Sample records for facility pbf severe

  1. PBF Control Building (PER619). Interior detail of control room's severe ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Control Building (PER-619). Interior detail of control room's severe fuel damage instrument panel. Indicators provided real-time information about test underway in PBF reactor. Note audio speaker. Date: May 2004. INEEL negative no, HD-41-7-4 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  2. Motivating health workers up to a limit: partial effects of performance-based financing on working environments in Nigeria.

    PubMed

    Bhatnagar, Aarushi; George, Asha S

    2016-09-01

    In 2012, the Nigerian government launched performance-based financing (PBF) in three districts providing financial incentives to health workers based on the quantity and quality of service provision. They were given autonomy to use funds for operational costs and performance bonuses. This study aims to understand changes in perceived motivation among health workers with the introduction of PBF in Wamba district, Nigeria. The study used a qualitative research design to compare perceptions of health workers in facilities receiving PBF payments in the pilot district of Wamba to those that were not. In-depth semi-structured interviews (n = 39) were conducted with health workers from PBF and non-PBF facilities along with managers of the PBF project. Framework analysis was used to identify patterns and variations in responses. Facility records were collated and triangulated with qualitative data. Health workers receiving PBF payments reported to be 'awakened' by performance bonuses and improved working environments including routine supportive supervision and availability of essential drugs. They recounted being more punctual, hard working and proud of providing better services to their communities. In comparison, health workers in non-PBF facilities complained about the dearth of basic equipment and lack of motivating strategies. However, health workers from both sets of facilities considered there to be a severe shortage of manpower resulting in excessive workload, fatigue and general dissatisfaction. PBF strategies can succeed in motivating health workers by bringing about a change in incentives and working conditions. However, such programmes need to be aligned with human resource reforms including timely recruitment and appropriate distribution of health workers to prevent burn out and attrition. As people working on the frontline of constrained health systems, health workers are responsive to improved incentives and working conditions, but need more comprehensive support. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  3. Does training on performance based financing make a difference in performance and quality of health care delivery? Health care provider's perspective in Rungwe Tanzania.

    PubMed

    Manongi, Rachel; Mushi, Declare; Kessy, Joachim; Salome, Saria; Njau, Bernard

    2014-04-04

    In recent years, Performance Based Financing (PBF); a form of result based financing, has attracted a global attention in health systems in developing countries. PBF promotes autonomous health facilities, motivates and introduces financial incentives to motivate health facilities and health workers to attain pre-determined targets. To achieve this, the Tanzanian government through the Christian Social Services Commission initiated a PBF pilot project in Rungwe district, Mbeya region. Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center was given the role of training health workers on PBF principles in Rungwe. The aim of this study was to explore health care providers' perception on a three years training on PBF principles in a PBF pilot project at Rungwe District in Mbeya, Tanzania. This was an explorative qualitative study, which took place at Rungwe PBF pilot area in October 2012. Twenty six (26) participants were purposively selected. Six took part in- depth interviews (IDIs) and twenty (20) in the group discussions. Both the IDIs and the GDs explored the perceived benefit and challenges of implementing PBF in their workplace. Data were manually analyzed using content analysis approach. Overall informants had positive perspectives on PBF training. Most of the health facilities were able to implement some of the PBF concepts in their work places after the training, such as developing job descriptions for their staff, creating quarterly business plans for their facilities, costing for their services and entering service agreement with the government, improved record keeping, customer care and involving community as partners in running their facilities. The most common principle of paying individual performance bonuses was mentioned as a major challenge due to inadequate funding and poor design of Rungwe PBF pilot project. Despite poor design and inadequate funding, our findings have shown some promising results after PBF training in the study area. The findings have highlighted the potential of PBF to act as leverage for initiating innovative and proactive actions, which may motivate health personnel performance and quality of care in the study setting with minimal support. However, key policy issues at the national level should be addressed in order to exploit this opportunity.

  4. The Effect of Performance-Based Financial Incentives on Improving Health Care Provision in Burundi: A Controlled Cohort Study

    PubMed Central

    Rudasingwa, Martin; Soeters, Robert; Bossuyt, Michel

    2015-01-01

    To strengthen the health care delivery, the Burundian Government in collaboration with international NGOs piloted performance-based financing (PBF) in 2006. The health facilities were assigned - by using a simple matching method - to begin PBF scheme or to continue with the traditional input-based funding. Our objective was to analyse the effect of that PBF scheme on the quality of health services between 2006 and 2008. We conducted the analysis in 16 health facilities with PBF scheme and 13 health facilities without PBF scheme. We analysed the PBF effect by using 58 composite quality indicators of eight health services: Care management, outpatient care, maternity care, prenatal care, family planning, laboratory services, medicines management and materials management. The differences in quality improvement in the two groups of health facilities were performed applying descriptive statistics, a paired non-parametric Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test and a simple difference-in-difference approach at a significance level of 5%. We found an improvement of the quality of care in the PBF group and a significant deterioration in the non-PBF group in the same four health services: care management, outpatient care, maternity care, and prenatal care. The findings suggest a PBF effect of between 38 and 66 percentage points (p<0.001) in the quality scores of care management, outpatient care, prenatal care, and maternal care. We found no PBF effect on clinical support services: laboratory services, medicines management, and material management. The PBF scheme in Burundi contributed to the improvement of the health services that were strongly under the control of medical personnel (physicians and nurses) in a short time of two years. The clinical support services that did not significantly improved were strongly under the control of laboratory technicians, pharmacists and non-medical personnel. PMID:25948432

  5. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). PBF crane holds fuel test assembly ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). PBF crane holds fuel test assembly aloft prior to lowering into reactor for test. Date: 1982. INEEL negative no. 82-4909 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  6. General layout of reactor and control areas upon advent of ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    General layout of reactor and control areas upon advent of power burst facility (PBF). Shows relationship of PBF to SPERT-I, -II, -III, and -IV. Ebasco Services 1205-PER/PBF-U-102. Date: July 1965. INEEL index no. 761-0100-00-205-123006 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  7. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Camera facing southeast in second basement. ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Camera facing southeast in second basement. Round form and reinforcing steel surround reactor vessel pit, which will be heavily shielded by several feet of concrete. Block-out is for door to sub-pile room. Rectangular form and rebar beyond pit is for canal wall. Photographer: John Capek. Date: March 10, 1967. INEEL negative no. 67-1643 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  8. PBF. Oblique and contextual view of PBF Cooling Tower, PER720. ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF. Oblique and contextual view of PBF Cooling Tower, PER-720. Camera facing northeast. Auxiliary Building (PER-624) abuts Cooling Tower. Demolition equipment has arrived. Date: August 2003. INEEL negative no. HD-35-11-2 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  9. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Fuel rod test assembly is on ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Fuel rod test assembly is on display at PBF. Date: 1982. INEEL negative no. 82-4893 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  10. Impact of performance-based financing on primary health care services in Haiti.

    PubMed

    Zeng, Wu; Cros, Marion; Wright, Katherine D; Shepard, Donald S

    2013-09-01

    To strengthen Haiti's primary health care (PHC) system, the country first piloted performance-based financing (PBF) in 1999 and subsequently expanded the approach to most internationally funded non-government organizations. PBF complements support (training and technical assistance). This study evaluates (a) the separate impact of PBF and international support on PHC's service delivery; (b) the combined impact of PBF and technical assistance on PHC's service delivery; and (c) the costs of PBF implementation in Haiti. To minimize the risk of facilities neglecting potential non-incentivized services, the incentivized indicators were randomly chosen at the end of each year. We obtained quantities of key services from four departments for 217 health centres (15 with PBF and 202 without) from 2008 through 2010, computed quarterly growth rates and analysed the results using a difference-in-differences approach by comparing the growth of incentivized and non-incentivized services between PBF and non-PBF facilities. To interpret the statistical analyses, we also interviewed staff in four facilities. Whereas international support added 39% to base costs of PHC, incentive payments added only 6%. Support alone increased the quantities of PHC services over 3 years by 35% (2.7%/quarter). However, support plus incentives increased these amounts by 87% over 3 years (5.7%/quarter) compared with facilities with neither input. Incentives alone was associated with a net 39% increase over this period, and more than doubled the growth of services (P < 0.05). Interview findings found no adverse impacts and, in fact, indicated beneficial impacts on quality. Incentives proved to be a relatively inexpensive, well accepted and very effective complement to support, suggesting that a small amount of money, strategically used, can substantially improve PHC. Haiti's experience, after more than a decade of use, indicates that incentives are an effective tool to strengthen PHC.

  11. An equity analysis of performance-based financing in Rwanda: are services reaching the poorest women?

    PubMed

    Priedeman Skiles, Martha; Curtis, Siân L; Basinga, Paulin; Angeles, Gustavo

    2013-12-01

    Maternal health services continue to favour the wealthiest in lower and middle income countries. Debate about the potential of performance-based financing (PBF) to address these disparities continues. As PBF is adopted by countries, it is critical to understand the equity effects for maternal services. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of PBF on equity in maternal health service use when no specific provisions target the poorest in the population. In Rwanda, PBF was designed to increase health service use, which was universally low. Paired districts were randomly assigned to intervention and control for PBF implementation. Using Rwanda's Demographic Health Survey data from 2005 (pre-intervention) and 2007-8 (post-intervention), a cluster-level panel dataset of 7899 women 15-49 years of age from intervention (4477) and control districts (3422) was created. The impact of PBF on reported use of facility deliveries, antenatal care (ANC) and modern contraceptive use was estimated using a difference-in-differences model with community fixed effects. Interaction terms between wealth quintiles and PBF were estimated to identify the differential effect of PBF among poorer women. The probability of a facility delivery increased by 10 percentage points in the intervention when compared with the control districts (P = 0.014), while no significant effects were noted for ANC visits or modern contraceptive use. Service use increased for intervention and control populations and across all wealth quintiles from 2005 to 2007, with no evidence that PBF was a pro-poor or a pro-rich strategy. Insurance remained a positive predictor of service use. This research suggests that if service use is uniformly low then a PBF programme that incentivizes select services, such as facility deliveries, may improve service use overall. However, if the equity gap is extreme, then a PBF programme without equity targets will do little to alleviate disparities.

  12. Is it all about the money? A qualitative exploration of the effects of performance-based financial incentives on Zimbabwe's voluntary male medical circumcision program

    PubMed Central

    Feldacker, Caryl; Bochner, Aaron F.; Herman-Roloff, Amy; Holec, Marrianne; Murenje, Vernon; Stepaniak, Abby; Xaba, Sinokuthemba; Tshimanga, Mufata; Chitimbire, Vuyelwa; Makaure, Shingirai; Hove, Joseph; Barnhart, Scott; Makunike, Batsirai

    2017-01-01

    Background In 2013, Zimbabwe’s voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) program adopted performance-based financing (PBF) to speed progress towards ambitious VMMC targets. The $25 USD PBF intended to encourage low-paid healthcare workers to remain in the public sector and to strengthen the public healthcare system. The majority of the incentive supports healthcare workers (HCWs) who perform VMMC alongside other routine services; a small portion supports province, district, and facility levels. Methods This qualitative study assessed the effect of the PBF on HCW motivation, satisfaction, and professional relationships. The study objectives were to: 1) Gain understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of PBF at the HCW level; 2) Gain understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of PBF at the site level; and 3) Inform scale up, modification, or discontinuation of PBF for the national VMMC program. Sixteen focus groups were conducted: eight with HCWs who received PBF for VMMC and eight with HCWs in the same clinics who did not work in VMMC and, therefore, did not receive PBF. Fourteen key informant interviews ascertained administrator opinion. Results Findings suggest that PBF appreciably increased motivation among VMMC teams and helped improve facilities where VMMC services are provided. However, PBF appears to contribute to antagonism at the workplace, creating divisiveness that may reach beyond VMMC. PBF may also cause distortion in the healthcare system: HCWs prioritized incentivized VMMC services over other routine duties. To reduce workplace tension and improve the VMMC program, participants suggested increasing HCW training in VMMC to expand PBF beneficiaries and strengthening integration of VMMC services into routine care. Conclusion In the low-resource, short-staffed context of Zimbabwe, PBF enabled rapid VMMC scale up and achievement of ambitious targets; however, side effects make PBF less advantageous and sustainable than envisioned. Careful consideration is warranted in choosing whether, and how, to implement PBF to prioritize a public health program. PMID:28301588

  13. Is it all about the money? A qualitative exploration of the effects of performance-based financial incentives on Zimbabwe's voluntary male medical circumcision program.

    PubMed

    Feldacker, Caryl; Bochner, Aaron F; Herman-Roloff, Amy; Holec, Marrianne; Murenje, Vernon; Stepaniak, Abby; Xaba, Sinokuthemba; Tshimanga, Mufata; Chitimbire, Vuyelwa; Makaure, Shingirai; Hove, Joseph; Barnhart, Scott; Makunike, Batsirai

    2017-01-01

    In 2013, Zimbabwe's voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) program adopted performance-based financing (PBF) to speed progress towards ambitious VMMC targets. The $25 USD PBF intended to encourage low-paid healthcare workers to remain in the public sector and to strengthen the public healthcare system. The majority of the incentive supports healthcare workers (HCWs) who perform VMMC alongside other routine services; a small portion supports province, district, and facility levels. This qualitative study assessed the effect of the PBF on HCW motivation, satisfaction, and professional relationships. The study objectives were to: 1) Gain understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of PBF at the HCW level; 2) Gain understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of PBF at the site level; and 3) Inform scale up, modification, or discontinuation of PBF for the national VMMC program. Sixteen focus groups were conducted: eight with HCWs who received PBF for VMMC and eight with HCWs in the same clinics who did not work in VMMC and, therefore, did not receive PBF. Fourteen key informant interviews ascertained administrator opinion. Findings suggest that PBF appreciably increased motivation among VMMC teams and helped improve facilities where VMMC services are provided. However, PBF appears to contribute to antagonism at the workplace, creating divisiveness that may reach beyond VMMC. PBF may also cause distortion in the healthcare system: HCWs prioritized incentivized VMMC services over other routine duties. To reduce workplace tension and improve the VMMC program, participants suggested increasing HCW training in VMMC to expand PBF beneficiaries and strengthening integration of VMMC services into routine care. In the low-resource, short-staffed context of Zimbabwe, PBF enabled rapid VMMC scale up and achievement of ambitious targets; however, side effects make PBF less advantageous and sustainable than envisioned. Careful consideration is warranted in choosing whether, and how, to implement PBF to prioritize a public health program.

  14. Power Burst Facility (PBF), PER620, contextual and oblique view. Camera ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    Power Burst Facility (PBF), PER-620, contextual and oblique view. Camera facing northwest. South and east facade. The 1980 west-wing expansion is left of center bay. Concrete structure at right is PER-730. Date: March 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-2-3 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  15. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Reactor vessel arrives from gate city ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Reactor vessel arrives from gate city steel at door of PBF. On flatbed, it is too high to fit under door. Photographer: Larry Page. Date: February 13, 1970. INEEL negative no. 70-737 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  16. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Detail of arrangement of highdensity blocks ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Detail of arrangement of high-density blocks and other basement shielding. Date: February 1966. Ebasco Services 1205 PER/PBF 620-A-7. INEEL index no. 761-0620-00-205-123070 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  17. Improving health worker performance: The patient-perspective from a PBF program in Rwanda.

    PubMed

    Lannes, Laurence

    2015-08-01

    The effect of performance-based financing (PBF) on patients' perception of primary health care services in developing countries in not well documented. Data from a randomized impact evaluation in Rwanda conducted between 2006 and 2008 in 157 primary level facilities is used to explore patients' satisfaction with clinical and non-clinical services and quantify the contribution of individual and facility characteristics to satisfaction including PBF. Improvements in productivity, availability and competences of the health workforce following the implementation of PBF have a positive effect on patients' satisfaction with clinical services even if patients' satisfaction is not tied to a reward. The positive effect of PBF on non-clinical dimensions of satisfaction also suggests that PBF incentivizes providers to raise patients' satisfaction with non-clinical services if it is associated with future financial gains. It is recommended that low and middle income countries build on the experience from high income countries to better listen to patients' voice in general and include an assessment of patients' satisfaction in incentive mechanisms as a way to increase the benefits of the strategy. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. How does performance-based financing affect health workers' intrinsic motivation? A Self-Determination Theory-based mixed-methods study in Malawi.

    PubMed

    Lohmann, Julia; Muula, Adamson S; Houlfort, Nathalie; De Allegri, Manuela

    2018-07-01

    "Intrinsic motivation crowding out", the erosion of high-quality, sustainable motivation through the introduction of financial incentives, is one of the most frequently discussed but yet little researched potential unfavorable consequence of Performance-based Financing (PBF). We used the opportunity of the introduction of PBF in Malawi to investigate whether and how PBF affected intrinsic motivation, using a mixed-methods research design theoretically grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT). The quantitative component served to estimate the impact of PBF on intrinsic motivation, relying on a controlled pre- and post-test design, with data collected from health workers in 23 intervention and 10 comparison facilities before (March/April 2013; n = 70) and approximately two years after (June/July 2015; n = 71) the start of the intervention. The qualitative component, relying on in-depth interviews with health workers in selected intervention facilities one (April 2014; n = 21) and two (September 2015; n = 20) years after the start of PBF, served to understand how PBF did or did not bring about change in intrinsic motivation. Specifically, it allowed us to examine how the various motivation-relevant elements and consequences of PBF impacted health workers' basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, which SDT postulates as central to intrinsic motivation. Our results suggest that PBF did not affect health workers' overall intrinsic motivation levels, with the intervention having had both positive and negative effects on psychological needs satisfaction. To maximize positive PBF effects on intrinsic motivation, our results underline the potential value of explicit strategies to mitigate unintended negative impact of unavoidable design, implementation, and contextual challenges, for instance by building autonomy support activities into PBF designs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. PBF contextual view shows relationship between PBF Control Building (PER619, ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF contextual view shows relationship between PBF Control Building (PER-619, in foreground at right) and SPERT-I Control Building (PER-601). Walkway with railing connects to waste reduction operations support building (PER-632), built in 1981. Note paneled stucco siding applied to PER-619 after 1980. Original concrete block is exposed at corner. Date: July 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-9-2 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  20. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Construction view shows native lava rock ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Construction view shows native lava rock surrounding basement excavation and general complexity of planning required to build the PBF. A three-inch low-pressure air line protrudes from wall just below left center. Date: February 21, 1967. Photographer: Larry Page. INEEL negative no. 67-1125 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  1. SPERTI/PBF. Contextual aerial view after PBF had begun operating, but ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    SPERT-I/PBF. Contextual aerial view after PBF had begun operating, but prior to expansion of southwest corner of Reactor Building (PER-620). Camera facing northeast. Reactor Building in center of view. Cooling Tower (PER-720) to its left. Warehouse (PER-625) at lower left was built in 1966. SPERT-I Reactor Building (PER-605) and Instrument Cell Building (PER-604) at right of view. Buried cables and piping proceed from PBF toward lower edge of view to Control Building further south and out of view. Photographer: Farmer. Date: March 26, 1976. INEEL negative no. 76-1344 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  2. PBF (PER620) interior, basement level. Sampling equipment. Date: May 2004. ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF (PER-620) interior, basement level. Sampling equipment. Date: May 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-5-4 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  3. PBF (PER620) interior. Counting room, main floor. Date: May 2004. ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF (PER-620) interior. Counting room, main floor. Date: May 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-6-1 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  4. PBF (PER620) interior, first basement level. Sampling equipment. Date: March ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF (PER-620) interior, first basement level. Sampling equipment. Date: March 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-4-1 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  5. PBF (PER620) interior, basement level. Detail of coolant piping. Date: ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF (PER-620) interior, basement level. Detail of coolant piping. Date: May 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-5-2 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  6. SPERTI contextual view of instrument cell building, PER606. South facade. ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    SPERT-I contextual view of instrument cell building, PER-606. South facade. Camera facing northwest. PBF Cooling Tower in view at right. High bay of PBF Reactor Building, PER-602, is further to right. PBF-625 at left edge of view. Date: August 2003. INEEL negative no. HD-35-3-4 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  7. PBF (PER620) interior. System control racks, secondary control and equipment ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF (PER-620) interior. System control racks, secondary control and equipment room. Date: May 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-6-2 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  8. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). After lowering reactor vessel onto blocks, ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). After lowering reactor vessel onto blocks, it is rolled on logs into PBF. Metal framework under vessel is handling device. Various penetrations in reactor bottom were for instrumentation, poison injection, drains. Large one, below center "manhole" was for primary coolant. Photographer: Larry Page. Date: February 13, 1970. INEEL negative no. 70-736 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  9. PBF Cooling Tower (PER720). Camera faces south to show north ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Cooling Tower (PER-720). Camera faces south to show north facade. Note enclosed stairway. Date: August 2003. INEEL negative no. HD-35-10-3 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  10. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Canal takes shape, with rebar and ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Canal takes shape, with rebar and concrete placement underway. Photographer: John Capek. Date: August 16, 1967. INEEL negative no. 67-4370 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  11. PBF Cooling Tower (PER720). Closeup detail of louvered wall panels ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Cooling Tower (PER-720). Close-up detail of louvered wall panels on south facade. Date: August 2003. INEEL negative no. HD-35-11-1 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  12. PBF Control Building auxiliary features, including fire hose house and ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Control Building auxiliary features, including fire hose house and sewage system. Ebasco Services 1205 PER/PER-A-4. INEEL undex no. 760-0619-00-205-123024 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  13. The effect of performance-based financing on illness, care-seeking and treatment among children: an impact evaluation in Rwanda.

    PubMed

    Skiles, Martha Priedeman; Curtis, Siân L; Basinga, Paulin; Angeles, Gustavo; Thirumurthy, Harsha

    2015-09-14

    Performance-based financing (PBF) strategies are promoted as a supply-side, results-based financing mechanism to improve primary health care. This study estimated the effects of Rwanda's PBF program on less-incentivized child health services and examined the differential program impact by household poverty. Districts were allocated to intervention and comparison for PBF implementation in Rwanda. Using Demographic Health Survey data from 2005 to 2007-08, a community-level panel dataset of 5781 children less than 5 years of age from intervention and comparison districts was created. The impacts of PBF on reported childhood illness, facility care-seeking, and treatment received were estimated using a difference-in-differences model with community fixed effects. An interaction term between poverty and the program was estimated to identify the differential effect of PBF among children from poorer families. There was no measurable difference in estimated probability of reporting illness with diarrhea, fever or acute respiratory infections between the intervention and comparison groups. Seeking care at a facility for these illnesses increased over time, however no differential effect by PBF was seen. The estimated effect of PBF on receipt of treatment for poor children is 45 percentage points higher (p = 0.047) compared to the non-poor children seeking care for diarrhea or fever. PBF, a supply-side incentive program, improved the quality of treatment received by poor children conditional on patients seeking care, but it did not impact the propensity to seek care. These findings provide additional evidence that PBF incentivizes the critical role staff play in assuring quality services, but does little to influence consumer demand for these services. Efforts to improve child health need to address both supply and demand, with additional attention to barriers due to poverty if equity in service use is a concern.

  14. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Floor at left of view is ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Floor at left of view is floor of first basement. Photographer: Farmer/Capek. Date: March 17, 1967. INEEL negative no. 67-1753 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  15. PBF Cooling Tower detail. Camera facing southwest. Wood fill rises ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Cooling Tower detail. Camera facing southwest. Wood fill rises from foundation piers of cold water basin. Photographer: Kirsh. Date: May 1, 1969. INEEL negative no. 69-2826 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  16. PBF (PER620) west facade. Camera facing east. Note 1980 addition ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF (PER-620) west facade. Camera facing east. Note 1980 addition on south side of west wall. Date: March 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-3-3 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  17. PBF (PER620) north facade. Camera facing south. Small metal shed ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF (PER-620) north facade. Camera facing south. Small metal shed at right is Stack Gas Monitor Building, PER-629. Date: March 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-2-4 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  18. PBF Control Building (PER619). Interior in data acquisition room showing ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Control Building (PER-619). Interior in data acquisition room showing data racks. The system recorded multiple channels of data during tests. INEEL negative no. HD-41-8-1 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  19. PBF Control Building (PER619) south facade. Camera faces north. Note ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Control Building (PER-619) south facade. Camera faces north. Note buried tanks with bollards protecting their access hatches. Date: July 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-10-4 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  20. 75 FR 32453 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-06-08

    ... Wednesday, June 16, 2010. Docket Numbers: ER10-1097-001. Applicants: PBF Power Marketing LLC. Description: PBF Power Marketing LLC submits tariff filing per 35.17(b): Amended MBR Application, to be effective 6...-recertification] listed above, do not institute a proceeding regarding qualifying facility status. A notice of...

  1. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Camera in first basement, facing south ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Camera in first basement, facing south and upward toward main floor. Cable trays being erected. Photographer: Kirsh. Date: May 20, 1969. INEEL negative no. 69-3110 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  2. PBF (PER620) interior, second basement level. Coolant and tank piping. ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF (PER-620) interior, second basement level. Coolant and tank piping. Mark on vertical pipe says, "H.P. Demin. Water." (High pressure demineralized water.) Date: March 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-4-3 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  3. PBF (PER620) interior, basement level. Concrete wall shows outline of ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF (PER-620) interior, basement level. Concrete wall shows outline of reactor basin. Sign says, "Flashing Light - Reactor On - Evacuate Area." Date: May 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-5-3 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  4. PBF (PER620) south facade. Camera facing north. Note pedestrian bridge ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF (PER-620) south facade. Camera facing north. Note pedestrian bridge crossing over conduit. Central high bay contains reactor room and canal. Date: March 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-2-1 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  5. PBF Control Building (PER619). Interior of control room shows control ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Control Building (PER-619). Interior of control room shows control console from direction facing visitors room and its observation window. Camera facing northeast. Date: May 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-7-1 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  6. PBF Cooling Tower Auxiliary Building (PER624) interior. Camera facing north. ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Cooling Tower Auxiliary Building (PER-624) interior. Camera facing north. Deluge valves and automatic fire protection piping for Cooling Tower. Photographer: Holmes. Date: May 20, 1970. INEEL negative no. 70-2323 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  7. INEL BNCT Program

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ackermann, A.L.

    1991-08-01

    This Bulletin presents a summary of accomplishments and highlights in the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory's (INEL) Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) Program for August 1991. This bulletin includes information on the brain tumor and melanoma research programs, Power Burst Facility (PBF) technical support and modifications, PBF operations, and updates to the animal data charts.

  8. PBF Reactor Building (PER620) Cubicle 13. Plan, section, details. Note ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620) Cubicle 13. Plan, section, details. Note "quality assurance" code at bottom of drawing. Aerojet Nuclear Company. Date: May 1976. INEEL index no. 761-0620-00-400-195279 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  9. PBF Cubicle 13. Shield wall details illustrate shielding technique of ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Cubicle 13. Shield wall details illustrate shielding technique of stepped penetrations and brick layout scheme for valve stem extension sleeve. Aerojet Nuclear Company. Date: May 1976. INEEL index no. 761-0620-00-400-195280 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  10. PBF (PER620) interior, first basement. Detail of valves and other ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF (PER-620) interior, first basement. Detail of valves and other penetrations along wall. Bricks are made of high density shielding materials. Date: March 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-4-2 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  11. Third strike for Idaho reactor

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Crawford, M.

    Differing opinions concerning the modification of the Power Burst Facility (PBF) at Idaho Falls to turn the facility into a research and cancer treatment center are reported. Energy Secretary James Watkins convened an independent panel to examine once again the merits of converting the PBF, and the committee concluded that there is neither enough information currently available sufficiently encouraging to convert the PBF or to maintain it for this purpose. Idaho legislators have used their influence to include $13 million in the Department of Energy 1991 budget for design studies, limited reactor modifications, and maintenance. After the report of themore » committee, Secretary Watkins must decide to either ask congress to rescind the $13 million appropriated for 1991 or spend money to close down the reactor in 1992.« less

  12. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Plot plan shows layout, including auxiliary ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Plot plan shows layout, including auxiliary buildings: Emergency Generator (621), Hose House (622), Cooling Tower Auxiliary (624), Maintenance and Storage Warehouse (625), Gas Cylinder Storage (627), Hose House (628), Cooling Tower (720), Substation (719), and other features. Road connections between PBF Reactor, its control building, and SPERT-I site. Note cable trenches along road to control building. Date: July 1965. Ebasco Services, PER-U-101. INEEL index no. 761-0100-00-205-123005 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  13. PBF Cooling Tower. View of stairway to fan deck. Vents ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Cooling Tower. View of stairway to fan deck. Vents are made of redwood. Camera facing southwest toward north side of Cooling Tower. Siding is corrugated asbestos concrete. Photographer: Kirsh. Date: June 6, 1969. INEEL negative no. 69-3463 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  14. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Camera in second basement near subpile ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Camera in second basement near sub-pile room (directly below reactor vessel). Door and penetrations lead to sub-pile room. Date: August 15, 1969. Photographer: Larry Page. INEEL negative no. 69-4310 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  15. PBF Cooling Tower contextual view. Camera facing southwest. West wing ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Cooling Tower contextual view. Camera facing southwest. West wing and north facade (rear) of Reactor Building (PER-620) is at left; Cooling Tower to right. Photographer: Kirsh. Date: November 2, 1970. INEEL negative no. 70-4913 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  16. PBF (PER620) interior. Detail view of door in north wall ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF (PER-620) interior. Detail view of door in north wall of reactor bay. Camera facing north. Note tonnage weighting of hatch covers in floor. Date: May 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-8-2 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  17. PBF (PER620) interior. Detail view of actuator platform and control ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF (PER-620) interior. Detail view of actuator platform and control rod mechanism. Camera facing easterly from floor level. Reactor pool at lower left of view. Date: March 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-3-3 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  18. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Camera faces southeast. Concrete placement will ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Camera faces southeast. Concrete placement will leave opening for neutron camera to be installed later. Note vertical piping within rebar. Photographer: John Capek. Date: July 6, 1967. INEEL negative no. 67-3514 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  19. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Aerial view of early construction. Camera ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Aerial view of early construction. Camera facing northwest. Excavation and concrete placement in two basements are underway. Note exposed lava rock. Photographer: Farmer. Date: March 22, 1965. INEEL negative no. 65-2219 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  20. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Camera faces north into highbay/reactor pit ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Camera faces north into high-bay/reactor pit area. Inside from for reactor enclosure is in place. Photographer: John Capek. Date: March 15, 1967. INEEL negative no. 67-1769 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  1. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Camera facing south end of high ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Camera facing south end of high bay. Vertical-lift door is being installed. Later, pneumatic seals will be installed around door. Photographer: Kirsh. Date: September 31, 1968. INEEL negative no. 68-3176 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  2. PBF Reactor Building (PER620) as seen from control room window ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620) as seen from control room window in PER-619. Photographer stood just outside window. Note exposed communication cables on desert surface. Date: July 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-9-3 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  3. PBF Cooling Tower. Camera facing southwest. Round piers will support ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Cooling Tower. Camera facing southwest. Round piers will support Tower's wood "fill" or "packing." Black-topped stack in far distance is at Idaho Chemical Processing Plant. Photographer: John Capek. Date: October 16, 1968. INEEL negative no. 68-4097 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  4. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Cubicle 10 detail. Camera facing west ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Cubicle 10 detail. Camera facing west toward brick shield wall. Valve stems against wall penetrate through east wall of cubicle. Photographer: John Capek. Date: August 19, 1970. INEEL negative no. 70-3469 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  5. INEL BNCT Program: Volume 5, No. 9

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ackermann, A.L.

    1991-01-01

    This Bulletin presents a summary of accomplishments and highlights of the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory's (INEL) Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) Program for September 1991. This bulletin includes information on the brain tumor and melanoma research programs, Power Burst Facility (PBF) technical support and modifications, PBF operations, and updates to the animal data charts.

  6. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Cubicle 10 area in basement. Highdensity ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Cubicle 10 area in basement. High-density shielding bricks will protect personnel from radiation coming from in-pile-tube coolant and blowdown tank. Photographer: John Capek. Date: January 26, 1970. INEEL negative no. 70-348 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  7. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Detail of fuel test assembly in ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Detail of fuel test assembly in preparation for test. When complete, it will fit into in-pile tube. The maximum outside diameter of which must be about 8.25 inches. Date: 1982. INEEL negative no. 82-4908 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  8. PBF (PER620) interior. Detail view across top of reactor tank. ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF (PER-620) interior. Detail view across top of reactor tank. Camera facing northeast. Ait tubing is cleanup equipment. Note projections from reactor structure above water level in tank. Date: May 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-5-1 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  9. PBF Cooling Tower (PER720) and its Auxiliary Building (PER625). Camera ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Cooling Tower (PER-720) and its Auxiliary Building (PER-625). Camera facing west shows east facades. Center pipe carried secondary coolant water from reactor. Building to distributor basin. Date: August 2003. INEEL negative no. HD-35-10-1 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  10. PBF Cooling Tower (PER720), and Auxiliary Building (PER624). Camera faces ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Cooling Tower (PER-720), and Auxiliary Building (PER-624). Camera faces north to show south facades. Oblong vertical structure at left of center is weather shield for stairway. Date: August 2003. INEEL negative no. HD-35-10-4 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  11. INEL BNCT Program: Volume 5, No. 9. Bulletin, September 1991

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ackermann, A.L.

    1991-12-31

    This Bulletin presents a summary of accomplishments and highlights of the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory`s (INEL) Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) Program for September 1991. This bulletin includes information on the brain tumor and melanoma research programs, Power Burst Facility (PBF) technical support and modifications, PBF operations, and updates to the animal data charts.

  12. PBF Control Building (PER619) floor plan and elevations. Room numbers ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Control Building (PER-619) floor plan and elevations. Room numbers and functions. Roof plans for "high" roof and rest of roof. Ebasco Services 1205-PER/PER 619-A-1. Date: July 1965. INEEL index no. 760-0619-00-205-123022 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  13. Performance-based financing to increase utilization of maternal health services: Evidence from Burkina Faso.

    PubMed

    Steenland, Maria; Robyn, Paul Jacob; Compaore, Philippe; Kabore, Moussa; Tapsoba, Boukary; Zongo, Aloys; Haidara, Ousmane Diadie; Fink, Günther

    2017-12-01

    Performance-based financing (PBF) programs are increasingly implemented in low and middle-income countries to improve health service quality and utilization. In April 2011, a PBF pilot program was launched in Boulsa, Leo and Titao districts in Burkina Faso with the objective of increasing the provision and quality of maternal health services. We evaluate the impact of this program using facility-level administrative data from the national health management information system (HMIS). Primary outcomes were the number of antenatal care visits, the proportion of antenatal care visits that occurred during the first trimester of pregnancy, the number of institutional deliveries and the number of postnatal care visits. To assess program impact we use a difference-in-differences approach, comparing changes in health service provision post-introduction with changes in matched comparison areas. All models were estimated using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models with standard errors clustered at the facility level. On average, PBF facilities had 2.3 more antenatal care visits (95% CI [0.446-4.225]), 2.1 more deliveries (95% CI [0.034-4.069]) and 9.5 more postnatal care visits (95% CI [6.099, 12.903]) each month after the introduction of PBF. Compared to the service provision levels prior to the interventions, this implies a relative increase of 27.7 percent for ANC, of 9.2 percent for deliveries, and of 118.7 percent for postnatal care. Given the positive results observed during the pre-pilot period and the limited resources available in the health sector, the PBF program in Burkina Faso may be a low-cost, high impact intervention to improve maternal and child health.

  14. Performance-based financing contributes to the resilience of health services affected by the Liberian Ebola outbreak

    PubMed Central

    Mapleh, L.; Ade, S.; Harries, A. D.; Bhat, P.; Kateh, F.; Dahn, B.

    2017-01-01

    Setting: The Liberian counties of Bong, with performance-based financing (PBF) for all 36 public primary-care facilities, and Margibi, with no PBF for its 24 public primary-care facilities. Objective: To compare whether specific maternal and child health indicators changed in the two counties during the pre-Ebola (2013), Ebola (2014) and post-Ebola (2015) disease outbreak periods from July to September each year. Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Results: For pregnant women, the numbers of antenatal visits, intermittent preventive malaria treatments, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) tests and facility-based births with skilled attendants all fell during the Ebola period, with decreases being significantly more marked in Margibi County. Apart from HIV testing, which remained low in both counties, these indicators increased in the post-Ebola period, with increases significantly more marked in Bong than in Margibi. The number of childhood immunisations decreased significantly in Bong in the Ebola period compared with the pre-Ebola period, but increased to above pre-Ebola levels in the post-Ebola period. There were markedly larger decreases in childhood immunisations in Margibi County during the Ebola period, which remained significantly lower in the post-Ebola period compared with Bong County. Conclusion: In a PBF-supported county, selected maternal and childhood health indicators showed less deterioration during Ebola and better recovery post-Ebola than in a non-PBF-supported county. PMID:28744447

  15. Performance-based financing contributes to the resilience of health services affected by the Liberian Ebola outbreak.

    PubMed

    Mussah, V G; Mapleh, L; Ade, S; Harries, A D; Bhat, P; Kateh, F; Dahn, B

    2017-06-21

    Setting: The Liberian counties of Bong, with performance-based financing (PBF) for all 36 public primary-care facilities, and Margibi, with no PBF for its 24 public primary-care facilities. Objective: To compare whether specific maternal and child health indicators changed in the two counties during the pre-Ebola (2013), Ebola (2014) and post-Ebola (2015) disease outbreak periods from July to September each year. Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Results: For pregnant women, the numbers of antenatal visits, intermittent preventive malaria treatments, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) tests and facility-based births with skilled attendants all fell during the Ebola period, with decreases being significantly more marked in Margibi County. Apart from HIV testing, which remained low in both counties, these indicators increased in the post-Ebola period, with increases significantly more marked in Bong than in Margibi. The number of childhood immunisations decreased significantly in Bong in the Ebola period compared with the pre-Ebola period, but increased to above pre-Ebola levels in the post-Ebola period. There were markedly larger decreases in childhood immunisations in Margibi County during the Ebola period, which remained significantly lower in the post-Ebola period compared with Bong County. Conclusion: In a PBF-supported county, selected maternal and childhood health indicators showed less deterioration during Ebola and better recovery post-Ebola than in a non-PBF-supported county.

  16. Impact of Performance-Based Financing in a Low-Resource Setting: A Decade of Experience in Cambodia.

    PubMed

    Van de Poel, Ellen; Flores, Gabriela; Ir, Por; O'Donnell, Owen

    2016-06-01

    This paper exploits the geographic expansion of performance-based financing (PBF) in Cambodia over a decade to estimate its effect on the utilization of maternal and child health services. PBF is estimated to raise the proportion of births occurring in incentivized public health facilities by 7.5 percentage points (25%). A substantial part of this effect arises from switching the location of institutional births from private to public facilities; there is no significant impact on deliveries supervised by a skilled birth attendant, nor is there any significant effect on neonatal mortality, antenatal care and vaccination rates. The impact on births in public facilities is much greater if PBF is accompanied by maternity vouchers that cover user fees, but there is no significant effect among the poorest women. Heterogeneous effects across schemes differing in design suggest that maintaining management authority within a health district while giving explicit service targets to facilities is more effective in raising utilization than contracting management to a non-governmental organization while denying it full autonomy and leaving financial penalties vague. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  17. Performance-based financing in the context of selective free health-care: an evaluation of its effects on the use of primary health-care services in Burundi using routine data.

    PubMed

    Falisse, Jean-Benoît; Ndayishimiye, Juvenal; Kamenyero, Vincent; Bossuyt, Michel

    2015-12-01

    Performance-based financing (PBF) is an increasingly adopted strategy in low- and middle-income countries. PBF pilot projects started in Burundi in 2006, at the same time when a national policy removed user fees for pregnant women and children below 5 years old. PBF was gradually extended to the 17 provinces of the country. This roll-out and data from the national health information system are exploited to assess the impact of PBF on the use of health-care services. PBF is associated with an increase in the number of anti-tetanus vaccination of pregnant women (around +20 percentage points in target population, P < 0.10). Non-robust positive effects are also found on institutional deliveries and prenatal consultations. Changes in outpatient visits, postnatal visits and children vaccinations are not significantly correlated with PBF. It is also found that more qualified nurses headed to PBF-supported provinces. The limited quality of the data and the restricted size of the sample have to be taken into account when interpreting these results. Health facility-level figures from PBF-supported provinces show that most indicators but those relative to preventive care are growing through time. The dataset does not include indicators of the quality of care and does not allow to assess whether changes associated with PBF are resource-driven or due to the incentive mechanism itself. The results are largely consistent with other impact evaluations conducted in Burundi and Rwanda. The fact that PBF is mostly associated with positive changes in the use of services that became free suggests an important interaction effect between the two strategies. A possible explanation is that the removal of user fees increases accessibility to health care and acts on the demand side while PBF gives medical staffs incentives for improving the provision of services. More empirical research is needed to understand the sustainability of (the incentive mechanism of) PBF and the interaction between PBF and other health policies. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine © The Author 2014; all rights reserved.

