and the average production cost are sensitive to the investment cost assumptions. The paper thus suggests that cogeneration from the sugar industry is an attractive option for investors in existing mills or new sugar mills alike. [source] Evidence from traditional and new technologies for northward migrations of Australian plague locusts (Chortoicetes terminifera) (Walker) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) to western QueenslandAUSTRAL ECOLOGY, Issue 8 2005E. D. DEVESON Abstract The development of recent infestations of the Australian plague locust (Chortoicetes terminifera) (Walker) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) has been traced using traditional survey data combined with information from several modern technologies including simulation of windborne transport trajectories, direct observation with entomological radar and satellite imagery. The results indicate that migration from spring generations in the southern and eastern parts of the species range, including agricultural areas, to the summer rainfall areas in arid western Queensland (Qld) has contributed to the development of infestations on several occasions. Migration from swarm populations in New South Wales to western Qld in November and December 1999 contributed to a rapid population increase that, over a sequence of generations, led to the major infestation of agricultural areas in March and April 2000. There is evidence that northward migrations also occurred in 1995, 1997 and 2000. These contributed to the early summer populations in Qld, but did not result in large migrations to the south in autumn. These observations suggest that a pattern of exchange migration across much of the geographical range of the species between regions of winter and summer rainfall characterizes the spatial dynamics of this species. This pattern appears to be adaptive and suggests migration in C. terminifera is sustained by contemporary natural selection. [source] Bioengineering nitrogen acquisition in rice: can novel initiatives in rice genomics and physiology contribute to global food security?BIOESSAYS, Issue 6 2004Dev T. Britto Rice is the most important crop species on earth, providing staple food for 70% of the world's human population. Over the past four decades, successes in classical breeding, fertilization, pest control, irrigation and expansion of arable land have massively increased global rice production, enabling crop scientists and farmers to stave off anticipated famines. If current projections for human population growth are correct, however, present rice yields will be insufficient within a few years. Rice yields will have to increase by an estimated 60% in the next 30 years, or global food security will be in danger. The classical methods of previous green revolutions alone will probably not be able to meet this challenge, without being coupled to recombinant DNA technology. Here, we focus on the promise of these modern technologies in the area of nitrogen acquisition in rice, recognizing that nitrogen deficiency compromises the realization of rice yield potential in the field more than any other single factor. We summarize rice-specific advances in four key areas of research: (1) nitrogen fixation, (2) primary nitrogen acquisition, (3) manipulations of internal nitrogen metabolism, and (4) interactions between nitrogen and photosynthesis. We develop a model for future plant breeding possibilities, pointing out the importance of coming to terms with the complex interactions among the physiological components under manipulation, in the context of ensuring proper targeting of intellectual and financial resources in this crucial area of research. BioEssays 26:683,692, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Considering a multisite study?JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 2 2002How to take the leap, have a soft landing Although most policymakers agree that a fundamental goal of the mental health system is to provide integrated community-based services, there is little empirical evidence with which to plan such a system. Studies in the community mental health literature have not used a standard set of evaluation methods. One way of addressing this gap is through a multisite program evaluation in which multiple sites and programs evaluate the same outcomes using the same instruments and time frame. The proposition of introducing the same study design in different settings and programs is deceptively straightforward. The difficulty is not in the conceptualization but in the implementation. This article examines the factors that act as implementation barriers, how are they magnified in a multisite study design, and how they can be successfully addressed. In discussing the issue of study design, this article considers processes used to address six major types of barriers to conducting collaborative studies identified by Lancaster or Lancaster's six Cs,contribution, communication, compatibility, consensus, credit, and commitment. A case study approach is used to examine implementation of a multisite community mental health evaluation of services and supports (case management, self-help initiatives, crisis interventions) represented by six independent evaluations of 15 community health programs. A principal finding was that one of the main vehicles to a successful multisite project is participation. It is only through participation that Lancaster's six Cs can be addressed. Key factors in large, geographically dispersed, and diverse groups include the use of advisory committees, explicit criteria and opportunities for participation, reliance on all modes of communication, and valuing informal interactions. The article concludes that whereas modern technology has assisted in making complicated research designs feasible, the operationalization of timeless virtues such as mutual respect and trust, flexibility, and commitment make them successful. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [source] The Vienna classification applied to colorectal adenomasJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 11 2006Carlos A Rubio Abstract Background and Aim:, In 1999, a group of Western and Asian pathologists gathered in Vienna reached consensus regarding the classification of gastrointestinal epithelial neoplasia. In this study, that classification is applied to colorectal adenomas. Methods:, Colorectal adenomas from 1552 patients were histologically classified according to the categories listed in Vienna: category 3, low-grade dysplasia; 4.1, high-grade dysplasia; 4.2, carcinoma in situ; 4.3, suspicious of intramucosal carcinoma; 5.1, intramucosal carcinoma; and 5.2, submucosal carcinoma. The criteria used to diagnose these lesions are described in detail. Adenomas with dysplasia (categories 3 and 4.1) or with carcinoma (categories 4.2, 4.3, 5.1 and 5.2) were analyzed separately. On basis of their configuration, adenomas were classified into tubular, tubulovillous, villous, serrated, microtubular and combined phenotypes (i.e. other than tubulovillous). Results:, The highest percentage of adenomas with carcinoma was found amongst villous adenomas (29.6%), followed by combined adenomas (27.8%). Villous adenoma with carcinoma was the most frequent neoplasia at all ages; combined adenomas with carcinoma were more frequent among younger patients. In elderly patients (,60 years of age) the highest percentage of adenomas with carcinoma was recorded in villous adenomas (28.1%), followed by serrated adenomas (19.2%). Villous adenomas and combined adenomas with carcinoma were more frequent in males. Conclusion:, The Vienna classification of colorectal adenomas seems to be influenced by parameters inherent to the patient such as age and sex and by the histological phenotype of the adenoma. With the recent improvement in medical technology it is possible to laser-microdisect a defined group of neoplastic glands (such as with carcinoma in situ or with intramucosal carcinoma) for specific molecular analysis. This modern technology will permit in future the translation of histological structures into molecular terms. [source] Land under pressure: soil conservation concerns and opportunities for EthiopiaLAND DEGRADATION AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 1 2003B. G. J. S. Sonneveld Abstract This paper evaluates the future impact of soil degradation on national food security and land occupation in Ethiopia. It applies a spatial optimization model that maximizes national agricultural revenues under alternative scenarios of soil conservation, land accessibility and technology. The constraints in the model determine whether people remain on their original site, migrate within their ethnically defined areas or are allowed a transregional migration. Key to this model is the combination of a water erosion model with a spatial yield function that gives an estimate of the agricultural yield in its geographical dependence of natural resources and population distribution. A comparison of simulated land productivity values with historical patterns shows that results are interpretable and yield more accurate outcomes than postulating straightforward reductions in yield or land area for each geographic entity. The results of the optimization model show that in absence of soil erosion control, the future agricultural production stagnates and results in distressing food shortages, while rural incomes drop dramatically below the poverty line. Soil conservation and migration support a slow growth, but do not suffice to meet the expected food demand. In a transregional migration scenario, the highly degraded areas are exchanged for less affected sites, whereas cultivation on already substantially degraded soils largely continues when resettlement is confined to the original ethnic,administrative entity. A shift to modern technology offers better prospects and moderates the migration, but soil conservation remains indispensable, especially in the long term. Finally, an accelerated growth of non-agricultural sectors further alleviates poverty in the countryside, contributing to higher income levels of the total population and, simultaneously, relieving the pressure on the land through rural,urban migration. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] XIVth International Symposium on Luminescence Spectrometry , Recent advances of luminescence techniques in research and modern technology (ISLS 2010) Extended AbstractsLUMINESCENCE: THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL LUMINESCENCE, Issue 3 2010Article first published online: 6 JUL 2010 First page of article [source] Electronic Security Systems and Active Implantable Medical DevicesPACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 8 2002WERNER IRNICH IRNICH, W.: Electronic Security Systems and Active Implantable Medical Devices. How do active implantable medical devices react in the presence of strong magnetic fields in the frequency range between extremely low frequency (ELF) to radiofrequency (RF) as they are emitted by electronic security systems (ESS)? There are three different sorts of ESSs: electronic article surveillance (EAS) devices, metal detector (MDS) devices, and radiofrequency identification (RFID) systems. Common to all is the production of magnetic fields. There is an abundance of literature concerning interference by ESS gates with respect to if there is an influence possible and if such an influence can bear a risk for the AIMD wearers. However, there has been no attempt to study the physical mechanism nor to develop a model of how and under which conditions magnetic fields can influence pacemakers and defibrillators and how they could be disarmed by technological means. It is too often assumed that interference of AIMD with ESS is inevitable. Exogenous signals of similar intensity and rhythm to heart signals can be misinterpreted and, thus, confuse the implant. Important for the interference coupling mechanism is the differentiation between a "unipolar" and a "bipolar" system. With respect to magnetic fields, the left side implanted