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Review Paper (review + paper)
Selected AbstractsPURCHASING POWER PARITY IN LESS-DEVELOPED AND TRANSITION ECONOMIES: A REVIEW PAPERJOURNAL OF ECONOMIC SURVEYS, Issue 4 2009Mohsen Bahmani-Oskooee Abstract The concept of purchasing power parity (PPP) has been the subject of numerous studies, many of which have been unable to prove conclusively this core principle of international finance. Although industrialized countries have received most of the attention, studies that focus on less-developed and transition economies have also attained mixed results. This study surveys trends in this branch of the literature, highlighting the econometric advances that have sought to solve this puzzle, while pointing out that more needs to be done to address the reasons that might cause PPP not to hold. [source] Review paper: more than ringing in the ears: a review of tinnitus and its psychosocial impactJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 21 2009Susan Holmes Aim and objectives., To provide an overview of tinnitus, current management and its psychosocial impact offering strategies for managing acute and chronic tinnitus in practice. Background., Tinnitus, characterised by the perception of sound in the absence of external stimuli, is experienced by about 10% of the population at some time in their lives. It may be temporary/longstanding; approximately 5% adults experience severe, persistent tinnitus affecting their lifestyle. Although many adjust successfully, others are disabled by the condition. Though often unrecognised, tinnitus affects many patients regardless of their presenting illness. Design., A literature review including descriptive, theoretical and empirical material. Databases were searched using the keyword ,tinnitus' providing diverse information which was used to address the research questions. Results., Tinnitus represents more than ,simple' ringing in the ears and may be accompanied by many distressing changes. It may be acute or chronic. It is difficult to treat, care may be directed towards management rather than cure. Many patients are, however, told that ,nothing can be done'. Relevance to clinical practice., Despite the high prevalence of tinnitus, there is a paucity of relevant nursing literature suggesting that there is an information deficit amongst nurses. The information provided shows that understanding the full impact of the condition and identification of patients' needs are essential to effective care. Strategies to help affected patients are given. Conclusions., Tinnitus, a widespread, often intractable condition, affects millions of people; there is considerable debate about its causes. Tinnitus is distressing and may be severe enough to affect lifestyle and quality of life. Affected patients need considerable support and advice on healthcare options, encouragement to try different treatments and recognition that help and hope are available. Though patients may have to learn to live with tinnitus, the most important thing is that they recognise that help is available. [source] Methyltrioxorhenium Catalysis in Nonconventional Solvents: A Great Catalyst in a Safe Reaction MediumCHEMSUSCHEM CHEMISTRY AND SUSTAINABILITY, ENERGY & MATERIALS, Issue 5 2010Marcello Crucianelli Dr. Abstract The requirement that chemical processes are sustainabable, reflected in waste reduction and the use of safe reagents and reaction conditions, is becoming even more stringent as a result of pressure by society and governments to preserve the environment and protect human health. Catalysis offers numerous benefits related to green chemistry, including lowered energetic reaction requirements; catalytic, rather than stoichiometric, amounts of materials; increased selectivity; lowered consumption of processing and separation agents; and, in many cases, the use of less-toxic compounds. Our research group has for a long time been studying methyltrioxorhenium in the oxyfunctionalization of different substrates, by using H2O2 or its urea-hydrogen peroxide complex as the primary oxidant. In this Review paper we aim to provide a full literature account on the catalytic activity and selectivity of methyltrioxorhenium in the oxyfunctionalization reaction, either in nonconventional solvents or under solvent-free conditions, with a particular emphasis on the use of ionic liquids as green reaction media. [source] Nursing research in Spain: bibliometrics of references of research papers in the decade 1985,1994JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 6 2001Carmen Pardo Nursing research in Spain: bibliometrics of references of research papers in the decade 1985,1994 Background.,Spain is one of the few European countries to have recently totally incorporated the study of nursing into the university sector. Bibliometric studies may be of a great help for the consolidation of nursing research. Aim of the study.,The aim of this paper is to describe bibliographic references in Spanish nursing research papers and their evolution over a decade. Method.,The method consists of a retrospective bibliometric study of a sample (cluster sampling) of 622 research papers (original papers and review papers), which were contained in the Spanish nursing journals Enfermería Científica, Revista ROL de Enfermería, Enfermería Clínica and Enfermería Integral, and published from 1985 