  18. PBF Cooling Tower (PER720). Camera faces east to show west ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Cooling Tower (PER-720). Camera faces east to show west facade. Sloped (louvered) panels in this and opposite facade allow air to enter tower and cool water falling on splash bars within. Date: August 2003. INEEL negative no. HD-35-10-2 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  19. PBF detail of metal pedestrian bridge over exposed control cables, ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF detail of metal pedestrian bridge over exposed control cables, which run between Control (PER-619) and Reactor Buildings (PER-620). Camera facing northwest. Southwest corner of PER-620 at upper right of view. Date: May 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-6-3 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  20. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Camera facing north toward south facade. ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Camera facing north toward south facade. Note west-wing siding on concrete block; high-bay siding of metal. Excavation and forms for signal and cable trenches proceed from building. Photographer: Kirsh. Date August 20, 1968. INEEL negative no. 68-3332 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  1. PBF Control Building (PER619). Interior of control room. Control console ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Control Building (PER-619). Interior of control room. Control console in center of room. Indicator panels along walls. Window shown in ID-33-F-120 is between control panels at left. Camera facing northwest. Date: May 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-7-3 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  2. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Camera is facing east and down ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Camera is facing east and down into canal and storage pit for fuel rod assemblies. Stainless steel liner is being applied, temporarily covered with plywood for protection. Photographer: John Capek. Date: August 29, 1969. INEEL negative no. 69-4641 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  3. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Cubicle 10. Camera facing southeast. Loop ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Cubicle 10. Camera facing southeast. Loop pressurizer on right. Other equipment includes loop strained, control valves, loop piping, pressurizer interchanger, and cleanup system cooler. High-density shielding brick walls. Photographer: Kirsh. Date: November 2, 1970. INEEL negative no. 70-4908 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  4. POWER-BURST FACILITY (PBF) CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wasserman, A.A.; Johnson, S.O.; Heffner, R.E.

    1963-06-21

    A description is presented of the conceptual design of a high- performance, pulsed reactor called the Power Burst Facility (PBF). This reactor is designed to generate power bursts with initial asymptotic periods as short as 1 msec, producing energy releases large enough to destroy entire fuel subassemblies placed in a capsule or flow loop mounted in the reactor, all without damage to the reactor itself. It will be used primarily to evaluate the consequences and hazards of very rapid destructive accidents in reactors representing the entire range of current nuclear technology as applied to power generation, propulsion, and testing. Itmore » will also be used to carry out detailed studies of nondestructive reactivity feedback mechanisms in the shortperiod domain. The facility was designed to be sufficiently flexible to accommodate future cores of even more advanced design. The design for the first reactor core is based upon proven technology; hence, completion of the final design of this core will involve no significant development delays. Construction of the PBF is proposed to begin in September 1984, and is expected to take approximately 20 months to complete. (auth)« less

  5. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Camera faces south toward verticallift door, ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Camera faces south toward vertical-lift door, which is closed. Note crane and its trolley positioned near door; its rails along side walls. Reactor vessel and lifting beams are positioned above reactor pit. Photographer: John Capek. Date: January 9, 1970. INEEL negative no. 70-132 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  6. PBF Cooling Tower under construction. Cold water basin is five ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Cooling Tower under construction. Cold water basin is five feet deep. Foundation and basin walls are reinforced concrete. Camera facing west. Pipe openings through wall in front are outlets for return flow of cool water to reactor building. Photographer: John Capek. Date: September 4, 1968. INEEL negative no. 68-3473 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  7. PBF Cooling Tower. Hot deck of Cooling Tower with fan ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Cooling Tower. Hot deck of Cooling Tower with fan motors in place. Fan's propeller blades (not in view) rotate within lower portion of vents. Inlet pipe is a left of view. Contractor's construction buildings in view to right. Photographer: Larry Page. Date: June 30, 1969. INEEL negative no. 69-3781 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  8. Association between body mass index and body fat in 9-11-year-old children from countries spanning a range of human development.

    PubMed

    Katzmarzyk, P T; Barreira, T V; Broyles, S T; Chaput, J-P; Fogelholm, M; Hu, G; Kuriyan, R; Kurpad, A; Lambert, E V; Maher, C; Maia, J; Matsudo, V; Olds, T; Onywera, V; Sarmiento, O L; Standage, M; Tremblay, M S; Tudor-Locke, C; Zhao, P; Church, T S

    2015-12-01

    The purpose was to assess associations between body mass index (BMI) and body fat in a multinational sample of 9-11-year-old children. The sample included 7265 children from countries ranging in human development. Total body fat (TBF) and percentage body fat (PBF) were measured with a Tanita SC-240 scale and BMI z-scores (BMIz) and percentiles were computed using reference data from the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, respectively. Mean PBF at BMIz values of -1, 0 and +1 were estimated using multilevel models. Correlations between BMI and TBF were >0.90 in all countries, and correlations between BMI and PBF ranged from 0.76 to 0.96. Boys from India had higher PBF than boys from several other countries at all levels of BMIz. Kenyan girls had lower levels of PBF than girls from several other countries at all levels of BMIz. Boys and girls from Colombia had higher values of PBF at BMIz=-1, whereas Colombian boys at BMIz 0 and +1 also had higher values of PBF than boys in other countries. Our results show a consistently high correlation between BMI and adiposity in children from countries representing a wide range of human development.

  9. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Camera is in cab of electricpowered ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Camera is in cab of electric-powered rail crane and facing east. Reactor pit and storage canal have been shaped. Floors for wings on east and west side are above and below reactor in view. Photographer: Larry Page. Date: August 23, 1967. INEEL negative no. 67-4403 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  10. Association between body mass index and body fat in 9–11-year-old children from countries spanning a range of human development

    PubMed Central

    Katzmarzyk, P T; Barreira, T V; Broyles, S T; Chaput, J-P; Fogelholm, M; Hu, G; Kuriyan, R; Kurpad, A; Lambert, E V; Maher, C; Maia, J; Matsudo, V; Olds, T; Onywera, V; Sarmiento, O L; Standage, M; Tremblay, M S; Tudor-Locke, C; Zhao, P; Church, T S

    2015-01-01

    The purpose was to assess associations between body mass index (BMI) and body fat in a multinational sample of 9–11-year-old children. The sample included 7265 children from countries ranging in human development. Total body fat (TBF) and percentage body fat (PBF) were measured with a Tanita SC-240 scale and BMI z-scores (BMIz) and percentiles were computed using reference data from the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, respectively. Mean PBF at BMIz values of −1, 0 and +1 were estimated using multilevel models. Correlations between BMI and TBF were >0.90 in all countries, and correlations between BMI and PBF ranged from 0.76 to 0.96. Boys from India had higher PBF than boys from several other countries at all levels of BMIz. Kenyan girls had lower levels of PBF than girls from several other countries at all levels of BMIz. Boys and girls from Colombia had higher values of PBF at BMIz=−1, whereas Colombian boys at BMIz 0 and +1 also had higher values of PBF than boys in other countries. Our results show a consistently high correlation between BMI and adiposity in children from countries representing a wide range of human development. PMID:27152184

  11. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Camera faces south along west wall. ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Camera faces south along west wall. Gap between native lava rock and concrete basement walls is being backfilled and compacted. Wire mesh protects workers from falling rock. Note penetrations for piping that will carry secondary coolant water to Cooling Tower. Photographer: Holmes. Date: June 15, 1967. INEEL negative no. 67-3665 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  12. PBF Cooling Tower and it Auxiliary Building (PER624) to left ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Cooling Tower and it Auxiliary Building (PER-624) to left of tower. Camera facing west and the east louvered face of the tower. Details include secondary coolant water riser piping and flow control valves (butterfly valves) to distribute water evenly to all sections of tower. Photographer: Holmes. Date: May, 20, 1970. INEEL negative no. 70-2322 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  13. PBF Cooling Tower. View from highbay roof of Reactor Building ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Cooling Tower. View from high-bay roof of Reactor Building (PER-620). Camera faces northwest. East louvered face has been installed. Inlet pipes protrude from fan deck. Two redwood vents under construction at top. Note piping, control, and power lines at sub-grade level in trench leading to Reactor Building. Photographer: Kirsh. Date: June 6, 1969. INEEL negative no. 69-3466 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  14. Single-Event Effect Testing of the Linear Technology LTC6103HMS8#PBF Current Sense Amplifier

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yau, Ka-Yen; Campola, Michael J.; Wilcox, Edward

    2016-01-01

    The LTC6103HMS8#PBF (henceforth abbreviated as LTC6103) current sense amplifier from Linear Technology was tested for both destructive and non-destructive single-event effects (SEE) using the heavy-ion cyclotron accelerator beam at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Berkeley Accelerator Effects (BASE) facility. During testing, the input voltages and output currents were monitored to detect single event latch-up (SEL) and single-event transients (SETs).

  15. PBF (PER620) interior of Reactor Room. Camera facing south from ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF (PER-620) interior of Reactor Room. Camera facing south from stairway platform in southwest corner (similar to platform in view at left). Reactor was beneath water in circular tank. Fuel was stored in the canal north of it. Platform and apparatus at right is reactor bridge with control rod mechanisms and actuators. The entire apparatus swung over the reactor and pool during operations. Personnel in view are involved with decontamination and preparation of facility for demolition. Note rails near ceiling for crane; motor for rollup door at upper center of view. Date: March 2004. INEEL negative no. HD-41-3-2 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  16. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). In subpile room, camera faces southeast ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). In sub-pile room, camera faces southeast and looks up toward bottom of reactor vessel. Upper assembly in center of view is in-pile tube as it connects to vessel. Lower lateral constraints and rotating control cable are in position. Other connections have been bolted together. Note light bulbs for scale. Photographer: John Capek. Date: August 21, 1970. INEEL negative no. 70-3494 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  17. PBF Reactor Building (PER620) basement, inside cubicle 13. Lead bricks ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620) basement, inside cubicle 13. Lead bricks shield the fission product detection system (FPDS). The system detected fission products in pressure loop from in-pile tube. shielding was to prevent other radiation in cubicle from interfering. Assembly of bricks in foreground will slide back to enclose and shield equipment in the three chambers. Date: 1982. INEEL negative no. 82-6376 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  18. PBF Reactor Building (PER620). Camera on main floor faces south ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620). Camera on main floor faces south (open) doorway. In foreground is canal gate, lined with stainless steel and painted with protective coatings. Reactor pit is round with protective coatings. Reactor put is round form discernible beyond. Lifting beams and rigging are in place for a load test before reactor vessel arrives. Photographer: John Capek. Date: January 26, 1970. INEEL negative no. 70-347 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  19. Quality of Care in Performance-Based Financing: How It Is Incorporated in 32 Programs Across 28 Countries

    PubMed Central

    Gergen, Jessica; Josephson, Erik; Coe, Martha; Ski, Samantha; Madhavan, Supriya; Bauhoff, Sebastian

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Objective: To describe how quality of care is incorporated into performance-based financing (PBF) programs, what quality indicators are being used, and how these indicators are measured and verified. Methods: An exploratory scoping methodology was used to characterize the full range of quality components in 32 PBF programs, initiated between 2008 and 2015 in 28 low- and middle-income countries, totaling 68 quality tools and 8,490 quality indicators. The programs were identified through a review of the peer-reviewed and gray literature as well as through expert consultation with key donor representatives. Findings: Most of the PBF programs were implemented in sub-Saharan Africa and most were funded primarily by the World Bank. On average, PBF quality tools contained 125 indicators predominately assessing maternal, newborn, and child health and facility management and infrastructure. Indicators were primarily measured via checklists (78%, or 6,656 of 8,490 indicators), which largely (over 90%) measured structural aspects of quality, such as equipment, beds, and infrastructure. Of the most common indicators across checklists, 74% measured structural aspects and 24% measured processes of clinical care. The quality portion of the payment formulas were in the form of bonuses (59%), penalties (27%), or both (hybrid) (14%). The median percentage (of a performance payment) allocated to health facilities was 60%, ranging from 10% to 100%, while the median percentage allocated to health care providers was 55%, ranging from 20% to 80%. Nearly all of the programs included in the analysis (91%, n=29) verified quality scores quarterly (every 3 months), typically by regional government teams. Conclusion: PBF is a potentially appealing instrument to address shortfalls in quality of care by linking verified performance measurement with strategic incentives and could ultimately help meet policy priorities at the country and global levels, including the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals. The substantial variation and complexity in how PBF programs incorporate quality of care considerations suggests a need to further examine whether differences in design are associated with differential program impacts. PMID:28298338

  20. Quality of Care in Performance-Based Financing: How It Is Incorporated in 32 Programs Across 28 Countries.

    PubMed

    Gergen, Jessica; Josephson, Erik; Coe, Martha; Ski, Samantha; Madhavan, Supriya; Bauhoff, Sebastian

    2017-03-24

    To describe how quality of care is incorporated into performance-based financing (PBF) programs, what quality indicators are being used, and how these indicators are measured and verified. An exploratory scoping methodology was used to characterize the full range of quality components in 32 PBF programs, initiated between 2008 and 2015 in 28 low- and middle-income countries, totaling 68 quality tools and 8,490 quality indicators. The programs were identified through a review of the peer-reviewed and gray literature as well as through expert consultation with key donor representatives. Most of the PBF programs were implemented in sub-Saharan Africa and most were funded primarily by the World Bank. On average, PBF quality tools contained 125 indicators predominately assessing maternal, newborn, and child health and facility management and infrastructure. Indicators were primarily measured via checklists (78%, or 6,656 of 8,490 indicators), which largely (over 90%) measured structural aspects of quality, such as equipment, beds, and infrastructure. Of the most common indicators across checklists, 74% measured structural aspects and 24% measured processes of clinical care. The quality portion of the payment formulas were in the form of bonuses (59%), penalties (27%), or both (hybrid) (14%). The median percentage (of a performance payment) allocated to health facilities was 60%, ranging from 10% to 100%, while the median percentage allocated to health care providers was 55%, ranging from 20% to 80%. Nearly all of the programs included in the analysis (91%, n=29) verified quality scores quarterly (every 3 months), typically by regional government teams. PBF is a potentially appealing instrument to address shortfalls in quality of care by linking verified performance measurement with strategic incentives and could ultimately help meet policy priorities at the country and global levels, including the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals. The substantial variation and complexity in how PBF programs incorporate quality of care considerations suggests a need to further examine whether differences in design are associated with differential program impacts. © Gergen et al.

  1. PBF Reactor Building (PER620) under construction. Aerial view with camera ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620) under construction. Aerial view with camera facing northeast. Steel framework is exposed for west wing and high bay. Concrete block siding on east wing. Railroad crane set up on west side. Note trenches proceeding from front of building. Left trench is for secondary coolant and will lead to Cooling Tower. Shorter trench will contain cables leading to control area. Photographer: Larry Page. Date: March 22, 1967. INEEL negative no. 67-5025 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  2. Incentives to change: effects of performance-based financing on health workers in Zambia.

    PubMed

    Shen, Gordon C; Nguyen, Ha Thi Hong; Das, Ashis; Sachingongu, Nkenda; Chansa, Collins; Qamruddin, Jumana; Friedman, Jed

    2017-02-28

    Performance-based financing (PBF) has been implemented in a number of countries with the aim of transforming health systems and improving maternal and child health. This paper examines the effect of PBF on health workers' job satisfaction, motivation, and attrition in Zambia. It uses a randomized intervention/control design to evaluate before-after changes for three groups: intervention (PBF) group, control 1 (C1; enhanced financing) group, and control 2 (C2; pure control) group. Mixed methods are employed. The quantitative portion comprises of a baseline and an endline survey. The survey and sampling scheme were designed to allow for a rigorous impact evaluation of PBF or C1 on several key performance indicators. The qualitative portion seeks to explain the pathways underlying the observed differences through interviews conducted at the beginning and at the three-year mark of the PBF program. Econometric analysis shows that PBF led to increased job satisfaction and decreased attrition on a subset of measures, with little effect on motivation. The C1 group also experienced some positive effects on job satisfaction. The null results of the quantitative assessment of motivation cohere with those of the qualitative assessment, which revealed that workers remain motivated by their dedication to the profession and to provide health care to the community rather than by financial incentives. The qualitative evidence also provides two explanations for higher overall job satisfaction in the C1 than in the PBF group: better working conditions and more effective supervision from the District Medical Office. The PBF group had higher satisfaction with compensation than both control groups because they have higher compensation and financial autonomy, which was intended to be part of the PBF intervention. While PBF could not address all the reasons for attrition, it did lower turnover because those health centers were staffed with qualified personnel and the personnel had role clarity. In Zambia, the implementation of PBF schemes brought about a significant increase in job satisfaction and a decrease in attrition, but had no significant effect on motivation. Enhanced health financing also increased stated job satisfaction.

  3. PBF Reactor Building (PER620) basement. Workers wearing protective gear work ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Reactor Building (PER-620) basement. Workers wearing protective gear work inside cubicle 13 on the fission product detection system. Man on left is atop shielded box shown in previous photo. Posture of second man illustrates waist-high height of shielding box. His hand rests on the access panel, which has been filled with lead bricks and which has been slid shut to enclose detection instruments within box. Photographer: John Capek. Date: January 24, 1983. INEEL negative no. 83-41-3-5 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  4. How do performance-based financing programmes measure quality of care? A descriptive analysis of 68 quality checklists from 28 low- and middle-income countries

    PubMed Central

    Josephson, Erik; Gergen, Jessica; Coe, Martha; Ski, Samantha; Madhavan, Supriya; Bauhoff, Sebastian

    2017-01-01

    Abstract This paper seeks to systematically describe the length and content of quality checklists used in performance-based financing programmes, their similarities and differences, and how checklists have evolved over time. We compiled a list of supply-side, health facility-based performance-based financing (PBF) programmes in low- and lower middle-income countries based on a document review. We then solicited PBF manuals and quality checklists from implementers and donors of these PBF mechanisms. We entered each indicator from each quality checklist into a database verbatim in English, and translated into English from French where appropriate, and categorized each indicator according to the Donabedian framework and an author-derived categorization. We extracted 8,490 quality indicators from 68 quality checklists across 32 PBF implementations in 28 countries. On average, checklists contained 125 indicators; within the same program, checklists tend to grow as they are updated. Using the Donabedian framework, 80% of indicators were structure-type, 19% process-type, and less than 1% outcome-type. The author-derived categorization showed that 57% of indicators relate to availability of resources, 24% to managing the facility and 17% assess knowledge and effort. There is a high degree of similarity in a narrow set of indicators used in checklists for common service types such as maternal, neonatal and child health. We conclude that performance-based financing offers an appealing approach to targeting specific quality shortfalls and advancing toward the Sustainable Development Goals of high quality coverage. Currently most indicators focus on structural issues and resource availability. There is scope to rationalize and evolve the quality checklists of these programs to help achieve national and global goals to improve quality of care. PMID:28549142

  5. PBF Cooling Tower detail. Camera facing southwest into north side ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    PBF Cooling Tower detail. Camera facing southwest into north side of Tower. Five horizontal layers of splash bars constitute fill decks, which will break up falling water into droplets, promoting evaporative cooling. Louvered faces, through which air enters tower, are on east and west sides. Louvers have been installed. Support framework for one of two venturi-shaped fan stacks (or "vents") is in center top. Orifices in hot basins (not in view) will distribute water over fill. Photographer: Kirsh. Date: May 15, 1969. INEEL negative no. 69-3032 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, SPERT-I & Power Burst Facility Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  6. Liver stiffness and portal blood flow modifications induced by a liquid meal consumption: pathogenetic mechanisms and clinical relevance.

    PubMed

    Barone, Michele; Iannone, Andrea; Brunetti, Natale Daniele; Sebastiani, Francesco; Cecere, Onofrio; Berardi, Elsa; Antonica, Gianfranco; Di Leo, Alfredo

    2015-05-01

    The correlation between liver stiffness (LS) variations and portal blood flow (PBF) modifications induced by a standardized liquid meal consumption and the clinical relevance of this matter are two aspects not yet fully elucidated. Herein, we evaluated the variations of LS and PBF after a standardized liquid meal intake in patients with chronic liver disease. PBF and LS were determined after an overnight fasting period in 54 patients. They were divided in three groups according to baseline LS (absent, moderate, and severe). They consumed 200 ml of water and a standardized liquid meal (300 Kcal/200 ml) after 60 min. PBF and LS were measured at 30 min after water and liquid meal consumption. In all groups, LS and PBF values significantly increased only after meal consumption. A significant correlation between baseline LS values and post-meal increase of LS was observed. Moreover, higher basal stiffness values were associated to a larger increase of LS variation after meal consumption. The effect of the meal on LS remained statistically significant after multiple regression analysis. A significant correlation between increase of LS and PBF was found in patients with absent and moderate baseline LS. Nine patients (17%) switched from a lower to a higher level of LS after meal consumption. A low calories/low-volume meal is capable of significantly increasing LS regardless of the grade of stiffness, determining a reclassification rate of 17%. In presence of minimal or moderate stiffness, the increase of LS is significantly correlated with the augment of PBF.

  7. Performance-based financing with GAVI health system strengthening funding in rural Cambodia: a brief assessment of the impact.

    PubMed

    Matsuoka, Sadatoshi; Obara, Hiromi; Nagai, Mari; Murakami, Hitoshi; Chan Lon, Rasmey

    2014-07-01

    Though Cambodia made impressive gains in immunization coverage between the years 2000 and 2005, it recognized several health system challenges to greater coverage of immunization and sustainability. The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) opened a Health System Strengthening (HSS) funding window in 2006. To address the health system challenges, Cambodia has been receiving the GAVI HSS fund since October 2007. The major component of the support is performance-based financing (PBF) for maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH) services. To examine the impact of the PBF scheme on MNCH services and administrative management in rural Cambodia. Quantitative and qualitative studies were conducted in Kroch Chhmar Operational District (OD), Cambodia. Quantitative analyses were conducted on the trends of the numbers of MNCH services. A brief analysis was conducted using qualitative data. After the commencement of the PBF support, the volume of MNCH services was significantly boosted. In addition, strengthened financial and operational management was observed in the study area. However, the quality of the MNCH services was not ensured. Technical assistance, rather than the PBF scheme, was perceived by stakeholders to play a vital role in increasing the quality of the services. To improve the quality of the health services provided, it is better to include indicators on the quality of care in the PBF scheme. Mutual co-operation between PBF models and technical assistance may ensure better service quality while boosting the quantity. A robust but feasible data validation mechanism should be in place, as a PBF could incentivize inaccurate reporting. The capacity for financial management should be strengthened in PBF recipient ODs. To address the broader aspects of MNCH, a balanced input of resources and strengthening of all six building blocks of a health system are necessary. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine © The Author 2013; all rights reserved.

  8. Changes in human pulp blood flow during canine retraction.

    PubMed

    Sabuncuoglu, Fidan Alakus; Ersahan, Seyda

    2016-08-01

    To evaluate the effects of maxillary canine retraction on pulpal blood flow (PBF) in humans as recorded by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). Maxillary canines of 24 participants were divided into two groups (n = 12 each). Teeth in the study group underwent maxillary canine retraction using mini-implants as anchorage for approximately 4 months, with 100 g of force applied via coil springs. Subjects in the control group received no orthodontic treatment. LDF measurements were recorded at baseline (T0); during retraction, at 24 hours (T1), 3 days (T2), 7 days (T3) and 1 month (T4); and at the end of retraction (T5) in the study group and at similar time-points in control subjects. Data were analyzed using the Friedman, Wilcoxon signed rank and Mann-Whitney U tests, with the significance level set at 0.05. No significant changes in PBF perfusion units (PU) were observed in the control group over the course of the study. However, PBF in the study group increased significantly from T0 (3.6 ± 0.2 PU) to T1 (3.7 ± 0.2 PU, p < 0.001) and decreased severely from T1 to T2 (3.3 ± 0.1, p < 0.001). PBF in the study group was still significantly lower at T3 (3.4 ± 0.1 PU, p < 0.001) in comparison to T0; however, at T4 and T5, PBF was found to have returned to pre-retraction levels. The fact that PBF values returned to initial levels within one month of the initiation of retraction despite short-term, hyperaemic, regressive changes demonstrates that the changes observed in PBF during canine retraction are reversible.

  9. Interrelationships between BMI, skinfold thicknesses, percent body fat, and cardiovascular disease risk factors among U.S. children and adolescents.

    PubMed

    Freedman, David S; Ogden, Cynthia L; Kit, Brian K

    2015-11-18

    Although the estimation of body fatness by Slaughter skinfold thickness equations (PBF(Slaughter)) has been widely used, the accuracy of this method is uncertain. We have previously examined the interrelationships among the body mass index (BMI), PBF(Slaughter), percent body fat from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (PBF(DXA)) and CVD risk factor levels among children who were examined in the Bogalusa Heart Study and in the Pediatric Rosetta Body Composition Project. The current analyses examine these associations among 7599 8- to 19-year-olds who participated in the (U.S.) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2004. We analyzed (1) the agreement between (1) estimates of percent body fat calculated from the Slaughter skinfold thickness equations and from DXA, and (2) the relation of lipid, lipoprotein, and blood pressure levels to BMI, PBF(Slaughter) and PBF(DXA). PBF(Slaughter) was highly correlated (r ~ 0.85) with PBF(DXA). However, among children with a relatively low skinfold thicknesses sum (triceps + subscapular), PBF(Slaughter) underestimated PBF(DXA) by 8 to 9 percentage points. In contrast, PBF(Slaughter) overestimated PBF(DXA) by 10 points among boys with a skinfold thickness sum ≥ 50 mm. After adjustment for sex and age, lipid levels were related similarly to the body mass index, PBF(DXA) and PBF(Slaughter). There were, however, small differences in associations with blood pressure levels: systolic blood pressure was more strongly associated with body mass index, but diastolic blood pressure was more strongly associated with percent body fat. The Slaughter equations yield biased estimates of body fatness. In general, lipid and blood pressure levels are related similarly to levels of BMI (following adjustment for sex and age), PBF(Slaughter,) and PBF(DXA).

  10. Preliminary Investigation on Life Cycle Inventory of Powder Bed Fusion of Stainless Steel

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nyamekye, Patricia; Piili, Heidi; Leino, Maija; Salminen, Antti

    Manufacturing of work pieces from stainless steel with laser additive manufacturing, known also as laser sintering or 3D printing may increase energy and material efficiency. The use of powder bed fusion offers advantages to make parts for dynamic applications of light weight and near-net-shape products. Due to these advantages among others, PBF may also reduce emissions and operational cost in various applications. However, there are only few life cycle assessment studies examining this subject despite its prospect to business opportunity. The application of Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) in Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) provides a distinct evaluation of material and energy consumption. LCI offers a possibility to improve knowledge of process efficiency. This study investigates effect of process sustainability in terms of raw material, energy and time consumption with PBF and CNC machining. The results of the experimental study indicated lower energy efficiency in the production process with PBF. This study revealed that specific energy consumption in PBF decreased when several components are built simultaneously than if they would be built individually. This is due to fact that energy consumption per part is lower. On the contrary, amount of energy needed to machine on part in case of CNC machining is lower when parts are done separately.

  11. 'The money can be a motivator, to me a little, but mostly PBF just helps me to do better in my job.' An exploration of the motivational mechanisms of performance-based financing for health workers in Malawi.

    PubMed

    Lohmann, Julia; Wilhelm, Danielle; Kambala, Christabel; Brenner, Stephan; Muula, Adamson S; De Allegri, Manuela

    2018-03-01

    Performance-based financing (PBF) is assumed to improve health care delivery by motivating health workers to enhance their work performance. However, the exact motivational mechanisms through which PBF is assumed to produce such changes are poorly understood to date. Although PBF is increasingly recognized as a complex health systems intervention, its motivational effect for individual health workers is still often reduced to financial 'carrots and sticks' in the literature and discourse. Aiming to contribute to the development of a more comprehensive understanding of the motivational mechanisms, we explored how PBF impacted health worker motivation in the context of the Malawian Results-based Financing for Maternal and Newborn Health (RBF4MNH) Initiative. We conducted in-depth interviews with 41 nurses, medical assistants and clinical officers from primary- and secondary-level health facilities 1 and 2 years after the introduction of RBF4MNH in 2013. Six categories of motivational mechanisms emerged: RBF4MNH motivated health workers to improve their performance (1) by acting as a periodic wake-up call to deficiencies in their day-to-day practice; (2) by providing direction and goals to work towards; (3) by strengthening perceived ability to perform successfully at work and triggering a sense of accomplishment; (4) by instilling feelings of recognition; (5) by altering social dynamics, improving team work towards a common goal, but also introducing social pressure; and (6) by offering a 'nice to have' opportunity to earn extra income. However, respondents also perceived weaknesses of the intervention design, implementation-related challenges and contextual constraints that kept RBF4MNH from developing its full motivating potential. Our results underline PBF's potential to affect health workers' motivation in ways which go far beyond the direct effects of financial rewards to individuals. We strongly recommend considering all motivational mechanisms more explicitly in future PBF design to fully exploit the approach's capacity for enhancing health worker performance. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  12. Prescribing patterns and associated factors of antibiotic prescription in primary health care facilities of Kumbo East and Kumbo West Health Districts, North West Cameroon

    PubMed Central

    Chem, Elvis Dzelamonyuy; Anong, Damian Nota; Akoachere, Jane-Francis K. T.

    2018-01-01

    Background Inappropriate use of antibiotics is a global public health challenge and has been associated with antibiotic resistance. WHO reports show that efforts to promote rational antibiotic use in developing countries are poor. With the growing number of infections with antibiotic resistant bacteria, rational drug use becomes imperative and studies that promote rational drug use are highly necessary. Considering this, we investigated prescribing patterns and predictors of antibiotic prescription in primary health care facilities in Kumbo East (KE) and Kumbo West (KW) health districts in North West Cameroon, to contribute data which could influence policy on antibiotic use. Methods and findings A cross sectional retrospective study was conducted from April 2014 to April 2015 in 26 randomly selected primary care facilities. Questionnaires were administered to 59 antibiotic prescribers to determine factors that predict antibiotic prescribing. Data on antibiotic prescription were collected by review of consultation registers. Prescription rates and demographics, prescriber and institution factors were analyzed using ANOVA. The best predictor of prescription was determined using multiple linear regression analysis. Results A total of 30,096 prescriptions were reviewed. Overall antibiotic prescription rate was 36.71%, with a mean of 1.14 antibiotics prescribed per patient. Amoxicillin was the most prescribed (29.9%). The most prevalent indications for prescribing were respiratory tract infections (21.27%). All antibiotics prescribed were broad-spectrum. Antibiotics were prescribed for patients with malaria and also in situations where diagnosis was uncertain. Prescribing by generic name was 98.36% while 99.87% was from Essential Drug List. Use of laboratory results, patient turnout and Performance Based Financing (PBF) were significantly associated with antibiotic prescribing rates (p < 0.05). PBF moderated prescribing. Conclusion There was misuse of antibiotics in primary care facilities in study area. We recommend all primary care health facilities in study area to be included in the PBF scheme and that prescribing should only be done by physicians as the have adequate training. PMID:29505584

  13. Social Factors Associated with Non-initiation and Cessation of Predominant Breastfeeding in a Mother-Child Cohort in Spain.

    PubMed

    Villar, Maria; Santa-Marina, Loreto; Murcia, Mario; Amiano, Pilar; Gimeno, Silvia; Ballester, Ferran; Julvez, Jordi; Romaguera, Dora; Fernández-Somoano, Ana; Tardón, Adonina; Ibarluzea, Jesús

    2018-05-01

    Objective The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with non-initiation and cessation of predominant breastfeeding (PBF) in a mother-child cohort from Spain. Materials and Methods The analysis included 2195 mother-infant from birth to 14 months post- delivery recruited between 2004 and 2008. Maternal characteristics were collected during the pregnancy. Lactation data were obtained at 6 and 14 months after delivery. PBF was defined as intake of breast milk plus liquids like juices or water. The PBF cessation was calculated using the date that women started PBF and the date that she reported to start giving infant formula and/or food. The relationship between maternal variables and PBF initiation and cessation was modeled using logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Results The prevalence of PBF at hospital discharge was 85.3, 53.4% at 3 months, 46.1% at 4 months and 7.2% at 6 month. Only two women continued PBF at 12 months and none at 14 months. The initiating of PBF was associated with higher levels of maternal education, being a first-time mother and worked in a non-manual occupation. Higher level of physical activity, not smoking and having a healthy BMI, were also positively associated with PBF initiation. PBF cessation was higher in young, obese women, who had had complications during the pregnancy, and who had lower levels of education and smoked. The employment status of women, in week 32 of pregnancy and also in month 14 post-delivery, determined likelihood of PBF cessation. Conclusions Healthier habits and education positively influenced PBF initiation and duration. Decrease in PBF duration rates in Spain can be interpreted in part as a consequence of women returning to work.

  14. Adiposity, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, and asthma in U.S. children.

    PubMed

    Han, Yueh-Ying; Forno, Erick; Celedón, Juan C

    2014-07-01

    Whether allergic airway inflammation mediates the association between overweight or obesity and childhood asthma is unknown. To examine adiposity, asthma, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in U.S. children. Cross-sectional study of indicators of adiposity or obesity, FeNO (a biomarker of eosinophilic airway inflammation), and asthma in 2,681 children aged 6-17 years in the 2007-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Adiposity measures included body mass index (BMI), percent body fat (PBF), and waist circumference (WC). BMI, PBF, and WC were associated with asthma among children with low FeNO (odds ratio, 1.54-1.68; P < 0.01), but not among children with increased FeNO. Among children without asthma, BMI, PBF, and WC were associated with higher FEV1 and FVC, and lower FEV1/FVC. Among children with asthma and a high FeNO, all adiposity indicators were associated with decreased FEV1/FVC (β = -1.5% to -1.7% per z score) but not with FEV1 or FVC. Higher BMI or PBF was associated with worse asthma severity or control in children with asthma and increased FeNO, but not in children with asthma and low FeNO. Similar results were obtained in a secondary multivariate analysis of overweight or obesity (defined as BMI ≥85th percentile) and asthma or indicators of asthma severity or control, stratified by FeNO level. Adiposity indicators are associated with asthma in children with low FeNO. Among children with asthma, adiposity indicators are associated with worse asthma severity or control in those with high FeNO.

  15. Crowding out or no crowding out? A Self-Determination Theory approach to health worker motivation in performance-based financing.

    PubMed

    Lohmann, Julia; Houlfort, Nathalie; De Allegri, Manuela

    2016-11-01

    Performance-based financing (PBF) is a common health system reform approach in low and middle income countries at present. Although increasing evidence on the effectiveness of PBF and knowledge of principles of good design are available, research is still lacking in regards to other aspects. Among these are a yet limited understanding of the complex role of health worker motivation in PBF and of potential side effects, for instance on intrinsic motivation. Our article aims to support meaningful future research by advancing the theoretical discussion around health worker motivation and PBF. We argue that an in-depth understanding of the motivational mechanisms and consequences of PBF at health worker level are of high practical relevance and should be at the heart of the PBF research agenda, and that predominant unidimensional conceptualizations of health worker motivation and descriptive rather than explanatory research approaches are insufficient to fully understand whether, how, and why PBF schemes alter health workers' motivational structures, mindsets, affect, and behavior. We introduce and apply Self-Determination Theory to the context of PBF as a valuable theoretical framework for future empirical exploration. From this, we conclude that PBF interventions are unlikely to have a generally adverse effect on intrinsic motivation as feared by parts of the PBF community. Rather, we posit that PBF can have positive and negative effects on both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, to varying degrees depending on the specific design, implementation, and results of a particular intervention and on health workers' perceptions and evaluations of it. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Adiposity, Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide, and Asthma in U.S. Children

    PubMed Central

    Han, Yueh-Ying; Forno, Erick

    2014-01-01

    Rationale: Whether allergic airway inflammation mediates the association between overweight or obesity and childhood asthma is unknown. Objectives: To examine adiposity, asthma, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in U.S. children. Methods: Cross-sectional study of indicators of adiposity or obesity, FeNO (a biomarker of eosinophilic airway inflammation), and asthma in 2,681 children aged 6–17 years in the 2007–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Adiposity measures included body mass index (BMI), percent body fat (PBF), and waist circumference (WC). Measurements and Main Results: BMI, PBF, and WC were associated with asthma among children with low FeNO (odds ratio, 1.54–1.68; P < 0.01), but not among children with increased FeNO. Among children without asthma, BMI, PBF, and WC were associated with higher FEV1 and FVC, and lower FEV1/FVC. Among children with asthma and a high FeNO, all adiposity indicators were associated with decreased FEV1/FVC (β = −1.5% to −1.7% per z score) but not with FEV1 or FVC. Higher BMI or PBF was associated with worse asthma severity or control in children with asthma and increased FeNO, but not in children with asthma and low FeNO. Similar results were obtained in a secondary multivariate analysis of overweight or obesity (defined as BMI ≥85th percentile) and asthma or indicators of asthma severity or control, stratified by FeNO level. Conclusions: Adiposity indicators are associated with asthma in children with low FeNO. Among children with asthma, adiposity indicators are associated with worse asthma severity or control in those with high FeNO. PMID:24922361

  17. Setting performance-based financing in the health sector agenda: a case study in Cameroon.

    PubMed

    Sieleunou, Isidore; Turcotte-Tremblay, Anne-Marie; Fotso, Jean-Claude Taptué; Tamga, Denise Magne; Yumo, Habakkuk Azinyui; Kouokam, Estelle; Ridde, Valery

    2017-08-01

    More than 30 countries in sub-Saharan Africa have introduced performance-based financing (PBF) in their healthcare systems. Yet, there has been little research on the process by which PBF was put on the national policy agenda in Africa. This study examines the policy process behind the introduction of PBF program in Cameroon. The research is an explanatory case study using the Kingdon multiple streams framework. We conducted a document review and 25 interviews with various types of actors involved in the policy process. We conducted thematic analysis using a hybrid deductive-inductive approach for data analysis. By 2004, several reports and events had provided evidence on the state of the poor health outcomes and health financing in the country, thereby raising awareness of the situation. As a result, decision-makers identified the lack of a suitable health financing policy as an important issue that needed to be addressed. The change in the political discourse toward more accountability made room to test new mechanisms. A group of policy entrepreneurs from the World Bank, through numerous forms of influence (financial, ideational, network and knowledge-based) and building on several ongoing reforms, collaborated with senior government officials to place the PBF program on the agenda. The policy changes occurred as the result of two open policy windows (i.e. national and international), and in both instances, policy entrepreneurs were able to couple the policy streams to effect change. The policy agenda of PBF in Cameroon underlined the importance of a perceived crisis in the policy reform process and the advantage of building a team to carry forward the policy process. It also highlighted the role of other sources of information alongside scientific evidence (eg.: workshop and study tour), as well as the role of previous policies and experiences, in shaping or influencing respectively the way issues are framed and reformers' actions and choices.

  18. Tracking Global Fund HIV/AIDS resources used for sexual and reproductive health service integration: case study from Ethiopia.

    PubMed

    Mookherji, Sangeeta; Ski, Samantha; Huntington, Dale

    2015-05-27

    The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria (GF) strives for high value for money, encouraging countries to integrate synergistic services and systems strengthening to maximize investments. The GF needs to show how, and how much, its grants support more than just HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) has been part of HIV/AIDS grants since 2007. Previous studies showed the GF PBF system does not allow resource tracking for SRH integration within HIV/AIDS grants. We present findings from a resource tracking case study using primary data collected at country level. Ethiopia was the study site. We reviewed data from four HIV/AIDS grants from January 2009-June 2011 and categorized SDAs and activities as directly, indirectly, or not related to SRH integration. Data included: GF PBF data; financial, performance, in-depth interview and facility observation data from Ethiopia. All HIV/AIDS grants in Ethiopia support SRH integration activities (12-100%). Using activities within SDAs, expenditures directly supporting SRH integration increased from 25% to 66% for the largest HIV/AIDS grant, and from 21% to 34% for the smaller PMTCT-focused grant. Using SDAs to categorize expenditures underestimated direct investments in SRH integration; activity-based categorization is more accurate. The important finding is that primary data collection could not resolve the limitations in using GF GPR data for resource tracking. The remedy is to require existing activity-based budgets and expenditure reports as part of PBF reporting requirements, and make them available in the grant portfolio database. The GF should do this quickly, as it is a serious shortfall in the GF guiding principle of transparency. Showing high value for money is important for maximizing impact and replenishments. The Global Fund should routinely track HIV/AIDs grant expenditures to disease control, service integration, and overall health systems strengthening. The current PBF system will not allow this. Real-time expenditure analysis could be achieved by integrating existing activity-based financial data into the routine PBF system. The GF's New Funding Model and the 2012-2016 strategy present good opportunities for over-hauling the PBF system to improve transparency and allow the GF to monitor and maximize value for money.