pacemaker is the most unfavorable case as the lead forms approximately a semicircular area of maximum 225 cm2 into which a voltage can be induced. This assumption yields an interference coupling model that can be expressed by simple mathematics. The worst-case conditions for induced interference voltages are a coupling area of 225 cm2 that is representative for a large human, a homogeneous magnetic field perpendicular to the area formed by the lead, and a unipolar ventricular pacemaker system that is implanted on the left side of the thorax and has the highest interference sensitivity. In bipolar systems the fields must be 17 times larger when compared to a unipolar system to have the same effect. The magnetic field for interfering with ICDs must be 1.7 stronger than that of the most sensitive unipolar pacemaker. The lowest interference thresholds measured over the last 10 years in the low frequency range (16 2/3 Hz,24 kHz) together with thresholds > 24 kHz that were supplied by the CETECOM study are listed. Both sets of data together with the coupling model, allow for judging which fields of ESSs could influence AIMDs. From measurements at gate antennas, it is possible to derive a "maximum allowed field" curve over the whole frequency range, below which no interference will occur. Comparison of data from literature with these maximum allowed fields confirm the correctness of the calculations. Thus, it is possible to predict interference situations in gates if the magnetic field is known. If all future pacemakers were to have the immunity against interference of the better 50% of today's pacemakers, the magnetic field ceiling values could be at least four times higher. The same is true if the ventricular sensitivity is routinely set at 7 mV. Pacemaker manufacturers should consider filter improvement with modern technology, but gate manufacturers should not claim the privilege of being out of bounds. [source] Optimal environmental and industrial policies and imperfect agglomeration effectsREGIONAL SCIENCE POLICY AND PRACTICE, Issue 2 2009Daisuke Ikazaki Agglomeration; technology; environment Abstract This paper examines a simple general equilibrium model that considers problems related to agglomeration, technology, and the environment. First, it is shown that the manufactured goods sector converts from classical technology with constant returns to scale to modern technology with increasing returns to scale as the regional population increases. The optimal pollution level might be an inverted-U shape with respect to population if optimal environmental policy is adopted. Second, the optimal population level of conversion is not attained in the market economy. The labour that is devoted to the manufactured goods sector in the market economy is too small. So, we derive the optimal subsidy rates to the manufactured goods sector to make resource allocation optimum. Third, we consider migration using the two-region model. One region becomes a large city and the other region becomes a rural area if the total population is large. The industrial policy tends to extend the population difference between city and rural areas. On the other hand, if the total population is small, a symmetric point will be stable equilibrium. [source] Technologies of Visibility: The Utopian Politics of Cameras, Televisions, Videos and Dreams in New BritainTHE AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 1 2006Andrew Lattas This paper explores how Melanesian villagers have harnessed modern, technological ways of seeing. It begins by analysing the politics and narrative structures of dreams and popular stories about secret photos concerning the dead. These are stories about losing control and regaining hidden, alternative representations of Melanesians. I then analyse how millenarian followers have experimented with ,constructing' their own versions of cameras, televisions and videos so as to gain access to the omniscient powers of modern technology and merge them with those of a Christian god and with the gaze of the dead. In the Pomio Kivung movement, ,televisions' and ,videos' have even been used to create new forms of moral surveillance for policing and governing communities. Here the customary shamanic worlds of dreams and possession have been modernised and redeployed to re-mediate the governmental practices and disciplinary schemes of civilisating projects originally belonging to Western churches and government. [source] PRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY IN THE IVORIAN MANUFACTURING SECTOR: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY USING A DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS APPROACHTHE DEVELOPING ECONOMIES, Issue 4 2005KARINE CHAPELLE The African industrial structure is characterized by firm-size heterogeneity with the coexistence of small, if not micro, enterprises in the informal sector and large formal organizations operating with modern technology. In this paper, using the Data Envelopment Analysis production frontier methodology, we investigate the technical efficiency of Ivorian manufacturing firms in four sectors of economic activity: textiles and garments, metal products, food processing, and wood and furniture. Efficiency scores are adjusted to take into account the impact of the external operating environment. These scores are then broken down into three elements: the purely managerial effect, the impact of the scale of production, and a technological effect capturing the potential gain that could result from the adoption of modern technology by small informal organizations. Not only formal activities prove to be more efficient in scaling their production but also, they greatly benefit from their modem technology. [source] Endoscopic Laryngotracheal Cleft Repair Without Tracheotomy or IntubationTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 4 2006Kishore Sandu MD Abstract Objectives: The objectives of this study are to present the technique and results of endoscopic repair of laryngotracheoesophageal clefts (LTEC) extending caudally to the cricoid plate into the cervical trachea and to revisit the classification of LTEC. Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective case analysis consisting of four infants with complete laryngeal clefts (extending through the cricoid plate in three cases and down into the cervical trachea in one case) treated endoscopically by CO2 laser incision of the mucosa and two-layer endoscopic closure of the cleft without postoperative intubation or tracheotomy. Results: All four infants resumed spontaneous respiration without support after a mean postoperative period of 3 days with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). They accepted oral feeding within 5 postoperative days (range, 3,11 days). No breakdown of endoscopic repair was encountered. After a mean follow up of 48 months (range, 3 mos to 7 y), all children have a good voice, have no sign of residual aspiration, but experience a slight exertional dyspnea. Conclusion: This limited experience on the endoscopic repair of extrathoracic LTEC shows that a minimally invasive approach sparing the need for postoperative intubation or tracheotomy is feasible and safe if modern technology (ultrapulse CO2 laser, endoscopic suturing, and postoperative use of CPAP in the intensive care unit) is available. [source] 1226: Techniques and complications of anaesthesia for vitreoretinal surgery and a new technique of local anaesthesiaACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010K GOMBOSArticle first published online: 23 SEP 2010 Purpose Since the 1970s, the methods of vitrectomy procedures in ophthalmology have changed due to technical developments. Consequently certain procedures are less painful and less time consuming. On the other hand, due the modern technology more difficult cases can be operated, which may result in increase the time and strain of the operation. Methods General anaesthesia (GA) is one possibility, but it may have lots of side effects, can cause serious life threatening complications, is time consuming, expensive and sometimes to organise general anaesthesia leads to delay of the operation, consequently possibly hindering the proper timing of it. Despite these, the GA seemed to be necessary when a longer procedure planned. Results Using our method we could avoid some of the well-known complications of RBA and PBA. Painless operations were provided and the surgeons were satisfied with the anaesthesia. The serum Lidocain level was lower in cRBA compared with the single dose technique. Moreover the presence of postoperative pain could be reduced by using anaesthesia via cannula. Conclusion The benefits and disadvantages of cRBA will be apparent only by the spread of the new technique, which could also contribute to its improvement. This method means a perspective for postoperative pain relief. Hopefully more widespread use of this method helps continuous regional techniques to find their well deserved place in ophthalmic anaesthesia. [source] Commercial and sexual exploitation of children and young people in the UK,a reviewCHILD ABUSE REVIEW, Issue 1 2005Elaine Chase Abstract This paper reviews recent information and data relevant to the commercial sexual exploitation of children and young people in the UK. Three main aspects of exploitation are addressed: abuse through prostitution; abuse through pornography; and the trafficking of children and young people to and through the UK for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation. Most published research in this area relates to young people exploited through prostitution. The review explores the range of vulnerability factors, the processes used to engage young people in prostitution and the types of support strategies for those being exploited. Rather less information is currently available on the scale of child pornography, or the links between the use of pornography and other forms of sexual abuse. The internet as a modern technology for proliferating child pornography is discussed, alongside its role in providing opportunities for paedophiles to access and ,groom' children for sexual purposes. Finally, the review provides a summary of research on trafficking of children to and through the UK for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and demonstrates the limited knowledge about this topic. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Textile coloration industry in IndiaCOLORATION TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2008M D Teli This review paper discusses the diversity of the textile sector in India, including its nature, the number of stakeholders and its effect on the overall national economy. It focuses on the significant role the coloration industry is expected to play in the near future, as this is the most problematic step in textile production with respect to profitability, planning and technology. While carrying out analysis of the textile and clothing industry, it also deals with the transformation the industry has undergone in the last two decades in terms of the selection of textile product mix in different regions of India from the point of view of profitability, the use of modern technology and selection criteria of colourants and specialised chemicals. These changes are viewed in respect of improved quality demands, measures undertaken to minimise the pollution level of the environment, and other related factors. In parallel, the growth of the dyestuff and speciality chemical industry, which has a direct relationship with this industry, is also discussed. It attempts to reflect upon the efforts of the Indian government in encouraging modernisation of the textile processing industry in terms of the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme and other policy supports in relation to the response from the industry. Finally, the paper highlights the amount of human resource development needed to achieve the ambitious targets the government has put before the textile and clothing industry. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||