to 1994. The journal Nursing Research was selected for qualitative comparative purposes. A series of classic bibliometric indexes were used. Results.,The mean of references per paper is 10·64 ± 10·42; this increased over time (P < 0·001). Review papers have more references (P < 0·001). Price index (percentage of references published during the last 5 years) is 44% and the Insularity (percentage of references published in same country as the article) is 55%. References to journals predominate (58·6%), with a growing tendency for references to Spanish nursing journals, although they are still scarce (18·1% of the references to journals). Spanish is the language of most of the references (60·3%), the second language being English (36·1%). Conclusions.,Bibliographic references in Spanish nursing research papers are scarce and not very specific: this happens both in regard to Nursing Research and to publications in other national and international science areas. However, there is an increasing tendency of references (including references to nursing journals) in the period analysed. The age of the references places Spanish nursing in an intermediate position between the ,hard' sciences and the humanities; and, according to the type of documentation used, we find it halfway between experimental and natural sciences, and technologies and social sciences. There has been a slight increase in references in English in recent years. [source] Eating disorders in adults with intellectual disabilityJOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH, Issue 6 2000S. Gravestock Abstract There is an increasing focus on the nutrition of people with intellectual disability (ID), but less interest in the range of eating disorders (EDs) that they may exhibit and the bio-psycho-social impact of these conditions. Despite diagnostic and methodological difficulties, psychopathology and ED research studies suggest that 3,42% of institutionalized adults with ID and 1,19% of adults with ID in the community have diagnosable EDs. Weight surveys indicate that 2,35% of adults with ID are obese and 5,43% are significantly underweight, but the contribution of diagnosable EDs is unknown. Such data and case reports suggest that EDs are associated with considerable physical, behavioural, psychiatric and social comorbidity. Review papers have focused on the aetiology and treatment of pica, rumination, regurgitation, psychogenic vomiting and food faddiness/refusal. Emerging clinical issues are the development of appropriate diagnostic criteria, multimodal assessment and clinically effective treatment approaches. Key service issues include staff training to improve awareness, addressing comorbidity and access issues, and maintaining support for adults with ID and EDs, and their carers. Research should confirm the multifaceted aetiology and comorbidity of EDs. Then multicomponent assessment and treatment models for EDs can be developed and evaluated. [source] List of People Who Reviewed Papers for JMS in 2008JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, Issue 3 2009Article first published online: 20 MAR 200 First page of article [source] Aerosols and gaseous contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging of the lungCONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING, Issue 5 2008Karim Mosbah Abstract Magnetic resonance imaging of lungs and the investigation of pulmonary pathologies with this technique are limited by low proton spin density, degraded magnetic homogeneity and motion. Inhaled contrast agents (gases or aerosols) can improve the diagnostic value of MRI for lung. Paramagnetic contrast agents such as gadolinium chelates aerosol or dioxygen gas increase the relaxivity of proton in lung parenchyma and can be used to assess the ventilated fraction of the bronchoalveolar space. Similarly, inhalation of non proton-MRI nuclei such as perfluorinated gas or hyperpolarized gases (3He or 129Xe) can provide functional ventilation image. In this review paper, the principles, the practical implementation, the limitations and possible safety issues of these different techniques are summarized. The main pre-clinical and clinical applications of these approaches based on oral contrast agents are reviewed and illustrated with cutting-edge lung MRI studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] El Niño, climate change, and Southern African climateENVIRONMETRICS, Issue 4 2001Simon J. Mason Abstract The El Niño phenomenon involves a large-scale warming of the equatorial eastern and central Pacific Ocean. Recent developments in the El Niño,Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon have raised concerns about climate change. In this review paper, these recent developments are critically assessed and forecasts of possible future changes are reviewed. Since the late-1970s, El Niño episodes have been unusually recurrent, while the frequency of strong La Niña events has been low. Prolonged/recurrent warm event conditions of the first half of the 1990s were the result of the persistence of an anomalously warm pool near the date line, which, in turn, may be part of an abrupt warming trend in tropical sea-surface temperatures that occurred in the late-1970s. The abrupt warming of tropical sea-surface temperatures has been attributed to the enhanced-greenhouse effect, but may be indicative of inter-decadal variability: earlier changes in the frequency of ENSO events and earlier persistent El Niño and La Niña sequences have occurred. Most forecasts of ENSO variability in a doubled-CO2 climate suggest that the recent changes in the tropical Pacific are anomalous. Of potential concern, however, is a possible reduction in the predictability of ENSO events given a warmer background climate. El Niño events usually are associated with below-normal rainfall over much of southern Africa. Mechanisms for this influence on southern African climate are discussed, and the implications of possible changes in ENSO variability on the climate of the region are assessed. Recent observed changes in southern African climate and their possible relationships with trends in ENSO variability are investigated. The El Niño influence on rainfall over southern Africa occurs largely because of a weakening of tropical convection over the subcontinent. A warming of the Indian Ocean during El Niño events appears to be important in providing a teleconnection from the equatorial Pacific Ocean. The abrupt warming of the tropical Pacific and Indian oceans in the late-1970s is probably partly responsible for increasing air temperatures over southern Africa, and may have contributed to a prolongation of predominantly dry conditions. A return to a wet phase appears to have occurred, despite the persistence of anomalously high sea-surface temperatures associated with the late-1970s warming, and a record-breaking El Niño in 1997/98. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The Art and Science of Tailoring Materials by Nanostructuring for Advanced Properties Using SPD Techniques,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 8 2010Ruslan Z. Valiev In recent years a breakthrough has developed in the studies of nanostructured metals and alloys as advanced structural and functional materials associated both with the development of new routes for the fabrication of bulk nanostructured materials using severe plastic deformation (SPD) and with investigations of the fundamental mechanisms that lead to the new properties of these materials. This review paper discusses new concepts and principles in using SPD processing to fabricate bulk nanostructured metals with advanced properties. Special emphasis is placed on the relationship between microstructural features and properties, as well as the innovation potential of SPD-produced nanomaterials. [source] Review: Durability and Degradation Issues of PEM Fuel Cell ComponentsFUEL CELLS, Issue 1 2008F. A. de Bruijn Abstract Besides cost reduction, durability is the most important issue to be solved before commercialisation of PEM Fuel Cells can be successful. For a fuel cell operating under constant load conditions, at a relative humidity close to 100% and at a temperature of maximum 75,°C, using optimal stack and flow design, the voltage degradation can be as low as 1,2,,V·h. However, the degradation rates can increase by orders of magnitude when conditions include some of the following, i.e. load cycling, start,stop cycles, low humidification or humidification cycling, temperatures of 90,°C or higher and fuel starvation. This review paper aims at assessing the degradation mechanisms of membranes, electrodes, bipolar plates and seals. By collecting long-term experiments as well, the relative importance of these degradation mechanisms and the operating conditions become apparent. [source] Low dose radiotherapy in indolent lymphomas, enough is enough,HEMATOLOGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 2 2009R. L. M. Haas MD. Abstract Follicular lymphomas, as a prototype of all indolent lymphomas, are exquisitely radiation sensitive. This review paper highlights the clinical presentation of this lymphoma entity. Literature data are presented on first line curative irradiation in stage I and II patients, low-dose total body irradiation (TBI) in stage III and IV patients in first line and low-dose IF-RT (involved field radiotherapy) in patients with relapse. The clinical aspects of 2,×,2,Gy IF-RT in follicular lymphoma (FL) are presented as well as the in vivo imaging of the apoptotic cell death underlying the clinical response. Finally, by gene expression profiling, possible molecular-biological pathways are described involved in the low dose irradiation of FL. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Linking climate change modelling to impacts studies: recent advances in downscaling techniques for hydrological modellingINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY, Issue 12 2007H. J. Fowler Abstract There is now a large published literature on the strengths and weaknesses of downscaling methods for different climatic variables, in different regions and seasons. However, little attention is given to the choice of downscaling method when examining the impacts of climate change on hydrological systems. This review paper assesses the current downscaling literature, examining new developments in the downscaling field specifically for hydrological impacts. Sections focus on the downscaling concept; new methods; comparative methodological studies; the modelling of extremes; and the application to hydrological impacts. Consideration is then given to new developments in climate scenario construction which may offer the most potential for advancement within the ,downscaling for hydrological