  19. Performance-based financing in low-income and middle-income countries: isn’t it time for a rethink?

    PubMed Central

    Albert, Lucien; Bisala, Badibanga N’Sambuka; Bodson, Oriane; Bonnet, Emmanuel; Bossyns, Paul; Colombo, Sandro; De Brouwere, Vincent; Dumont, Alexandre; Eclou, Dieudonné Sèdjro; Gyselinck, Karel; Hane, Fatoumata; Marchal, Bruno; Meloni, Remo; Noirhomme, Mathieu; Noterman, Jean-Pierre; Samb, Oumar Mallé; Ssengooba, Freddie; Touré, Laurence; Turcotte-Tremblay, Anne-Marie; Van Belle, Sara; Vinard, Philippe

    2018-01-01

    This paper questions the view that performance-based financing (PBF) in the health sector is an effective, efficient and equitable approach to improving the performance of health systems in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). PBF was conceived as an open approach adapted to specific country needs, having the potential to foster system-wide reforms. However, as with many strategies and tools, there is a gap between what was planned and what is actually implemented. This paper argues that PBF as it is currently implemented in many contexts does not satisfy the promises. First, since the start of PBF implementation in LMICs, concerns have been raised on the basis of empirical evidence from different settings and disciplines that indicated the risks, cost and perverse effects. However, PBF implementation was rushed despite insufficient evidence of its effectiveness. Second, there is a lack of domestic ownership of PBF. Considering the amounts of time and money it now absorbs, and the lack of evidence of effectiveness and efficiency, PBF can be characterised as a donor fad. Third, by presenting itself as a comprehensive approach that makes it possible to address all aspects of the health system in any context, PBF monopolises attention and focuses policy dialogue on the short-term results of PBF programmes while diverting attention and resources from broader processes of change and necessary reforms. Too little care is given to system-wide and long-term effects, so that PBF can actually damage health services and systems. This paper ends by proposing entry points for alternative approaches. PMID:29564163

  20. Body fat and body-mass index among a multiethnic sample of college-age men and women.

    PubMed

    Carpenter, Catherine L; Yan, Eric; Chen, Steve; Hong, Kurt; Arechiga, Adam; Kim, Woo S; Deng, Max; Li, Zhaoping; Heber, David

    2013-01-01

    Obesity prevalence and average body composition vary by US race and gender. Asian Americans have the lowest prevalence of obesity. Relying on body-mass index (BMI) to estimate obesity prevalence may misclassify subgroups that appear normally weighted but have excess body fat. We evaluated percentage body fat (PBF) and BMI to determine whether BMI reflects PBF consistently across different races. 940 college students were recruited from a local public university over four consecutive years. We measured PBF by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), weight by physicians' scales, and height with stadiometers. Our sample comprised Asians (49%), Caucasians (23%), Hispanics (7%), and Other (21%). Participants averaged 21.4 years old; BMI was 22.9 kg/m(2); PBF was 24.8%. BMI and PBF varied significantly by race and gender (P value = 0.002 and 0.005 for men; 0.0009 and 0.0008 for women). Asian-American women had the lowest BMI (21.5 kg/m(2)) but the second highest PBF (27.8%). Linear association between BMI and PBF was the weakest (r (2) = 0.09) among Asian-American women and BMI had the poorest sensitivity (37%) to detect PBF. The high PBF with low BMI pattern exhibited by Asian-American women suggests that they could escape detection for obesity-related disease if BMI is the sole measure that estimates body composition.

  1. Performance-based financing: the same is different.

    PubMed

    Renmans, Dimitri; Holvoet, Nathalie; Criel, Bart; Meessen, Bruno

    2017-07-01

    Although it is increasingly acknowledged within the Performance-Based Financing (PBF) research community that PBF is more than just payments based on outputs verified for quality, this narrow definition of PBF is still very present in many studies and evaluations. This leads to missed opportunities, misunderstandings and an unhelpful debate. Therefore, we reinforce the claim that PBF should be viewed as a reform package focused on targeted services with many different aspects that go beyond the health worker level. Failing to acknowledge the importance of the different elements of PBF negatively influences the task of practitioners, researchers and policymakers alike. After making the case for this wider definition, we propose three research pathways (describing, understanding and framing PBF) and give a short and tentative starting point for future research, leaving the floor open for more in-depth discussions. From these three vantage points it appears that when it comes to PBF 'the same is different'. Notwithstanding the increased complexity due to the use of the wider definition, progress on these three different research pathways will strongly improve our knowledge, lead to better adapted PBF programs and create a more nuanced debate on PBF. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  2. Community participation and voice mechanisms under performance-based financing schemes in Burundi.

    PubMed

    Falisse, Jean-Benoît; Meessen, Bruno; Ndayishimiye, Juvénal; Bossuyt, Michel

    2012-05-01

    Community participation is often described as a key for primary health care in low-income countries. Recent performance-based financing (PBF) initiatives have renewed the interest in this strategy by questioning the accountability of those in charge at the health centre (HC) level. We analyse the place of two downward accountability mechanisms in a PBF scheme: health committees elected among the communities and community-based organizations (CBOs) contracted as verifiers of health facilities' performance. We evaluated 100 health committees and 79 CBOs using original data collected in six Burundi provinces (2009-2010) and a framework based on the literature on community participation in health and New Institutional Economics. Health committees appear to be rather ineffective, focusing on supporting the medical staff and not on representing the population. CBOs do convey information about the concerns of the population to the health authorities; yet, they represent only a few users and lack the ability to force changes. PBF does not automatically imply more 'voice' from the population, but introduces an interesting complement to health committees with CBOs. However, important efforts remain necessary to make both mechanisms work. More experiments and analysis are needed to develop truly efficient 'downward' mechanisms of accountability at the HC level. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  3. Performance-based financing in the context of the complex remuneration of health workers: findings from a mixed-method study in rural Sierra Leone.

    PubMed

    Bertone, Maria Paola; Lagarde, Mylene; Witter, Sophie

    2016-07-19

    There is growing interest on the impact of performance-based financing (PBF) on health workers' motivation and performance. However, the literature so far tends to look at PBF payments in isolation, without reference to the overall remuneration of health workers. Taking the case of Sierra Leone, where PBF was introduced in 2011, this study investigates the absolute and relative contribution of PBF to health workers' income and explores their views on PBF bonuses, in comparison to and interaction with other incomes. The study is based on a mixed-methods research consisting in a survey and an 8-week longitudinal logbook collecting data on the incomes of primary health workers (n = 266) and 39 in-depth interviews with a subsample of the same workers, carried out in three districts of Sierra Leone (Bo, Kenema and Moyamba). Our results show that in this setting PBF contributes about 10 % of the total income of health workers. Despite this relatively low contribution, their views on the bonuses are positive, especially compared to the negative views on salary. We find that this is because PBF is seen as a complement, with less sense of entitlement compared to the official salary. Moreover, PBF has a specific role within the income utilization strategies enacted by health workers, as it provides extra money which can be used for emergencies or reinvested in income generating activities. However, implementation issues with the PBF scheme, such as delays in payment and difficulties in access, cause a series of problems that limit the motivational effects of the incentives. Overall, staff still favor salary increases over increases in PBF. The study confirms that the remuneration of health workers is complex and interrelated so that the different financial incentives cannot be examined independently from one. It also shows that the implementation of PBF schemes has an impact on the way it does or does not motivate health workers, and must be thoroughly researched in order to assess the impact of PBF.

  4. Pulmonary blood flow redistribution by increased gravitational force

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hlastala, M. P.; Chornuk, M. A.; Self, D. A.; Kallas, H. J.; Burns, J. W.; Bernard, S.; Polissar, N. L.; Glenny, R. W.

    1998-01-01

    This study was undertaken to assess the influence of gravity on the distribution of pulmonary blood flow (PBF) using increased inertial force as a perturbation. PBF was studied in unanesthetized swine exposed to -Gx (dorsal-to-ventral direction, prone position), where G is the magnitude of the force of gravity at the surface of the Earth, on the Armstrong Laboratory Centrifuge at Brooks Air Force Base. PBF was measured using 15-micron fluorescent microspheres, a method with markedly enhanced spatial resolution. Each animal was exposed randomly to -1, -2, and -3 Gx. Pulmonary vascular pressures, cardiac output, heart rate, arterial blood gases, and PBF distribution were measured at each G level. Heterogeneity of PBF distribution as measured by the coefficient of variation of PBF distribution increased from 0.38 +/- 0.05 to 0.55 +/- 0.11 to 0.72 +/- 0.16 at -1, -2, and -3 Gx, respectively. At -1 Gx, PBF was greatest in the ventral and cranial and lowest in the dorsal and caudal regions of the lung. With increased -Gx, this gradient was augmented in both directions. Extrapolation of these values to 0 G predicts a slight dorsal (nondependent) region dominance of PBF and a coefficient of variation of 0.22 in microgravity. Analysis of variance revealed that a fixed component (vascular structure) accounted for 81% and nonstructure components (including gravity) accounted for the remaining 19% of the PBF variance across the entire experiment (all 3 gravitational levels). The results are inconsistent with the predictions of the zone model.

  5. Improved oral bioavalability of mebudipine upon administration in PhytoSolve and Phosal-based formulation (PBF).

    PubMed

    Khani, Samira; Keyhanfar, Fariborz

    2014-02-01

    The aim of this investigation was to examine the efficacy of PhytoSolve and Phosal-based formulation (PBF) to enhance the oral bioavailability of mebudipine, which is a poorly water-soluble calcium channel blocker. The solubility of mebudipine in various oils was determined. PhytoSolve was prepared with a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil (20%), soybean phospholipids (5%), and a 70% fructose solution (75%). The influence of the weight ratio of Phosal 50PG to glycerol in PBF on the mean globule size was studied with dynamic light scattering. The optimized formulation was evaluated for robustness toward dilution, transparency, droplet size, and zeta potential. The in vivo oral absorption of different mebudipine formulations (PhytoSolve, PBF, oily solution, and suspension) were evaluated in rats. The optimized PBF contained Phosal 50PG/glycerol in a 6:4 ratio (w/w). The PBF and PhytoSolve formulations were miscible with water in any ratio and did not demonstrate any phase separation or drug precipitation over 1 month of storage. The mean particle size of PhytoSolve and PBF were 138.5 ± 9.0 and 74.4 ± 2.5 nm, respectively. The in vivo study demonstrated that the oral bioavailability of PhytoSolve and PBF in rats was significantly higher than that of the other formulations. The PhytoSolve and PBF formulations of mebudipine are found to be more bioavailable compared with suspension and oily solutions during an in vivo study in rats. These formulations might be new alternative carriers that increase the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble molecules, such as mebudipine.

  6. High protein buckwheat flour suppresses hypercholesterolemia in rats and gallstone formation in mice by hypercholesterolemic diet and body fat in rats because of its low protein digestibility.

    PubMed

    Tomotake, Hiroyuki; Yamamoto, Naoe; Yanaka, Noriyuki; Ohinata, Hiroshi; Yamazaki, Rikio; Kayashita, Jun; Kato, Norihisa

    2006-02-01

    This study evaluated the physiologic properties of high protein buckwheat flour (PBF) by examining its effects on serum cholesterol and body fat in rats and on cholesterol gallstone formation in mice. Animals were fed experimental diets that contained casein, buckwheat protein extract (BWP), or PBF as a protein source (net protein content 200 g/kg). In experiment 1, consumption of PBF and BWP for 10 d caused 33% and 31% decreases, respectively, in serum cholesterol of rats fed cholesterol-enriched diets when compared with consumption of casein (P < 0.05). Dietary PBF caused a significant decrease in liver cholesterol, whereas dietary BWP caused only a slight decrease (P > 0.05). Fecal excretion of neutral and acidic steroids in the PBF group was significantly higher than those in the BWP and casein groups. In experiment 2, consumption of PBF for 10 d significantly suppressed adipose tissue weight and hepatic activity of fatty acid synthase in rats fed cholesterol-free diets compared with consumption of casein (P < 0.05), whereas that of BWP for this period caused only a slight decrease in adipose tissue weight (P > 0.05). In experiment 3, dietary PBF and BWP significantly decreased the incidence of cholesterol gallstones and lithogenic index in mice fed cholesterol-enriched diets for 27 d, which was associated with increased fecal excretion of acidic steroids. This study demonstrated that PBF has strong activities against hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and gallstone formation, suggesting a potential usefulness of PBF as functional ingredient.

  7. Efficiency of herbal medicine Dai-kenchu-to on portal blood flow in rat models.

    PubMed

    Muraoka, Izumi; Takatsuki, Mitsuhisa; Soyama, Akihiko; Yamaguchi, Izumi; Tanaka, Shiro; Tanaka, Takayuki; Kinoshita, Ayaka; Hara, Takanobu; Kuroki, Tamotsu; Eguchi, Susumu

    2015-09-01

    To clarify the influence of Dai-Kenchu-To (DKT) on portal blood flow (PBF), PBF was continuously measured with Doppler ultrasound. Normal liver rats were divided into a DKT 90 mg/kg, DKT 270 mg/kg administered group, and control, while cirrhotic liver rats were divided into a DKT-LC 90 mg/kg administered group and Control-LC. The PBF was measured after the administration of either DKT or water for 60 min by laser Doppler flowmetry system. The PBF in the DKT 90 increased approximately 10 min after DKT was administrated, and elevated levels were maintained for approximately 10 min. A comparison of the increase in PBF by the calculating the area under the curve (AUC) revealed that flow was significantly higher in the DKT 90 compared to either the control or the DKT 270 (p < 0.05). The cirrhotic liver group showed stable PBF in both the DKT-LC and Control-LC. The AUC, revealed no significant difference between the DKT-LC and Control-LC. DKT induced an increase in PBF in normal livers; however, its effects were insufficient to increase PBF in the cirrhotic livers. No increase in the portal blood flow in the cirrhotic liver rats was probably the result of the cirrhotic liver, which had fibrotic change, and, therefore, may not have had sufficient compliance to accept the increasing blood flow volume from the intestinal tract. We suggested DKT has the potential to protect the liver by increasing PBF when the liver has either normal or mild to moderate dysfunction.

  8. Residual stress prediction in a powder bed fusion manufactured Ti6Al4V hip stem

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Barrett, Richard A.; Etienne, Titouan; Duddy, Cormac; Harrison, Noel M.

    2017-10-01

    Powder bed fusion (PBF) is a category of additive manufacturing (AM) that is particularly suitable for the production of 3D metallic components. In PBF, only material in the current build layer is at the required melt temperature, with the previously melted and solidified layers reducing in temperature, thus generating a significant thermal gradient within the metallic component, particularly for laser based PBF components. The internal thermal stresses are subsequently relieved in a post-processing heat-treatment step. Failure to adequately remove these stresses can result in cracking and component failure. A prototype hip stem was manufactured from Ti6Al4V via laser PBF but was found to have fractured during over-seas shipping. This study examines the evolution of thermal stresses during the laser PBF manufacturing and heat treatment processes of the hip stem in a 2D finite element analysis (FEA) and compares it to an electron beam PBF process. A custom written script for the automatic conversion of a gross geometry finite element model into a thin layer- by-layer finite element model was developed. The build process, heat treatment (for laser PBF) and the subsequent cooling were simulated at the component level. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the heat treatment in reducing PBF induced thermal stresses, and the concentration of stresses in the region that fractured.

  9. PULPAL BLOOD FLOW CHANGES IN ABUTMENT TEETH OF REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURES

    PubMed Central

    Kunt, Göknil Ergün; Kökçü, Deniz; Ceylan, Gözlem; Yılmaz, Nergiz; Güler, Ahmet Umut

    2009-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of tooth supported (TSD) and toothtissue supported (TTSD) removable partial denture wearing on pulpal blood flow (PBF) of the abutment teeth by using Laser Doppler Flowmeter (LDF). Measurements were carried out on 60 teeth of 28 patients (28 teeth and 12 patients of TTSD group, 32 teeth and 16 patients of TSD group) who had not worn any type of removable partial dentures before, had no systemic problems and were non smokers. PBF values were recorded by LDF before insertion (day 0) and after insertion of dentures at day 1, day 7 and day 30. Statistical analysis was performed by student t test and covariance analyses of repeated measurements. In the group TTSD, the mean values of PBF decreased statistically significantly at day 1 after insertion when compared with PBF values before insertion (p<0,01). There was no statistically significant difference among PBF mean values on 1st, 7th and 30th day. However, in the group TSD, there was no statistically significant difference among PBF mean values before insertion and on 1st, 7th and 30th day. In other words, PBF mean values in group TSD continued without changing statistically significant on 1st, 7th and 30th day. TTSD wearing may show negative effect on the abutment teeth due to decreasing basal PBF. PMID:20001995

  10. Efficiency of herbal medicine Dai-kenchu-to on portal blood flow in rat models

    PubMed Central

    Muraoka, Izumi; Takatsuki, Mitsuhisa; Soyama, Akihiko; Yamaguchi, Izumi; Tanaka, Shiro; Tanaka, Takayuki; Kinoshita, Ayaka; Hara, Takanobu; Kuroki, Tamotsu; Eguchi, Susumu

    2015-01-01

    Introduction To clarify the influence of Dai-Kenchu-To (DKT) on portal blood flow (PBF), PBF was continuously measured with Doppler ultrasound. Methods Normal liver rats were divided into a DKT 90 mg/kg, DKT 270 mg/kg administered group, and control, while cirrhotic liver rats were divided into a DKT-LC 90 mg/kg administered group and Control-LC. The PBF was measured after the administration of either DKT or water for 60 min by laser Doppler flowmetry system. Results The PBF in the DKT 90 increased approximately 10 min after DKT was administrated, and elevated levels were maintained for approximately 10 min. A comparison of the increase in PBF by the calculating the area under the curve (AUC) revealed that flow was significantly higher in the DKT 90 compared to either the control or the DKT 270 (p < 0.05). The cirrhotic liver group showed stable PBF in both the DKT-LC and Control-LC. The AUC, revealed no significant difference between the DKT-LC and Control-LC. Discussion DKT induced an increase in PBF in normal livers; however, its effects were insufficient to increase PBF in the cirrhotic livers. No increase in the portal blood flow in the cirrhotic liver rats was probably the result of the cirrhotic liver, which had fibrotic change, and, therefore, may not have had sufficient compliance to accept the increasing blood flow volume from the intestinal tract. Conclusion We suggested DKT has the potential to protect the liver by increasing PBF when the liver has either normal or mild to moderate dysfunction. PMID:26155361

  11. Context matters (but how and why?) A hypothesis-led literature review of performance based financing in fragile and conflict-affected health systems.

    PubMed

    Bertone, Maria Paola; Falisse, Jean-Benoît; Russo, Giuliano; Witter, Sophie

    2018-01-01

    Performance-based financing (PBF) schemes have been expanding rapidly across low and middle income countries in the past decade, with considerable external financing from multilateral, bilateral and global health initiatives. Many of these countries have been fragile and conflict-affected (FCAS), but while the influence of context is acknowledged to be important to the operation of PBF, there has been little examination of how it affects adoption and implementation of PBF. This article lays out initial hypotheses about how FCAS contexts may influence the adoption, adaption, implementation and health system effects of PBF. These are then interrogated through a review of available grey and published literature (140 documents in total, covering 23 PBF schemes). We find that PBF has been more common in FCAS contexts, which were also more commonly early adopters. Very little explanation of the rationale for its adoption, in particular in relation with the contextual features, is given in programme documents. However, there are a number of factors which could explain this, including the greater role of external actors and donors, a greater openness to institutional reform, and lower levels of trust within the public system and between government and donors, all of which favour more contractual approaches. These suggest that rather than emerging despite fragility, conditions of fragility may favour the rapid emergence of PBF. We also document few emerging adaptations of PBF to humanitarian settings and limited evidence of health system effects which may be contextually driven, but these require more in-depth analysis. Another area meriting more study is the political economy of PBF and its diffusion across contexts.

  12. Performance-Based Financing to Strengthen the Health System in Benin: Challenging the Mainstream Approach

    PubMed Central

    Paul, Elisabeth; Lamine Dramé, Mohamed; Kashala, Jean-Pierre; Ekambi Ndema, Armand; Kounnou, Marcel; Codjovi Aïssan, Julien; Gyselinck, Karel

    2018-01-01

    Background: Performance-based financing (PBF) is often proposed as a way to improve health system performance. In Benin, PBF was launched in 2012 through a World Bank-supported project. The Belgian Development Agency (BTC) followed suit through a health system strengthening (HSS) project. This paper analyses and draws lessons from the experience of BTC-supported PBF alternative approach – especially with regards to institutional aspects, the role of demand-side actors, ownership, and cost-effectiveness – and explores the mechanisms at stake so as to better understand how the "PBF package" functions and produces effects Methods: An exploratory, theory-driven evaluation approach was adopted. Causal mechanisms through which PBF is hypothesised to impact on results were singled out and explored. This paper stems from the co-authors’ capitalisation of experiences; mixed methods were used to collect, triangulate and analyse information. Results are structured along Witter et al framework. Results: Influence of context is strong over PBF in Benin; the policy is donor-driven. BTC did not adopt the World Bank’s mainstream PBF model, but developed an alternative approach in line with its HSS support programme, which is grounded on existing domestic institutions. The main features of this approach are described (decentralised governance, peer review verification, counter-verification entrusted to health service users’ platforms), as well as its adaptive process. PBF has contributed to strengthen various aspects of the health system and led to modest progress in utilisation of health services, but noticeable improvements in healthcare quality. Three mechanisms explaining observed outcomes within the context are described: comprehensive HSS at district level; acting on health workers’ motivation through a complex package of incentives; and increased accountability by reinforcing dialogue with demand-side actors. Cost-effectiveness and sustainability issues are also discussed. Conclusion: BTC’s alternative PBF approach is both promising in terms of effects, ownership and sustainability, and less resource consuming. This experience testifies that PBF is not a uniform or rigid model, and opens the policy ground for recipient governments to put their own emphasis and priorities and design ad hoc models adapted to their context specificities. However, integrating PBF within the normal functioning of local health systems, in line with other reforms, is a big challenge. PMID:29325401

  13. Reduced thermal sensitivity of hybrid air-core photonic band-gap fiber ring resonator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Feng, Li-shuang; Wang, Kai; Jiao, Hong-chen; Wang, Jun-jie; Liu, Dan-ni; Yang, Zhao-hua

    2018-01-01

    A novel hybrid air-core photonic band-gap fiber (PBF) ring resonator with twin 90° polarization-axis rotated splices is proposed and demonstrated. Frist, we measure the temperature dependent birefringence coefficient of air-core PBF and Panda fiber. Experimental results show that the relative temperature dependent birefringence coefficient of air-core PBF is 1.42×10-8/°C, which is typically 16 times less than that of Panda fiber. Then, we extract the geometry profile of air-core PBF from scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. Numerical modal is built to distinguish the fast axis and slow axis in the fiber. By precisely setting the length difference in air-core PBF and Panda fiber between two 90° polarization-axis rotated splicing points, the hybrid air-core PBF ring resonator is constructed, and the finesse of the resonator is 8.4. Environmental birefringence variation induced by temperature change can be well compensated, and experimental results show an 18-fold reduction in thermal sensitivity, compared with resonator with twin 0° polarization-axis rotated splices.

  14. Does performance-based financing increase value for money in low- and middle- income countries? A systematic review.

    PubMed

    Turcotte-Tremblay, Anne-Marie; Spagnolo, Jessica; De Allegri, Manuela; Ridde, Valéry

    2016-12-01

    Governments of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are widely implementing performance-based financing (PBF) to improve healthcare services. However, it is unclear whether PBF provides good value for money compared to status quo or other interventions aimed at strengthening the healthcare system in LMICs. The objective of this systematic review is to identify and synthesize the existing literature that examines whether PBF represents an efficient manner of investing resources. We considered PBF to be efficient when improved care quality or quantity was achieved with equal or lower costs, or alternatively, when the same quality of care was achieved using less financial resources. A manual search of the reference lists of two recent systematic reviews on economic evaluations of PBF was conducted to identify articles that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subsequently, a search strategy was developed with the help of a librarian. The following databases and search engines were used: PubMed, EconLit, Google Scholar and Google. Experts on economic evaluations were consulted for validation of the selected studies. A total of seven articles from five LMICs were selected for this review. We found the overall strength of the evidence to be weak. None of the articles were full economic evaluations; they did not make clear connections between the costs and effects of PBF. Only one study reported using a randomized controlled trial, but issues with the randomization procedure were reported. Important alternative interventions to strengthen the capacities of the healthcare system have not been considered. Few studies examined the costs and consequences of PBF in the long term. Important costs and consequences were omitted from the evaluations. Few LMICs are represented in the literature, despite wide implementation. Lastly, most articles had at least one author employed by an organization involved in the implementation of PBF, thereby resulting in potential conflicts of interest. Stronger empirical evidence on whether PBF represents good value for money in LMICs is needed.

  15. Reduced pulmonary blood flow in regions of injury 2 hours after acid aspiration in rats.

    PubMed

    Richter, Torsten; Bergmann, Ralf; Musch, Guido; Pietzsch, Jens; Koch, Thea

    2015-01-01

    Aspiration-induced lung injury can decrease gas exchange and increase mortality. Acute lung injury following acid aspiration is characterized by elevated pulmonary blood flow (PBF) in damaged lung areas in the early inflammation stage. Knowledge of PBF patterns after acid aspiration is important for targeting intravenous treatments. We examined PBF in an experimental model at a later stage (2 hours after injury). Anesthetized Wistar-Unilever rats (n = 5) underwent unilateral endobronchial instillation of hydrochloric acid. The PBF distribution was compared between injured and uninjured sides and with that of untreated control animals (n = 6). Changes in lung density after injury were measured using computed tomography (CT). Regional PBF distribution was determined quantitatively in vivo 2 hours after acid instillation by measuring the concentration of [(68)Ga]-radiolabeled microspheres using positron emission tomography. CT scans revealed increased lung density in areas of acid aspiration. Lung injury was accompanied by impaired gas exchange. Acid aspiration decreased the arterial pressure of oxygen from 157 mmHg [139;165] to 74 mmHg [67;86] at 20 minutes and tended toward restoration to 109 mmHg [69;114] at 110 minutes (P < 0.001). The PBF ratio of the middle region of the injured versus uninjured lungs of the aspiration group (0.86 [0.7;0.9], median [25%;75%]) was significantly lower than the PBF ratio in the left versus right lung of the control group (1.02 [1.0;1.05]; P = 0.016). The PBF pattern 2 hours after aspiration-induced lung injury showed a redistribution of PBF away from injured regions that was likely responsible for the partial recovery from hypoxemia over time. Treatments given intravenously 2 hours after acid-induced lung injury may not preferentially reach the injured lung regions, contrary to what occurs during the first hour of inflammation. Please see related article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12871-015-0014-z.

  16. Performance-Based Financing to Strengthen the Health System in Benin: Challenging the Mainstream Approach.

    PubMed

    Paul, Elisabeth; Lamine Dramé, Mohamed; Kashala, Jean-Pierre; Ekambi Ndema, Armand; Kounnou, Marcel; Codjovi Aïssan, Julien; Gyselinck, Karel

    2017-04-15

    Performance-based financing (PBF) is often proposed as a way to improve health system performance. In Benin, PBF was launched in 2012 through a World Bank-supported project. The Belgian Development Agency (BTC) followed suit through a health system strengthening (HSS) project. This paper analyses and draws lessons from the experience of BTC-supported PBF alternative approach - especially with regards to institutional aspects, the role of demand-side actors, ownership, and cost-effectiveness - and explores the mechanisms at stake so as to better understand how the "PBF package" functions and produces effects. An exploratory, theory-driven evaluation approach was adopted. Causal mechanisms through which PBF is hypothesised to impact on results were singled out and explored. This paper stems from the co-authors' capitalisation of experiences; mixed methods were used to collect, triangulate and analyse information. Results are structured along Witter et al framework. Influence of context is strong over PBF in Benin; the policy is donor-driven. BTC did not adopt the World Bank's mainstream PBF model, but developed an alternative approach in line with its HSS support programme, which is grounded on existing domestic institutions. The main features of this approach are described (decentralised governance, peer review verification, counter-verification entrusted to health service users' platforms), as well as its adaptive process. PBF has contributed to strengthen various aspects of the health system and led to modest progress in utilisation of health services, but noticeable improvements in healthcare quality. Three mechanisms explaining observed outcomes within the context are described: comprehensive HSS at district level; acting on health workers' motivation through a complex package of incentives; and increased accountability by reinforcing dialogue with demand-side actors. Cost-effectiveness and sustainability issues are also discussed. BTC's alternative PBF approach is both promising in terms of effects, ownership and sustainability, and less resource consuming. This experience testifies that PBF is not a uniform or rigid model, and opens the policy ground for recipient governments to put their own emphasis and priorities and design ad hoc models adapted to their context specificities. However, integrating PBF within the normal functioning of local health systems, in line with other reforms, is a big challenge. © 2018 The Author(s); Published by Kerman University of Medical Sciences. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

  17. The effect of intraosseous local anesthesia of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine on pulpal blood flow and pulpal anesthesia of mandibular molars and canines.

    PubMed

    Vongsavan, Kadkao; Samdrup, Tshering; Kijsamanmith, Kanittha; Rirattanapong, Praphasri; Vongsavan, Noppakun

    2018-05-10

    The aim of this study was to determine the effect of intraosseous (IO) anesthesia with 4% articaine and 1:100,000 epinephrine on pulpal blood flow (PBF) and pulpal anesthesia of mandibular first molars and canines in human subjects. Ten healthy volunteers with intact mandibular first molar and canine were given an osteocentral technique of IO injection using the Quick Sleeper 5 system and 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine at distal site of mandibular first molar. The PBF was monitored by a laser Doppler flowmeter (LDF). Pulpal anesthesia was assessed with an electric pulp tester (EPT). IO injection caused a decrease in PBF in molars from 6.31 ± 3.85 perfusion units (P.U.) before injection to 2.51 ± 2.53 P.U. 1 min after injection (P < 0.001). The percentage reduction in PBF was 60% after 1 min and PBF returned back to the baseline after 45 min. No significant reduction in PBF was observed in the canines (P = 0.212). For pulpal anesthesia in the molars, the mean onset was 2.40 ± 0.84 min and the mean duration was 38 ± 16.19 min. In the canines, there was a decrease in the sensitivity to EPT but complete pulpal anesthesia was not achieved. IO injection distal to mandibular first molar caused a decrease in PBF and successful pulpal anesthesia in first molar, but not in canine. Both PBF and EPT readings returned to normal, suggesting that pulpal ischemia may not occur. IO anesthesia is safe to use as a primary technique in teeth with normal pulp.

  18. Near-degeneracy in Excited Vibrational States of 207PbF

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mawhorter, Richard; Nguyen, Alexander; Kim, Yongrak; Biekert, Andreas; Sears, Trevor; Grabow, Jens-Uwe; Kudashov, A. D.; Skripnikov, L. V.; Titov, A. V.; Petrov, A. N.

    2017-04-01

    High-resolution Fourier transform microwave (FTMW) spectroscopy studies of 207PbF have demonstrated the near-degeneracy of two levels of opposite parity. These have attracted attention for the study of parity violation effects and the variation of fundamental constants using 207PbF. Further theoretical work has improved our detailed understanding of both 207PbF and 208PbF, and furthermore recently indicated that the finely split +/- parity levels grow monotonically closer for higher vibrational states. Our experimental results for v = 0-3 confirm this, and are in excellent agreement with our extended theoretical calculations up to v = 4; both will be presented. TJS acknowledges support from Contract No. DE-SC0012704 with the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, supported by its Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences and Biosciences within the Office of Basic Energy Sciences., as do RM, AB, YK, & AN from Pomona College & J-UG from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG).

  19. Changes in Maxillary Canine Pulpal Blood Flow During Dentoalveolar Distraction Osteogenesis.

    PubMed

    Ersahan, Seyda; Sabuncuoglu, Fidan Alakus

    2016-05-01

    The aim of this study was to assess the effects of dentoalveolar distraction osteogenesis (DD) on the pulpal blood flow (PBF) of maxillary canines. A laser Doppler flowmeter (LDF) was used to measure PBF in maxillary canines of 10 patients undergoing DD (study group) and 10 nonsurgical subjects who received no orthodontic treatment (control group). PBF was measured at baseline, at 4 and 7 days postoperatively, at the end of distraction and at the end of consolidation in the study group and at similar time-points in nonsurgical control subjects. Data were analyzed using paired and Student t tests, with the significance level set at 0.05. Study findings showed that baseline PBF values did not differ significantly between groups. PBF in the control group did not vary over time; however, in the study group, an initial decrease in PBF was observed at 4 days postoperatively and was followed by a gradual increase to preoperative levels at the end of distraction. During the DD latency period, there appears to be a short-lived ischemic phase when perfusion of pulp tissue declines; however, blood-flow returns to normal by the end of distraction.

  20. Waist circumference cut-off in relation to body mass index and percentage of body fat in adult women from Merida, Mexico.

    PubMed

    Datta Banik, Sudip; Dickinson, Federico

    2015-01-01

    Waist circumference (WC) as an index of central obesity is related to body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat (PBF). Waist circumference data were analyzed to identify a WC cut-off for adult women with respect to BMI-based obesity (≥ 30 kg/m²) and PBF. The sample was 138 women aged 22 to 41 years with Maya ancestry (based on surnames) in Merida, Yucatan, measured during 2011 - 2013. Anthropometric parameters included height, body weight (BW), and BMI. The PBF was estimated by bioelectrical impedance. Estimated cut-offs per centimeter WC (80 - 99 cm) were predicted by BMI for obesity (≥ 30 kg m⁻²; binomial: Yes = 1, No = 0) and PBF (continuous variable) using binary logistic regression analyses. Mean age was 32 years, mean BMI was 29 kg m(-2) and mean WC was 89 cm. The sample exhibited high PBF (44 %), and high rates of overweight (44%) and obesity (40%). The threshold WC (≥ 93 cm) had high sensitivity (80%), specificity (82%), Youden Index value (0.62), and correct classification rate (82%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 88 %. The WC ≥ 93 cm cut-off had corresponding values for mean BMI (34 kg m⁻²) and PBF (47%). The optimal WC cut-off at 93 cm significantly identified central obesity for BMI ≥ 30 kg m⁻² and PBF for this sample.

  1. Pathways to high and low performance: factors differentiating primary care facilities under performance-based financing in Nigeria

    PubMed Central

    Mabuchi, Shunsuke; Sesan, Temilade; Bennett, Sara C

    2018-01-01

    Abstract The determinants of primary health facility performance in developing countries have not been well studied. One of the most under-researched areas is health facility management. This study investigated health facilities under the pilot performance-based financing (PBF) scheme in Nigeria, and aimed to understand which factors differentiated primary health care centres (PHCCs) which had performed well, vs those which had not, with a focus on health facility management practices. We used a multiple case study where we compared two high-performing PHCCs and two low-performing PHCCs for each of the two PBF target states. Two teams of two trained local researchers spent 1 week at each PHCC and collected semi-structured interview, observation and documentary data. Data from interviews were transcribed, translated and coded using a framework approach. The data for each PHCC were synthesized to understand dynamic interactions of different elements in each case. We then compared the characteristics of high and low performers. The areas in which critical differences between high and low-performers emerged were: community engagement and support; and performance and staff management. We also found that (i) contextual and health system factors particularly staffing, access and competition with other providers; (ii) health centre management including community engagement, performance management and staff management; and (iii) community leader support interacted and drove performance improvement among the PHCCs. Among them, we found that good health centre management can overcome some contextual and health system barriers and enhance community leader support. This study findings suggest a strong need to select capable and motivated health centre managers, provide long-term coaching in managerial skills, and motivate them to improve their practices. The study also highlights the need to position engagement with community leaders as a key management practice and a central element of interventions to improve PHCC performance. PMID:29077844

  2. The impact of the Bolsa Família Program on food consumption: a comparative study of the southeast and northeast regions of Brazil.

    PubMed

    Sperandio, Naiara; Rodrigues, Cristiana Tristão; Franceschini, Sylvia do Carmo Castro; Priore, Silvia Eloiza

    2017-06-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Bolsa Família Program (PBF) on food consumption in the northeast and southeast regions of Brazil. The database was obtained from the individual food consumption module of the Household Budget Survey conducted in 2008-09. Consumption was assessed through two food records. The food was categorized into four groups: fresh or minimally processed food; culinary ingredients; processed food; and ultra-processed food. To analyze the impact, the propensity score matching method was used, which compares the individual recipients and non-recipients of the PBF in relation to a group of socioeconomic characteristics. After the propensity score was calculated, the impact of the PBF was estimated through the nearest-neighbor matching algorithm. In both regions, more than 60% of the daily total calories consumed by PBF recipients came from foods that had not undergone industrial processing. The recipients of PBF had a low level of consumption of processed and ultra-processed food in both regions, and an increased level of consumption of fresh or minimally processed food in the northeast. The results indicate the importance of adopting intersectoral policies in parallel to the PBF in order to strengthen healthy eating practices.

  3. Assessment of EchoMRI-AH versus dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry by iDXA to measure human body composition.

    PubMed

    Marlatt, K L; Greenway, F L; Ravussin, E

    2017-04-01

    Comparison of percent fat mass across different body composition analysis devices is important given variation in technology accuracy and precision, as well as the growing need for cross-validation of devices often applied across longitudinal studies. We compared EchoMRI-AH and Lunar iDXA quantification of percent body fat (PBF) in 84 adults (43M, 41F), with the mean age 39.7±15.9 years and body mass index (BMI) 26.2±5.3 kg/m 2 . PBF correlated strongly between devices (r>0.95, P<0.0001). A prediction equation was derived in half of the subjects, and the other half were used to cross-validate the proposed equation (EchoMRI-AH PBF=[(0.94 × iDXA PBF)+(0.14 × Age)+(3.3 × Female)-8.83). The mean PBF difference (predicted-measured) in the validation group was not different from 0 (diff=0.27%, 95% confidence interval: -0.42-0.96, P=0.430). Bland-Altman plots showed a bias with higher measured PBF on EchoMRI-AH versus iDXA in all 84 subjects (β=0.13, P<0.0001). The proposed prediction equation was valid in our cross-validation sample, and it has the potential to be applied across multicenter studies.

  4. Relationship between body mass index and adiposity in prepubertal children: ethnic and geographic comparisons between New York City and Jinan City (China)

    PubMed Central

    Navder, Khursheed P.; He, Qing; Zhang, Xiaojing; He, Suyuan; Gong, Luxia; Sun, Yungao; Deckelbaum, Richard J.; Thornton, John; Gallagher, Dympna

    2009-01-01

    Body mass index (BMI) is often used as a surrogate estimate of percent body fat in epidemiological studies. This study tested the hypothesis that BMI is representative of body fatness independent of age, sex, ethnicity, and geographic location in prepubertal children. The study sample included a total of 605 prepubertal children (275 girls and 330 boys) of which 247 were Chinese from Jinan, Shandong, Mainland China, and 358 children were from various ethnic backgrounds in New York City (NYC): 121 Caucasians, 94 African Americans, and 143 Asians (Chinese and Korean). In this cross-sectional study, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to quantify total body fat (TBF) and percent body fat (PBF). Prepubertal status was assessed by the criteria of Tanner. Multiple regression models were developed with TBF and PBF as the dependent variables and BMI, age, sex, and ethnicity as independent variables. Multiple regression analysis showed that BMI alone explained 85% and 69% of between-subject variance for TBF and PBF, respectively. Sex was a significant contributor to the models (P < 0.001) with girls having higher TBF and PBF than boys. Ethnicity and geographic location were significant contributors to the model (P < 0.0001) with Asians (Jinan and NYC Asians) having higher PBF than all non-Asian groups (P < 0.0001), and Jinan Asians having higher TBF and PBF than NYC-Asians. Among prepubertal children, for the same BMI, Asians have significantly higher PBF compared with African Americans and Caucasians. Caution is warranted when applying BMI across sex and ethnic prepubertal groups. PMID:19541740

  5. Prediction of microstructure, residual stress, and deformation in laser powder bed fusion process

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Y. P.; Jamshidinia, M.; Boulware, P.; Kelly, S. M.

    2018-05-01

    Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process has been investigated significantly to build production parts with a complex shape. Modeling tools, which can be used in a part level, are essential to allow engineers to fine tune the shape design and process parameters for additive manufacturing. This study focuses on developing modeling methods to predict microstructure, hardness, residual stress, and deformation in large L-PBF built parts. A transient sequentially coupled thermal and metallurgical analysis method was developed to predict microstructure and hardness on L-PBF built high-strength, low-alloy steel parts. A moving heat-source model was used in this analysis to accurately predict the temperature history. A kinetics based model which was developed to predict microstructure in the heat-affected zone of a welded joint was extended to predict the microstructure and hardness in an L-PBF build by inputting the predicted temperature history. The tempering effect resulting from the following built layers on the current-layer microstructural phases were modeled, which is the key to predict the final hardness correctly. It was also found that the top layers of a build part have higher hardness because of the lack of the tempering effect. A sequentially coupled thermal and mechanical analysis method was developed to predict residual stress and deformation for an L-PBF build part. It was found that a line-heating model is not suitable for analyzing a large L-PBF built part. The layer heating method is a potential method for analyzing a large L-PBF built part. The experiment was conducted to validate the model predictions.

  6. Longitudinal associations between key dietary behaviors and weight gain over time: transitions through the adolescent years.

    PubMed

    Laska, Melissa N; Murray, David M; Lytle, Leslie A; Harnack, Lisa J

    2012-01-01

    Previous studies have yielded inconsistent results when documenting the association between key dietary factors and adolescent weight change over time. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which changes in adolescent sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB), diet soda, breakfast, and fast-food consumption were associated with changes in BMI and percent body fat (PBF). This study analyzed data from a sample of 693 Minnesota adolescents followed over 2 years. Random coefficient models were used to examine the relationship between dietary intake and BMI and PBF and to separate cross-sectional and longitudinal associations. Adjusting for total physical activity, total energy intake, puberty, race, socioeconomic status, and age, cross-sectional findings indicated that for both males and females, breakfast consumption was significantly and inversely associated with BMI and PBF, and diet soda intake was significantly and positively associated with BMI and PBF among females. In longitudinal analyses, however, there were fewer significant associations. Among males there was evidence of a significant longitudinal association between SSB consumption and PBF; after adjustment for energy intake, an increase of one serving of SSB per day was associated with an increase of 0.7 units of PBF among males. This study adds to previous research through its methodological strengths, including adjustment for physical activity and energy intake assessed using state-of-the-art methods (i.e., accelerometers and 24-h dietary recalls), as well as its evaluation of both BMI and PBF. Additional research is needed to better understand the complex constellation of factors that contribute to adolescent weight gain over time.

  7. Mindful eating reduces impulsive food choice in adolescents and adults.

    PubMed

    Hendrickson, Kelsie L; Rasmussen, Erin B

    2017-03-01

    The present study tested the extent to which age and obesity predicted impulsive choices for food and monetary outcomes and tested how a brief mindful-eating training would alter delay discounting for food and money choices compared with control groups. First, 172 adolescents (M age = 13.13 years) and 176 (M age = 23.33 years) adults completed the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) and Monetary Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) as measures of food and money delay discounting, respectively. Then, participants returned to the lab and were randomly assigned to complete a brief mindful-eating training, watch a DVD on nutrition, or serve as a control. Participants completed the FCQ and MCQ again as a postmanipulation measure. Participants with high percent body fat (PBF) were more impulsive for food than those with low PBF. Adults with high PBF were also more impulsive for money compared with adults with low PBF; no PBF-related differences were found for adolescents. Participants in the mindful-eating group exhibited more self-controlled choices for food, but not for money. The control conditions did not exhibit changes. The study suggests that individuals with high PBF make more impulsive food choices relative to those with low PBF, which could increase the risk of obesity over time. It also is the first to demonstrate shifts in choice patterns for food and money using a brief mindful-eating training with adolescents. Mindful eating is a beneficial strategy to reduce impulsive food choice, at least temporarily, that may impede weight gain. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

  8. Can performance-based financing help reaching the poor with maternal and child health services? The experience of rural Rwanda.

    PubMed

    Lannes, Laurence; Meessen, Bruno; Soucat, Agnes; Basinga, Paulin

    2016-07-01

    More than 20 countries in Africa are scaling up performance-based financing (PBF), but its impact on equity in access to health services remains to be documented. This paper draws on evidence from Rwanda to examine the capacity of PBF to ensure equal access to key health interventions especially in rural areas where most of the poor live. Specifically, it focuses on maternal and child health services, distinguishing two wealth groups, and uses data from a rigorous impact evaluation. Difference-in-difference technique is used, and different model specifications are tested: control for unobserved heterogeneity and common random error using linear probability model, seemingly unrelated regression equations, and clustering and fixed effects. Results suggest that in Rwanda, PBF improved efficiency rather than equity for most health services. We find that PBF achieved efficiency gains by improving access to health services for those easier to reach, generally the relatively more affluent. It turns out to be less effective in reaching the poorest. Our results illustrate the advantages of rigorous randomized impact evaluation data as results published earlier using a nationally representative survey (Demographic and Health Survey) were not able to capture the pro-rich nature of the PBF scheme in Rwanda. Our paper advocates for building mechanisms targeting the vulnerable groups in PBF strategies. It also highlights the need to understand the impact of PBF together with the specific development of health insurance coverage and the organization of the health system. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  9. Comparison of Eight Equations That Predict Percent Body Fat Using Skinfolds in American Youth

    PubMed Central

    Roberts, Amy; Cai, Jianwen; Berge, Jerica M.; Stevens, June

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Background: Skinfolds are often used in equations to predict percent body fat (PBF) in youth. Although there are numerous such equations published, there is limited information to help researchers determine which equation to use for their sample. Methods: Using data from the 1999–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), we compared eight published equations for prediction of PBF. These published equations all included triceps and/or subscapular skinfold measurements. We examined the PBF equations in a nationally representative sample of American youth that was matched by age, sex, and race/ethnicity to the original equation development population and a full sample of 8- to 18-year-olds. We compared the equation-predicted PBF to the dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-measured PBF. The adjusted R2, root mean square error (RMSE), and mean signed difference (MSD) were compared. The MSDs were used to examine accuracy and differential bias by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Results: When applied to the full range of 8- 18-year-old youth, the R2 values ranged from 0.495 to 0.738. The MSD between predicted and DXA-measured PBF indicated high average accuracy (MSD between −1.0 and 1.0) for only three equations (Bray subscapular equation and Dezenberg equations [with and without race/ethnicity]). The majority of the equations showed differential bias by sex, race/ethnicity, weight status, or age. Conclusions: These findings indicate that investigators should use caution in the selection of an equation to predict PBF in youth given that results may vary systematically in important subgroups. PMID:27045618

  10. Pulmonary blood flow and pulmonary hypertension: Is the pulmonary circulation flowophobic or flowophilic?

    PubMed Central

    Kulik, Thomas J.

    2012-01-01

    Increased pulmonary blood flow (PBF) is widely thought to provoke pulmonary vascular obstructive disease (PVO), but the impact of wall shear stress in the lung is actually poorly defined. We examined information from patients having cardiac lesions which impact the pulmonary circulation in distinct ways, as well as experimental studies, asking how altered hemodynamics impact the risk of developing PVO. Our results are as follows: (1) with atrial septal defect (ASD; increased PBF but low PAP), shear stress may be increased but there is little tendency to develop PVO; (2) with normal PBF but increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR; mitral valve disease) shear stress may also be increased but risk of PVO still low; (3) with high PVR and PBF (e.g., large ventricular septal defect), wall shear stress is markedly increased and the likelihood of developing PVO is much higher than with high PBF or PAP only; and (4) with ASD, experimental and clinical observations suggest that increased PBF plus another stimulus (e.g., endothelial inflammation) may be required for PVO. We conclude that modestly increased wall shear stress (e.g., ASD) infrequently provokes PVO, and likely requires other factors to be harmful. Likewise, increased PAP seldom causes PVO. Markedly increased wall shear stress may greatly increase the likelihood of PVO, but we cannot discriminate its effect from the combined effects of increased PAP and PBF. Finally, the age of onset of increased PAP may critically impact the risk of PVO. Some implications of these observations for future investigations are discussed. PMID:23130101

  11. Prediction of microstructure, residual stress, and deformation in laser powder bed fusion process

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Y. P.; Jamshidinia, M.; Boulware, P.; Kelly, S. M.

    2017-12-01

    Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process has been investigated significantly to build production parts with a complex shape. Modeling tools, which can be used in a part level, are essential to allow engineers to fine tune the shape design and process parameters for additive manufacturing. This study focuses on developing modeling methods to predict microstructure, hardness, residual stress, and deformation in large L-PBF built parts. A transient sequentially coupled thermal and metallurgical analysis method was developed to predict microstructure and hardness on L-PBF built high-strength, low-alloy steel parts. A moving heat-source model was used in this analysis to accurately predict the temperature history. A kinetics based model which was developed to predict microstructure in the heat-affected zone of a welded joint was extended to predict the microstructure and hardness in an L-PBF build by inputting the predicted temperature history. The tempering effect resulting from the following built layers on the current-layer microstructural phases were modeled, which is the key to predict the final hardness correctly. It was also found that the top layers of a build part have higher hardness because of the lack of the tempering effect. A sequentially coupled thermal and mechanical analysis method was developed to predict residual stress and deformation for an L-PBF build part. It was found that a line-heating model is not suitable for analyzing a large L-PBF built part. The layer heating method is a potential method for analyzing a large L-PBF built part. The experiment was conducted to validate the model predictions.

  12. Comparison of Eight Equations That Predict Percent Body Fat Using Skinfolds in American Youth.

    PubMed

    Truesdale, Kimberly P; Roberts, Amy; Cai, Jianwen; Berge, Jerica M; Stevens, June

    2016-08-01

    Skinfolds are often used in equations to predict percent body fat (PBF) in youth. Although there are numerous such equations published, there is limited information to help researchers determine which equation to use for their sample. Using data from the 1999-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), we compared eight published equations for prediction of PBF. These published equations all included triceps and/or subscapular skinfold measurements. We examined the PBF equations in a nationally representative sample of American youth that was matched by age, sex, and race/ethnicity to the original equation development population and a full sample of 8- to 18-year-olds. We compared the equation-predicted PBF to the dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-measured PBF. The adjusted R(2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean signed difference (MSD) were compared. The MSDs were used to examine accuracy and differential bias by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. When applied to the full range of 8- 18-year-old youth, the R(2) values ranged from 0.495 to 0.738. The MSD between predicted and DXA-measured PBF indicated high average accuracy (MSD between -1.0 and 1.0) for only three equations (Bray subscapular equation and Dezenberg equations [with and without race/ethnicity]). The majority of the equations showed differential bias by sex, race/ethnicity, weight status, or age. These findings indicate that investigators should use caution in the selection of an equation to predict PBF in youth given that results may vary systematically in important subgroups.

  13. Maize endosperm-specific transcription factors O2 and PBF network the regulation of protein and starch synthesis

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Zhiyong; Zheng, Xixi; Yang, Jun; Messing, Joachim; Wu, Yongrui

    2016-01-01

    The maize endosperm-specific transcription factors opaque2 (O2) and prolamine-box binding factor (PBF) regulate storage protein zein genes. We show that they also control starch synthesis. The starch content in the PbfRNAi and o2 mutants was reduced by ∼5% and 11%, respectively, compared with normal genotypes. In the double-mutant PbfRNAi;o2, starch was decreased by 25%. Transcriptome analysis reveals that >1,000 genes were affected in each of the two mutants and in the double mutant; these genes were mainly enriched in sugar and protein metabolism. Pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase 1 and 2 (PPDKs) and starch synthase III (SSIII) are critical components in the starch biosynthetic enzyme complex. The expression of PPDK1, PPDK2, and SSIII and their protein levels are further reduced in the double mutants as compared with the single mutants. When the promoters of these genes were analyzed, we found a prolamine box and an O2 box that can be additively transactivated by PBF and O2. Starch synthase IIa (SSIIa, encoding another starch synthase for amylopectin) and starch branching enzyme 1 (SBEI, encoding one of the two main starch branching enzymes) are not directly regulated by PBF and O2, but their protein levels are significantly decreased in the o2 mutant and are further decreased in the double mutant, indicating that o2 and PbfRNAi may affect the levels of some other transcription factor(s) or mRNA regulatory factor(s) that in turn would affect the transcript and protein levels of SSIIa and SBEI. These findings show that three important traits—nutritional quality, calories, and yield—are linked through the same transcription factors. PMID:27621432

  14. Effects of photoperiod on wheat growth, development and yield in CELSS

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yunze, Shen; Shuangsheng, Guo

    2014-12-01

    A Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) is a sealed system used in spaceflight in order to provide astronauts with food and O2 by plants. It is of great significance to increase the energy-using efficiency because energy is extremely deficient in the space. Therefore, the objective of this research was to increase the energy-using efficiency of wheat by regulating the photoperiod. Sixteen treatments were set in total: four photoperiods before flowering (PBF) combined with four photoperiods after flowering (PAF) of 12 h, 16 h, 20 h and 24 h. The light source was red-blue LED (90% red+10% blue). As a result, the growth period of wheat was largely extended by shorter PBF, particularly the number of days from tillering to jointing and from jointing to heading. The period from flowering to maturity was extended by shorter PAF. Shorter PBF and longer PAF could increase not only the yield but also the energy-using efficiency of wheat. As for the nutritional quality, longer photoperiod (both PBF and PAF) increased starch concentration as well as decreased protein concentration of seeds. The effects of PBF and PAF were interactional. The lighting strategy with PBF of 12 h and PAF of 24 h was proved to be the optimum photoperiod for wheat cultivation in CELSS. The mechanisms of photoperiod effect contain two aspects. Firstly, photoperiod is a signal for many processes in plant growth, particularly the process of ear differentiation. Shorter PBF promoted the ear differentiation of wheat, increasing the spikelet number, floret number and seed number and thus enhancing the yield. Secondly, longer photoperiod leads to more light energy input and longer time of photosynthesis, so that longer PAF provided more photosynthate and increased seed yield.

  15. Performance-based financing for improving HIV/AIDS service delivery: a systematic review.

    PubMed

    Suthar, Amitabh B; Nagata, Jason M; Nsanzimana, Sabin; Bärnighausen, Till; Negussie, Eyerusalem K; Doherty, Meg C

    2017-01-04

    Although domestic HIV/AIDS financing is increasing, international HIV/AIDS financing has plateaued. Providing incentives for the health system (i.e. performance-based financing [PBF]) may help countries achieve more with available resources. We systematically reviewed effects of PBF on HIV/AIDS service delivery to inform WHO guidelines. PubMed, WHO Index Medicus, conference databases, and clinical trial registries were searched in April 2015 for randomised trials, comparative contemporaneous studies, or time-series studies. Studies evaluating PBF in people with HIV were included when they reported service quality, access, or cost. Meta-analyses were not possible due to limited data. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42015023207. Four studies, published from 2009 to 2015 and including 173,262 people, met the eligibility criteria. All studies were from Sub-Saharan Africa. PBF did not improve individual testing coverage (relative risk [RR], 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89 to 1.13), improved couples testing coverage (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.20), and improved pregnant women testing coverage (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.28-1.30). PBF improved coverage of antiretrovirals in pregnant women (RR 1.55, 95% CI 1.50 to 1.59), infants (RR 1.92, 95% CI 1.84 to 2.01), and adults (RR 1.74, 1.64 to 1.85). PBF reduced attrition (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.96) and treatment failure (odds ratio 0.55, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.97). Potential harms were not reported. Although the limited data suggests PBF positively affected HIV service access and quality, critical health system and governance knowledge gaps remain. More research is needed to inform national policymaking.

  16. Opening the 'black box' of performance-based financing in low- and lower middle-income countries: a review of the literature.

    PubMed

    Renmans, Dimitri; Holvoet, Nathalie; Orach, Christopher Garimoi; Criel, Bart

    2016-11-01

    Although performance-based financing (PBF) receives increasing attention in the literature, a lot remains unknown about the exact mechanisms triggered by PBF arrangements. This article aims to summarize current knowledge on how PBF works, set out what still needs to be investigated and formulate recommendations for researchers and policymakers from donor and recipient countries alike. Drawing on an extensive systematic literature review of peer-reviewed journals, we analysed 35 relevant articles. To guide us through this variety of studies, point out relevant issues and structure findings, we use a comprehensive analytical framework based on eight dimensions. The review inter alia indicates that PBF is generally welcomed by the main actors (patients, health workers and health managers), yet what PBF actually entails is less straightforward. More research is needed on the exact mechanisms through which not only incentives but also ancillary components operate. This knowledge is essential if we really want to appreciate the effectiveness, desirability and appropriate format of PBF as one of the possible answers to the challenges in the health sector of low-and lower middle-income countries. A clear definition of the research constructs is a primordial starting point for such research. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  17. Measuring and understanding the effects of a performance based financing scheme applied to nutrition services in Burundi-a mixed method impact evaluation design.

    PubMed

    Nimpagaritse, Manassé; Korachais, Catherine; Roberfroid, Dominique; Kolsteren, Patrick; Zine Eddine El Idrissi, Moulay Driss; Meessen, Bruno

    2016-06-14

    Malnutrition is a huge problem in Burundi. In order to improve the provision of services at hospital, health centre and community levels, the Ministry of Health is piloting the introduction of malnutrition prevention and care indicators within its performance based financing (PBF) scheme. Paying for units of services and for qualitative indicators is expected to enhance provision and quality of these nutrition services, as PBF has done, in Burundi and elsewhere, for several other services. This paper presents the protocol for the impact evaluation of the PBF scheme applied to malnutrition. The research design consists in a mixed methods model adopting a sequential explanatory design. The quantitative component is a cluster-randomized controlled evaluation design: among the 90 health centres selected for the study, half receive payment related to their results in malnutrition activities, while the other half get a budget allocation. Qualitative research will be carried out both during the intervention period and at the end of the quantitative evaluation. Data are collected from 1) baseline and follow-up surveys of 90 health centres and 6,480 households with children aged 6 to 23 months, 2) logbooks filled in weekly in health centres, and 3) in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The evaluation aims to provide the best estimate of the impact of the project on malnutrition outcomes in the community as well as outputs at the health centre level (malnutrition care outputs) and to describe quantitatively and qualitatively the changes that took place (or did not take place) within health centres as a result of the program. Although PBF schemes are blooming in low in-come countries, there is still a need for evidence, especially on the impact of revising the list of remunerated indicators. It is expected that this impact evaluation will be helpful for the national policy dialogue in Burundi, but it will also provide key evidence for countries with an existing PBF scheme and confronted with malnutrition problems on the appropriateness to extend the strategy to nutrition services. ClinicalTrials.gov PRS Identifier: NCT02721160; registered March 2016.

  18. Analysis of association of gene variants with obesity traits in New Zealand European children at 6 years of age.

    PubMed

    Krishnan, Mohanraj; Thompson, John M D; Mitchell, Edwin A; Murphy, Rinki; McCowan, Lesley M E; Shelling, Andrew N; On Behalf Of The Children Of Scope Study Group, G

    2017-07-25

    Childhood obesity is a public health problem, which is associated with a long-term increased risk of cardiovascular disease and premature mortality. Several gene variants have previously been identified that have provided novel insights into biological factors that contribute to the development of obesity. As obesity tracks through childhood into adulthood, identification of the genetic factors for obesity in early life is important. The objective of this study was to identify putative associations between genetic variants and obesity traits in children at 6 years of age. We recruited 1208 children of mothers from the New Zealand centre of the international Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints (SCOPE) study. Eighty common genetic variants associated with obesity traits were evaluated by the Sequenom assay. Body mass index standardised scores (BMI z-scores) and percentage body fat (PBF; measured by bio-impedance assay (BIA)) were used as anthropometric measures of obesity. A positive correlation was found between BMI z-scores and PBF (p < 0.001, r = 0.756). Two subsets of gene variants were associated with BMI z-scores (HOXB5-rs9299, SH2B1-rs7498665, NPC1-rs1805081 and MSRA-rs545854) and PBF (TMEM18-rs6548238, NPY-rs17149106, ETV-rs7647305, NPY-rs16139, TIMELESS-rs4630333, FTO-rs9939609, UCP2-rs659366, MAP2K5-rs2241423 and FAIM2-rs7138803) in the genotype models. However, there was an absence of overlapping association between any of the gene variants with BMI z-scores and PBF. A further five variants were associated with BMI z-scores (TMEM18-rs6548238, FTO-rs9939609 and MC4R-rs17782313) and PBF (SH2B1-rs7498665 and FTO-rs1421085) once separated by genetic models (additive, recessive and dominant) of inheritance. This study has identified significant associations between numerous gene variants selected on the basis of prior association with obesity and obesity traits in New Zealand European children.

  19. Case formulation and management using pattern-based formulation (PBF) methodology: clinical case 1.

    PubMed

    Fernando, Irosh; Cohen, Martin

    2014-02-01

    A tool for psychiatric case formulation known as pattern-based formulation (PBF) has been recently introduced. This paper presents an application of this methodology in formulating and managing complex clinical cases. The symptomatology of the clinical presentation has been parsed into individual clinical phenomena and interpreted by selecting explanatory models. The clinical presentation demonstrates how PBF has been used as a clinical tool to guide clinicians' thinking, that takes a structured approach to manage multiple issues using a broad range of management strategies. In doing so, the paper also introduces a number of patterns related to the observed clinical phenomena that can be re-used as explanatory models when formulating other clinical cases. It is expected that this paper will assist clinicians, and particularly trainees, to better understand PBF methodology and apply it to improve their formulation skills.

  20. Percentage body fat in apparently healthy school children from northern India.

    PubMed

    Khadgawat, R; Marwaha, R K; Tandon, N; Mehan, N; Upadhyay, A D; Sastry, A; Bhadra, K

    2013-09-01

    Increased prevalence of obesity in childhood and adolescence, defined by the use of body mass index (BMI), has drawn attention towards direct measurement of body fat. To develop age-and sex-specific reference distribution of body fat in apparently healthy North-Indian children in the age group of 7-17 years and to assess agreement between obesity (defined by BMI) and excess body fat. Study subjects for this cross sectional study included 1640 apparently healthy school children (825 boys; 815 girls) aged 7-17 years. Total body fat was measured by dual energy X-rays absorptiometry (DXA). The excess body fat by DXA was defined by two methods, prevalence matching and with the use of 85th and 95th centile cutoffs. The mean ± SD, 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 97th centile values of percentage body fat (PBF) are presented. PBF was highly correlated with BMI in both boys and girls (all boys: r=0.76, P<0.0001; all girls r=0.81, P<0.0001). There was no significant difference noted in PBF between boys and girls at the age of 7-8 years. From 9 years onwards, girls had significantly higher PBF than boys. Moderate degree of agreement was observed between BMI and PBF by DXA by both methods. Smoothened reference distribution of PBF for North-Indian children and adolescents in Delhi are provided. Indian children accumulate more body fat during peri-pubertal years in comparison with US children.

  1. Simple anthropometrics are more correlated with health variables than are estimates of body composition in Yup'ik people.

    PubMed

    Bray, Maria; Pomeroy, Jeremy; Knowler, William C; Bersamin, Andrea; Hopkins, Scarlett; Brage, Søren; Stanhope, Kimber; Havel, Peter J; Boyer, Bert B

    2013-09-01

    To (1) evaluate the relationships between several indices of obesity with obesity-related risk factors; (2) compare the accuracy of body composition estimates derived from anthropometry and bioimpedance analysis (BIA) to estimates of body composition assessed by doubly-labeled water (DLW); and (3) establish equations for estimating fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and percent body fat (PBF) in Yup'ik people. Participants included 1,056 adult Yup'ik people from 11 communities in Southwestern Alaska. In a sub-study of 30 participants, we developed population-specific linear regression models for estimating FM, FFM, and PBF from anthropometrics, age, sex, and BIA against criterion measures derived from total body water assessed with DLW. These models were then used with the population cohort and we analyzed the relationships between obesity indices and several health-related and disease status variables: (1) fasting plasma lipids, (2) glucose, (3) HbA1c, (4) adiponectin, (5) blood pressure, (6) diabetes (DM), and (7) cerebrocoronary vascular disease (CCVD) which includes stroke and heart disease. The best model for estimating FM in the sub-study used only three variables-sex, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference and had multiple R(2) = 0.9730. FFM and PBF were calculated from FM and body weight. WC and other anthropometrics were more highly correlated with a number of obesity-related risk factors than were direct estimates of body composition. Body composition in Yup'ik people can be accurately estimated from simple anthropometrics. Copyright © 2012 The Obesity Society.

  2. Simple Anthropometrics Are More Correlated with Health Variables than Are Estimates of Body Composition in Yup’ik People

    PubMed Central

    Bray, Maria; Pomeroy, Jeremy; Knowler, William C.; Bersamin, Andrea; Hopkins, Scarlett; Brage, Søren; Stanhope, Kimber; Havel, Peter J.; Boyer, Bert B.

    2012-01-01

    We aimed to: 1) evaluate the relationships between several indices of obesity with obesity-related risk factors; 2) compare the accuracy of body composition estimates derived from anthropometry and bioimpedance analysis (BIA) to estimates of body composition assessed by doubly-labeled water (DLW); and 3) establish equations for estimating fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and percent body fat (PBF) in Yup’ik Eskimo people. Participants included 1056 adult Yup’ik People from 11 communities in Southwestern Alaska. In a substudy of 30 participants, we developed population-specific linear regression models for estimating FM, FFM, and PBF from anthropometrics, age, sex, and BIA against criterion measures derived from total body water assessed with DLW. These models were then used with the population cohort and we analyzed the relationships between obesity indices and several health-related and disease status variables: 1. fasting plasma lipids, 2. glucose, 3. HbA1c, 4. adiponectin, 5. blood pressure, 6) diabetes (DM), and 7) cerebrocoronary vascular disease (CCVD) which includes stroke and heart disease. The best model for estimating FM in the substudy used only three variables – sex, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference and had multiple R2=0.9730. FFM and PBF were calculated from FM and body weight. WC and other anthropometrics were more highly correlated with a number of obesity-related risk factors than were direct estimates of body composition. We conclude that body composition in Yup’ik People can be accurately estimated from simple anthropometrics. PMID:23666898

  3. Breast-feeding in South Korea: factors influencing its initiation and duration.

    PubMed

    Chung, Woojin; Kim, Hanjoong; Nam, Chung-Mo

    2008-03-01

    To investigate factors influencing the practices of partial breast-feeding (PBF) and exclusive breast-feeding (EBF). A national, cross-sectional survey was conducted among married women aged 15-49 years from May to August 2003. South Korea. A total of 865 mothers answered questions regarding the feeding practices of their youngest baby, born between January 2001 and May 2003. The initiation rates of PBF and EBF were 81% and 63%, respectively. However, the median durations of PBF and EBF were very short: 12 and 8 weeks, respectively. According to stepwise logistic and Cox regression analyses, the more prenatal care women received, the more likely they were to initiate PBF and EBF but the less likely to continue EBF. Delivery by Caesarean section decreased the initiation of PBF and EBF. The mother's education level and employment status before marriage, the amount of prenatal care, delivery method and baby's status at birth affected breast-feeding initiation, whereas the amount of prenatal care influenced breast-feeding duration. To promote breast-feeding, education and campaigning on the importance of continued breast-feeding should be provided to the general public, particularly to health workers in maternity units.

  4. Body Fat Measurements in Singaporean Adults Using Four Methods

    PubMed Central

    Bi, Xinyan; Loo, Yi Ting

    2018-01-01

    Few studies have been conducted to measure body composition in Asian populations. In this study, we determined the percent body fat (PBF) by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), air-displacement plethysmography (ADP or BOD POD), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and skinfold (SKF) in 445 healthy Singaporean adults. We observed that the BOD POD, BIA and SKF estimates of PBF were highly correlated with that from DEXA (as a reference method) among Singaporean adults. However, they all underestimated PBF (differences of 3.9% for BOD POD, 5.6% for BIA and 12.5% for SKF). Our results filled a gap in the literature by testing the relationships between DEXA and BOD POD, BIA and SKF in a large sample with a wide range of body mass index (BMI) from 16.1 to 37.5 kg/m2 and age from 21 to 69.2 years. The differences of PBF measured by different methods were dependent on age, gender and ethnicity. No significant difference was observed between DEXA and BOD POD in men aged > 40 or in BMI tertile 3. However, the mean difference between DEXA and BOD POD was significant in women. Different measuring methods of estimating PBF therefore must be cautiously interpreted. PMID:29510545

  5. PbF2-based single crystals and phase diagrams of PbF2-MF2 systems (M = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Cd)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Buchinskaya, I. I.; Fedorov, Pavel P.; Sobolev, B. P.

    1997-07-01

    Optical grade single crystals of Pb0.67Cd0.33F2 and Pb1-xCaxF2 (x less than 0.05) were grown by the Bridgman technique in graphite crucibles under fluorinating atmosphere of teflon pyrolysis products. For determinations of concentration areas of solid solutions, suitable for crystal growth, the phase interactions in the systems PbF2 with fluorides of alkaline-earth elements and Cd were studied by DTA and x-ray powder diffraction techniques. Phase diagrams were described by corresponding thermodynamic models. Transition from pure PbF2 to two- component Pb0.67Cd0.33F2 crystal is accompanied by some increase in radiation hardness of the latter and positive changes of mechanical characteristics (the Pb0.67Cd0.33F2 composition microhardness is 147 plus or minus 5 kg/mm2 that is 5 times that of a pure lead fluoride, 28 plus or minus 4 kg/mm2). These solid solutions have a cubic Fm3m fluorite-type lattice as a high-temperature modification of PbF2.

  6. Similarity in percent body fat between white and Vietnamese women: implication for a universal definition of obesity.

    PubMed

    Ho-Pham, Lan T; Lai, Thai Q; Nguyen, Nguyen D; Barrett-Connor, Elizabeth; Nguyen, Tuan V

    2010-06-01

    It has been widely assumed that for a given BMI, Asians have higher percent body fat (PBF) than whites, and that the BMI threshold for defining obesity in Asians should be lower than the threshold for whites. This study sought to test this assumption by comparing the PBF between US white and Vietnamese women. The study was designed as a comparative cross-sectional investigation. In the first study, 210 Vietnamese women ages between 50 and 85 were randomly selected from various districts in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam). In the second study, 419 women of the same age range were randomly selected from the Rancho Bernardo Study (San Diego, CA). In both studies, lean mass (LM) and fat mass (FM) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (QDR 4500; Hologic). PBF was derived as FM over body weight. Compared with Vietnamese women, white women had much more FM (24.8 +/- 8.1 kg vs. 18.8 +/- 4.9 kg; P < 0.0001) and greater PBF (36.4 +/- 6.5% vs. 35.0 +/- 6.2%; P = 0.012). However, there was no significant difference in PBF between the two groups after matching for BMI (35.1 +/- 6.2% vs. 35.0 +/- 5.7%; P = 0.87) or for age and BMI (35.6 +/- 5.1% vs. 35.8 +/- 5.9%; P = 0.79). Using the criteria of BMI >or=30, 19% of US white women and 5% of Vietnamese women were classified as obese. Approximately 54% of US white women and 53% of Vietnamese women had their PBF >35% (P = 0.80). Although white women had greater BMI, body weight, and FM than Vietnamese women, their PBF was virtually identical. Further research is required to derive a more appropriate BMI threshold for defining obesity for Asian women.

  7. Nitric oxide, prostaglandins and angiotensin II in the regulation of renal medullary blood flow during volume expansion.

    PubMed

    Moreno, Carol; Llinás, María T; Rodriguez, Francisca; Moreno, Juan M; Salazar, F Javier

    2016-03-01

    Regulation of medullary blood flow (MBF) is essential in maintaining renal function and blood pressure. However, it is unknown whether outer MBF (OMBF) and papillary blood flow (PBF) are regulated independently when extracellular volume (ECV) is enhanced. The aim of this study was to determine whether OMBF and PBF are differently regulated and whether there is an interaction between nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandins (PGs) and angiotensin II (Ang II) in regulating OMBF and PBF when ECV is enhanced. To achieve these goals, OMBF and PBF were measured by laser-Doppler in volume-expanded rats treated with a cyclooxygenase inhibitor (meclofenamate, 3 mg/kg) and/or a NO synthesis inhibitor (L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), 3 μg/kg/min) and/or Ang II (10 ng/kg/min). OMBF was unchanged by NO or PGs synthesis inhibition but decreased by 36 % (P < 0.05) when L-NAME and meclofenamate were infused simultaneously. PBF was similarly reduced by L-NAME (12 %), meclofenamate (17 %) or L-NAME + meclofenamate (19 %). Ang II did not modify OMBF, but it led to a similar decrease (P < 0.05) in OMBF when it was administered to rats with reduced NO (32 %), PGs (36 %) or NO and PGs (37 %) synthesis. In contrast, the fall in PBF induced by Ang II (12 %) was enhanced (P < 0.05) by the simultaneous PGs (30 %) or PGs and NO (31 %) synthesis inhibition but not in L-NAME-treated rats (20 %). This study presents novel findings suggesting that blood flows to the outer medulla and renal papilla are differently regulated and showing that there is a complex interaction between NO, PGs and Ang II in regulating OMBF and PBF when ECV is enhanced.

  8. Alternative methods for measuring obesity in African American women.

    PubMed

    Clark, Ashley E; Taylor, Jacquelyn Y; Wu, Chun Yi; Smith, Jennifer A

    2013-03-01

    The use of body mass index (BMI) may not be the most appropriate measurement tool in determining obesity in diverse populations. We studied a convenience sample of 108 African American (AA) women to determine the best method for measuring obesity in this at-risk population. The purpose of this study was to determine if percent body fat (PBF) and percent body water (PBW) could be used as alternatives to BMI in predicting obesity and risk for hypertension (HTN) among AA women. After accounting for age, BMI, and the use of anti-hypertensive medication, PBF (p = 0.0125) and PBW (p = 0.0297) were significantly associated with systolic blood pressure, while BMI was not. Likewise, PBF (p = 0.0316) was significantly associated with diastolic blood pressure, while PBW and BMI were not. Thus, health care practitioners should consider alternative anthropometric measurements such as PBF when assessing obesity in AA women.

  9. [The debate concerning performance-based financing in Africa South of the Sahara: analysis of the nature].

    PubMed

    Manitu, Serge Mayaka; Meessen, Bruno; Lushimba, Michel Muvudi; Macq, Jean

    2015-01-01

    Performance-based financing (PBF) is a strategy designed to link thefunding of health services to predetermined results. Payment by an independent strategic purchaser is subject to verification of effective achievement of health outcomes in terms ofquantity and quality. This article investigates the complex tensions observed in relation to performance based financing (PBF) and identifies some reasons for disagreement on this approach. This study was essentially qualitative. Interviews were conducted with a panel of experts on PBF mobilizing their ability to reflect on the various arguments and positions concerning this financing mechanism. To enhance our analyses, we proposed a framework based on the main reasonsfor scientific or political controversies and factors involved in their emergence. Analysis of the information collected therefore consisted of combining experts verbatim reports with corresponding factors of controversies of our framework. Graphic representations of the differences were also established. Tensions concerning PBF are based on facts (experts' interpretation ofPBF), principles and values (around each expert's conceptual framework), balances of power between experts but also inappropriate behavior in the discussion process. Viewpoints remain isolated, each individual experience and an overview are lacking, which can interfere with decision-making and maintain the Health system reform crisis. Potential solutions to reduce these tensions are proposed. Our study shows that experts have difficulties agreeing on a theoretical priority approach to PBE. A good understanding of the nature of the tensions and an improvement in the quality of dialogue will promote a real dynamic of change and the proposal of an agenda of PBF actions.

  10. Performance-based financing as a health system reform: mapping the key dimensions for monitoring and evaluation.

    PubMed

    Witter, Sophie; Toonen, Jurrien; Meessen, Bruno; Kagubare, Jean; Fritsche, György; Vaughan, Kelsey

    2013-09-29

    Performance-based financing is increasingly being applied in a variety of contexts, with the expectation that it can improve the performance of health systems. However, while there is a growing literature on implementation issues and effects on outputs, there has been relatively little focus on interactions between PBF and health systems and how these should be studied. This paper aims to contribute to filling that gap by developing a framework for assessing the interactions between PBF and health systems, focusing on low and middle income countries. In doing so, it elaborates a general framework for monitoring and evaluating health system reforms in general. This paper is based on an exploratory literature review and on the work of a group of academics and PBF practitioners. The group developed ideas for the monitoring and evaluation framework through exchange of emails and working documents. Ideas were further refined through discussion at the Health Systems Research symposium in Beijing in October 2012, through comments from members of the online PBF Community of Practice and Beijing participants, and through discussion with PBF experts in Bergen in June 2013. The paper starts with a discussion of definitions, to clarify the core concept of PBF and how the different terms are used. It then develops a framework for monitoring its interactions with the health system, structured around five domains of context, the development process, design, implementation and effects. Some of the key questions for monitoring and evaluation are highlighted, and a systematic approach to monitoring effects proposed, structured according to the health system pillars, but also according to inputs, processes and outputs. The paper lays out a broad framework within which indicators can be prioritised for monitoring and evaluation of PBF or other health system reforms. It highlights the dynamic linkages between the domains and the different pillars. All of these are also framed within inter-sectoral and wider societal contexts. It highlights the importance of differentiating short term and long term effects, and also effects (intended and unintended) at different levels of the health system, and for different sectors and areas of the country. Outstanding work will include using and refining the framework and agreeing on the most important hypotheses to test using it, in relation to PBF but also other purchasing and provider payment reforms, as well as appropriate research methods to use for this task.

  11. Spatial and temporal variability in the trans-Pacific migration of Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) revealed by archival tags

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fujioka, Ko; Fukuda, Hiromu; Tei, Yaoki; Okamoto, Suguru; Kiyofuji, Hidetada; Furukawa, Seishiro; Takagi, Junichi; Estess, Ethan; Farwell, Charles J.; Fuller, Daniel W.; Suzuki, Nobuaki; Ohshimo, Seiji; Kitagawa, Takashi

    2018-03-01

    Archival electronic tags were internally implanted in 713 age-0 Pacific bluefin tuna (PBF) caught in their nursery waters off the southern coast of Japan and in the East China Sea over an extended study period (1995-2015) to clarify the spatial and temporal variability of their trans-Pacific migration. Two hundred twenty-five of these tagged tuna were recaptured by fisheries (31.6%), and we successfully retrieved tag data from 14 of 21 individuals recovered in the Eastern pacific. Furthermore, one archival tag recovered in the Western Pacific revealed that the individual had performed a trans-Pacific migration, so in total 21 tagged PBF were shown to have migrated to the Eastern Pacific (2.9% of the total tags released). We successfully downloaded data from 15 of these 21 archival tags, which revealed that some age-1 PBF migrate rapidly (123.9 ± 82.8 km day-1) and directly from waters offshore of Japan to the eastern Pacific (160.0°E to 130.0°W), a journey that takes an average of 2.5 months (ranging from 1.2 to 5.5 months) through relatively cool waters (14.7 ± 2.0 °C). All juvenile PBF began their trans-Pacific migration shortly after exposure to cooler water temperatures (<14 °C), suggesting that sustained residence in lower water temperatures presents a physiological challenge for this age class. Three patterns were identified in the timing of the departure of juvenile PBF from the western Pacific: departing 12-14 months post-hatch (N = 7) in early summer (May-July), departing 17-19 months post-hatch (N = 7) in late autumn (October-December), and departing 21 months post-hatch (N = 1) in late winter (February). The PBF tagged along the southern coast of Japan (SCJ) arrived in the eastern Pacific earlier than those tagged in the East China Sea (ECS), most likely due to the shorter travel distance. Additionally, the PBF that began their trans-Pacific migration in the earlier period remained in an offshore foraging zone (the Kuroshio-Oyashio transition region) for shorter periods (2.8 months on average) and at lower latitudes (35.0°N) during the spring, while the PBF that delayed their migration spent more time (6.7 months on average) in the productive waters between 35.0 and 45.0°N during the spring-autumn months. The variability in the departure timing of the trans-Pacific migration of age-1 PBF may be related to geographic differences between nursery areas in addition to oceanographic conditions and foraging opportunities encountered by the tuna in the offshore waters of Japan during their first year.