impacts' community, such as probabilistic modelling, pattern scaling and downscaling of multiple variables and suggests ways that they can be merged with downscaling techniques in a probabilistic climate change scenario framework to assess the uncertainties associated with future projections. Within hydrological impact studies there is still little consideration given to applied research; how the results can be best used to enable stakeholders and managers to make informed, robust decisions on adaptation and mitigation strategies in the face of many uncertainties about the future. It is suggested that there is a need for a move away from comparison studies into the provision of decision-making tools for planning and management that are robust to future uncertainties; with examination and understanding of uncertainties within the modelling system. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society [source] Formation of Lipid Emulsions and Clear Gels by Liquid Crystal EmulsificationINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 1 2007T. Suzuki Recently developed emulsion technologies for the formation of fine emulsions, lipid emulsions and clear gels by liquid crystal emulsification were reviewed. As a basic information on liquid crystal emulsification, the structures and characteristic behaviours of lyotropic liquid crystals were summarized. Formation of a liquid crystalline phase was often seen in emulsions and biological systems. The significance of liquid crystal formation during emulsification was analysed by comparing the states and stabilities of emulsions prepared by different processes. Then uses of liquid crystals for formation of the characteristic emulsions and gels were also discussed. In liquid crystal emulsification, an oil phase is dispersed directly into the lamellar liquid-crystalline phase composed of surfactant, glycerol and water to prepare a gel-like oil-in-liquid crystal emulsion. This is followed by dilution with the remaining water to produce an emulsion. From the phase behaviour during emulsification and analysis of the local motion of the liquid crystal membrane by fluorometry, it was confirmed that the interaction between surfactant and a polyol molecule such as glycerol promotes hydrogen bonding and enhances the strength of the lamellar liquid crystal membranes, which results in the formation of oil-in-liquid crystal emulsions. The interaction between the liquid crystal and oil was analysed from the changes in molecular motion of the membrane at the oil-liquid crystal interface using the spin label technique of electron spin resonance (ESR). The fluidity of the liquid crystal membrane did not change when oil was added, and therefore oil-in-liquid crystal emulsions of various oils were prepared by the identical process. This lack of dependence of the liquid crystal membrane on oil results in the unique properties of liquid crystal emulsification, which can be used for oils of various polarity and different molecular constituents. When a self-organizing artificial stratum corneum lipid containing pseudo-ceramide was used as a principal component of the oil, a multilamellar emulsion of concentric lamellar structure was formed. The multilamellar emulsion supplements the physiological function of stratum corneum by the identical mechanism as natural intercellular lipids. High-pressure treatment of the lipid emulsion produced a gel-like emulsion crystal, in which the homogeneous nanoemulsion droplets were arranged in a hexagonal array. This review paper was presented at the Conference of the Asian Societies of Cosmetic Scientists 2005 in Bangkok. [source] Indigenous enzymatic activities in ovine and caprine milksINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DAIRY TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2010GOLFO MOATSOU The objective of this review paper is the presentation of research findings about enzymes of ovine and caprine milks taking into consideration the bovine milk indigenous enzymatic activities as a reference. Information about indigenous enzymatic activities in these milk types focuses mainly on plasmin, lipoprotein lipase and on the enzymes that are used as thermal treatment indicators, i.e. alkaline phosphatase, and lactoperoxidase. Further research including the effects of genetic and environmental factors on the enzymatic activities is necessary. [source] Transfer of training: A review and new insightsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT REVIEWS, Issue 4 2008Eddie W.L. Cheng Even successful training programs cannot guarantee that newly learned knowledge and skills will be transferred to the workplace. This has led to researchers' interests in understanding the transfer process. Notwithstanding that transfer issues have been studied for several decades, the recent emphasis on ,workplace learning', especially the so-called ,situated learning' approach, suggests that conventional training transfer research may be inadequate to understand the dynamics of performance improvement through training. Against this, the authors point to the increased policy emphasis on the development of transferable generic skills, which underscores the ongoing importance of training transfer. This review paper suggests that the role of trainees themselves has not been dealt with sufficiently in research, which leads to a new direction for studying