  12. Effect of lead fluoride incorporation on the structure and luminescence properties of tungsten sodium phosphate glasses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nardi, Rachel Prado Russo Delorenzo; Braz, Celso Eduardo; de Camargo, Andrea S. S.; Ribeiro, Sidney J. L.; Rocha, Lucas A.; Cassanjes, Fábia Castro; Poirier, Gael

    2015-11-01

    Tungsten phosphate glasses are known to be promising materials for several applications in optics such as non linear optical properties, lower phonon energy or photochromic effects related with tungsten oxide incorporation inside the phosphate network. In this study, lead fluoride has been incorporated in a 60NaPO3-40WO3 glass composition according to the ternary molar compositions (100 - x)[0.6NaPO3-0.4WO3]-xPbF2 with x varying from 0 to 60 mol%. The structural changes as a function of composition were investigated by thermal analysis, UV-visible absorption, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction of the crystallized samples, and Eu3+ emission in the visible. While DSC analyzes points out a strong decrease in the glass network connectivity and higher crystallization tendency with increasing PbF2 contents, Raman spectra clearly identify a progressive incorporation of PbF2 in the phosphate network with the formation of terminal Psbnd F and Wsbnd F bonds. These results are also in agreement with the crystallization of β-PbF2 observed for the most lead fluoride concentrated samples. Investigation of Eu3+ emission data in the visible showed longer 5D0 excited state lifetime values and higher quantum efficiencies. These results are discussed in terms of the assumption of higher local symmetry around Eu3+ with increasing PbF2 contents.

  13. Increase in pulmonary blood flow at birth: role of oxygen and lung aeration.

    PubMed

    Lang, Justin A R; Pearson, James T; Binder-Heschl, Corinna; Wallace, Megan J; Siew, Melissa L; Kitchen, Marcus J; te Pas, Arjan B; Fouras, Andreas; Lewis, Robert A; Polglase, Graeme R; Shirai, Mikiyasu; Hooper, Stuart B

    2016-03-01

    Lung aeration stimulates the increase in pulmonary blood flow (PBF) at birth, but the spatial relationships between PBF and lung aeration and the role of increased oxygenation remain unclear. Using simultaneous phase-contrast X-ray imaging and angiography, we have investigated the separate roles of lung aeration and increased oxygenation in PBF changes at birth using near-term (30 days of gestation) rabbit kits (n = 18). Rabbits were imaged before ventilation, then the right lung was ventilated with 100% nitrogen (N2), air or 100% O2 (oxygen), before all kits were switched to ventilation in air, followed by ventilation of both lungs using air. Unilateral ventilation of the right lung with 100% N2 significantly increased heart rate (from 69.4 ± 4.9 to 93.0 ± 15.0 bpm), the diameters of both left and right pulmonary axial arteries, number of visible vessels in both left and right lungs, relative PBF index in both pulmonary arteries, and reduced bolus transit time for both left and right axial arteries (from 1.34 ± 0.39 and 1.81 ± 0.43 s to 0.52 ± 0.17 and 0.89 ± 0.21 s in the left and right axial arteries, respectively). Similar changes were observed with 100% oxygen, but increases in visible vessel number and vessel diameter of the axial arteries were greater in the ventilated right lung during unilateral ventilation. These findings confirm that PBF increase at birth is not spatially related to lung aeration and that the increase in PBF to unventilated regions is unrelated to oxygenation, although oxygen can potentiate this increase. © 2015 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2015 The Physiological Society.

  14. Physicians' and nurses' attitudes towards performance-based financial incentives in Burundi: a qualitative study in the province of Gitega.

    PubMed

    Rudasingwa, Martin; Uwizeye, Marie Rose

    2017-01-01

    Performance-based financing (PBF) was first implemented in Burundi in 2006 as a pilot programme in three provinces and was rolled out nationwide in 2010. PBF is a reform approach to improve the quality, quantity, and equity of health services and aims at achieving universal health coverage. It focuses on how to best motivate health practitioners. To elicit physicians' and nurses' experiences and views on how PBF influenced and helped them in healthcare delivery. A qualitative cross-sectional study was carried out among frontline health workers such as physicians and nurses. The data was gathered through individual face-to-face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 6 physicians and 30 nurses from February to March 2011 in three hospitals in Gitega Province. A simple framework approach and thematic analysis using a combination of manual technique and MAXQDA software guided the analysis of the interview data. Overall, the interviewees felt that the PBF scheme had provided positive motivation to improve the quality of care, mainly in the structures and process of care. The utilization of health services and the relationship between health practitioners and patients also improved. The salary top-ups were recognized as the most significant impetus to increase effort in improving the quality of care. The small and sometimes delayed financial incentives paid to physicians and nurses were criticized. The findings of this study also indicate that the positive interaction between performance-based incentive schemes and other health policies is crucial in achieving comprehensive improvement in healthcare delivery. PBF has the potential to motivate medical staff to improve healthcare provision. The views of medical staff and the context of the area of implementation have to be taken into consideration when designing and implementing PBF schemes.

  15. 76 FR 4341 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-01-25

    ... Time on Thursday, February 03, 2011. Docket Numbers: ER10-2077-004. Applicants: PBF Power Marketing LLC. Description: Supplemental Information/Request Change-in-Status Notification of PBF Power Marketing LLC. Filed...-certification [or self-recertification] listed above, do not institute a proceeding regarding qualifying...

  16. The Quality Improvement of Emulsion-type Pork Sausages Formulated by Substituting Pork Back fat with Rice Bran Oil

    PubMed Central

    Yum, Hyeon-Woong; Seo, Jin-Kyu; Jeong, Jin-Yeon; Kim, Gap-Don; Rahman, M. Shafiur; Yang, Han-Sul

    2018-01-01

    The effects of pork back fat (PBF) substitution with various concentrations of rice bran oil (RBO) (50%, 45%, 40% and 35%) on the physicochemical characteristics and sensory attributes of emulsion-type pork sausages were studied. The modified pork sausages were compared with control sausages produced using PBF only. The sausages with RBO had significantly lower (p<0.05) moisture content than the control sausages. Sausages made from PBF substituted with 40% RBO showed the lowest cooking loss. Substitution of PBF with RBO had no significant effect on the emulsion stability of pork sausages. All sausages with RBO showed significantly lower (p<0.05) hardness values than control sausages. Sausages with RBO also had significantly higher values (p<0.05) of unsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acid contents than the controls. RBO substitution had no effect on the flavor intensity of sausages, but it improved the tenderness and produced a softer texture. PMID:29725230

  17. Elucidating the Relations Between Monotonic and Fatigue Properties of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Stainless Steel 316L

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Meng; Sun, Chen-Nan; Zhang, Xiang; Goh, Phoi Chin; Wei, Jun; Li, Hua; Hardacre, David

    2018-03-01

    The laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) technique builds parts with higher static strength than the conventional manufacturing processes through the formation of ultrafine grains. However, its fatigue endurance strength σ f does not match the increased monotonic tensile strength σ b. This work examines the monotonic and fatigue properties of as-built and heat-treated L-PBF stainless steel 316L. It was found that the general linear relation σ f = mσ b for describing conventional ferrous materials is not applicable to L-PBF parts because of the influence of porosity. Instead, the ductility parameter correlated linearly with fatigue strength and was proposed as the new fatigue assessment criterion for porous L-PBF parts. Annealed parts conformed to the strength-ductility trade-off. Fatigue resistance was reduced at short lives, but the effect was partially offset by the higher ductility such that comparing with an as-built part of equivalent monotonic strength, the heat-treated parts were more fatigue resistant.

  18. Improving quality through performance-based financing in district hospitals in Rwanda between 2006 and 2010: a 5-year experience.

    PubMed

    Janssen, Willy; Ngirabega, Jean de Dieu; Matungwa, Michel; Van Bastelaere, Stefaan

    2015-01-01

    Since 2000 performance-based financing (PBF) made its way to sub-Saharan health systems in an attempt to improve service delivery. In Rwanda initial experiences in 2001 and 2002 led to a scaling up of the initiative to all health centres (HC) and district hospitals (DH). In 2008 PBF became national strategy. PBF was introduced in Rwanda in 2006 at the DH level. Evaluation on their service delivery was carried out quarterly in the following areas: hospital management, support to the health centres and clinical activities. We studied four DHs. After 5 years, an improvement in the quantity of clinical activities was observed, as well as quality in hospital management, in HC support and in clinical activities. PBF proves to be a promising approach in strengthening and maintaining quality service delivery in the sub-Saharan district hospitals. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

  19. Performance-based financing as a health system reform: mapping the key dimensions for monitoring and evaluation

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Performance-based financing is increasingly being applied in a variety of contexts, with the expectation that it can improve the performance of health systems. However, while there is a growing literature on implementation issues and effects on outputs, there has been relatively little focus on interactions between PBF and health systems and how these should be studied. This paper aims to contribute to filling that gap by developing a framework for assessing the interactions between PBF and health systems, focusing on low and middle income countries. In doing so, it elaborates a general framework for monitoring and evaluating health system reforms in general. Methods This paper is based on an exploratory literature review and on the work of a group of academics and PBF practitioners. The group developed ideas for the monitoring and evaluation framework through exchange of emails and working documents. Ideas were further refined through discussion at the Health Systems Research symposium in Beijing in October 2012, through comments from members of the online PBF Community of Practice and Beijing participants, and through discussion with PBF experts in Bergen in June 2013. Results The paper starts with a discussion of definitions, to clarify the core concept of PBF and how the different terms are used. It then develops a framework for monitoring its interactions with the health system, structured around five domains of context, the development process, design, implementation and effects. Some of the key questions for monitoring and evaluation are highlighted, and a systematic approach to monitoring effects proposed, structured according to the health system pillars, but also according to inputs, processes and outputs. Conclusions The paper lays out a broad framework within which indicators can be prioritised for monitoring and evaluation of PBF or other health system reforms. It highlights the dynamic linkages between the domains and the different pillars. All of these are also framed within inter-sectoral and wider societal contexts. It highlights the importance of differentiating short term and long term effects, and also effects (intended and unintended) at different levels of the health system, and for different sectors and areas of the country. Outstanding work will include using and refining the framework and agreeing on the most important hypotheses to test using it, in relation to PBF but also other purchasing and provider payment reforms, as well as appropriate research methods to use for this task. PMID:24073625

  20. Development of magnetic resonance technology for noninvasive boron quantification

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bradshaw, K.M.

    1990-11-01

    Boron magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) were developed in support of the noninvasive boron quantification task of the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) Power Burst Facility/Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (PBF/BNCT) program. The hardware and software described in this report are modifications specific to a GE Signa{trademark} MRI system, release 3.X and are necessary for boron magnetic resonance operation. The technology developed in this task has been applied to obtaining animal pharmacokinetic data of boron compounds (drug time response) and the in-vivo localization of boron in animal tissue noninvasively. 9 refs., 21 figs.

  1. 75 FR 24941 - PBF Power Marketing LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-05-06

    ... Marketing LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market- Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket... of PBF Power Marketing LLC's application for market-based rate authority, with an accompanying rate... protests and interventions in lieu of paper, using the FERC Online links at http://www.ferc.gov . To...

  2. Gas phase bio-filter for the removal of triethylamine (TEA) from air: microbial diversity analysis with reference to design parameters.

    PubMed

    Gandu, Bharath; Sandhya, K; Gangagni Rao, A; Swamy, Y V

    2013-07-01

    Biotic (packed bio-filter; PBF) and abiotic (packed filter; PF) studies were carried out on two similar 2L gas phase filters for the removal of triethylamine (TEA) at inlet concentration in the range of 250-280 ppmV. Removal efficiency (RE) of PBF remained in the range of 90-99% during the stable period of operation (170 days) whereas RE of PF dropped gradually to 10% in a span of 90 days. Five different bacterial species viz; Aeromonas sp., Alcaligenes sp., Arthrobacter sp., Klebsiella sp., and Pseudomonas sp., were identified in PBF. It was observed that diethyl amine, ethylamine and nitrate were formed as metabolites during the degradation pathway. Empty bed residence time of 20s, mass loading rate of 202.26 g/m(3)/h, space velocity of 178.82 m(3)/m(3)/h and elimination capacity of 201.52 g/m(3)/h were found to be optimum design parameters for PBF to get RE in the range of 90-99%. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Hydration status of exclusively and partially breastfed near-term newborns in the first week of life.

    PubMed

    Kusuma, Sirisha; Agrawal, Sunil Kumar; Kumar, Praveen; Narang, Anil; Prasad, Rajendra

    2009-08-01

    An in-hospital prospective, observational cohort study was conducted to assess the effects of type of feeding (exclusively breastfed [EBF] vs partially breastfed [PBF]) on the hydration status of near-term newborns in the first week of life. A total of 205 babies of 35 to 37 weeks of completed gestation were enrolled (82 in the EBF group and 123 in the PBF group). The overall incidence of significant weight loss (>or=10%) was 18% with no significant difference between EBF and PBF groups (18.3% vs 17.9%, P=.94). The incidence of hypernatremia (serum NA>or=150 meq/L) was 2.4% in the EBF group and 5.7% in the PBF group (P=.32). The factors associated with significant weight loss in the total cohort were having a mother with previous negative breastfeeding experience (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=16.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.1-115.7), exposure to phototherapy (adjusted OR=9.0, 95% CI=2.5-31.8), and cesarean delivery (adjusted OR=6.7, 95% CI=2.3-19.7).

  4. Dynamic Network Communication in the Human Functional Connectome Predicts Perceptual Variability in Visual Illusion.

    PubMed

    Wang, Zhiwei; Zeljic, Kristina; Jiang, Qinying; Gu, Yong; Wang, Wei; Wang, Zheng

    2018-01-01

    Ubiquitous variability between individuals in visual perception is difficult to standardize and has thus essentially been ignored. Here we construct a quantitative psychophysical measure of illusory rotary motion based on the Pinna-Brelstaff figure (PBF) in 73 healthy volunteers and investigate the neural circuit mechanisms underlying perceptual variation using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We acquired fMRI data from a subset of 42 subjects during spontaneous and 3 stimulus conditions: expanding PBF, expanding modified-PBF (illusion-free) and expanding modified-PBF with physical rotation. Brain-wide graph analysis of stimulus-evoked functional connectivity patterns yielded a functionally segregated architecture containing 3 discrete hierarchical networks, commonly shared between rest and stimulation conditions. Strikingly, communication efficiency and strength between 2 networks predominantly located in visual areas robustly predicted individual perceptual differences solely in the illusory stimulus condition. These unprecedented findings demonstrate that stimulus-dependent, not spontaneous, dynamic functional integration between distributed brain networks contributes to perceptual variability in humans. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  5. Efectos combinados de la ampliación de la atención primaria de salud y de las transferencias condicionadas de dinero en efectivo sobre la mortalidad infantil en Brasil, 1998–2010*

    PubMed Central

    Guanais, Frederico C.

    2015-01-01

    Objetivos. Examiné los efectos combinados del acceso a la atención primaria mediante el Programa de Salud Familiar (PSF) y las transferencias condicionadas de dinero en efectivo del Programa Bolsa Familia (PBF) sobre la mortalidad infantil posneonatal (MIPN) en Brasil. Métodos. Empleé un análisis ecológico longitudinal usando datos en panel de 4 583 municipios brasileños de 1998 al 2010, con 54 253 observaciones en total. Estimé modelos de regresión de efectos fijos por mínimos cuadrados ordinarios, con la tasa de MIPN como la variable dependiente y el PSF, el PBF y sus interacciones como las principales variables independientes de interés. Resultados. La asociación de una mayor cobertura del PSF con una menor tasa de MIPN se volvió más fuerte conforme aumentaba la cobertura del PBF. En los promedios de todas las demás variables, cuando la cobertura de PBF era 25%, la MIPN predicha fue 5,24 (intervalo de confianza [IC] de 95% = 4,95, 5,53) para una cobertura del PSF de 0%, y de 3,54 (IC de 95% = 2,77, 4,31) para una cobertura del PSF de 100%. Cuando la cobertura del PBF era de 60%, la MIPN predicha fue 4,65 (IC de 95% = 4,36, 4,94) para una cobertura del PSF de 0%, y de 1,38 (IC de 95% = 0,88, 1,89) para una cobertura del PSF de 100%. Conclusiones. El efecto del PSF depende de la ampliación del PBF. Para las poblaciones empobrecidas y subatendidas, la combinación de intervenciones tanto del lado de la oferta como del lado de la demanda podría ser necesaria para mejorar los resultados en salud.

  6. Obesity in Korean pre-adolescent school children: comparison of various anthropometric measurements based on bioelectrical impedance analysis.

    PubMed

    Yoo, S; Lee, S-Y; Kim, K-N; Sung, E

    2006-07-01

    To examine the relationships between body mass index (BMI), percentage-weight-for-height (PWH) and percentage body fat (PBF), and to compare their validity based on PBF with the BMI criteria of International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) for childhood obesity in Korean pre-adolescent school children. Statistical comparative analysis for anthropometric measures. Korean pre-adolescent children (438 boys and 454 girls, aged 8-12 years, mean BMI 19.5+/-3.4 kg/m2). Body mass index and PWH were calculated as body size indices from height and weight. Hand-to-foot bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was performed to obtain PBF values, with obese children defined as PBF above 35%. Sensitivity and specificity were displayed with the gold standard of PBF, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the performance of BMI and PWH in detecting obesity. The prevalence of obesity varied by the criteria: 18.8% by Korean BMI standards for 95 percentile, 11% by the IOTF-BMI 30 kg/m2 and 29.4% by Korean PWH cutoffs. Body mass index and PWH were significantly correlated with PBF after adjusting for age, 0.910 (P<0.01) and 0.915 (P<0.01), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the PWH cutoffs were 0.909 and 0.882, respectively. The local BMI 95 percentiles had lower sensitivity (0.714) and specificity (0.790). The IOTF-BMI definition showed much lower sensitivity (0.457) and higher specificity (0.990). The BMI cutoffs corresponding with the highest accuracy were smaller than IOTF-BMI 30 kg/m2 for all age groups in both boys and girls. The prevalence of obesity among Korean pre-adolescent children widely varied according to the diagnostic criteria applied. Universally recommended cutoffs for children by IOTF showed the lowest sensitivity among the criteria used, and may therefore underestimate obesity in this population.

  7. Physicians’ and nurses’ attitudes towards performance-based financial incentives in Burundi: a qualitative study in the province of Gitega

    PubMed Central

    Rudasingwa, Martin; Uwizeye, Marie Rose

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Background: Performance-based financing (PBF) was first implemented in Burundi in 2006 as a pilot programme in three provinces and was rolled out nationwide in 2010. PBF is a reform approach to improve the quality, quantity, and equity of health services and aims at achieving universal health coverage. It focuses on how to best motivate health practitioners. Objective: To elicit physicians’ and nurses’ experiences and views on how PBF influenced and helped them in healthcare delivery. Methods: A qualitative cross-sectional study was carried out among frontline health workers such as physicians and nurses. The data was gathered through individual face-to-face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 6 physicians and 30 nurses from February to March 2011 in three hospitals in Gitega Province. A simple framework approach and thematic analysis using a combination of manual technique and MAXQDA software guided the analysis of the interview data. Results: Overall, the interviewees felt that the PBF scheme had provided positive motivation to improve the quality of care, mainly in the structures and process of care. The utilization of health services and the relationship between health practitioners and patients also improved. The salary top-ups were recognized as the most significant impetus to increase effort in improving the quality of care. The small and sometimes delayed financial incentives paid to physicians and nurses were criticized. The findings of this study also indicate that the positive interaction between performance-based incentive schemes and other health policies is crucial in achieving comprehensive improvement in healthcare delivery. Conclusions: PBF has the potential to motivate medical staff to improve healthcare provision. The views of medical staff and the context of the area of implementation have to be taken into consideration when designing and implementing PBF schemes. PMID:28452651

  8. Infrared-to-visible conversion luminescence of Er 3+ ions in lead borate transparent glass-ceramics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pisarski, Wojciech A.; Pisarska, Joanna; Lisiecki, Radosław; Grobelny, Łukasz; Dominiak-Dzik, Grażyna; Ryba-Romanowski, Witold

    2009-10-01

    Transparent glass-ceramics were successfully prepared during controlled heat treatment of lead borate glasses. The PbF 2 particles were dispersed into a borate glass matrix which was evidenced by X-ray diffraction analysis. The phase identification revealed that crystalline peaks can be related to the orthorhombic PbF 2 phase. Green up-conversion luminescence due to the 4S 3/2- 4I 15/2 transition of Er 3+ ions was registered. In comparison to the precursor glass the luminescence intensity was considerably higher, whereas the luminescence linewidth slightly decreased in the studied oxyfluoride transparent glass-ceramics. It indicated that a part of the trivalent erbium was incorporated into the PbF 2 crystalline phase.

  9. [Social exclusion and health inequity: a case study based on a cash distribution program (Bolsa Família) in Brazil].

    PubMed

    Alves, Hayda; Escorel, Sarah

    2013-12-01

    To understand the impact of Bolsa Família (PBF), a federal cash transfer program, and to analyze its effects on social inclusion and exclusion processes experienced by low-income families in Brazil, with a focus on the program's potential to help overcome health inequity. This qualitative investigation used a case study methodology including observant participation, review of documents, and semi-structured interviews with current and former PBF beneficiaries, as well as with the program's local managers. The study was conducted in a small city in the state of Rio de Janeiro with a high social exclusion index and 100% coverage by the Family Health Strategy (Estratégia Saúde da Família, ESF) program. The economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions of social exclusion and inclusion processes were used to guide data collection and analysis. The program facilitated social inclusion of low-income families, especially in the economic and social dimensions. Nevertheless, it did not produce the changes desired by the beneficiaries in the work dimension. The effects on the political dimension were limited by the insufficient social engagement of the PBF. The interviewees underscored the positive effects of the ESF, which allowed them to exercise their right to health by granting them wider access to primary health care services. However, these effects appeared to be unrelated to the PBF. The results reveal effects, limitations, and challenges of the PBF towards modifying the social determinants of health inequity, in order to promote more effective changes in the social exclusion/inclusion dynamics affecting low-income families.

  10. Foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance analysis: a valuable tool for the measurement of body composition in children.

    PubMed

    Tyrrell, V J; Richards, G; Hofman, P; Gillies, G F; Robinson, E; Cutfield, W S

    2001-02-01

    To determine the accuracy of foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and anthropometric indices as measures of body composition in children. Comparison of foot-to-foot BIA and anthropometry to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)-derived body composition in a multi-ethnic group of children. : Eighty-two European, NZ Maori and Pacific Island children aged 4.9-10.9 y. DEXA body composition, foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance, height, weight, hip and waist measurements. Using a BIA prediction equation derived from our study population we found a high correlation between DEXA and BIA in the estimation of fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM) and percentage body fat (PBF) (r=0.98, 0.98 and 0.94, respectively). BIA-FFM underestimated DEXA-FFM by a mean of 0.75 kg, BIA-FM overestimated DEXA-FM by a mean of 1.02 kg and BIA-PBF overestimated DEXA-PBF by a mean of 2.53%. The correlation between six anthropometric indices (body mass index (BMI), ponderal index, Chinn's weight-for-height index, BMI standard deviation score, weight-for-length index and Cole's weight-for-height index) and DEXA were also examined. The correlation of these indices with PBF was remarkably similar (r=0.85-0.87), more variable with FM (r=0.77-0.94) and poor with FFM (r=0.41-0.75). BIA correlated better than anthropometric indices in the estimation of FFM, FM and PBF. Foot-to-foot BIA is an accurate technique in the measurement of body composition.

  11. Kinetic Risk Factors of Running-Related Injuries in Female Recreational Runners.

    PubMed

    Napier, Christopher; MacLean, Christopher L; Maurer, Jessica; Taunton, Jack E; Hunt, Michael A

    2018-05-30

    Our objective was to prospectively investigate the association of kinetic variables with running-related injury (RRI) risk. Seventy-four healthy female recreational runners ran on an instrumented treadmill while 3D kinetic and kinematic data were collected. Kinetic outcomes were vertical impact transient, average vertical loading rate, instantaneous vertical loading rate, active peak, vertical impulse, and peak braking force (PBF). Participants followed a 15-week half-marathon training program. Exposure time (hours of running) was calculated from start of program until onset of injury, loss to follow-up, or end of program. After converting kinetic variables from continuous to ordinal variables based on tertiles, Cox proportional hazard models with competing risks were fit for each variable independently, before analysis in a forward stepwise multivariable model. Sixty-five participants were included in the final analysis, with a 33.8% injury rate. PBF was the only kinetic variable that was a significant predictor of RRI. Runners in the highest tertile (PBF <-0.27 BW) were injured at 5.08 times the rate of those in the middle tertile and 7.98 times the rate of those in the lowest tertile. When analyzed in the multivariable model, no kinetic variables made a significant contribution to predicting injury beyond what had already been accounted for by PBF alone. Findings from this study suggest PBF is associated with a significantly higher injury hazard ratio in female recreational runners and should be considered as a target for gait retraining interventions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  12. Pulpal and Periodontal Tissues Changes Associated with Le Fort I and Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomies: A review

    PubMed Central

    Lazaridis, Konstantinos; Athanasiou, Athanasios E.

    2018-01-01

    Introduction: Le Fort I and sagittal split ramus osteotomies are the most commonly performed orthognathic surgery procedures on the maxilla and mandible, respectively. Techniques: Despite progress in the techniques, these procedures may still be associated with morbidity, expressed as inflammation, inadequate bony union, periodontal damages or in extreme cases even total bone loss. Discussion: Through a comprehensive review of the literature, the influences of maxillary and mandibular surgery on Pulpal Blood Flow (PBF), pulp sensitivity and pulp vitality are examined. Moreover, adverse effects of maxillary surgery on tooth color and periodontal tissues are also reported. The effects had a variety of expression. Concerning maxillary surgery, some studies showed an initial increase in PBF followed by a decrease to the baseline or even lower levels after 1-3 months. Other studies found an initial decrease in PBF followed by an increase soon after. There were also studies that showed no significant PBF changes, in contrast. Conclusion: Concerning mandibular surgery, a recent study showed a decrease in PBF immediately after sagittal split ramus osteotomy. Some authors detected tooth discoloration of maxillary teeth after Le Fort I osteotomy. Root resorption and root injury were also detected, but were of minor significance. Usually, these adverse effects derive from injury of the vessels of the palatal pedicle. This pedicle should be maintained intact for the avoidance of blood flow impairments. In addition, the descending palatine artery should be protected during maxillary surgery procedures in order to maintain the highest possible blood flow on the maxillary teeth. PMID:29456771

  13. Institutional Characteristics That Lead to Increased Student Success Points for Community Colleges in Texas

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hanes, Carol Moore

    2017-01-01

    Over 40% of undergraduates in the United States attend a community college; however, fewer than 50% complete a degree or certificate within 6 years. As a result, national and state leaders have endorsed completion agenda initiatives, including performance-based funding (PBF). Texas implemented a form of PBF for the 2014-2015 Academic Year (AY)…

  14. Er-doped lead borate glasses and transparent glass ceramics for near-infrared luminescence and up-conversion applications.

    PubMed

    Pisarski, Wojciech A; Goryczka, Tomasz; Pisarska, Joanna; Ryba-Romanowski, Witold

    2007-03-15

    Lead borate based glasses have been analyzed using Raman and infrared spectroscopy. The formation of different borate groups and the direction of BO3 <--> BO4 conversion strongly depends on the PbO- and/or PbF2-to-B2O3 ratio in chemical composition. PbF2-PbO-B2O3 based glasses containing Er3+ ions have been studied after annealing. The orthorhombic PbF2 crystallites are formed during thermal treatment, which was evidenced by X-ray diffraction analysis. Near-infrared luminescence at 1530 nm and green up-conversion at 545 nm have been registered for samples before and after annealing. The luminescence bands correspond to 4I13/2-4I15/2 and 4S3/2-4I15/2 transitions of Er3+ ions, respectively. In comparison to the precursor glasses, the luminescence intensities are higher in the studied transparent oxyfluoride glass ceramics. Simultaneously, the half-width of the luminescence lines slightly decreases. It can be the evidence that a small amount of the Er3+ ions is incorporated into the orthorhombic PbF2 phase.

  15. Performance Based Financing and Uptake of Maternal and Child Health Services in Yobe Sate, Northern Nigeria

    PubMed Central

    Ashir, Garba M.; Doctor, Henry V.; Afenyadu, Godwin Y.

    2013-01-01

    Reported maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes in Nigeria are amongst the worst in the world, with Nigeria second only to India in the number of maternal deaths. At the national level, maternal mortality ratios (MMRs) are estimated at 630 deaths per 100,000 live births (LBs) but vary from as low as 370 deaths per 100,000 LBs in the southern states to over 1,000 deaths per 100,000 LBs in the northern states. We report findings from a performance based financing (PBF) pilot study in Yobe State, northern Nigeria aimed at improving MCH outcomes as part of efforts to find strategies aimed at accelerating attainment of Millennium Development Goals for MCH. Results show that the demand-side PBF led to increased utilization of key MCH services (antenatal care and skilled delivery) but had no significant effect on completion of child immunization using measles as a proxy indicator. We discuss these results within the context of PBF schemes and the need for a careful consideration of all the critical processes and risks associated with demand-side PBF schemes in improving MCH outcomes in the study area and similar settings. PMID:23618473

  16. Technological developments for strontium-90 determination using AMS

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Satou, Yukihiko; Sueki, Keisuke; Sasa, Kimikazu; Matsunaka, Tetsuya; Takahashi, Tsutomu; Shibayama, Nao; Izumi, Daiki; Kinoshita, Norikazu; Matsuzaki, Hiroyuki

    2015-10-01

    Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is one of method used for 90Sr determination. It would enable rapid 90Sr measurements from environmental samples such as water, soil, and milk. However, routine analysis of 90Sr using AMS has not yet been achieved because of difficulties associated with isobaric separation and production of intense negative ion beams characterized by currents from hundreds of nanoamperes to several microamperes. We have developed a rapid procedure for preparing samples with optimum compositions for use with AMS, which enables production of intense Sr beam currents from an ion source. Samples of SrF2 were prepared from a standard Sr solution and agricultural soil. The time required to prepare a SrF2 sample from a soil sample was 10 h. Negative 88SrF3- ions were successfully extracted at 500 nA from mixed samples of SrF2 and PbF2. In the present work, negative ions of 90Zr, included as an impurity, were accelerated with a tandem accelerator operated at a terminal voltage of 5 MV. Ions characterized by a charge state of 6+ were channeled into a gas counter. An atomic ratio of 90Zr/88Sr of 3 × 10-8 was estimated for the soil sample. No signal was detected from the assay of PbF2, which was pressed in an aluminum cathode, for a mass number of 90. PbF2 revealed good performance in the production of negative SrF3- molecular ion beams and detection of 90Sr with a gas counter.

  17. Washington's Community and Technical Colleges' Student Achievement Initiative: Lessons Learned since the 2012 Revision and Considerations for New Allocation Model. Research Report 16-1

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, 2016

    2016-01-01

    In January 2012, a system-wide task force came together for a nearly year-long process of revising the community and technical college system's performance-based funding (PBF) system, the Student Achievement Initiative. This review was consistent with national experts' recommendations for continuous evaluation of PBF systems to ensure overall…

  18. Impact of implementing performance-based financing on childhood malnutrition in Rwanda.

    PubMed

    Binagwaho, Agnes; Condo, Jeanine; Wagner, Claire; Ngabo, Fidele; Karema, Corine; Kanters, Steve; Forrest, Jamie I; Bizimana, Jean de Dieu

    2014-11-04

    Malnutrition remains a serious concern in Rwanda, particularly among children under-5 years. Performance-based financing (PBF), an innovative health systems financing strategy, has been implemented at the national level since 2008. This study aimed to assess the impact of PBF and other factors associated with the prevalence of three classifications of malnutrition (stunting, wasting and underweight) in children under-5 years in Rwanda. The study is a cross-sectional study comprising of 713 children under five years old from 557 households, whose anthropometric measurements (height, weight and age) had been obtained as part of the 2008 Rwanda General Health and HIV household survey. Z-scores for height-for-age, weight-for-age, weight-for-height, and body mass index-for-age were analyzed according to the World Health Organization 2006 Child Growth Standards. Random intercept logistic regression models were used to regress each anthropometric measure (WAZ, HAZ and WHZ) against child, maternal and household characteristics. Child participants ranged in age from 0 to 60 months, 20.2% of children were under 12 months and 5.1% were HIV positive. The prevalence of wasting was 8.8%; of stunting was 58.4%; and of underweight status was 20.7%. Maternal emotional and social wellbeing was protective of wasting in children under-5 years of age. Living in districts implementing PBF was protective of wasting (Adjusted Odds Ratio: 0.43; 95% confidence interval: 0.19-0.97). Living in a district with PBF was not found to be associated with either stunting or underweight status among children under-5. PBF may have a protective association with particular forms of malnutrition among children under-5 years in Rwanda. These findings warrant further investigation in relation to the impact of implementing innovative financing schemes on health outcomes.

  19. A study on the implementation fidelity of the performance-based financing policy in Burkina Faso after 12 months.

    PubMed

    Bodson, Oriane; Barro, Ahmed; Turcotte-Tremblay, Anne-Marie; Zanté, Nestor; Somé, Paul-André; Ridde, Valéry

    2018-01-01

    Performance-based financing (PBF) in the health sector has recently gained momentum in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as one of the ways forward for achieving Universal Health Coverage. The major principle underlying PBF is that health centers are remunerated based on the quantity and quality of services they provide. PBF has been operating in Burkina Faso since 2011, and as a pilot project since 2014 in 15 health districts randomly assigned into four different models, before an eventual scale-up. Despite the need for expeditious documentation of the impact of PBF, caution is advised to avoid adopting hasty conclusions. Above all, it is crucial to understand why and how an impact is produced or not. Our implementation fidelity study approached this inquiry by comparing, after 12 months of operation, the activities implemented against what was planned initially and will make it possible later to establish links with the policy's impacts. Our study compared, in 21 health centers from three health districts, the implementation of activities that were core to the process in terms of content, coverage, and temporality. Data were collected through document analysis, as well as from individual interviews and focus groups with key informants. In the first year of implementation, solid foundations were put in place for the intervention. Even so, implementation deficiencies and delays were observed with respect to certain performance auditing procedures, as well as in payments of PBF subsidies, which compromised the incentive-based rationale to some extent. Over next months, efforts should be made to adjust the intervention more closely to context and to the original planning.

  20. Are health workers motivated by income? Job motivation of Cambodian primary health workers implementing performance-based financing.

    PubMed

    Khim, Keovathanak

    2016-01-01

    Financial incentives are widely used in performance-based financing (PBF) schemes, but their contribution to health workers' incomes and job motivation is poorly understood. Cambodia undertook health sector reform from the middle of 2009 and PBF was employed as a part of the reform process. This study examines job motivation for primary health workers (PHWs) under PBF reform in Cambodia and assesses the relationship between job motivation and income. A cross-sectional self-administered survey was conducted on 266 PHWs, from 54 health centers in the 15 districts involved in the reform. The health workers were asked to report all sources of income from public sector jobs and provide answers to 20 items related to job motivation. Factor analysis was conducted to identify the latent variables of job motivation. Factors associated with motivation were identified through multivariable regression. PHWs reported multiple sources of income and an average total income of US$190 per month. Financial incentives under the PBF scheme account for 42% of the average total income. PHWs had an index motivation score of 4.9 (on a scale from one to six), suggesting they had generally high job motivation that was related to a sense of community service, respect, and job benefits. Regression analysis indicated that income and the perception of a fair distribution of incentives were both statistically significant in association with higher job motivation scores. Financial incentives used in the reform formed a significant part of health workers' income and influenced their job motivation. Improving job motivation requires fixing payment mechanisms and increasing the size of incentives. PBF is more likely to succeed when income, training needs, and the desire for a sense of community service are addressed and institutionalized within the health system.

  1. Examining the Associations among Fibrocystic Breast Change, Total Lean Mass, and Percent Body Fat.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yuan-Yuei; Fang, Wen-Hui; Wang, Chung-Ching; Kao, Tung-Wei; Chang, Yaw-Wen; Yang, Hui-Fang; Wu, Chen-Jung; Sun, Yu-Shan; Chen, Wei-Liang

    2018-06-15

    Fibrocystic breast change (FBC) is extremely common and occurrs in 90% of women during their lives. The association between body composition and risk of breast cancer is well established. We hypothesized that the effect might exist during the development of FBC. Our aim was to examine the relationships of total lean mass (TLM) and percent body fat (PBF) with FBC in a general female population. In total, 8477 female subjects aged 20 years or older were enrolled in the study at the Tri-Service General Hospital in Taiwan from 2011 to 2016. Comprehensive examinations including biochemical data, measurements of body composition and breast ultrasound were performed. PBF was positively associated with the presence of FBC (OR = 1.039, 95%CI: 1.018-1.060), and TLM showed the opposite result (OR = 0.893, 95%CI: 0.861-0.926). Condition of metabolic syndrome (MetS), diabetes (DM) and fatty liver modified the association between PBF and FBC (P < 0.001, P = 0.032 and P = 0.007, respectively). Female subjects diagnosed with MetS, DM, and fatty liver had higher risk of developing FBC than control subjects (OR = 1.110, 95%CI: 1.052-1.171; OR = 1.144, 95%CI: 1.024-1.278; OR = 1.049, 95%CI: 1.019, 1.080). Those with higher PBF (for highest quartile versus lowest, OR = 2.451, 95%CI: 1.523-3.944) or lower TLM (for highest quartile versus lowest, OR = 0.279, 95%CI: 0.171-0.455) had increased risk of developing FBC. In conclusion, increased PBF and reduced TLM were likely to predict the risk of the presence of FBC in a general female population.

  2. Twelve months of implementation of health care performance‐based financing in Burkina Faso: A qualitative multiple case study

    PubMed Central

    Yaogo, Maurice; Zongo, Sylvie; Somé, Paul‐André; Turcotte‐Tremblay, Anne‐Marie

    2017-01-01

    Abstract To improve health services' quantity and quality, African countries are increasingly engaging in performance‐based financing (PBF) interventions. Studies to understand their implementation in francophone West Africa are rare. This study analysed PBF implementation in Burkina Faso 12 months post‐launch in late 2014. The design was a multiple and contrasted case study involving 18 cases (health centres). Empirical data were collected from observations, informal (n = 224) and formal (n = 459) interviews, and documents. Outside the circle of persons trained in PBF, few in the community had knowledge of it. In some health centres, the fact that staff were receiving bonuses was intentionally not announced to populations and community leaders. Most local actors thought PBF was just another project, but the majority appreciated it. There were significant delays in setting up agencies for performance monitoring, auditing, and contracting, as well as in the payment. The first audits led rapidly to coping strategies among health workers and occasionally to some staging beforehand. No community‐based audits had yet been done. Distribution of bonuses varied from one centre to another. This study shows the importance of understanding the implementation of public health interventions in Africa and of uncovering coping strategies. PMID:28671285

  3. Blood-flow change and recovery of sensibility in the maxillary dental pulp during and after maxillary distraction: a pilot study.

    PubMed

    Harada, Kiyoshi; Sato, Masaru; Omura, Ken

    2004-11-01

    To examine the change in blood flow and recovery of sensibility in the maxillary dental pulp during and after maxillary distraction. The subjects included 5 patients undergoing high Le Fort I osteotomy and maxillary distraction (D-group) and a reference group of 14 patients who underwent a common single-segment Le Fort I osteotomy, 1-stage maxillary advancement, and mandibular setback surgery (C-group). Eleven (D-group) and 54 (C-group) maxillary incisors were assessed preoperatively and at 1-7 days, 14 days, and 3 months postoperatively. Pulpal blood flow (PBF) was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry, and pulpal sensibility (PS) was investigated by electrodiagnostics. From postoperative days 1 to 5 (the latency period), the PBF tended to be higher in the D-group than in the C-group. From day 6 to 3 months postoperatively (during and after maxillary distraction), the PBF values of the 2 groups were similar. The PS remained negative up to 14 days postoperatively in both groups. However, at 3 months after the operation, a higher proportion (90.9%) of teeth in the D-group was positive for PS. These results suggest that maxillary distraction is a favorable technique for maintenance of PBF and recovery of PS in the maxillary teeth after surgery.

  4. Longitudinal associations between key dietary behaviors and weight gain over time: Transitions through the adolescent years

    PubMed Central

    Laska, Melissa N.; Murray, David M.; Lytle, Leslie A.; Harnack, Lisa J.

    2012-01-01

    Previous studies have yielded inconsistent results in documenting the association between key dietary factors and adolescent weight change over time. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which changes in adolescent sugar-sweetened beverage, diet soda, breakfast and fast food consumption were associated with changes in BMI and percent body fat (PBF), both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Our sample included 693 Minnesota adolescents followed over two years. Adjusting for physical activity, puberty, race, socio-economic status, age, and total energy intake, cross-sectional findings indicated that for both males and females, diet soda consumption was significantly and positively associated with BMI and PBF, and breakfast intake was significantly and negatively associated with BMI and PBF among girls. In longitudinal analyses, however, there were no significant associations after adjusting for the number of tests performed. This study adds to previous research through its methodological strengths, including adjustment for physical activity and energy intake assessed using state-of-the-art methods (i.e., accelerometers and 24-hour dietary recalls), as well as its evaluation of both BMI and PBF. Additional research is needed to better understand the complex constellation of factors that contribute to adolescent weight gain over time. PMID:21701567

  5. Thermographic Measurements of the Commercial Laser Powder Bed Fusion Process at NIST

    PubMed Central

    Lane, Brandon; Moylan, Shawn; Whitenton, Eric; Ma, Li

    2016-01-01

    Measurement of the high-temperature melt pool region in the laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process is a primary focus of researchers to further understand the dynamic physics of the heating, melting, adhesion, and cooling which define this commercially popular additive manufacturing process. This paper will detail the design, execution, and results of high speed, high magnification in-situ thermographic measurements conducted at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focusing on the melt pool region of a commercial L-PBF process. Multiple phenomena are observed including plasma plume and hot particle ejection from the melt region. The thermographic measurement process will be detailed with emphasis on the ‘measurability’ of observed phenomena and the sources of measurement uncertainty. Further discussion will relate these thermographic results to other efforts at NIST towards L-PBF process finite element simulation and development of in-situ sensing and control methodologies. PMID:28058036

  6. Thermographic Measurements of the Commercial Laser Powder Bed Fusion Process at NIST.

    PubMed

    Lane, Brandon; Moylan, Shawn; Whitenton, Eric; Ma, Li

    2016-01-01

    Measurement of the high-temperature melt pool region in the laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process is a primary focus of researchers to further understand the dynamic physics of the heating, melting, adhesion, and cooling which define this commercially popular additive manufacturing process. This paper will detail the design, execution, and results of high speed, high magnification in-situ thermographic measurements conducted at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focusing on the melt pool region of a commercial L-PBF process. Multiple phenomena are observed including plasma plume and hot particle ejection from the melt region. The thermographic measurement process will be detailed with emphasis on the 'measurability' of observed phenomena and the sources of measurement uncertainty. Further discussion will relate these thermographic results to other efforts at NIST towards L-PBF process finite element simulation and development of in-situ sensing and control methodologies.

  7. Preliminary Investigation of Keyhole Phenomena during Single Layer Fabrication in Laser Additive Manufacturing of Stainless Steel

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Matilainen, Ville-Pekka; Piili, Heidi; Salminen, Antti; Nyrhilä, Olli

    Laser additive manufacturing (LAM) is a fabrication technology that enables production of complex parts from metallic materials with mechanical properties comparable to conventionally manufactured parts. In the LAM process, parts are manufactured by melting metallic powder layer-by-layer with a laser beam. This manufacturing technology is nowadays called powder bed fusion (PBF) according to the ASTM F2792-12a standard. This strategy involves several different independent and dependent thermal cycles, all of which have an influence on the final properties of the manufactured part. The quality of PBF parts depends strongly on the characteristics of each single laser-melted track and each single layer. This study consequently concentrates on investigating the effects of process parameters such as laser power on single track and layer formation and laser-material interaction phenomena occurring during the PBF process. Experimental tests were done with two different machines: a modified research machine based on an EOS EOSINT M-series system and an EOS EOSINT M280 system. The material used was EOS stainless steel 17-4 PH. Process monitoring was done with an active illuminated high speed camera system. After microscopy analysis, it was concluded that a keyhole can form during laser additive manufacturing of stainless steel. It was noted that heat input has an important effect on the likelihood of keyhole formation. The threshold intensity value for keyhole formation of 106 W/cm2 was exceeded in all manufactured single tracks. Laser interaction time was found to have an effect on penetration depth and keyhole formation, since the penetration depth increased with increased laser interaction time. It was also concluded that active illuminated high speed camera systems are suitable for monitoring of the manufacturing process and facilitate process control.

  8. Data reconstruction can improve abundance index estimation: An example using Taiwanese longline data for Pacific bluefin tuna

    PubMed Central

    Fukuda, Hiromu; Maunder, Mark N.

    2017-01-01

    Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) is often the main piece of information used in fisheries stock assessment; however, the catch and effort data that are traditionally compiled from commercial logbooks can be incomplete or unreliable due to many reasons. Pacific bluefin tuna (PBF) is a seasonal target species in the Taiwanese longline fishery. Since 2010, detailed catch information for each PBF has been made available through a catch documentation scheme. However, previously, only market landing data with a low coverage of logbooks were available. Therefore, several nontraditional procedures were performed to reconstruct catch and effort data from many alternative data sources not directly obtained from fishers for 2001–2015: (1) Estimating the catch number from the landing weight for 2001–2003, for which the catch number information was incomplete, based on Monte Carlo simulation; (2) deriving fishing days for 2007–2009 from voyage data recorder data, based on a newly developed algorithm; and (3) deriving fishing days for 2001–2006 from vessel trip information, based on linear relationships between fishing and at-sea days. Subsequently, generalized linear mixed models were developed with the delta-lognormal assumption for standardizing the CPUE calculated from the reconstructed data, and three-stage model evaluation was performed using (1) Akaike and Bayesian information criteria to determine the most favorable variable composition of standardization models, (2) overall R2 via cross-validation to compare fitting performance between area-separated and area-combined standardizations, and (3) system-based testing to explore the consistency of the standardized CPUEs with auxiliary data in the PBF stock assessment model. The last stage of evaluation revealed high consistency among the data, thus demonstrating improvements in data reconstruction for estimating the abundance index, and consequently the stock assessment. PMID:28968434

  9. Which index best correlates with body fat mass: BAI, BMI, waist or WHR?

    PubMed

    Suchanek, Pavel; Kralova Lesna, Ivana; Mengerova, Olga; Mrazkova, Jolana; Lanska, Vera; Stavek, Petr

    2012-01-01

    The body mass index (BMI) has been the most commonly applied clinical measure to characterise body composition in individuals. However, the BMI has been criticised as being an inaccurate measure of body fatness. Recently, a new index reflecting body composition, the Body Adiposity Index (BAI) was proposed. The BAI was calculated using the equation BAI=((hip circumference)/ ((height)1.5) - 18). The aim of this study was to compare estimates of body fat content, i.e., body adiposity index (BAI), BMI, waist-hip ratio (WHR) and waist and hip circumferences, with respect to their ability to predict the percentage of body fat (PBF). To select an optimal surrogate for adiposity, we examined the correlation between body adiposity percentage as measured by BIA and several variables, including BAI, BMI and WHR. Correlations ranged from a high of 0.78 for BMI, 0.67 for BAI and 0.66 for waist circumference to a low value of 0.39 for the WHR index. The correlation between PBF and BAI (R=0.67, R2=0.45, p<0.001) and the correlation between PBF and BMI (R=0.78, R2=0.60, p<0.001) were of similar magnitude. Based on our results and those of other studies, we can say that the BAI index is not a universally valid index that could be used in the place of the BMI index in a Caucasian population; indeed, it would not accurately reflect body fat mass and thus could lead to an increased risk of obesity. Further, WHR index is not a suitable for an estimation of body fat.

  10. Twelve months of implementation of health care performance-based financing in Burkina Faso: A qualitative multiple case study.

    PubMed

    Ridde, Valéry; Yaogo, Maurice; Zongo, Sylvie; Somé, Paul-André; Turcotte-Tremblay, Anne-Marie

    2018-01-01

    To improve health services' quantity and quality, African countries are increasingly engaging in performance-based financing (PBF) interventions. Studies to understand their implementation in francophone West Africa are rare. This study analysed PBF implementation in Burkina Faso 12 months post-launch in late 2014. The design was a multiple and contrasted case study involving 18 cases (health centres). Empirical data were collected from observations, informal (n = 224) and formal (n = 459) interviews, and documents. Outside the circle of persons trained in PBF, few in the community had knowledge of it. In some health centres, the fact that staff were receiving bonuses was intentionally not announced to populations and community leaders. Most local actors thought PBF was just another project, but the majority appreciated it. There were significant delays in setting up agencies for performance monitoring, auditing, and contracting, as well as in the payment. The first audits led rapidly to coping strategies among health workers and occasionally to some staging beforehand. No community-based audits had yet been done. Distribution of bonuses varied from one centre to another. This study shows the importance of understanding the implementation of public health interventions in Africa and of uncovering coping strategies. © 2017 The Authors. The International Journal of Health Planning and Management Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  11. A Metallurgical Evaluation of the Powder-Bed Laser Additive Manufactured 4140 Steel Material

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Wesley; Kelly, Shawn

    2016-03-01

    Using laser powder bed fusion (PBF-L) additive manufacturing (AM) process for steel or iron powder has been attempted for decades. This work used a medium carbon steel (AISI 4140) powder to explore the feasibility of AM. The high carbon equivalent of 4140 steel (CEIIW ≈ 0.83) has a strong tendency toward cold cracking. As such, the process parameters must be carefully controlled to ensure the AM build quality. Through an orthogonally designed experimental matrix, a laser-welding procedure was successfully developed to produce 4140 steel AM builds with no welding defects. In addition, the microstructure and micro-cleanliness of the as-welded PBF-L AM builds were also examined. The results showed an ultra-fine martensite lath structure and an ultra-clean internal quality with minimal oxide inclusion distribution. After optimizing the PBF-L AM process parameters, including the laser power and scan speed, the as-welded AM builds yielded an average tensile strength higher than 1482 MPa and an average 33 J Charpy V-notch impact toughness at -18°C. The surface quality, tensile strength, and Charpy V-notch impact toughness of AM builds were comparable to the wrought 4140 steel. The excellent mechanical properties of 4140 steel builds created by the PBF-L AM AM process make industrial production more feasible, which shows great potential for application in the aerospace, automobile, and machinery industries.

  12. Slow neutron total cross-section, transmission and reflection calculation for poly- and mono-NaCl and PbF2 crystals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mansy, Muhammad S.; Adib, M.; Habib, N.; Bashter, I. I.; Morcos, H. N.; El-Mesiry, M. S.

    2016-10-01

    A detailed study about the calculation of total neutron cross-section, transmission and reflection from crystalline materials was performed. The developed computer code is approved to be sufficient for the required calculations, also an excellent agreement has been shown when comparing the code results with the other calculated and measured values. The optimal monochromator and filter parameters were discussed in terms of crystal orientation, mosaic spread, and thickness. Calculations show that 30 cm thick of PbF2 poly-crystal is an excellent cold neutron filter producing neutron wavelengths longer than 0.66 nm needed for the investigation of magnetic structure experiments. While mono-crystal filter PbF2 cut along its (1 1 1), having mosaic spread (η = 0.5°) and thickness 10 cm can only transmit thermal neutrons of the desired wavelengths and suppress epithermal and γ-rays forming unwanted background, when it is cooled to liquid nitrogen temperature. NaCl (2 0 0) and PbF2 (1 1 1) monochromator crystals having mosaic spread (η = 0.5°) and thickness 10 mm shows high neutron reflectivity for neutron wavelengths (λ = 0.114 nm and λ = 0.43 nm) when they used as a thermal and cold neutron monochromators respectively with very low contamination from higher order reflections.

  13. Trend of Body Compositions with Aging among Chinese Adolescents, Adults and Elders.

    PubMed

    Xu, T; Zhu, G; Han, S

    2015-12-01

    Rare reports can be found about sex- and age-specific body composition survey among Chinese population. The aim of this study is to explore the change of sex-specific body compositions with aging among Chinese adolescents, adults and elders. In a large-scale population survey about physiological constants and health conditions, 75,714 subjects who aged from 8 to 80 completed body composition array. Body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat (PBF), water percentage of body weight (WPBW), water percentage of lean body mass (WPLBM), fat-free mass index (FFMI) and basic metabolic rate were examined with Biodynamics BI-310 body composition analyzer. General obesity is defined as BMI equal to or greater than 28 kg/m2. The prevalence rates of general obesity were 9.4% for males and 7.7% for females respectively. With aging, PBF and FMI showed a U-shape curvilinear trend and WPBW showed a parabolic trend for males. At same age group: 18-19 age groups, PBF and FMI declined to the valley and WPBW rose to the peak. For females, PBF, WPBW and FMI changed in a linear trend. The values of WPLBM and FFMI showed same curvilinear trend for two genders. WPLBM changed in a U-shape trend and touched the valley in twenties for males and in 18-19 age groups for females. The value of FFMI was larger for older age groups in the younger generation but smaller in the older generation. A parabolic trend peaking was seen in the thirties for males and in the forties for females. Regression models with age as independent variable showed that the larger rate of increase of PBF and smaller rates of increase for WPBM and WPLBM with aging for males. This study presents detailed data about sex-specific body composition conditions. Different change trend with aging was found about body composition conditions.

  14. Application of receiver operating characteristic curve in the assessment of the value of body mass index, waist circumference and percentage of body fat in the Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in childbearing women.

    PubMed

    Dou, Pan; Ju, Huiyan; Shang, Jing; Li, Xueying; Xue, Qing; Xu, Yang; Guo, Xiaohui

    2016-08-24

    There are various parameters to analyze obesity, however, no standard reference to predict, screen or diagnose PCOS with various obesity parameters has been established, and the accuracy of these parameters still needs to be studied.This study was to use the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to explore the different values of three obesity parameters, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and percentage of body fat (PBF) in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Chinese childbearing women. Three hundred patients who were diagnosed with PCOS at Center of Reproductive Medicine and Genetics of Peking University First Hospital were enrolled in this study, and 110 healthy age-matched women were enrolled as controls. The characteristics of BMI, WC and PBF in PCOS patients were analyzed. Compared with the control group, all the three obesity parameters were significantly increased in PCOS group. In terms of ROC area under the curve, WC > PBF > BMI, and they were all significantly different from those of the control. At a cut-off point of 80.5 cm, WC has a sensitivity of 73.6 % and a specificity of 85 % in diagnosis of PCOS; At a cut-off point of 29 %, PBF has a sensitivity of 88.2 % and a specificity of 57.7 % in diagnosis of PCOS; and at a cut-off point of 26.6 kg/m(2), BMI has a sensitivity of 54.5 % and a specificity of 98 % in diagnosis of PCOS. WC, BMI and PBF are valuable in screening and diagnosis of PCOS in Chinese childbearing women. PBF can be used to screen PCOS as it has a better sensitivity, while BMI can be used in the diagnosis of PCOS as it has a better specificity.

  15. Are health workers motivated by income? Job motivation of Cambodian primary health workers implementing performance-based financing

    PubMed Central

    Khim, Keovathanak

    2016-01-01

    Background Financial incentives are widely used in performance-based financing (PBF) schemes, but their contribution to health workers’ incomes and job motivation is poorly understood. Cambodia undertook health sector reform from the middle of 2009 and PBF was employed as a part of the reform process. Objective This study examines job motivation for primary health workers (PHWs) under PBF reform in Cambodia and assesses the relationship between job motivation and income. Design A cross-sectional self-administered survey was conducted on 266 PHWs, from 54 health centers in the 15 districts involved in the reform. The health workers were asked to report all sources of income from public sector jobs and provide answers to 20 items related to job motivation. Factor analysis was conducted to identify the latent variables of job motivation. Factors associated with motivation were identified through multivariable regression. Results PHWs reported multiple sources of income and an average total income of US$190 per month. Financial incentives under the PBF scheme account for 42% of the average total income. PHWs had an index motivation score of 4.9 (on a scale from one to six), suggesting they had generally high job motivation that was related to a sense of community service, respect, and job benefits. Regression analysis indicated that income and the perception of a fair distribution of incentives were both statistically significant in association with higher job motivation scores. Conclusions Financial incentives used in the reform formed a significant part of health workers’ income and influenced their job motivation. Improving job motivation requires fixing payment mechanisms and increasing the size of incentives. PBF is more likely to succeed when income, training needs, and the desire for a sense of community service are addressed and institutionalized within the health system. PMID:27319575

  16. The effect of oxygen content during an initial sustained inflation on heart rate in asphyxiated near-term lambs.

    PubMed

    Sobotka, K S; Ong, T; Polglase, G R; Crossley, K J; Moss, T J M; Hooper, S B

    2015-07-01

    At birth, an initial sustained inflation (SI) uniformly aerates the lungs, increases arterial oxygenation and rapidly improves circulatory recovery in asphyxiated newborns. We hypothesised that lung aeration, in the absence of an increase in arterial oxygenation, can increase heart rate (HR) in asphyxiated near-term lambs. Lambs were delivered and instrumented at 139±2 days of gestation. Asphyxia was induced by umbilical cord clamping and then delaying the onset of ventilation until mean carotid arterial pressures (CAPs) had decreased <20 mm Hg. Lambs then received a single 30-s SI using nitrogen (N2; n=6), 5% oxygen (O2; n=6), 21% O2 (n=6) or 100% O2 (n=6) followed by ventilation in air for 30 min. HR, CAP and pulmonary blood flow (PBF) were continuously recorded. HR and PBF increased more quickly in lambs resuscitated with 100% and 21% O2 than with 5% O2 or N2. HR and PBF recovery in the 5% O2 group was delayed relative to all other oxygen SI groups. HR in 5%, 21% and 100% O2 groups reached 100 bpm before the SI was complete. HR and PBF in the N2 group did not increase until 10 s after the SI was completed and ventilation was initiated with air. CAP tended to increase quicker in all O2 groups than in N2 group. Oxygen content during an SI is important for circulatory recovery in asphyxiated lambs. This increase in HR is likely driven by the increase in PBF and venous return to the heart. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

  17. The prevalence of obesity in children and young people with Down syndrome.

    PubMed

    O' Shea, Muireann; O' Shea, Carol; Gibson, Louise; Leo, Jennifer; Carty, Catherine

    2018-05-15

    Overweight and obesity is a growing concern among individuals with intellectual disabilities; however, little is known about the prevalence among children and youth with Down syndrome (CYDS). The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight/obesity among CYDS in South West Ireland. This cross-sectional study measured height and weight of 61 CYDS aged 4-16 years. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and percentage body fat (PBF) was measured using bio-electrical impendence analysis (BIA). Using the International Obesity Task Force BMI cut-offs, 51.6% of males and 40% of females were overweight/obese compared to 32% and 14.8%, respectively, using PBF. The mean PBF for males was 18.76 versus females 22.38 (p < .05). There is a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity, particularly in males, compared to the general population of children. The difference in estimation of overweight/obesity between BMI and BIA has implications for research and clinical practice. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  18. Growth of Ce+3 Doped Oxides by the Traveling Solvent Zone Technique.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-06-01

    ambient 1100 0.05 9 PbTiO3 PbF 2/PbO ambient 1075 0.05 9 In this program, we have evaluated several fluxes for growth of LaA10 3 , LaAll-xMxO3 (M = Sc+ 3...TABLE 2. X-RAY DIFFRACTIN PARAMETERS MEASURED FOR ARC FURNACE SYNTHESIZED LaAIO3 AND LaAl 0 .7Sc0 303 LaAIO3 LaAl 0 .7Sc .303 hkl d(A) d(A) 3.71 3.86

  19. Correlation of adiposity indices with cardiovascular disease risk factors in healthy adults of Singapore: a cross-sectional study.

    PubMed

    Bi, Xinyan; Tey, Siew Ling; Leong, Claudia; Quek, Rina; Loo, Yi Ting; Henry, Christiani Jeyakumar

    2016-01-01

    Obesity has long been highlighted for its association with increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Nonetheless, the best adiposity indices to evaluate the CVD risk factors remain contentious and few studies have been performed in Asian populations. In the present study, we compared the association strength of percent body fat (PBF) to indirect anthropometric measures of general adiposity (body mass index (BMI) and body adiposity index (BAI)) and central adiposity (waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)) for the prediction of CVD risk factors in healthy men and women living in Singapore. A total of 125 individuals (63 men and 62 women) took part in this study. PBF was measured by using three different techniques, including bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), BOD POD, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Anthropometric measurements (WC, hip circumference (HC), height, and weight), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting serum insulin (FSI), and lipid profiles were determined according to standard protocols. Correlations of anthropometric measurements and PBF with CVD risk factors were compared. Irrespective of the measuring techniques, PBF showed strong positive correlations with FSI, HOMA-IR, TC/HDL, TG/HDL, and LDL/HDL in both genders. While PBF was highly correlated with FBG, SBP, and DBP in females, no significant relationships were observed in males. Amongst the five anthropometric measures of adiposity, BAI was the best predictor for CVD risk factors in female participants (r = 0.593 for HOMA-IR, r = 0.542 for TG/HDL, r = 0.474 for SBP, and r = 0.448 for DBP). For males, the combination of WC (r = 0.629 for HOMA-IR, and r = 0.446 for TG/HDL) and WHR (r = 0.352 for SBP, and r = 0.366 for DBP) had the best correlation with CVD risk factors. Measurement of PBF does not outperform the simple anthropometric measurements of obesity, i.e. BAI, WC, and WHR, in the prediction of CVD risk factors in healthy Asian adults. While measures of central adiposity (WC and WHR) tend to show stronger associations with CVD risk factors in males, measures of general adiposity (BAI) seems to be the best predictor in females. The gender differences in the association between adiposity indices and CVD risk factors may relate to different body fat distribution in males and females living in Singapore. These results may find further clinical utility to identify patients with CVD risk factors in a more efficient way.

  20. Process Evaluation of AISI 4340 Steel Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jelis, Elias; Hespos, Michael R.; Ravindra, Nuggehalli M.

    2018-01-01

    Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) involves the consolidation of metal powder, layer by layer, through laser melting and solidification. In this study, process parameters are optimized for AISI 4340 steel to produce dense and homogeneous structures. The optimized process parameters produce mechanical properties at the center of the build plate that are comparable to wrought in the vertical and horizontal orientations after heat treatment and machining. Four subsequent builds are filled with specimens to evaluate the mechanical behavior as a function of location and orientation. Variations in the mechanical properties are likely due to recoater blade interactions with the powder and uneven gas flow. The results obtained in this study are analyzed to assess the reliability and reproducibility of the process. A different build evaluates the performance of near-net-shaped tensile specimens angled 35°-90° from the build plate surface (horizontal). Ductility measurements and surface roughness vary significantly as a function of the build angle. In the stress-relieved and as-built conditions, the mechanical behavior of vertically oriented specimens exhibits somewhat lower and more variable ductility than horizontally oriented specimens. Therefore, several process variables affect the mechanical properties of parts produced by the L-PBF process.

  1. Posttest calculation of the PBF LOC-11B and LOC-11C experiments using RELAP4/MOD6. [PWR

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hendrix, C.E.

    Comparisons between RELAP4/MOD6, Update 4 code-calculated and measured experimental data are presented for the PBF LOC-11C and LOC-11B experiments. Independent code verification techniques are now being developed and this study represents a preliminary effort applying structured criteria for developing computer models, selecting code input, and performing base-run analyses. Where deficiencies are indicated in the base-case representation of the experiment, methods of code and criteria improvement are developed and appropriate recommendations are made.

  2. All-fiber gas sensor with intracavity photothermal spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Yan; Jin, Wei; Lin, Yuechuan; Yang, Fan; Ho, Hoi Lut

    2018-04-01

    We present an all-fiber intracavity photothermal (IC-PT) spectroscopic gas sensor with a hollow-core photonic bandgap fiber (HC-PBF) gas cell. The gas cell is placed inside a fiber-ring laser cavity to achieve higher laser light intensity in the hollow core and hence higher PT modulation signal. An experiment with a 0.62-m-long HC-PBF gas cell demonstrated a noise equivalent concentration of 176 ppb acetylene. Theoretical modeling shows that the IC-PT sensor has the potential of achieving sub-ppb (parts-per-billion) acetylene detection sensitivity.

  3. Variations in respiratory excretion of carbon dioxide can be used to calculate pulmonary blood flow.

    PubMed

    Preiss, David A; Azami, Takafumi; Urman, Richard D

    2015-02-01

    A non-invasive means of measuring pulmonary blood flow (PBF) would have numerous benefits in medicine. Traditionally, respiratory-based methods require breathing maneuvers, partial rebreathing, or foreign gas mixing because exhaled CO2 volume on a per-breath basis does not accurately represent alveolar exchange of CO2. We hypothesized that if the dilutional effect of the functional residual capacity was accounted for, the relationship between the calculated volume of CO2 removed per breath and the alveolar partial pressure of CO2 would be reversely linear. A computer model was developed that uses variable tidal breathing to calculate CO2 removal per breath at the level of the alveoli. We iterated estimates for functional residual capacity to create the best linear fit of alveolar CO2 pressure and CO2 elimination for 10 minutes of breathing and incorporated the volume of CO2 elimination into the Fick equation to calculate PBF. The relationship between alveolar pressure of CO2 and CO2 elimination produced an R(2) = 0.83. The optimal functional residual capacity differed from the "actual" capacity by 0.25 L (8.3%). The repeatability coefficient leveled at 0.09 at 10 breaths and the difference between the PBF calculated by the model and the preset blood flow was 0.62 ± 0.53 L/minute. With variations in tidal breathing, a linear relationship exists between alveolar CO2 pressure and CO2 elimination. Existing technology may be used to calculate CO2 elimination during quiet breathing and might therefore be used to accurately calculate PBF in humans with healthy lungs.

  4. Long working hours and overweight and obesity in working adults.

    PubMed

    Kim, Byung-Mi; Lee, Bo-Eun; Park, Hye-Sook; Kim, Young-Ju; Suh, Young-Ju; Kim, Jeong-Youn; Shin, Ji-Young; Ha, Eun-Hee

    2016-01-01

    Previous studies have identified a link between gender and the various risk factors associated with obesity. We examined obesity risk factors in working adults to identify the effects of differences in body mass index (BMI) and percentage body fat (PBF) between women and men. A total of 1,120 adults agreed to participate in the study. Data from 711 participants, including 411 women and 300 men, were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the effects of risk factors on obesity and being overweight. In addition, the least-squares (LS) means of both BMI and PBF were estimated by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in a generalized linear model. Increases in BMI and PBF were significantly related to an age > 50 years and long working hours in women after compensating for confounding factors. Using the PBF criterion, the odds ratio (OR) of being overweight or obese in women > 50 years of age who worked for > 9 h a day was 3.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-11.00). For BMI, women who were > 50 years of age and worked for > 9 h a day were 3.82 times (95% CI, 1.31-11.14) more likely to be overweight or obese than those who were < 50 years of age and worked for < 9 h a day. Obesity in working adults was associated with > 50 years of age and long working hours in women. Further studies are needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of this relationship and its potential implications for the prevention and management of excess weight and obesity.

  5. Pulsed photothermal interferometry for spectroscopic gas detection with hollow-core optical fibre

    PubMed Central

    Lin, Yuechuan; Jin, Wei; Yang, Fan; Ma, Jun; Wang, Chao; Ho, Hoi Lut; Liu, Yang

    2016-01-01

    Gas detection with hollow-core photonic bandgap fibre (HC-PBF) and pulsed photothermal (PT) interferometry spectroscopy are studied theoretically and experimentally. A theoretical model is developed and used to compute the gas-absorption-induced temperature and phase modulation in a HC-PBF filled with low-concentration of C2H2 in nitrogen. The PT phase modulation dynamics for different pulse duration, peak power and energy of pump beam are numerically modelled, which are supported by the experimental results obtained around the P(9) absorption line of C2H2 at 1530.371 nm. Thermal conduction is identified as the main process responsible for the phase modulation dynamics. For a constant peak pump power level, the phase modulation is found to increase with pulse duration up to ~1.2 μs, while it increases with decreasing pulse duration for a constant pulse energy. It is theoretically possible to achieve ppb level detection of C2H2 with ~1 m length HC-PBF and a pump beam with ~10 ns pulse duration and ~100 nJ pulse energy. PMID:28009011

  6. Pulsed photothermal interferometry for spectroscopic gas detection with hollow-core optical fibre.

    PubMed

    Lin, Yuechuan; Jin, Wei; Yang, Fan; Ma, Jun; Wang, Chao; Ho, Hoi Lut; Liu, Yang

    2016-12-23

    Gas detection with hollow-core photonic bandgap fibre (HC-PBF) and pulsed photothermal (PT) interferometry spectroscopy are studied theoretically and experimentally. A theoretical model is developed and used to compute the gas-absorption-induced temperature and phase modulation in a HC-PBF filled with low-concentration of C 2 H 2 in nitrogen. The PT phase modulation dynamics for different pulse duration, peak power and energy of pump beam are numerically modelled, which are supported by the experimental results obtained around the P(9) absorption line of C 2 H 2 at 1530.371 nm. Thermal conduction is identified as the main process responsible for the phase modulation dynamics. For a constant peak pump power level, the phase modulation is found to increase with pulse duration up to ~1.2 μs, while it increases with decreasing pulse duration for a constant pulse energy. It is theoretically possible to achieve ppb level detection of C 2 H 2 with ~1 m length HC-PBF and a pump beam with ~10 ns pulse duration and ~100 nJ pulse energy.

  7. Emphysema on Thoracic CT and Exercise Ventilatory Inefficiency in Mild-to-Moderate COPD.

    PubMed

    Jones, Joshua H; Zelt, Joel T; Hirai, Daniel M; Diniz, Camilla V; Zaza, Aida; O'Donnell, Denis E; Neder, J Alberto

    2017-04-01

    There is growing evidence that emphysema on thoracic computed tomography (CT) is associated with poor exercise tolerance in COPD patients with only mild-to-moderate airflow obstruction. We hypothesized that an excessive ventilatory response to exercise (ventilatory inefficiency) would underlie these abnormalities. In a prospective study, 19 patients (FEV 1 = 82 ± 13%, 12 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage 1) and 26 controls underwent an incremental exercise test. Ventilatory inefficiency was assessed by the ventilation ([Formula: see text]E)/CO 2 output ([Formula: see text]CO 2 ) nadir. Pulmonary blood flow (PBF) in a submaximal test was calculated by inert gas rebreathing. Emphysema was quantified as % of attenuation areas below 950 HU. Patients typically presented with centrilobular emphysema (76.8 ± 10.1% of total emphysema) in the upper lobes (upper/total lung ratio = 0.82 ± 0.04). They had lower peak oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]O 2 ), higher [Formula: see text]E/[Formula: see text]CO 2 nadir, and greater dyspnea scores than controls (p < 0.05). Lower peak [Formula: see text]O 2 and worse dyspnea were found in patients with higher [Formula: see text]E/[Formula: see text]CO 2 nadirs (≥30). Patients had blunted increases in PBF from rest to iso-[Formula: see text]O 2 exercise (p < 0.05). Higher [Formula: see text]E/[Formula: see text]CO 2 nadir in COPD was associated with emphysema severity (r = 0.63) which, in turn, was related to reduced lung diffusing capacity (r = -0.72) and blunted changes in PBF from rest to exercise (r = -0.69) (p < 0.01). Ventilation "wasted" in emphysematous areas is associated with impaired exercise ventilatory efficiency in mild-to-moderate COPD. Exercise ventilatory inefficiency links structure (emphysema) and function (D L CO) to a key clinical outcome (poor exercise tolerance) in COPD patients with only modest spirometric abnormalities.

  8. Catching Fire: An Analysis of Maine's Combined Heat and Power Energy Incentive Policies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Laufer, Joshua A.

    This study qualitatively reviews and analyzes Maine's state-level incentive policies and regulations to catalyze the development of renewably fueled Combined Heat and Power (CHP) facilities by utilizing a framework developed by Janet Sawin. The results of the analysis indicate that additional opportunities exist to promote additional renewable CHP plant development through both strengthening existing state policies and passing new legislation. Maine's Renewable Portfolio Standard and Production-Based Incentive pilot program could be expanded in scope and in their level of support for renewable CHP. New policies could be enacted to further accelerate renewable CHP development in the state, such as a Production Tax Credit (PTC) and the creation of a grant program for level 2 feasibility studies within the existing Public Benefits Fund (PBF), Efficiency Maine Trust.

  9. A novel Streptomyces spp. integration vector derived from the S. venezuelae phage, SV1.

    PubMed

    Fayed, Bahgat; Younger, Ellen; Taylor, Gabrielle; Smith, Margaret C M

    2014-05-30

    Integrating vectors based on the int/attP loci of temperate phages are convenient and used widely, particularly for cloning genes in Streptomyces spp. We have constructed and tested a novel integrating vector based on g27, encoding integrase, and attP site from the phage, SV1. This plasmid, pBF3 integrates efficiently in S. coelicolor and S. lividans but surprisingly fails to generate stable integrants in S. venezuelae, the natural host for phage SV1. pBF3 promises to be a useful addition to the range of integrating vectors currently available for Streptomyces molecular genetics.

  10. High temperature thermoplastic elastomers synthesized by living anionic polymerization in hydrocarbon solvent at room temperature

    DOE PAGES

    Schlegel, Ralf; Williams, Katherine; Voyloy, Dimitry; ...

    2016-03-30

    We present the synthesis and characterization of a new class of high temperature thermoplastic elastomers composed of polybenzofulvene–polyisoprene–polybenzofulvene (FIF) triblock copolymers. All copolymers were prepared by living anionic polymerization in benzene at room temperature. Homopolymerization and effects of additives on the glass transition temperature (T g) of polybenzofulvene (PBF) were also investigated. Among all triblock copolymers studied, FIF with 14 vol % of PBF exhibited a maximum stress of 14.3 ± 1.3 MPa and strain at break of 1390 ± 66% from tensile tests. The stress–strain curves of FIF-10 and 14 were analyzed by a statistical molecular approach using amore » nonaffine tube model to estimate the thermoplastic elastomer behavior. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the softening temperature of PBF in FIF was 145 °C, much higher than that of thermoplastic elastomers with polystyrene hard blocks. Microphase separation of FIF triblock copolymers was observed by small-angle X-ray scattering, even though long-range order was not achieved under the annealing conditions employed. Additionally, the microphase separation of the resulting triblock copolymers was examined by atomic force microscopy.« less

  11. High temperature thermoplastic elastomers synthesized by living anionic polymerization in hydrocarbon solvent at room temperature

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Schlegel, Ralf; Williams, Katherine; Voyloy, Dimitry

    We present the synthesis and characterization of a new class of high temperature thermoplastic elastomers composed of polybenzofulvene–polyisoprene–polybenzofulvene (FIF) triblock copolymers. All copolymers were prepared by living anionic polymerization in benzene at room temperature. Homopolymerization and effects of additives on the glass transition temperature (T g) of polybenzofulvene (PBF) were also investigated. Among all triblock copolymers studied, FIF with 14 vol % of PBF exhibited a maximum stress of 14.3 ± 1.3 MPa and strain at break of 1390 ± 66% from tensile tests. The stress–strain curves of FIF-10 and 14 were analyzed by a statistical molecular approach using amore » nonaffine tube model to estimate the thermoplastic elastomer behavior. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the softening temperature of PBF in FIF was 145 °C, much higher than that of thermoplastic elastomers with polystyrene hard blocks. Microphase separation of FIF triblock copolymers was observed by small-angle X-ray scattering, even though long-range order was not achieved under the annealing conditions employed. Additionally, the microphase separation of the resulting triblock copolymers was examined by atomic force microscopy.« less

  12. Effect of furosemide on pulmonary blood flow distribution in resting and exercising horses

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Erickson, H. H.; Bernard, S. L.; Glenny, R. W.; Fedde, M. R.; Polissar, N. L.; Basaraba, R. J.; Walther, S. M.; Gaughan, E. M.; McMurphy, R.; Hlastala, M. P.

    1999-01-01

    We determined the spatial distribution of pulmonary blood flow (PBF) with 15-micron fluorescent-labeled microspheres during rest and exercise in five Thoroughbred horses before and 4 h after furosemide administration (0.5 mg/kg iv). The primary finding of this study was that PBF redistribution occurred from rest to exercise, both with and without furosemide. However, there was less blood flow to the dorsal portion of the lung during exercise postfurosemide compared with prefurosemide. Furosemide did alter the resting perfusion distribution by increasing the flow to the ventral regions of the lung; however, that increase in flow was abated with exercise. Other findings included 1) unchanged gas exchange and cardiac output during rest and exercise after vs. before furosemide, 2) a decrease in pulmonary arterial pressure after furosemide, 3) an increase in the slope of the relationship of PBF vs. vertical height up the lung during exercise, both with and without furosemide, and 4) a decrease in blood flow to the dorsal region of the lung at rest after furosemide. Pulmonary perfusion variability within the lung may be a function of the anatomy of the pulmonary vessels that results in a predominantly fixed spatial pattern of flow distribution.

  13. Distributed gas sensing with optical fibre photothermal interferometry.

    PubMed

    Lin, Yuechuan; Liu, Fei; He, Xiangge; Jin, Wei; Zhang, Min; Yang, Fan; Ho, Hoi Lut; Tan, Yanzhen; Gu, Lijuan

    2017-12-11

    We report the first distributed optical fibre trace-gas detection system based on photothermal interferometry (PTI) in a hollow-core photonic bandgap fibre (HC-PBF). Absorption of a modulated pump propagating in the gas-filled HC-PBF generates distributed phase modulation along the fibre, which is detected by a dual-pulse heterodyne phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) system. Quasi-distributed sensing experiment with two 28-meter-long HC-PBF sensing sections connected by single-mode transmission fibres demonstrated a limit of detection (LOD) of ∼10 ppb acetylene with a pump power level of 55 mW and an effective noise bandwidth (ENBW) of 0.01 Hz, corresponding to a normalized detection limit of 5.5ppb⋅W/Hz. Distributed sensing experiment over a 200-meter-long sensing cable made of serially connected HC-PBFs demonstrated a LOD of ∼ 5 ppm with 62.5 mW peak pump power and 11.8 Hz ENBW, or a normalized detection limit of 312ppb⋅W/Hz. The spatial resolution of the current distributed detection system is limited to ∼ 30 m, but it is possible to reduce down to 1 meter or smaller by optimizing the phase detection system.

  14. Experimental and Theoretical Studies of the Pure Rotational Spectra of Lead Halides: PbF and PbCl

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Norman, Spencer; Dawes, Richard; Grubbs, G. S., II; Cooke, S. A.; Long, B. E.; Dewberry, Chris

    2014-06-01

    The pure rotational spectrum of lead monochloride, PbCl, has been measured and analyzed using chirped pulse and cavity Fourier transform microwave (CP-FTMW and FTMW) spectrometers equipped with an ablation source. Refined parameters of an effective Hamiltonian including fine and hyperfine interactions similar to those previously reported by Fink et al. [1] were determined. Dynamically-weighted, explicitly-correlated MRCI-F12 calculations [2] were performed for both PbF and the valence isoelectronic PbCl to predict potential energy curves (PEC). Spin-orbit coupling was included in the calculations, which is known to split the X12Π1/2 and X22Π3/2 components of the ground electronic state by roughly 8280 wn in both lead halide systems. Calculated rotational levels were obtained using the PECs and compared with experiment including previously published results for PbF [3]. References: 1- K. Ziebarth, K. D. Setzer, O. Shestakov,1 and E. H. Fink, J. Mol. Spec. 191, 108 (1998). 2- B. J. Barker et al. J. Chem. Phys. 137, 214313 (2012). 3- R. J. Mawhorter et al. Phys. Rev. A 84, 022508 (2011).

  15. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Stan, Camelia V.; Dutta, Rajkrishna; White, Claire E.