the transfer of training. [source] Using a synthesised technique for grounded theory in nursing researchJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 16 2009Hsiao-Yu Chen Aims., To introduce a synthesised technique for using grounded theory in nursing research. Background., Nursing increasingly uses grounded theory for a broadened perspective on nursing practice and research. Nurse researchers have choices in how to choose and use grounded theory as a research method. These choices come from a deep understanding of the different versions of grounded theory, including Glaser's classic grounded theory and Strauss and Corbin's later approach. Design., Grounded theory related literature review was conducted. Methods., This is a methodological review paper. Results., Nursing researchers intent on using a grounded theory methodology should pay attention to the theoretical discussions including theoretical sampling, theoretical sensitivity, constant comparative methods and asking questions, keeping memoranda diagramming, identification of a core category and a resultant explanatory theory. A synthesised approach is developed for use, based on Strauss and Corbin's style of sampling and memoranda writing, but selecting theoretical coding families, that differ from the paradigm model of Strauss and Corbin, from the wide range suggested by Glaser. This led to the development of a multi-step synthesised approach to grounded theory data analysis based on the works of Glaser, Charmaz and Strauss and Corbin. Conclusions., The use of this synthesised approach provides a true reflection of Glaser's idea of ,emergence of theory from the data' and Strauss and Corbin's style of sampling and memoranda writing is employed. This multi-step synthesised method of data analysis maintains the philosophical perspective of grounded theory. Relevance to clinical practice., This method indicates how grounded theory has developed, where it might go next in nursing research and how it may continue to evolve. [source] Role of processing aids in the extrusion of molten polymers,JOURNAL OF VINYL & ADDITIVE TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2002E. C. Achilleos Product quality and, in general, processing windows and rates of production in the extrusion of molten polymers are limited by various flow instabilities (mainly melt fracture) that are observed at high production rates. While there still are unresolved issues in comprehending these phenomena, industry demands for process optimization dictate the employment of processing aids (PAs) for product quality improvement and energy requirement reduction. In this review paper, most commercially used processing aids (PAs) are discussed, namely, fluoroelastomers, stearates, small amounts of polymers blended with the process polymer, and the newly discovered boron nitride as pure and in combination with other fluoroelastomers. This paper focuses on the appropriate and optimum usage of the various PAs as well as on the mechanism that underlies their action for flow enhancement and instability elimination. Finally, numerous experimental observations are discussed, and several examples are illustrated. [source] Salinity-related desertification and management strategies: Indian experienceLAND DEGRADATION AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 4 2009G. Singh Abstract High concentration of salts in the rootzone soil limits the productivity of nearly 953 million ha of productive land in the world. Australia, followed by Asia, has the largest area under salinity and sodicity. Most of the salt-affected soils and brackish ground water resources are confined to arid and semiarid regions and are the causative factors for triggering the process of desertification. The problem of salinity and sodicity has degraded about 6·73 million ha area in India. Secondary salinization associated with introduction of irrigation in dry areas like Thar desert in the western part of the country and Sharda Sahayak in Central India have caused desertification due to rise of salts with the rise in ground water level. Large scale cultivation of prawns using sea water in coastal Andhra Pradesh and elsewhere rendered about 2.1 million ha area unfit for agriculture. Similarly, 30,84 per cent ground water in north-western states of the country is either saline and /or brackish and is unfit for irrigation. Use of marginal quality water for irrigation has rendered several thousand ha of productive land unfit for cultivation. The Central Soil Salinity Research Institute was established in 1969 at Karnal to develop sustainable and eco-friendly technologies for reclamation and management of salt-affected soils and judicious use of marginal quality waters. The institute has developed location-specific techniques for reversion of salinity related desertification in India. Salient findings of research during the last three decades and more are presented in this review. This paper deals with (a) classification, nature and extent of salt-affected soils and poor quality water in India, (b) case studies/socio-economic concerns of salinity related desertification, (c) chemical, hydrological and biological approaches in use for rehabilitation of salt-affected soils, (d) guidelines for safe and productive use of marginal quality ground water through cyclic and mixed mode and precision irrigation techniques, (e) successful rehabilitation case studies, (f) alternate land use practices such as raising forest plantations, horticulture, agroforestry, high value medicinal, aromatic and flowering crops, etc., (g) technological, social, economic and environmental impacts and (h) future line of research. Issues requiring policy initiatives to halt salinity-related desertification are also discussed in this review paper. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The stochastic U-line balancing problemNAVAL RESEARCH LOGISTICS: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 1 2003Franco Guerriero A U-line arranges tasks around a U-shaped production line and organizes them into stations that can cross from one side of the line to the other. In addition to improving visibility and communication between operators on the line, which facilitates problem-solving and quality improvement, U-lines can reduce the total number of operators required on the line and make rebalancing the line easier compared to the traditional, straight production line. This paper studies the (type 1) U-line balancing problem when task completion times are stochastic. Stochastic completion times occur when differences between operators cause completion times to vary somewhat and when machine processing times vary. A recursive algorithm is presented for finding the optimal solution when completion times have any distribution function. An equivalent shortest path network is also presented. An improvement for the special case of normally distributed task completion times is given. A computational study to determine the characteristics of instances that can be solved by the algorithms shows that they are able to solve instances of practical size (like the 114 Japanese and U.S. U-lines studied in a literature review paper). © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2003 [source] The epidemiology of tongue cancer: a review of global incidenceORAL DISEASES, Issue 2 2000SR Moore The tongue (141 ICD-9) is the most common intraoral site for cancer in most countries, however its global epidemiology shows significant geographic variation. This review paper summarises the global incidence of cancer of the tongue using cancer maps and references to recent studies from various locations. Tongue cancer remains a serious health problem in many countries including India (male incidence rates up to 6.5 per 100 000 per annum) and parts of Europe (male incidence rates in France up to 8.0 per 100 000 per annum). It is noted that as with other forms of oral cancer the majority of population-based data for tongue cancer comes from the Western world with a paucity of reliable data from the so-called developing countries. The tongue remains the most common intraoral site for oral cancer worldwide and in a number of countries it is a serious public health problem with significant morbidity and mortality. While the incidence of tongue cancer appears to be stable or falling in some regions of the world, in other areas it is rising, particularly among younger people. [source] Applications of Markov Chains in Particulate Process Engineering: A ReviewTHE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 6 2004Henri Berthiaux Abstract Processes involving particles, are known to exhibit extremely unpredictable behaviour, mainly due to the mesoscopic nature of granular media. Understanding particulate processes, not only for intellectual satisfaction, but also for process design and operation, basically requires a systems approach in modelling. Because they combine simplicity and flexibility, the stochastic models based on the Markov chain theory are very valuable mathematical tools to this respect. However, they are still largely ignored by the whole core of chemical engineering researchers. This motivates the existence of this review paper, in which we examine the three traditional issues: mixing and transport, separation and transformation. Les procédés faisant intervenir des particules sont connus pour avoir un comportement extrêmement non prévisible, principalement à cause de la nature mésoscopique des milieux granulaires. Comprendre les procédés particulaires, non seulement pour la satisfaction intellectuelle, mais aussi pour la conception et le fonctionnement des procédés, nécessite en fait une approche des systèmes dans la modélisation. Parce qu'ils allient simplicité et flexibilité, les modèles stochastiques basés sur la théorie des chaînes de Markov sont des outils mathématiques à cet égard très valables. Cependant, ceux-ci sont encore largement ignorés par une majorité de chercheurs en génie chimique. Cette lacune motive le présent article, dans lequel nous examinons les trois thèmes traditionnels : mélange et transport, séparation, transformation. [source] LIMITS TO COMPETITION AND REGULATION IN PRIVATIZED ELECTRICITY MARKETSANNALS OF PUBLIC AND COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS, Issue 4 2009Hulya Dagdeviren ABSTRACT,:,Privatization of electricity has been extensive both in the developed and the developing world. Failures in various areas have led to the emergence of a new consensus which regards competitive pressures and regulation as crucial for utility privatizations to work. This review paper presents a critical evaluation of this newly found wisdom with reference to the developing economies. The experience in the developed world, especially