    Lead fluoride, PbF 2, was investigated experimentally in the laser-heated diamond anvil cell by x-ray diffraction to pressures of 75 GPa at room temperature and to 64.5 GPa and 2430 K, as well as through first-principles density functional theory calculations up to 70 GPa. During room temperature compression, no discontinuous changes in the x-ray diffraction pattern or volume were observed, but the lattice parameters displayed highly anomalous trends between 10-22 GPa with enhanced compressibility along the a direction and reduced or even negative compressibility along b and c. Theoretical calculations of valence electron densities at 22 GPa showed that α-PbFmore » 2 underwent a pressure-induced isosymmetric phase transition to a postcotunnite Co 2Si structure and also revealed the detailed atomic rearrangements associated with the development of an extra Pb-F bond in the high-pressure phase. Our x-ray results and theoretical calculations are consistent with an isosymmetric phase transition smoothly occurring over 10-22 GPa rather than abruptly as previously suggested. The characteristic values for the cell constants a/c and (a+c)/b, which are used to distinguish among cotunnite-, Co 2Si-, and Ni 2In-type phases, require modification based on our results. An equation of state fit yields a bulk modulus, K 0, of 72(3) GPa for the cotunnite-type, and an ambient-pressure volume, V 0, of 182(2)Å 3, and K 0=81(4)GPa for the Co 2Si-type phase when fixing the pressure derivative of the bulk modulus, K 0'=4. Upon heating above 1200 K at pressures at or above 25.9 GPa, PbF 2 partially transformed to the hexagonal Ni 2In-type phase but wholly or partially reverted back to Co 2Si-type phase upon temperature quench. From 43-65 GPa, nearly complete transformation to the Ni 2In-type PbF 2 was observed at high temperature, but the material partially transformed back to the orthorhombic phase upon temperature quench. Our results show that high-pressure behavior of PbF 2 is distinct from that of the alkaline earth fluorides with similar ionic radii. These results also have relevance to understanding the behavior of lanthanide and actinide dioxides, which have been predicted theoretically to exhibit similar isosymmetric transitions at Mbar pressures.« less

  16. Slowing and cooling of heavy or light (even with a tiny electric dipole moment) polar molecules using a novel, versatile electrostatic Stark decelerator.

    PubMed

    Wang, Qin; Hou, Shunyong; Xu, Liang; Yin, Jianping

    2016-02-21

    To meet some demands for realizing precise measurements of an electric dipole moment of electron (eEDM) and examining cold collisions or cold chemical physics, we have proposed a novel, versatile electrostatic Stark decelerator with an array of true 3D electric potential wells, which are created by a series of horizontally-oriented, U-shaped electrodes with time-sequence controlling high voltages (± HV) and two guiding electrodes with a constant voltage. We have calculated the 2D electric field distribution, the Stark shifts of the four lowest rotational sub-levels of PbF molecules in the X1(2)Π1/2(v = 0) electronic and vibrational ground states as well as the population in the different rotational levels. We have discussed the 2D longitudinal and transverse phase-space acceptances of PbF molecules in our decelerator. Subsequently, we have simulated the dynamic processes of the decelerated PbF molecules using the 3D Monte-Carlo method, and have found that a supersonic PbF beam with a velocity of 300 m s(-1) can be efficiently slowed to about 5 m s(-1), which will greatly enhance the sensitivities to research a parity violation and measure an eEDM. In addition, we have investigated the dependences of the longitudinal velocity spread, longitudinal temperature and bunching efficiency on both the number of guiding stages and high voltages, and found that after bunching, a cold packet of PbF molecules in the J = 7/2, MΩ = -7/4 state with a longitudinal velocity spread of 0.69 m s(-1) (corresponding to a longitudinal temperature of 2.35 mK) will be produced by our high-efficient decelerator, which will generate a high energy-resolution molecular beam for studying cold collision physics. Finally, our novel decelerator can also be used to efficiently slow NO molecules with a tiny electric dipole moment (EDM) of 0.16 D from 315 m s(-1) to 28 m s(-1). It is clear that our proposed new decelerator has a good slowing performance and experimental feasibility as well as wide applications in the field of precise measurements and cold molecule physics.

  17. High-pressure polymorphism of Pb F 2 to 75 GPa

    DOE PAGES

    Stan, Camelia V.; Dutta, Rajkrishna; White, Claire E.; ...

    2016-07-06

    Lead fluoride, PbF 2, was investigated experimentally in the laser-heated diamond anvil cell by x-ray diffraction to pressures of 75 GPa at room temperature and to 64.5 GPa and 2430 K, as well as through first-principles density functional theory calculations up to 70 GPa. During room temperature compression, no discontinuous changes in the x-ray diffraction pattern or volume were observed, but the lattice parameters displayed highly anomalous trends between 10-22 GPa with enhanced compressibility along the a direction and reduced or even negative compressibility along b and c. Theoretical calculations of valence electron densities at 22 GPa showed that α-PbFmore » 2 underwent a pressure-induced isosymmetric phase transition to a postcotunnite Co 2Si structure and also revealed the detailed atomic rearrangements associated with the development of an extra Pb-F bond in the high-pressure phase. Our x-ray results and theoretical calculations are consistent with an isosymmetric phase transition smoothly occurring over 10-22 GPa rather than abruptly as previously suggested. The characteristic values for the cell constants a/c and (a+c)/b, which are used to distinguish among cotunnite-, Co 2Si-, and Ni 2In-type phases, require modification based on our results. An equation of state fit yields a bulk modulus, K 0, of 72(3) GPa for the cotunnite-type, and an ambient-pressure volume, V 0, of 182(2)Å 3, and K 0=81(4)GPa for the Co 2Si-type phase when fixing the pressure derivative of the bulk modulus, K 0'=4. Upon heating above 1200 K at pressures at or above 25.9 GPa, PbF 2 partially transformed to the hexagonal Ni 2In-type phase but wholly or partially reverted back to Co 2Si-type phase upon temperature quench. From 43-65 GPa, nearly complete transformation to the Ni 2In-type PbF 2 was observed at high temperature, but the material partially transformed back to the orthorhombic phase upon temperature quench. Our results show that high-pressure behavior of PbF 2 is distinct from that of the alkaline earth fluorides with similar ionic radii. These results also have relevance to understanding the behavior of lanthanide and actinide dioxides, which have been predicted theoretically to exhibit similar isosymmetric transitions at Mbar pressures.« less

  18. The structural properties of PbF2 by molecular dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chergui, Y.; Nehaoua, N.; Telghemti, B.; Guemid, S.; Deraddji, N. E.; Belkhir, H.; Mekki, D. E.

    2010-08-01

    This work presents the use of molecular dynamics (MD) and the code of Dl_Poly, in order to study the structure of fluoride glass after melting and quenching. We are realized the processing phase liquid-phase, simulating rapid quenching at different speeds to see the effect of quenching rate on the operation of the devitrification. This technique of simulation has become a powerful tool for investigating the microscopic behaviour of matter as well as for calculating macroscopic observable quantities. As basic results, we calculated the interatomic distance, angles and statistics, which help us to know the geometric form and the structure of PbF2. These results are in experimental agreement to those reported in literature.

  19. Suppression of pulmonary vasculature in lung perfusion MRI using correlation analysis.

    PubMed

    Risse, Frank; Kuder, Tristan A; Kauczor, Hans-Ulrich; Semmler, Wolfhard; Fink, Christian

    2009-11-01

    The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of suppressing the pulmonary vasculature in lung perfusion MRI using cross-correlation analysis (CCA). Perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (3D FLASH, TR/TE/flip angle: 0.8 ms/2.1 ms/40 degrees ) of the lungs was performed in seven healthy volunteers at 1.5 Tesla after injection of Gd-DTPA. CCA was performed pixel-wise in lung segmentations using the signal time-course of the main pulmonary artery and left atrium as references. Pixels with high correlation coefficients were considered as arterial or venous and excluded from further analysis. Quantitative perfusion parameters [pulmonary blood flow (PBF) and volume (PBV)] were calculated for manual lung segmentations separately, with the entire left and right lung with all intrapulmonary vessels (IPV) included, excluded manually or excluded using CCA. The application of CCA allowed reliable suppression of hilar and large IPVs. Using vascular suppression by CCA, perfusion parameters were significantly reduced (p

  20. Gaussian process-based surrogate modeling framework for process planning in laser powder-bed fusion additive manufacturing of 316L stainless steel

    DOE PAGES

    Tapia, Gustavo; Khairallah, Saad A.; Matthews, Manyalibo J.; ...

    2017-09-22

    Here, Laser Powder-Bed Fusion (L-PBF) metal-based additive manufacturing (AM) is complex and not fully understood. Successful processing for one material, might not necessarily apply to a different material. This paper describes a workflow process that aims at creating a material data sheet standard that describes regimes where the process can be expected to be robust. The procedure consists of building a Gaussian process-based surrogate model of the L-PBF process that predicts melt pool depth in single-track experiments given a laser power, scan speed, and laser beam size combination. The predictions are then mapped onto a power versus scan speed diagrammore » delimiting the conduction from the keyhole melting controlled regimes. This statistical framework is shown to be robust even for cases where experimental training data might be suboptimal in quality, if appropriate physics-based filters are applied. Additionally, it is demonstrated that a high-fidelity simulation model of L-PBF can equally be successfully used for building a surrogate model, which is beneficial since simulations are getting more efficient and are more practical to study the response of different materials, than to re-tool an AM machine for new material powder.« less

  1. Gaussian process-based surrogate modeling framework for process planning in laser powder-bed fusion additive manufacturing of 316L stainless steel

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tapia, Gustavo; Khairallah, Saad A.; Matthews, Manyalibo J.

    Here, Laser Powder-Bed Fusion (L-PBF) metal-based additive manufacturing (AM) is complex and not fully understood. Successful processing for one material, might not necessarily apply to a different material. This paper describes a workflow process that aims at creating a material data sheet standard that describes regimes where the process can be expected to be robust. The procedure consists of building a Gaussian process-based surrogate model of the L-PBF process that predicts melt pool depth in single-track experiments given a laser power, scan speed, and laser beam size combination. The predictions are then mapped onto a power versus scan speed diagrammore » delimiting the conduction from the keyhole melting controlled regimes. This statistical framework is shown to be robust even for cases where experimental training data might be suboptimal in quality, if appropriate physics-based filters are applied. Additionally, it is demonstrated that a high-fidelity simulation model of L-PBF can equally be successfully used for building a surrogate model, which is beneficial since simulations are getting more efficient and are more practical to study the response of different materials, than to re-tool an AM machine for new material powder.« less

  2. Glutamate control of pulpal blood flow in the incisor dental pulp of the rat.

    PubMed

    Zerari-Mailly, Fouzia; Braud, Adeline; Davido, Nicolas; Touré, Babacar; Azérad, Jean; Boucher, Yves

    2012-10-01

    Glutamate is present in primary sensory afferents innervating the dental pulp and is known to exert vasoactive effects. The aims of this study were (i) to assess pulpal blood flow (PBF) after glutamate infusion in the dental pulp and (ii) to observe the distribution of glutamatergic nerve fibers expressing the vesicular transporters of glutamate (VGluT). The PBF was monitored with laser Doppler flowmetry before and after glutamate (0.5 M) infusion in the dental pulp vs. saline infusion. Immunochemistry for VGluT1, 2, and 3 was performed in addition to immunochemistry for the vascular and neuronal markers smooth-muscle actin (SMA), isolectin B4 (IB4), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Glutamate infusion resulted in a PBF increase that lasted for 60 s. Positive immunolabeling was observed for the three glutamate transporters, but was more pronounced for VGluT3. Moreover, VGluT3 immunoreactivity was observed within nerve fibers entering the dental pulp and terminating at the periphery and at the vicinity of odontoblasts. Also, VGluT3 was colocalized with the vascular marker SMA, and in some nerve fibers with IB4, but not with CGRP. This study provides support for a control of dental pulp microcirculation by neurons expressing VGluT3. © 2012 Eur J Oral Sci.

  3. The structure of Er3+-doped oxy-fluoride transparent glass-ceramics studied by Raman scattering

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tikhomirov, V. K.; Seddon, A. B.; Ferrari, M.; Montagna, M.; Santos, L. F.; Almeida, R. M.

    2003-11-01

    We show that the structure of transparent oxy-fluoride glass-ceramics formed by heat treatment of glasses of typical composition 32(SiO2):9(AlO1.5):31.5(CdF2):18.5(PbF2): 5.5(ZnF2):3.5(ErF3) mol% consists of ~ 12 nm diameter, Er3+-doped, β-PbF2 nano-crystals embedded in a silica-based glass network and connected to it via non-bridging O and F anions, or fluorine linkages such as Pb-F-Cd and Pb-F-Zn. It is proposed that the glass network structure is mostly chain-like and dominated by Si(O,F)4 tetrahedra with two bridging O and two non-bridging O and/or F atoms (Q2 units). SiO4 tetrahedra with zero and one bridging O (Q0 and Q1 units, respectively) are also present in the glass structure, in the approximate proportion Q0:Q1:Q2 = 1:1:3, a characteristic which appears to be of primary importance. The flexible, chain-like glass-network, with many broken bonds, results in easy accommodation of the Er3+-doped PbF2 nano-crystals, which are grown by heat-treatment of the precursor glass. The boson peak in the Raman spectrum of the precursor glass decreases in intensity upon ceramming and is partly converted to narrow crystalline peaks at lower frequency, consistent with the precipitation of PbF2 crystalline nano-particles. It is suggested that the boson peak involves localized vibrations of broken or stretched Pb-F bonds. The mean free path for these vibrations increases with ceramming, which involves partial crystallization of the glass network, resulting in a shift of the boson peak vibrations to lower-frequency crystalline peaks.

  4. Increasing maternal percentage body fat in early second trimester: a risk factor for preeclampsia.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yanxia; Qiu, Jie; Zhou, Min; Wang, Youjie; Du, Yukai

    2015-02-01

    To determine if maternal percentage body fat (PBF) or fat free mass (FFM) in the early second trimester of pregnancy influenced the development of preeclampsia. A matched nested case-control study was conducted from a cohort study of 1668 women at Gansu provincial maternal and child care hospital from July 2007 to August 2011 in China. Maternal PBF and FFM were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis during 12th-16th gestational week. The demographic characteristics were all chart abstracted. After childbirth, 70 cases of preeclampsia were matched by race/age with 140 uncomplicated pregnancies women. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the associated risk factors. Pre-pregnancy body mass index were higher in women who subsequently developed preeclampsia compared with controls (p < 0.001). During 12th-16th gestational week, there were nearly 7-fold increase in the odds of preeclampsia (adjusted OR: 6.84, 95% CI: 4.15-41.60) among women with PBF ≥ 40% versus women with PBF < 40%. But FFM were not at further increased risk of the development of preeclampsia (adjusted OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.6-3.6). Maternal PBF but not FFM is a predictor of preeclampsia in the early second trimester. Excessive adipose tissue possibly played an important role in developing of preeclampsia.

  5. Obesity and adiposity indicators, asthma, and atopy in Puerto Rican children

    PubMed Central

    Forno, Erick; Acosta-Pérez, Edna; Brehm, John M.; Han, Yueh-Ying; Alvarez, María; Colón-Semidey, Angel; Canino, Glorisa; Celedón, Juan C

    2013-01-01

    Background: Whether adiposity indicators other than body mass index should be used in studies of childhood asthma is largely unknown. The role of atopy in “obese asthma” is also unclear. Objective: To examine the relation among adiposity indicators, asthma, and atopy in Puerto Rican children, and to assess whether atopy mediates the obesity-asthma association. Methods: In a study of Puerto Rican children with (n=351) and without (n=327) asthma, we measured body mass index (BMI), percent body fat (PBF), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). The outcomes studied included asthma, lung function, measures of atopy, and, among cases, indicators of asthma severity or control. We performed mediation analysis to assess the contribution of atopy to the relationship between adiposity and asthma. Results: BMI, PBF, and WC were associated with increased odds of asthma. Among cases, all three measures were generally associated with lung function, asthma severity/control, and atopy; however, there were differences depending on the adiposity indicator analyzed. Atopy considerably mediated the adiposity-asthma association in this population: allergic rhinitis accounted for 22-53% of the association with asthma, and sensitization to cockroach mediated 13-20% of the association with FVC and 29-42% of the association with emergency room visits for asthma. Conclusions: Adiposity indicators are associated with asthma, asthma severity/control, and atopy in Puerto Rican children. Atopy significantly mediates the effect of adiposity on asthma outcomes. Longitudinal studies are needed to further investigate the causal role, if any, of adiposity distribution and atopy on “obese asthma” in childhood. Clinical Implications: Assessment of adiposity rather than sole reliance on BMI may be important in studies of childhood asthma. Atopy is an important mediator of the relation between obesity and asthma in Puerto Rican children. Capsule Summary: In a cohort of Puerto Rican children, measures of adiposity were associated with asthma, asthma severity/control, and atopy; however, some differences existed depending on the adiposity indicator utilized. Atopy significantly mediated the association between adiposity indicators and asthma. PMID:24290290

  6. HABIT CHANGES OF Y3Al5O12 AND Y3Ga5O12 GROWN FROM A PbO-PbF2 FLUX,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    Al2O3 or - Ga2O3 ratio in the melt. Y3Ga5O12 crystals have a pure (211) habit when grown from either a Y2O3- or PbO-rich melt. The crystals develop...small (110) faces when grown from a Ga2O3 - or PbF2-rich melt. Y3Al5O12 crystals have a pure (110) when grown from either a PbF2- or Al2O3-rich melt... Ga2O3 -rich melts. It is believed that the habit variations are caused by changes in either the surface diffusion or step propagation, due to Pb

  7. Thermal and refining processes, not fermentation, tend to reduce lipotropic capacity of plant-based foods.

    PubMed

    Fardet, Anthony; Martin, Jean-François; Chardigny, Jean-Michel

    2011-08-01

    Plant-based foods (PBF) are relevant and diversified sources of lipotropes, which are compounds preventing excess hepatic fat deposits. In a first study, we defined the lipotropic capacity (LC, %) of raw PBF as the means of 8 lipotrope densities (LD, mg/100 kcal), each expressed relative to that of a reference food ranking the highest considering its mean 8 LD ranks (LC(raw asparagus)=100%) (A. Fardet, J.-F. Martin and J. M. Chardigny, J. Food Comp. Anal., 2011, DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2011.1003.1013). We showed that vegetables appeared as the best source of lipotropes on a 100 kcal-basis compared to legumes, cereals, fruits and nuts. The main objective of this second study was to quantify the effect of processing on LD and LC of raw PBF based on lipotrope contents collected in a USDA (United State Department of Agriculture) database and the literature, i.e. betaine, choline, myo-inositol, methionine, magnesium, niacin, pantothenic acid and folate contents. Choline and betaine densities were not significantly affected by processing while methionine and lipotropic micronutrient densities were significantly decreased, especially for magnesium, pantothenate and folates. Myo-inositol density decreases were insignificant due to lower product number resulting from limited literature data. Lipotropic micronutrient densities were more affected by processing than other densities. Fermentations increased betaine (median change of +32%) and choline (+34%) densities. Canning and boiling vegetables increased choline densities (+26%). Globally, processing significantly reduced LC by ∼20%, fermentations being less drastic (median change of -5%) than refining (-33%) and thermal treatments (-16%). More specifically, canning increased LC of beetroot (536 vs 390%) and common bean (40 vs 36%) as fermentation towards LC grape (14 vs 7% for wine). Results were then mainly discussed based on percentages of lipotrope content changes on a dry-weight basis. Results of this study also showed that the LC is quite a relevant index to estimate effect of processing on lipotropic potential of PBF. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011

  8. Arterial-to-end-tidal carbon dioxide tension difference in children with congenital heart disease.

    PubMed

    Choudhury, Minati; Kiran, Usha; Choudhary, Shiv Kumar; Airan, Balram

    2006-04-01

    This study estimated the arterial-to-end-tidal carbon dioxide tension difference (deltaPaCO2-PE'CO2) in children with congenital heart disease; evaluated whether hyperventilation can reduce this difference; and analyzed the relationship between the difference and the oxygen saturation (SaO2) and hemoglobin level. Prospective clinical study. Tertiary health care center. One hundred patients scheduled for correction of their underlying cardiac defect with either right-to-left or left-to-right intracardiac shunts were divided into 4 groups (n = 25 each): (1) N1, cyanotic with severe pulmonary artery hypertension; (2) N2, cyanotic with normal or decreased pulmonary artery pressure (PAP); (3) N3, acyanotic with normal or mild increases in PAP and severe increases in pulmonary blood flow (PBF); and (4) N4, acyanotic with normal PAP and normal or mild increase in PBF. All the patients received the same anesthetic regimen. The initial settings for tidal volume, respiratory rate, and inspiratory-to-expiratory (I:E) ratio were 10 mL/kg, 15 to 30 breath/min, and inspired time 40% of the total respiratory period with a 10% end-inspiratory pause. After the measurement of oxygen saturation, PO2, Hb, and deltaPaCO2-PE'CO2, all the children were hyperventilated (tidal volume: 14-15 mL/kg, respiratory rate: 5-6 breaths/min more than the initial rate, I:E ratio: same) to observe its effects on the deltaPaCO2-PE'CO2. The deltaPaCO2-PE'CO2, when predicted from the oxygen saturation, hemoglobin concentration, and PaO2, was found to be greater than the observed value in the first 3 groups (p < 0.001); whereas in group N4 these 2 values were comparable. It was also found that the gradient was higher when there was a decrease in SaO2 and an increase in the hemoglobin level. After hyperventilation, in groups N1 and N3, deltaPaCO2-PE'CO2 was decreased when compared with their baseline values; this reduction was not as much as predicted (p = 0.363 and 0.236, respectively). However, in groups N2 and N4 posthyperventilation, the deltaPaCO2-PE'27 CO2 was decreased significantly below their baseline measurements. These decreases were as much predicted. The deltaPaCO2-end-tidal carbon dioxide (PE'CO2) can be increased both in cyanotic and acyanotic children. Increased PAP is as important as increased PBF or right-to-left shunting in producing disorders in carbon dioxide homeostasis. Hyperventilation is of little use in reducing deltaPaCO2-PE'CO2 in children with high PAPs and pulmonary hyperperfusion.

  9. Phase sensitivity of fundamental mode to external atmospheric pressure for hollow-core photonic bandgap fiber

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Xiaobin; Liu, Yangqian; Gao, Fuyu; Song, Ningfang

    2018-07-01

    Hollow-core photonic bandgap fibers (HC-PBFs) are suitable for spaceborne fiber optical gyroscopes owing to their excellent environmental adaptability. However, hundreds of small holes full of air at one atmosphere of pressure can make the HC-PBF sensitive to external atmospheric pressure. In this study, we investigated the phase sensitivity of the fundamental mode to external atmospheric pressure for the HC-PBF, and the experimental result indicates that the phase sensitivity is approximately 1.6 × 10-5 ppm/Pa, which is mostly contributed by the change in the pressure-induced length. Through the choice of coating, the phase sensitivity to external atmospheric pressure can be reduced by about a factor of five compared to current HC-PBFs, and the excellent temperature performance can be maintained at the same time.

  10. Residual stress measurements via neutron diffraction of additive manufactured stainless steel 17-4 PH.

    PubMed

    Masoomi, Mohammad; Shamsaei, Nima; Winholtz, Robert A; Milner, Justin L; Gnäupel-Herold, Thomas; Elwany, Alaa; Mahmoudi, Mohamad; Thompson, Scott M

    2017-08-01

    Neutron diffraction was employed to measure internal residual stresses at various locations along stainless steel (SS) 17-4 PH specimens additively manufactured via laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF). Of these specimens, two were rods (diameter=8 mm, length=80 mm) built vertically upward and one a parallelepiped (8×80×9 mm 3 ) built with its longest edge parallel to ground. One rod and the parallelepiped were left in their as-built condition, while the other rod was heat treated. Data presented provide insight into the microstructural characteristics of typical L-PBF SS 17-4 PH specimens and their dependence on build orientation and post-processing procedures such as heat treatment. Data have been deposited in the Data in Brief Dataverse repository (doi:10.7910/DVN/T41S3V).

  11. Quantitative lung perfusion evaluation using Fourier decomposition perfusion MRI.

    PubMed

    Kjørstad, Åsmund; Corteville, Dominique M R; Fischer, Andre; Henzler, Thomas; Schmid-Bindert, Gerald; Zöllner, Frank G; Schad, Lothar R

    2014-08-01

    To quantitatively evaluate lung perfusion using Fourier decomposition perfusion MRI. The Fourier decomposition (FD) method is a noninvasive method for assessing ventilation- and perfusion-related information in the lungs, where the perfusion maps in particular have shown promise for clinical use. However, the perfusion maps are nonquantitative and dimensionless, making follow-ups and direct comparisons between patients difficult. We present an approach to obtain physically meaningful and quantifiable perfusion maps using the FD method. The standard FD perfusion images are quantified by comparing the partially blood-filled pixels in the lung parenchyma with the fully blood-filled pixels in the aorta. The percentage of blood in a pixel is then combined with the temporal information, yielding quantitative blood flow values. The values of 10 healthy volunteers are compared with SEEPAGE measurements which have shown high consistency with dynamic contrast enhanced-MRI. All pulmonary blood flow (PBF) values are within the expected range. The two methods are in good agreement (mean difference = 0.2 mL/min/100 mL, mean absolute difference = 11 mL/min/100 mL, mean PBF-FD = 150 mL/min/100 mL, mean PBF-SEEPAGE = 151 mL/min/100 mL). The Bland-Altman plot shows a good spread of values, indicating no systematic bias between the methods. Quantitative lung perfusion can be obtained using the Fourier Decomposition method combined with a small amount of postprocessing. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  12. Measurement and validation of measures for impulsive food choice across obese and healthy-weight individuals.

    PubMed

    Hendrickson, Kelsie L; Rasmussen, Erin B; Lawyer, Steven R

    2015-07-01

    The present study established a brief measure of delay discounting for food, the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ), and compared it to another more established measure of food discounting that uses the adjusting amount (AA) procedure. One hundred forty-four undergraduate participants completed either two measures of hypothetical food discounting (a computerized food AA procedure or the FCQ) or two measures of hypothetical money discounting [a computerized monetary AA procedure or the Monetary Choice questionnaire (MCQ)]. The money condition was used as a replication of previous work. Results indicated that the FCQ yielded consistent data that strongly correlated with the AA food discounting task. Moreover, a magnitude effect was found with the FCQ, such that smaller amounts of food were discounted more steeply than larger amounts. In addition, individuals with higher percent body fat (PBF) discounted food more steeply than individuals with lower PBF. The MCQ, which also produced a magnitude effect, and the monetary adjusting amount procedure yielded data that were orderly, consistent, and correlated strongly with one another, replicating previous literature. This study is the first to show that a novel measure of food discounting (the FCQ) yields consistent data strongly correlated with an established measure of food discounting and is sensitive to PBF. Moreover, the FCQ is easier and quicker to administer than the AA procedure, which may interest researchers who use discounting tasks in food-related research. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Chemical and enzymatic catalytic routes to polyesters and oligopeptides biobased materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, Jianhui

    My Ph.D research focuses on the synthesis and property studies of different biobased materials, including polyesters, polyurethanes and oligopeptides. The first study describes the synthesis, crystal structure and physico-mechanical properties of a bio-based polyester prepared from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and 1,4-butanediol. Melt-polycondensation experiments were conducted by a two-stage polymerization using titanium tetraisopropoxide (Ti[OiPr] 4) as catalyst. Polymerization conditions (catalyst concentration, reaction time and 2nd stage reaction temperature) were varied to optimize poly(butylene furan dicarboxylate), PBF, molecular weight. A series of PBFs with different Mw were characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA), X-Ray diffraction and tensile testing. Influence of molecular weight and melting/crystallization enthalpy on PBF material tensile properties was explored. Cold-drawing tensile tests at room temperature for PBF with Mw 16K to 27K showed a brittle-to-ductile transition. When Mw reaches 38K, the Young's Modulus of PBF remains above 900 MPa, and the elongation at break increases to above 1000%. The mechanical properties, thermal properties and crystal structures of PBF were similar to petroleum derived poly(butylenes terephthalate), PBT. Fiber diagrams of uniaxially stretched PBF films were collected, indexed, and the unit cell was determined as triclinic (a=4.78(3) A, b=6.03(5) A, c=12.3(1) A, alpha=110.1(2)°, beta=121.1(3)°, gamma=100.6(2)°). A crystal structure was derived from this data and final atomic coordinates are reported. We concluded that there is a close similarity of the PBF structure to PBT alpha- and beta-forms. In the second study, a biobased long chain polyester polyol (PC14-OH) was synthesized from o-hydroxytetradecanoic acid (o-HOC14) and 1,4-butanediol. The first section about polyester polyurethanes describes the synthesis and physico-mechanical properties for two series of linear polyurethane elastomers built from polyol polyesters which contain bio-based o-hydroxytetradecanoic acid (o-HOC14) repeat units. Varied quantities of o-HOC14 was converted by a condensation polymerization catalyzed by titanium tetraisopropoxide (Ti[OiPr]4) to polyester polyol with Mn around 2K. By end-cap the polyols with excess amount of 1,4-butanediol, low number of carbonyl end group can be achieved so that the polyols can be further used as soft segment of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU). We have studied the thermo-mechanical properties of two-series polyurethanes with different polyester polyols or polyester polyols mixtures. With increasing amount of o-HOC14 content in the soft segment polyols of polyurethanes, tensile strength of the polyurethanes kept increasing from 30MPa to 470MPa while at the same time their elongation ratio decreased from 900% to 300%. Their mechanical behavior shifted from elastomer to semi-crystalline plastic. In the second section about polyether polyurethanes, PC14-OH and poly(tetrahydrofuran) mixtures were used as soft segment in linear polyurethane elastomer synthesis. Similar thermal and mechanical property changing trends were observed with increasing amount of PC14-OH up to 30 wt% of total soft segments. In this study, the functions of PC14-OH in thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers were identified, and there are several benefits of incorporating this long chain fatty acid. In the third study, seven amphiphilic alternating oligopeptides were synthesized via chemo-enzymatic routes. Four proteases (papain, bromelain, alpha-chymotrypsin, and trypsin) were evaluated to determine their efficiency in synthesizing alternating peptides. The first series is hydrophobic-anionic alternating oligopeptides targeting for self assembly smart material design. So far, beta-sheet secondary structure of the anionic alternating oligopeptides was not observed very clearly at low pH comparing to the cationic alternating oligopeptides (KL)x, which is probably due to the short chain length of the oligopeptides. Combination of cationic and anionic alternating oligopeptides has been tested by (KL)x and (LD)x mixtures at 1:1 weight ratio, beta-sheet secondary structure started to appear at neutral pH. The preliminary CD results of the mixtures have shown the potential to manipulate self assembly behavior at different pHs. The second series is alternating oligo(Lys-Trp) targeting for antimicrobial agent design. The alternating (KW)x was successfully synthesized by alpha-chymotrypsin in mixed solvent medium. Chain length of (KW)x can be varied when using different mixed solvent medium. In order to increase the solubility of (KW)x-OEt, C-terminal ethyl ester moiety was modified by reaction with ethylene diamine. Antimicrobial activities of (KW)x with different chain lengths have been tested against E.coli and S. aureus. Our work utilizes a simplified synthetic method to prepare alternating peptides at the cost of chain length uniformity. However, (KW)x-OEt (n=3--6) alternating peptide mixtures still possesses quite good antimicrobial activity while the preparation method is much more easier and greener, which means this method is more economical and environmental friendly. Moreover, the adjustment of reaction conditions and proteases can successfully enhance the control over KW alternating peptide chain length to better achieve more antimicrobial active products. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

  14. An assessment of the safe delivery incentive program at a tertiary level hospital in Nepal.

    PubMed

    Baral, G

    2012-05-01

    Maternity incentive program of Nepal known as Safe Delivery Incentive Program (SDIP) was introduced nationwide in 2005 with the intention of increasing utilization of professional care at childbirth. The program provided both childbirth service as well as 'cash' to women giving birth in a health facility in addition to incentives to health provider for each delivery attended, either at home or the facility. Due to a lack of uniformity in its implementation and administrative delays, the program was reformed and even extended to many not-for-profit health institutions in early 2007, and implemented as a 'Safer Mother Program' popularly known as "Aama-Suraksha-Karyakram" since January 2009. This is a system research with observational and analytical components. Plausibility design is selected to evaluate the performance-based funding (PBF) as a system level intervention of maternity care using two instruments: Pay-For-Performance and Conditional-Cash-Transfer. It uses interrupted time-series to control for the natural trend. Research tools used are interviews, the focus group discussions and literature review. Numerical data are presented in simple graphs. While online random number generator was used partly, the purposive sampling was used for qualitative data. There is a gross discrepancy in non-targeted service delivery at the tertiary level health facility. Overflooding of maternity cases has hampered gynecological admission and surgical management delaying subspecialty care and junior physicians' training. With the same number and quality of physical facility and human resource, the additional program has put more strains to service providers and administrators. There should be adequate planning and preparation at all levels of health facilities; implementing a new program should not adversely affect another existing service delivery system. For the optional implementation, hospital organogram should be revised; and physical facilities and the low-risk birthing-centers with referral linkages should be expanded.

  15. Structure and up-conversion luminescence in sol-gel derived Er 3+-Yb 3+ co-doped SiO 2:PbF 2 nano-glass-ceramics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    del-Castillo, J.; Yanes, A. C.; Méndez-Ramos, J.; Tikhomirov, V. K.; Rodríguez, V. D.

    2009-11-01

    Transparent oxyfluoride nano-glass-ceramics 90(SiO 2)10(PbF 2) co-doped with 0.3 Yb 3+ and 0.1 Er 3+ (mol%) have been prepared by thermal treatment of precursor sol-gel glasses. X-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis pointed out a precipitation of cubic β-PbF 2 nanocrystals of certain diameter in nano-glass-ceramics varying from 10 to 20 nm depending on heat treatment conditions. The incorporation of Yb 3+ and Er 3+ dopants in these nanocrystals has been confirmed by signatures of luminescence spectroscopy. Up-conversion luminescence pumped at 980 nm has been detected. Colour tuneability of up-conversion luminescence varying pump power has been analyzed in terms of standard chromaticity diagram. This tuneability opens applications for up-conversion phosphors and three-dimensional optical recording.

  16. An analysis of estimation of pulmonary blood flow by the single-breath method

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Srinivasan, R.

    1986-01-01

    The single-breath method represents a simple noninvasive technique for the assessment of capillary blood flow across the lung. However, this method has not gained widespread acceptance, because its accuracy is still being questioned. A rigorous procedure is described for estimating pulmonary blood flow (PBF) using data obtained with the aid of the single-breath method. Attention is given to the minimization of data-processing errors in the presence of measurement errors and to questions regarding a correction for possible loss of CO2 in the lung tissue. It is pointed out that the estimations are based on the exact solution of the underlying differential equations which describe the dynamics of gas exchange in the lung. The reported study demonstrates the feasibility of obtaining highly reliable estimates of PBF from expiratory data in the presence of random measurement errors.

  17. Emergency braking is affected by the use of cruise control.

    PubMed

    Jammes, Yves; Behr, Michel; Llari, Maxime; Bonicel, Sarah; Weber, Jean Paul; Berdah, Stephane

    2017-08-18

    We compared the differences in the braking response to vehicle collision between an active human emergency braking (control condition) and cruise control (CC) or adaptive cruise control (ACC). In 11 male subjects, age 22 to 67 years, we measured the active emergency braking response during manual driving using the accelerator pedal (control condition) or in condition mimicking CC or ACC. In both conditions, we measured the brake reaction time (BRT), delay to produce the peak braking force (PBD), total emergency braking response (BRT + PBD), and peak braking force (PBF). Electromyograms of leg and thigh muscles were recorded during braking. The tonic vibratory response (TVR), Hoffman reflex (HR), and M-waves were recorded in leg muscles to explore the change in sensorimotor control. No difference in PBF, TVR amplitude, HR latency, and H max /M max ratio were found between the control and CC/ACC conditions. On the other hand, BRT and PBD were significantly lengthened in the CC/ACC condition (240 ± 13 ms and 704 ± 70 ms, respectively) compared to control (183 ± 7 ms and 568 ± 36 ms, respectively). BRT increased with the age of participants and the driving experience shortened PBD and increased PBF. In male subjects, driving in a CC/ACC condition significantly delays the active emergency braking response to vehicle collision. This could result from higher amplitude of leg motion in the CC/ACC condition and/or by the age-related changes in motor control. Car and truck drivers must take account of the significant increase in the braking distance in a CC/ACC condition.

  18. In vivo assessment of bone healing following Piezotome® ultrasonic instrumentation.

    PubMed

    Reside, Jonathan; Everett, Eric; Padilla, Ricardo; Arce, Roger; Miguez, Patricia; Brodala, Nadine; De Kok, Ingeborg; Nares, Salvador

    2015-04-01

    This pilot study evaluated the molecular, histologic, and radiographic healing of bone to instrumentation with piezoelectric or high speed rotary (R) devices over a 3-week healing period. Fourteen Sprague-Dawley rats (Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., Wilmington, MA, USA) underwent bilateral tibial osteotomies prepared in a randomized split-leg design using Piezotome® (P1) (Satelec Acteon, Merignac, France), Piezotome 2® (P2) (Satelec Acteon), High-speed R instrumentation, or sham surgery (S). At 1 week, an osteogenesis array was used to evaluate differences in gene expression while quantitative analysis assessed percentage bone fill (PBF) and bone mineral density (BMD) in the defect, peripheral, and distant regions at 3 weeks. Qualitative histologic evaluation of healing osteotomies was also performed at 3 weeks. At 1 week, expression of 11 and 18 genes involved in bone healing was significantly (p < .05) lower following P1 and P2 instrumentation, respectively, relative to S whereas 16 and 4 genes were lower relative to R. No differences in PBF or BMD were detected between groups within the osteotomy defect. However, significant differences in PBF (p = .020) and BMD (p = .008) were noted along the peripheral region between P2 and R groups, being R the group with the lowest values. Histologically, smooth osteotomy margins were present following instrumentation using P1 or P2 relative to R. Piezoelectric instrumentation favors preservation of bone adjacent to osteotomies while variations in gene expression suggest differences in healing rates due to surgical modality. Bone instrumented by piezoelectric surgery appears less detrimental to bone healing than high-speed R device. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  19. Effect of early exclusive breastfeeding on morbidity among infants born to HIV-negative mothers in Zimbabwe.

    PubMed

    Koyanagi, Ai; Humphrey, Jean H; Moulton, Lawrence H; Ntozini, Robert; Mutasa, Kuda; Iliff, Peter; Black, Robert E

    2009-05-01

    Early exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is recommended by the World Health Organization, but EBF rates remain low throughout the world. For infants born to breastfeeding HIV-positive mothers, early EBF is associated with a lower risk of postnatal transmission than is feeding breast milk together with other liquids or foods. No studies conducted in Africa have reported any benefits of EBF for infants born to HIV-negative women. The objective was to compare the rate of sick clinic visits by infants aged 43-182 d according to breastfeeding exclusivity [EBF, predominant breastfeeding (PBF), and mixed breastfeeding (MBF)]. We compared rates of all-cause clinic visits and clinic visits related to diarrhea and lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) among a cohort of 9207 infants of HIV-negative mothers during 2 age intervals: 43-91 and 92-182 d according to exclusivity of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding exclusivity was defined in 2 ways ("ever since birth" and "previous 7 d") and was assessed at 43 and 91 d. EBF between birth and 3 mo was significantly protective against diarrhea between 3 and 6 mo of age with the "ever since birth" definition [incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of 8.83 (95% CI: 1.07, 65.53) and 8.76 (95% CI: 1.13, 68.09) for PBF and MBF, respectively] and with the "previous 7 d" definition [2.04 (95% CI: 1.11, 3.77) and 2.05 (95% CI: 1.13, 3.72) for PBF and MBF, respectively]. The adverse effect of MBF on LRTI visits was weaker, reaching borderline significance only by the "ever since birth" definition during the 43-91-d interval (IRR: 1.91; 95% CI: 0.99, 3.67). Early EBF is associated with a significant reduction in sick clinic visits, especially those due to diarrhea.

  20. Prenatal Stress, Methylation in Inflammation-Related Genes, and Adiposity Measures in Early Childhood: the Programming Research in Obesity, Growth Environment and Social Stress Cohort Study.