in the USA and the UK, has been used to draw conclusions for the developing economies. Overall, the paper highlights the problems associated with the ,competitive model' both in the developed and developing world and points to the potential instability in private competitive power supply systems. It also examines the degree to which regulation can be a panacea for market failures and structural problems under private provision. [source] Review of imaging of scaphoid fracturesANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 1-2 2010Michael Smith Abstract Scaphoid fractures are the most common fractures of the carpus, accounting for 79% of all carpal fractures. Early diagnosis of scaphoid fractures is imperative owing to potential complications following the fracture, including non-union, avascular necrosis, carpal instability and osteoarthritis. Plain radiography remains the initial imaging modality to assess scaphoid fractures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is excellent in the detection of clinically suspected, but initially radiographically negative, scaphoid fractures. Cost-effectiveness analysis studies have demonstrated MRI is effective in this setting. Gadolinium enhanced MRI has been shown to be superior to unenhanced MRI in the detection of avascular necrosis. Computerized tomography scan is the preferred modality to assess the intricacies of scaphoid fracture, including fracture location and deformity, as well as union status. This review paper explores the recent advances in imaging of the scaphoid, with reference also to avascular necrosis and non-union following a scaphoid fracture. [source] The jungle of quality of life: Mapping measures and meanings for eldersAUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL ON AGEING, Issue 1 2009Penny Hambleton The literature on quality of life (QOL) can be described as a jungle: vast, dense and difficult to penetrate, especially for those entering the field without a specialist QOL background. While QOL as a term is entwined in an extensive body of work from many disciplines and covering diverse perspectives, it has been most extensively documented and operationalised within the domains of health-related socioeconomic drivers and is largely quantitative in nature. Subjective and qualitative measurement is less fully developed and documented. This review paper provides a map through the QOL literature by constructing a tabular framework to position the measures and meanings of QOL prior to undertaking a phenomenological study with older people. It concludes by arguing for attention to the further development of qualitative experiential measures specific to life-stage QOL for older people, having found these perspectives rarely visible. [source] A review on sex differences in stroke treatment and outcomeACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2010P. Appelros Appelros P, Stegmayr B, Terént A. A review on sex differences in stroke treatment and outcome. Acta Neurol Scand: 2010: 121: 359,369. © 2009 The Authors Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Munksgaard. Background,,, Beyond epidemiological differences, it has been controversial whether any important sex differences exist in the treatment of stroke. In this review paper, the following areas are covered: thrombolysis, stroke unit care, secondary prevention, surgical treatment, and rehabilitation. Additionally, symptoms at stroke onset, as well as outcome measures, such as death, dependency, stroke recurrence, quality of life, and depression are reviewed. Methods,,, Search in PubMed, tables-of-contents, review articles, and reference lists after studies that include information about sex differences in stroke care. Results,,, Ninety papers are included in this review. Women suffer more from cortical and non-traditional symptoms. Men and women benefit equally from thrombolysis and stroke unit care. Women with cardioembolic strokes may benefit more from anticoagulant therapy. Most studies have not found any tendency towards sexism in the choice of treatment. Post-stroke depression and low quality-of-life seem to be more common among women. Mortality rates are higher among men in some studies, while long-term ADL-dependency seems to be more common among women. Conclusions,,, Sex differences in stroke treatment and outcome are small, with no unequivocal proof of sex discrimination. Women have less favourable functional outcome because of higher age at stroke onset and more severe strokes. [source] Microwaves in Heterogeneous Gas-Phase Catalysis: Experimental and Numerical ApproachesCHEMICAL ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY (CET), Issue 9 2009T. Durka Abstract This review paper focuses on the effects of microwave irradiation on heterogeneous gas phase catalytic reaction systems. Both experimental and modeling approaches are discussed. The currently available methods for temperature measurements in the microwave heating of solid particles are critically examined. The existence of microwave-created temperature gradients in beds of solid particles is discussed. The not fully established mechanism of catalyst (nano)particle heating and imperfect temperature measurement techniques implicate that different effects are often observed and contradictory conclusions are drawn. For further progress here, the development of accurate and possibly non-invasive techniques for local temperature measurements under microwave irradiation is needed. [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] Biotechnology in Aquaculture: Transgenics and PolyploidyCOMPREHENSIVE REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND FOOD SAFETY, Issue 1 2007Rosalee S. Rasmussen ABSTRACT:, Although capture fisheries have experienced slow to stagnant growth in recent years, the world population has been increasing, with subsequent rises in demands for marine-based foods. One possibility for alleviating potential food shortages and price increases is through aquaculture, which has experienced rapid worldwide expansion. A major focus of research in the aquaculture industry is on the use of biotechnology to increase food availability and reduce production costs, specifically through the manipulation of the genes and chromosomes of cultivated species. Examples include transgenic fish with properties such as increased growth rates, feed conversion efficiency, disease resistance, cold tolerance, and improved metabolism of land-based plants. However, use of transgenic organisms in aquaculture is a very controversial topic due to a number of environmental and human health concerns such as escapement and introduction of genetically modified organisms into the food chain. In response, some transgenic research has also been focused on inducing sterility to reduce the risk of transgenic organisms breeding with wild species. A method of chromosome manipulation, referred to as polyploidy, provides the option of creating sterile organisms, some of which also exhibit increased growth rates. This review paper will discuss recent advances in biotechnology research, specifically in regards to the manipulation of genes and chromosomes, for enhanced cultivation of fish and invertebrates. Major environmental and human health concerns will also be addressed. [source] Childhood trauma, psychosis and schizophrenia: a literature review with theoretical and clinical implicationsACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2005J. Read Objective:, To review the research addressing the relationship of childhood trauma to psychosis and schizophrenia, and to discuss the theoretical and clinical implications. Method:, Relevant studies and previous review papers were identified via computer literature searches. Results:, Symptoms considered indicative of psychosis and schizophrenia, particularly hallucinations, are at least as strongly related to childhood abuse and neglect as many other mental health problems. Recent large-scale general population studies indicate the relationship is a causal one, with a dose-effect. Conclusion:, Several psychological and biological mechanisms by which childhood trauma increases risk for psychosis merit attention. Integration of these different levels of analysis may stimulate a more genuinely integrated bio-psycho-social model of psychosis than currently prevails. Clinical implications include the need for staff training in asking about abuse and the need to offer appropriate psychosocial treatments to patients who have been abused or neglected as children. Prevention issues are also identified. [source] Brief screening questionnaires to identify problem drinking during pregnancy: a systematic reviewADDICTION, Issue 4 2010Ethel Burns ABSTRACT Aims Although prenatal screening for problem drinking during pregnancy has been recommended, guidance on screening instruments is lacking. We investigated the sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of brief alcohol screening questionnaires to identify problem drinking in pregnant women. Methods Electronic databases from their inception to June 2008 were searched, as well as reference lists of eligible papers and related review papers. We sought cohort or cross-sectional studies that compared one or more brief alcohol screening questionnaire(s) with reference criteria obtained using structured interviews to detect ,at-risk' drinking, alcohol abuse or dependency in pregnant women receiving prenatal care. Results Five studies (6724 participants) were included. In total, seven instruments were evaluated: TWEAK (Tolerance, Worried, Eye-opener, Amnesia, Kut down), T-ACE [Take (number of drinks), Annoyed, Cut down, Eye-opener], CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilt, Eye-opener], NET (Normal drinker, Eye-opener, Tolerance), AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test), AUDIT-C (AUDIT-consumption) and SMAST (Short Michigan Alcohol Screening Test). Study quality was generally good, but lack of blinding was a common weakness. For risk drinking sensitivity was highest for T-ACE (69-88%), TWEAK (71,91%) and AUDIT-C (95%), with high specificity (71,89%, 73,83% and 85%, respectively). CAGE and SMAST performed poorly. Sensitivity of AUDIT-C at score ,3 was high for past year alcohol dependence (100%) or alcohol use disorder (96%) with moderate specificity (71% each). For life-time alcohol dependency the AUDIT at score ,8 performed poorly. Conclusion T-ACE, TWEAK and AUDIT-C show promise for screening for risk drinking, and AUDIT-C may also be useful for identifying alcohol dependency or abuse. However, their performance as stand-alone tools is uncertain, and further evaluation of questionnaires for prenatal alcohol use is warranted. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||