    PubMed

    Wu, Shaowei; Gennings, Chris; Wright, Rosalind J; Wilson, Ander; Burris, Heather H; Just, Allan C; Braun, Joseph M; Svensson, Katherine; Zhong, Jia; Brennan, Kasey J M; Dereix, Alexandra; Cantoral, Alejandra; Schnaas, Lourdes; Téllez-Rojo, Martha Maria; Wright, Robert O; Baccarelli, Andrea A

    2018-01-01

    Maternal stress during pregnancy may influence childhood growth and adiposity, possibly through immune/inflammatory programming. We investigated whether exposure to prenatal stress and methylation in inflammation-related genes were associated with childhood adiposity in 424 mother-child pairs in Mexico City, Mexico. A stress index was created based on four prenatally administered stress-related scales (Exposure to Violence, Crisis in Family Systems, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale). We measured weight, height, body fat mass (BFM), percentage body fat (PBF), and waist circumference in early childhood (age range, 4-6 years). Body mass index (BMI) z scores were calculated according to World Health Organization standards. DNA methylation in gene promoters of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 8, and interleukin 6 (IL6) in umbilical cord blood were determined by pyrosequencing. An interquartile range increase in stress index (27.3) was associated with decreases of 0.14 unit in BMI z score (95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.28 to -0.005), 5.6% in BFM (95% CI = -9.7 to -1.4), 3.5% in PBF (95% CI = -6.3 to -0.5), and 1.2% in waist circumference (95% CI = -2.4 to -0.04) in multivariable-adjusted models. An interquartile range increase in IL6 methylation (3.9%) was associated with increases of 0.23 unit in BMI z score (95% CI = 0.06-0.40), 8.1% (95% CI = 2.3-14.3) in BFM, 5.5% (95% CI = 1.7-9.5) in PBF, and 1.7% (95% CI = 0.2-3.3) in waist circumference. Prenatal stress was associated with decreased childhood adiposity, whereas cord blood IL6 methylation was associated with increased childhood adiposity in Mexican children.

  1. Central and regional hemodynamics in prolonged space flights

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gazenko, O. G.; Shulzhenko, E. B.; Turchaninova, V. F.; Egorov, A. D.

    This paper presents the results of measuring central and regional (head, forearm, calf) hemodynamics at rest and during provocative tests by the method of tetrapolar rheography in the course of Salyut-6-Soyuz and Salyut-7-Soyuz missions. The measurements were carried out during short-term (19 man-flights of 7 days in duration) and long-term (21 man-flights of 65-237 days in duration) manned missions. At rest, stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) as well as heart rate (HR) decreased insignificantly (in short-term flights) or remained essentially unchanged (in long-term flights). In prolonged flights CO increased significantly in response to exercise tests due to an increase in HR and the lack of changes in SV. After exercise tests SV and CO decreased as compared to the preflight level. During lower body negative pressure (LBNP) tests HR and CO were slightly higher than preflight. Changes in regional hemodynamics included a distinct decrease of pulse blood filling (PBF) of the calf, a reduction of the tone of large vessels of the calf and small vessels of the forearm. Head examination (in the region of the internal carotid artery) showed a decrease of PBF of the left hemisphere (during flight months 2-8) and a distinct decline of the tone of small vessels, mainly, in the right hemisphere. During LBNP tests the tone of pre- and postcapillary vessels of the brain returned to normal while PBF of the right and left hemisphere vessels declined. It has been shown that regional circulation variations depend on the area examined and are induced by a rearrangement of total hemodynamics of the human body in microgravity. This paper reviews the data concerning changes in central and regional circulation of men in space flights of different duration.

  2. In Situ 3D Monitoring of Geometric Signatures in the Powder-Bed-Fusion Additive Manufacturing Process via Vision Sensing Methods.

    PubMed

    Li, Zhongwei; Liu, Xingjian; Wen, Shifeng; He, Piyao; Zhong, Kai; Wei, Qingsong; Shi, Yusheng; Liu, Sheng

    2018-04-12

    Lack of monitoring of the in situ process signatures is one of the challenges that has been restricting the improvement of Powder-Bed-Fusion Additive Manufacturing (PBF AM). Among various process signatures.

  3. Effect of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Parameters on the Microstructure and Texture Development in Superelastic Ti-18Zr-14Nb Alloy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kreitcberg, A.; Brailovski, V.; Sheremetyev, V.; Prokoshkin, S.

    2017-12-01

    The effect of different laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) parameters on the phase composition, microstructure, and crystallographic texture of Ti-18Zr-14Nb alloy was studied. Two levels of laser power, scanning speed, and hatching space were used, while the layer thickness was kept constant. The resulting volume energy density was ranged from 20 to 60 J/mm3, and the build rate, from 12 to 36 cm3/h. The manufactured coupons were analyzed by X-ray diffractometry, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the greater influence observed on the microstructure and texture development was caused by the value of laser power, while the lowest, by that of hatching space. Based on the results obtained, the processing optimization strategy aimed at improving the density, superelastic, and fatigue properties of the L-PBF manufactured Ti-18Zr-14Nb alloy was proposed.

  4. Soil health improvement in an organic orchard production system in Northwest Missouri

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Prairie Birthday Farm (PBF), a diversified, organic enterprise on the loess hill landscape in northwestern Missouri, was previously managed as a conventional corn-soybean production system. Transition to organic farming began in 1995 and included soil organic matter restoration with native prairie e...

  5. Performance-Based Funding in Public Schools.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Foster, Charles A.; Marquart, Deanna J.

    This report examines three performance-based funding (PBF) plans: (1) merit pay for teachers and/or administrators; (2) career ladders; and (3) formula-driven incentive payments to schools. The report contends that present-day problems in public schools result largely from the organizational structure of the educational enterprise. Being based on…

  6. Ecologically-based management improves soil health in an organic orchard production system

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Prairie Birthday Farm (PBF), a diversified, organic enterprise on the loess hill landscape in northwestern Missouri, was previously managed as a conventional corn-soybean production system. The soil (Sharpsburg silt loam; fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Typic Argiudolls) is mapped as an ‘eroded soil p...

  7. Computer-Based Feedback and Goal Intervention: Learning Effects

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Valdez, Alfred

    2012-01-01

    This study investigated how a goal intervention influences the learning effects gained from feedback when acquiring concepts and rules pertaining to the topic of descriptive statistics. Three feedback conditions; knowledge of correct response feedback (KCRF), principle-based feedback (PBF), and no-feedback (NF), were crossed with two goal…

  8. 76 FR 36103 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-06-21

    ...-2077-005. Applicants: Delaware City Refining Company LLC, PBF Power Marketing LLC. Desciption: Delaware City Refining Company LLC, Triennial Market Power Analysis and Notice of Change in Status. Filed Date..., 2011. Docket Numbers: ER10-2074-001; ER10-2097-003. Applicants: Kansas City Power & Light Company, KCP...

  9. 75 FR 50746 - Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-08-17

    ... and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS.... 1531 et seq.) and regulations governing listed fish and wildlife permits (50 CFR Parts 222-226). NMFS... is to evaluate factors limiting fish distribution and water quality in streams owned by PBF. The...

  10. Performance-Based Funding: State Policy Influences on Small Rural Community Colleges

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Thornton, Zoë Mercedes; Friedel, Janice Nahra

    2016-01-01

    Performance-based funding (PBF) models intend to increase efficiency and productivity of the institution, thereby influencing organizational change. This change may be structural, programmatic, or procedural, and it may affect institutional practice and/or policy. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to understand the organizational…

  11. Behavior Management and Behavioral Change: How Can We Tell Them Apart?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Olive, Edna

    2010-01-01

    Understanding the differences between behavior management and behavior change helps adults identify the differences between the two and teaches them what they can do to be effective in the use of both. This article introduces Positive Behavior Facilitation (PBF) Tool #3 which aims to support adults in understanding the differences between behavior…

  12. Structural, morphological and optical investigations on electron-beam irradiated PbF2-TeO2-B2O3-Eu2O3 glasses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wagh, Akshatha; Petwal, Vikash; Dwivedi, Jishnu; Upadhyaya, V.; Raviprakash, Y.; Kamath, Sudha D.

    2016-09-01

    Combined structural, optical and morphological studies were carried out on Eu2O3 doped PbF2-TeO2-B2O3 glass samples, before and after being subjected to electron beam of energy 7.5 MeV. XRD confirmed the amorphous nature of the glasses even after 150 kGy electron beam irradiation. Densities of the irradiated samples showed slightly greater values when compared to their respective values before irradiation, which proved the increase in the compaction of the network. The intensities of the three prominent bands; B-O-B linkages, BO4 units and BO3 units of FT-IR spectra, of the titled glasses, showed slight decrease after electron beam irradiation. The decrement in the values of energy band gap and shift in cut-off wavelength towards red edge, proved the formation of color centers in the glass network after irradiation. The change in Hunter L values, through color measurement was a proof for the Farbe/color/absorption centers created in the glass sites after irradiation.

  13. Nd3+-doped TeO2-PbF2-AlF3 glasses for laser applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lalla, E. A.; Rodríguez-Mendoza, U. R.; Lozano-Gorrín, A. D.; Sanz-Arranz, A.; Rull, F.; Lavín, V.

    2016-01-01

    A study of the optical properties of Nd3+ ion in TeO2-PbF2-AlF3 glasses has been carried out for different Nd3+ concentrations. Based on the Judd-Ofelt theory, intensity parameters and radiative properties were determined from the absorption spectra. Focusing on the suitability of this host for laser applications, the spectroscopic quality factor χ was obtained with a value of 1.07, a value of the order of other compositions proposed as laser hosts. For the most intense emission corresponding with the 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 transition (1.06 μm), the absorption and emission and have been calculated with values of 1.20 × 10-20 cm2, 2.08 × 10-20 cm2. A positive value for the gain cross-sections has been found for a population inversion factor γ of 0.4 in the spectral range from 1060 to 1110 nm. All these results suggest the potentially use of this system as a laser host.

  14. The assisted bidirectional Glenn: a novel surgical approach for first-stage single-ventricle heart palliation.

    PubMed

    Esmaily-Moghadam, Mahdi; Hsia, Tain-Yen; Marsden, Alison L

    2015-03-01

    Outcomes after a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (mBTS) in neonates with single-ventricle physiology remain unsatisfactory. However, initial palliation with a superior cavopulmonary connection, such as a bidirectional Glenn (BDG), is discouraged, owing to potential for inadequate pulmonary blood flow (PBF). We tested the feasibility of a novel surgical approach, adopting the engineering concept of an ejector pump, whereby the flow in the BDG is "assisted" by injection of a high-energy flow stream from the systemic circulation. Realistic 3-dimensional models of the neonatal mBTS and BDG circulations were created. The "assisted" bidirectional Glenn (ABG) consisted of a shunt between the right innominate artery and the superior vena cava (SVC), with a 1.5-mm clip near the SVC anastomosis to create a Venturi effect. The 3 models were coupled to a validated hydraulic circulation model, and 2 pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) values (7 and 2.3 Wood units) were simulated. The ABG provided the highest systemic oxygen saturation and oxygen delivery at both PVR levels. In addition to achieving higher PBF than the BDG, the ABG produced a lower single-ventricular workload than mBTS. SVC pressure was highest in the ABG model (ABG: 15; Glenn: 11; mBTS: 3 mm Hg; PVR = 7 Wood units), but at low PVR, the SVC pressure was significantly lower (ABG: 8; Glenn: 6; mBTS: <3 mm Hg). Adopting the principle of an ejector pump, with additional flow directed into the SVC in a BDG, the ABG appears to increase PBF with a modest increase in SVC and pulmonary arterial pressure. Although multiscale modeling results demonstrate the conceptual feasibility of the ABG circulation, further technical refinement and investigations are necessary, especially in an appropriate animal model. Copyright © 2015 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Risk-based decision making to manage water quality failures caused by combined sewer overflows

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sriwastava, A. K.; Torres-Matallana, J. A.; Tait, S.; Schellart, A.

    2017-12-01

    Regulatory authorities set certain environmental permit for water utilities such that the combined sewer overflows (CSO) managed by these companies conform to the regulations. These utility companies face the risk of paying penalty or negative publicity in case they breach the environmental permit. These risks can be addressed by designing appropriate solutions such as investing in additional infrastructure which improve the system capacity and reduce the impact of CSO spills. The performance of these solutions is often estimated using urban drainage models. Hence, any uncertainty in these models can have a significant effect on the decision making process. This study outlines a risk-based decision making approach to address water quality failure caused by CSO spills. A calibrated lumped urban drainage model is used to simulate CSO spill quality in Haute-Sûre catchment in Luxembourg. Uncertainty in rainfall and model parameters is propagated through Monte Carlo simulations to quantify uncertainty in the concentration of ammonia in the CSO spill. A combination of decision alternatives such as the construction of a storage tank at the CSO and the reduction in the flow contribution of catchment surfaces are selected as planning measures to avoid the water quality failure. Failure is defined as exceedance of a concentration-duration based threshold based on Austrian emission standards for ammonia (De Toffol, 2006) with a certain frequency. For each decision alternative, uncertainty quantification results into a probability distribution of the number of annual CSO spill events which exceed the threshold. For each alternative, a buffered failure probability as defined in Rockafellar & Royset (2010), is estimated. Buffered failure probability (pbf) is a conservative estimate of failure probability (pf), however, unlike failure probability, it includes information about the upper tail of the distribution. A pareto-optimal set of solutions is obtained by performing mean- pbf optimization. The effectiveness of using buffered failure probability compared to the failure probability is tested by comparing the solutions obtained by using mean-pbf and mean-pf optimizations.

  16. Gene-by-environment interactions of the CLOCK, PEMT, and GHRELIN loci with average sleep duration in relation to obesity traits using a cohort of 643 New Zealand European children.

    PubMed

    Krishnan, Mohanraj; Shelling, Andrew N; Wall, Clare R; Mitchell, Edwin A; Murphy, Rinki; McCowan, Lesley M E; Thompson, John M D

    2017-09-01

    Modern technology may have desensitised the 'biological clock' to environmental cues, disrupting the appropriate co-ordination of metabolic processes. Susceptibility to misalignment of circadian rhythms may be partly genetically influenced and effects on sleep quality and duration could predispose to poorer health outcomes. Shorter sleep duration is associated with obesity traits, which are brought on by an increased opportunity to eat and/or a shift of hormonal profile promoting hunger. We hypothesised that increased sleep duration will offset susceptible genetic effects, resulting in reduced obesity risk. We recruited 643 (male: 338; female: 305) European children born to participants in the New Zealand centre of the International Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints sleep study. Ten genes directly involved in the circadian rhythm machinery and a further 20 genes hypothesised to be driven by cyclic oscillations were evaluated by Sequenom assay. Multivariable regression was performed to test the interaction between gene variants and average sleep length (derived from actigraphy), in relation to obesity traits (body mass index (BMI) z-scores and percentage body fat (PBF)). No association was found between average sleep length and BMI z-scores (p = 0.056) or PBF (p = 0.609). Uncorrected genotype associations were detected between STAT-rs8069645 (p = 0.0052) and ADIPOQ-rs266729 (p = 0.019) with differences in average sleep duration. Evidence for uncorrected gene-by-sleep interactions of the CLOCK-rs4864548 (p = 0.0039), PEMT-936108 (p = 0.016) and GHRELIN-rs696217 (p = 0.046) were found in relation to BMI z-scores but not for PBF. Our results indicate that children may have different genetic susceptibility to the effects of sleep duration on obesity. Further confirmatory studies are required in other population cohorts of different age groups. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Overweight in children and adolescents associated with TV viewing and parental weight: Project HeartBeat!

    PubMed

    Steffen, Lyn M; Dai, Shifan; Fulton, Janet E; Labarthe, Darwin R

    2009-07-01

    Parental obesity and TV viewing are risk factors for childhood obesity. This study assessed the association of children's TV viewing and computer use with body mass and examined whether parental weight status modified the association. Cross-sectional associations of parental weight status, hours of TV viewing and computer use, and children's body composition were studied in a subsample of 526 black and nonblack children, aged 8, 11, and 14 years at baseline, enrolled in Project HeartBeat!, a longitudinal study of cardiovascular disease risk factors, 1991-1995. BMI, fat-free mass (FFM), and percent body fat (PBF) were calculated from children's body composition measured at baseline. Children's TV viewing and computer use habits and parental height and weight were self-reported. Multivariate regression analysis was used in assessing inter-relations of parental weight status and child's TV viewing and computer use habits with BMI, FFM, PBF, and risk for overweight status (BMI > or =85th percentile), adjusting for age, gender, race, and Tanner stage. Children of one or two overweight/obese parents watched an average of 22+/-6 minutes or 30+/-11 minutes more TV per day than children of normal-weight parents, respectively (both p<0.01). In multivariate regression analyses, BMI and PBF increased significantly by 0.42 kg/m(2) and 1.14% (both p<0.001), respectively, for each hour of TV watched among children with overweight parents, but not for those with normal-weight parents (p(interaction)<0.05). Similar results were observed for total screen time. These study findings are consistent with a genetic contribution of parental weight; however, overweight/obese parents may also exhibit behavior patterns that negatively influence children's TV viewing and have an impact on child overweight status. The effect of parental BMI on children's BMI may have both a genetic and an environmental linkage.

  18. Shifting from Enrollment-to Performance-Based Funding in Higher Education: What Can We Learn from Washington's Experience?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kaikkonen, Darby

    2016-01-01

    Performance-based funding (PBF) in higher education has grown in recent years as a means of institutional accountability and incentive for improving student success. Although most states have successfully implemented their respective systems, research on early funding models suggests a difficult fiscal environment can introduce tension between…

  19. 75 FR 38813 - Granting of Request for Early Termination of the Waiting Period Under the Premerger Notification...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-07-06

    ... status Party name 26-APR-10 20100597 G PBF Energy Partners LP. G Valero Energy Corporation. G The Premcor.... G Armstrong World Industries, Inc. G Asbestos Personal Injury. G Armstrong World Industries, Inc. 20100605 G Brookfield Special Situations II L.P. G Ainsworth Lumber Co. Ltd. G Ainsworth Lumber Co. Ltd...

  20. 19 F(α,n) thick target yield from 3.5 to 10.0 MeV

    DOE PAGES

    Norman, E.B.; Chupp, T.E.; Lesko, K.T.; ...

    2015-09-01

    Using a target of PbF2, the thick-target yield from the 19F(α,n) reaction was measured from Eα=3.5–10 MeV. From these results, we infer the thick-target neutron yields from targets of F2 and UF6 over this same alpha-particle energy range.

  1. Yb3+-Er3+-Tm3+ co-doped nano-glass-ceramics tuneable up-conversion phosphor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Méndez-Ramos, J.; Rodriguez, V. D.; Tikhomirov, V. K.; Del-Castillo, J.; Yanes, A. C.

    2008-08-01

    Transparent Yb3+-Er3+-Tm3+ co-doped nano-glass-ceramics have been prepared, 32(SiO{2}) 9(AlO{1.5}) 31.5(CdF{2}) 18.5(PbF{2}) 5.5(ZnF{2}): 3.5(Yb-Er-TmF{3}) mol%, where the co-dopants partition mostly to the fluoride PbF{2}-based nano-crystals. A comparative study of the up-conversion luminescence in nano-glass-ceramics and its precursor glass indicates that these materials can be used as blue/green/red tuneable up-conversion phosphor, in particular for white light generation. A ratio between blue, green and red emission bands of the Tm3+ and Er3+ can be widely varied with nano-ceramming of the precursor glass and with changing a pump power of luminescence. The change in the ratio between the blue, green and red emission bands is explained to be due to substantial lowering phonon energy and shortening of inter-dopant distances with nano-ceramming of the precursor glass and due to change in the ratio of 2- and 3-photon up-conversion processes with pump power.

  2. Cardiovascular transition at birth: a physiological sequence.

    PubMed

    Hooper, Stuart B; Te Pas, Arjan B; Lang, Justin; van Vonderen, Jeroen J; Roehr, Charles Christoph; Kluckow, Martin; Gill, Andrew W; Wallace, Euan M; Polglase, Graeme R

    2015-05-01

    The transition to newborn life at birth involves major cardiovascular changes that are triggered by lung aeration. These include a large increase in pulmonary blood flow (PBF), which is required for pulmonary gas exchange and to replace umbilical venous return as the source of preload for the left heart. Clamping the umbilical cord before PBF increases reduces venous return and preload for the left heart and thereby reduces cardiac output. Thus, if ventilation onset is delayed following cord clamping, the infant is at risk of superimposing an ischemic insult, due to low cardiac output, on top of an asphyxic insult. Much debate has centered on the timing of cord clamping at birth, focusing mainly on the potential for a time-dependent placental to infant blood transfusion. This has prompted recommendations for delayed cord clamping for a set time after birth in infants not requiring resuscitation. However, recent evidence indicates that ventilation onset before cord clamping mitigates the adverse cardiovascular consequences caused by immediate cord clamping. This indicates that the timing of cord clamping should be based on the infant's physiology rather than an arbitrary period of time and that delayed cord clamping may be of greatest benefit to apneic infants.

  3. Plasma-Based Mixing Actuation in Airflow, Quantitated by Probe Breakdown Fluorescence

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Leonov, Sergey; Firsov, Alexander; Shurupov, Michail; Yarantsev, Dmitry; Ohio State University Team; JIHT RAS Team

    2013-09-01

    Effective mixing of fuel and oxidizer in air-breathing engine at compressible conditions is an essential problem of high-speed combustion due to short residence time of gas mixture in the combustor of limited length. The effect of the mixing actuation by plasma is observed because of the gasdynamic instability arisen after the long filamentary discharge of submicrosecond duration generated along the contact zone of two co-flown gases. The work is focused on detail consideration of the mechanism of gas instability, promoted by plasma, on effect of the discharge specific localization, and on diagnostics development for qualitative and quantitative estimation of the mixing efficiency. The dynamics of relative concentration of gas components is examined quantitatively by means of Probe Discharge Breakdown Fluorescence (PBF). In this method an optical emission spectra of weak filamentary high-voltage nanosecond probe discharge are collected from local zone of interest in airflow. The first measurements of the mixing efficiency in vicinity of wall-injected secondary gas are presented. It is shown that the method of PBF could deliver experimental data on state of the two-component medium with <1 mcs and <5 mm of time and spatial resolution, correspondingly. Funded by AFOSR under Dr Chiping Li supervision

  4. Food prices and body fatness among youths.

    PubMed

    Grossman, Michael; Tekin, Erdal; Wada, Roy

    2014-01-01

    We examine the effect of food prices on clinical measures of obesity, including body mass index (BMI) and percentage body fat (PBF) measures derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), among youths ages 12 through 18 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. This is the first study to consider clinically measured levels of body composition rather than BMI to investigate the effects of food prices on obesity outcomes among youths classified by gender and race/ethnicity. Our findings suggest that increases in the real price per calorie of food for home consumption and the real price of fast-food restaurant food lead to improvements in obesity outcomes among youths. We also find that a rise in the real price of fruits and vegetables leads to increased obesity. Finally, our results indicate that measures of PBF derived from BIA and DXA are no less sensitive and in some cases more sensitive to the prices just mentioned than BMI, and serve an important role in demonstrating that rising food prices (except fruit and vegetable prices) are indeed associated with reductions in obesity rather than with reductions in body size proportions alone. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Demonstration of array eddy current technology for real-time monitoring of laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Todorov, Evgueni; Boulware, Paul; Gaah, Kingsley

    2018-03-01

    Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) at various fabrication stages is required to assure quality of feedstock and solid builds. Industry efforts are shifting towards solutions that can provide real-time monitoring of additive manufacturing (AM) fabrication process layer-by-layer while the component is being built to reduce or eliminate dependence on post-process inspection. Array eddy current (AEC), electromagnetic NDE technique was developed and implemented to directly scan the component without physical contact with the powder and fused layer surfaces at elevated temperatures inside a LPBF chamber. The technique can detect discontinuities, surface irregularities, and undesirable metallurgical phase transformations in magnetic and nonmagnetic conductive materials used for laser fusion. The AEC hardware and software were integrated with the L-PBF test bed. Two layer-by-layer tests of Inconel 625 coupons with AM built discontinuities and lack of fusion were conducted inside the L-PBF chamber. The AEC technology demonstrated excellent sensitivity to seeded, natural surface, and near-surface-embedded discontinuities, while also detecting surface topography. The data was acquired and imaged in a layer-by-layer sequence demonstrating the real-time monitoring capabilities of this new technology.

  6. Finite Element Analysis of Interaction of Laser Beam with Material in Laser Metal Powder Bed Fusion Process.

    PubMed

    Fu, Guang; Zhang, David Z; He, Allen N; Mao, Zhongfa; Zhang, Kaifei

    2018-05-10

    A deep understanding of the laser-material interaction mechanism, characterized by laser absorption, is very important in simulating the laser metal powder bed fusion (PBF) process. This is because the laser absorption of material affects the temperature distribution, which influences the thermal stress development and the final quality of parts. In this paper, a three-dimensional finite element analysis model of heat transfer taking into account the effect of material state and phase changes on laser absorption is presented to gain insight into the absorption mechanism, and the evolution of instantaneous absorptance in the laser metal PBF process. The results showed that the instantaneous absorptance was significantly affected by the time of laser radiation, as well as process parameters, such as hatch space, scanning velocity, and laser power, which were consistent with the experiment-based findings. The applicability of this model to temperature simulation was demonstrated by a comparative study, wherein the peak temperature in fusion process was simulated in two scenarios, with and without considering the effect of material state and phase changes on laser absorption, and the simulated results in the two scenarios were then compared with experimental data respectively.

  7. Meal ingestion markedly increases liver stiffness suggesting the need for liver stiffness determination in fasting conditions.

    PubMed

    Alvarez, Daniel; Orozco, Federico; Mella, José María; Anders, Maria; Antinucci, Florencia; Mastai, Ricardo

    2015-01-01

    The introduction of noninvasive liver stiffness (LS) determination has heralded a new stage in the diagnosis and treatment of liver fibrosis. We evaluated the effect of food intake on LS in patients with different degrees of liver disease. We evaluated 24 patients (F≤1, n=11 and F> 1, n=13). LS (Fibroscan®) and portal blood flow (PBF) (Doppler ultrasound) were studied before and 30min after ingestion of a standard liquid meal. Food intake increased PBF (51±10%, p<0.001). Splanchnic hyperemia was accompanied by a significant rise in LS (from 7.8±3.3 to 10.3±4.1kPa, p<0.001). These increases were similar in patients with minimal fibrosis(F≤1) and in those with more advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis (F>1). Hemodynamic and LS values returned to baseline pre-meal levels within 2hours. LS increases markedly after ingestion of a standard meal, irrespective of the degree of fibrosis. Our results strongly suggest that LS should be measured in fasting conditions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and AEEH y AEG. All rights reserved.

  8. Heat treatment versus properties studies associated with the Inconel 718 PBF acoustic filters

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Smolik, G.R.; Reuter, W.G.

    PBF acoustic filter Unit No. 1 cracked when heat treatment was attempted. The effects of prior thermal cycling, solution anneal temperature, and cooling rate from solution anneals were investigated. The investigations concerned influences of the above variables upon both 1400$sup 0$F stress rupture solution- annealed properties and room temperature age-hardened properties. 1400$sup 0$F stress rupture properties were of interest to assist the prevention of cracking during heat treatments. Room temperature age-hardened properties were needed to ensure that design requirement would be provided. Prior thermal cycling was investigated to determine if extra thermal cycles would be detrimental to the repaired filter.more » Slow furnace cools were considered as a means of reducing thermal stresses. Effects of solution annealing at 2000 and 1900$sup 0$F were also determined. Test results showed that slow cooling rates would not only reduce thermal stresses but also improve 1400$sup 0$F ductility. A modified aging treatment was established which provided the required 145 ksi room temperature yield strength for the slowly cooled material. Prior cooling did not degrade final age-hardened room temperature tensile or impact properties. (auth)« less

  9. INL Cultural Resource Monitoring Report for FY 2015

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Pace, Brenda Ringe; Olson, Christina Liegh; Gilbert, Hollie Kae

    This report describes the cultural resource monitoring activities of the Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL) Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Office during fiscal year (FY) 2015. Throughout the year, 67 total monitoring visits were completed, with several especially sensitive resources visited on more than one occasion. Overall, FY 2015 monitoring included surveillance of the following 49 individual cultural resource localities: three locations with human remains, one of which is also a cave; nine additional caves; twenty prehistoric archaeological sites; five historic archaeological sites; two historic trails; Experimental Breeder Reactor I (EBR-I), a National Historic Landmark; Aircraft Nuclear Propulsion (ANP) objects located atmore » EBR-I; and eight Arco Naval Proving Ground (NPG) property types. Several INL work processes and projects were also monitored to confirm compliance with original INL CRM recommendations and assess the effects of ongoing work. On two occasions, ground disturbing activities within the boundaries of the Power Burst Facility/Critical Infrastructure Test Range Complex (PBF/CITRC) were observed by INL CRM staff prepared to respond to any additional finds of Native American human remains. Finally, the current location housing INL Archives and Special Collections was evaluated once. Most of the cultural resources monitored in FY 2015 exhibited no adverse impacts, resulting in Type 1 impact assessments. However, Type 2 impacts were noted 13 times. In one case, a portion of a historic trail was graded without prior review or coordination with the INL CRM Office, resulting in impacts to the surface of the trail and one archaeological site. Evidence of unauthorized artifact collection/ looting was also documented at three archaeological sites located along INL powerlines. Federal agents concluded a FY 2012 investigation by filing civil charges and levying fine under the Archaeological Resource Protection Act against one INL employee for this kind of illegal removal of artifacts from INL lands. Goodale‘s Cutoff of the Oregon Trail showed evidence of heavy use associated with grazing. A number of previously reported Type 2 impacts were also once again documented at the EBR-I National Historic Landmark, including spalling and deterioration of bricks due to inadequate drainage, minimal maintenance, and rodent infestation. The ANP engines and locomotive on display at the EBR-I Visitors Center also exhibited impacts related to long term exposure. Finally, most of the Arco NPG properties monitored at Central Facilities Area exhibited problems with lack of timely and appropriate maintenance as well as inadequate drainage. No new Type 3 or Type 4 impacts that adversely affected significant cultural resources and threatened National Register eligibility were documented in FY 2015.« less

  10. Idaho National Laboratory Cultural Resource Monitoring Report for 2013

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Williams, Julie B.

    2013-10-01

    This report describes the cultural resource monitoring activities of the Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL) Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Office during 2013. Throughout the year, thirty-eight cultural resource localities were revisited including: two locations with Native American human remains, one of which is also a cave; fourteen additional caves; seven prehistoric archaeological sites ; four historic archaeological sites; one historic trail; one nuclear resource (Experimental Breeder Reactor-I, a designated National Historic Landmark); and nine historic structures located at the Central Facilities Area. Of the monitored resources, thirty-three were routinely monitored, and five were monitored to assess project compliance with cultural resourcemore » recommendations along with the effects of ongoing project activities. On six occasions, ground disturbing activities within the boundaries of the Power Burst Facility/Critical Infrastructure Test Range Complex (PBF/CITRC) were observed by INL CRM staff prepared to respond to any additional finds of Native American human remains. In addition, two resources were visited more than once as part of the routine monitoring schedule or to monitor for additional damage. Throughout the year, most of the cultural resources monitored had no visual adverse changes resulting in Type 1determinations. However, Type 2 impacts were noted at eight sites, indicating that although impacts were noted or that a project was operating outside of culturally cleared limitations, cultural resources retained integrity and noted impacts did not threaten National Register eligibility. No new Type 3 or any Type 4 impacts that adversely impacted cultural resources and threatened National Register eligibility were observed at cultural resources monitored in 2013.« less

  11. Parents' Perspective of the Impact of School Practices on the Functioning of Students with Special Educational Needs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lui, Ming; Yang, Lan; Sin, Kuen-Fung

    2017-01-01

    Students with special educational needs (SEN) are at an elevated risk of psychological and behavioural dysfunctions. In this study, we conducted a survey of parents of students with SEN in Hong Kong to examine the impact of two school practices--learning support and school climate--on the psychological and behavioural functioning (PBF) of students…

  12. Fluoride glass compositions

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    El-Bayoumi, O.

    1983-08-09

    This invention relates to Fluoride-based glasses that exhibit a high degree of transparency throughout the near ultraviolet visible and mid infrared portions of the spectrum. The glasses are composed of MgF2 and ZnF2 as essential compositional ingredients together with at least two other metallic fluorides from the group of YbF3, ThF4, PbF2, A1F3 and MnF2.

  13. Additive Manufacturing of Fuel Injectors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sadek Tadros, Dr. Alber Alphonse; Ritter, Dr. George W.; Drews, Charles Donald

    Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D-printing, has been shifting from a novelty prototyping paradigm to a legitimate manufacturing tool capable of creating components for highly complex engineered products. An emerging AM technology for producing metal parts is the laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process; however, industry manufacturing specifications and component design practices for L-PBF have not yet been established. Solar Turbines Incorporated (Solar), an industrial gas turbine manufacturer, has been evaluating AM technology for development and production applications with the desire to enable accelerated product development cycle times, overall turbine efficiency improvements, and supply chain flexibility relative to conventionalmore » manufacturing processes (casting, brazing, welding). Accordingly, Solar teamed with EWI on a joint two-and-a-half-year project with the goal of developing a production L-PBF AM process capable of consistently producing high-nickel alloy material suitable for high temperature gas turbine engine fuel injector components. The project plan tasks were designed to understand the interaction of the process variables and their combined impact on the resultant AM material quality. The composition of the high-nickel alloy powders selected for this program met the conventional cast Hastelloy X compositional limits and were commercially available in different particle size distributions (PSD) from two suppliers. Solar produced all the test articles and both EWI and Solar shared responsibility for analyzing them. The effects of powder metal input stock, laser parameters, heat treatments, and post-finishing methods were evaluated. This process knowledge was then used to generate tensile, fatigue, and creep material properties data curves suitable for component design activities. The key process controls for ensuring consistent material properties were documented in AM powder and process specifications. The basic components of the project were: • Powder metal input stock: Powder characterization, dimensional accuracy, metallurgical characterization, and mechanical properties evaluation. • Process parameters: Laser parameter effects, post-printing heat-treatment development, mechanical properties evaluation, and post-finishing technique. • Material design curves: Room and elevated temperature tensiles, low cycle fatigue, and creep rupture properties curves generated. • AM specifications: Key metal powder characteristics, laser parameters, and heat-treatment controls identified.« less

  14. Cytokine signalling in rat pulp interstitial fluid and transcapillary fluid exchange during lipopolysaccharide-induced acute inflammation

    PubMed Central

    Bletsa, Athanasia; Berggreen, Ellen; Fristad, Inge; Tenstad, Olav; Wiig, Helge

    2006-01-01

    The dental pulp consists of loose connective tissue encased in rigid dentinal walls. Because of its topography the tissue has low interstitial compliance and limited capacity to expand during fluid volume changes. Due to limitations regarding access to interstitial fluid, basic knowledge on transcapillary fluid transport parameters is lacking for this organ. The scope of this project was dual: first we aimed at establishing a method for isolation of pulp interstitial fluid (IF), and second we applied the method in rats subjected to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxaemia. The aim was to measure colloid osmotic pressure (COP) and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the pulp IF during acute inflammation. Fluid volumes and pulpal blood flow (PBF) were measured to obtain more information about microcirculatory changes that take place in this pulpitis model. By centrifugation of incisor pulp at 239 g we were able to extract fluid representative for IF. Pulp IF had a relative high control COP (∼83% of plasma COP) and was similar to plasma COP 3 h after LPS challenge. The pulp exhibited a high content of IF (0.60 ± 0.03 ml (g wet weight)−1) and a vascular volume of 0.03 ± 0.01 ml (g w.w.)−1 No differences were observed in the distribution of fluid volumes after 1.5 and 3 h LPS exposure. PBF and systemic blood pressure dropped significantly after LPS administration. PBF remained low whereas systemic blood pressure was re-established during the 3-h period, implying organ dysfunction. There was a differential pattern of cytokine expression in pulp IF and serum with cytokines such as IL-1α, IL-1β and TNF-α locally produced, whereas others such as IFN-γ and IL-6 were produced systemically and probably spilled over to the pulp IF after LPS exposure. Our findings show that pulp IF can be isolated by centrifugation and that this method is useful when studying fluid balance and extracellular signalling mechanisms in the dental pulp in normal and pathological conditions. PMID:16527857

  15. Enhancement of luminescence properties in Er3+ doped TeO2-Na2O-PbX (X=O and F) ternary glasses.

    PubMed

    Kumar, Kaushal; Rai, S B; Rai, D K

    2007-04-01

    An enhancement of luminescence properties in Er3+ doped ternary glasses is observed on the addition of PbO/PbF2. The infrared to visible upconversion emission bands are observed at 410, 525, 550 and 658 nm, due to the 2H9/2-->4I15/2, 2H11/2-->4I15/2, 4S3/2-->4I15/2, 4F9/2-->4I15/2 transitions respectively, on excitation with 797 nm laser line. A detailed study reveals that the 2H9/2-->4I15/2 transition arises due to three step upconversion process while other transitions arise due to two step absorption. On excitation with 532 nm radiation, ultraviolet and violet upconversion bands centered at 380, 404, 410 and 475 nm wavelengths are observed along with one photon luminescence bands at 525, 550, 658 and 843 nm wavelengths. These bands are found due to the 4G11/2-->4I15/2, 2P3/2-->4I13/2, 2H9/2-->4I15/2, 2P3/2-->4I11/2, 2H11/2-->4I15/2, 4S3/2-->4I15/2, 4F9/2-->4I15/2 and 4S3/2-->4I13/2 transitions, respectively. Though incorporation of PbO and PbF2 both enhances fluorescence intensities however, PbF2 content has an important influence on upconversion luminescence emission. The incorporation of PbF2 enhances the red emission (658 nm) intensity by 1.5 times and the violet emission (410 nm) intensity by 2.0 times. A concentration dependence study of fluorescence reveals the rapid increase in the red (4F9/2-->4I15/2) emission intensity relative to the green (4S3/2-->4I15/2) emission with increase in the Er3+ ion concentration. This behaviour has been explained in terms of an energy transfer by relaxation between excited ions.

  16. Portal-drained viscera heat production in Iberian pigs fed betaine- and conjugated linoleic acid-supplemented diets.

    PubMed

    Rojas-Cano, María Luz; Lachica, Manuel; Lara, Luis; Haro, Ana; Fernández-Fígares, Ignacio

    2017-01-01

    Betaine and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may alter growth and body composition in pigs, although their mode of action is not well understood. Portal-drained viscera (PDV) have a disproportionate influence with respect to their masses, and this may affect the productivity of more profitable tissues. The objective of this study was to determine if the use of betaine and/or CLA in the diet affects PDV heat production. Postprandial portal blood flow (PBF) was greater (19.0%, P = 0.004) for control compared with the other three diets. The lowest (P < 0.001) value for postprandial PDV O 2 consumption corresponded to betaine + CLA followed by betaine and CLA diets (32.7, 25.4 and 17.7% respectively with respect to control diet). Postprandial PDV heat production was greater (26.4%, P < 0.001) for control with respect to the other three diets, with the minimum value corresponding to betaine + CLA (34.1% lower than control). Supplementation with betaine and/or CLA reduced the PBF, O 2 consumption and therefore PDV heat production with respect to control diet. This effect was more pronounced when betaine and CLA were supplemented together, potentially increasing the energy availability for other body tissues. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

  17. Process defects and in situ monitoring methods in metal powder bed fusion: a review

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Grasso, Marco; Colosimo, Bianca Maria

    2017-04-01

    Despite continuous technological enhancements of metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) systems, the lack of process repeatability and stability still represents a barrier for the industrial breakthrough. The most relevant metal AM applications currently involve industrial sectors (e.g. aerospace and bio-medical) where defects avoidance is fundamental. Because of this, there is the need to develop novel in situ monitoring tools able to keep under control the stability of the process on a layer-by-layer basis, and to detect the onset of defects as soon as possible. On the one hand, AM systems must be equipped with in situ sensing devices able to measure relevant quantities during the process, a.k.a. process signatures. On the other hand, in-process data analytics and statistical monitoring techniques are required to detect and localize the defects in an automated way. This paper reviews the literature and the commercial tools for in situ monitoring of powder bed fusion (PBF) processes. It explores the different categories of defects and their main causes, the most relevant process signatures and the in situ sensing approaches proposed so far. Particular attention is devoted to the development of automated defect detection rules and the study of process control strategies, which represent two critical fields for the development of future smart PBF systems.

  18. Comparison of arsenic content in pelletized poultry house waste and biosolids fertilizer.

    PubMed

    Nachman, Keeve E; Mihalic, Jana N; Burke, Thomas A; Geyh, Alison S

    2008-03-01

    Managers of human biosolids have been incorporating the practice of waste pelletization for use as fertilizer since the mid 1920s, and waste pelletization has recently been embraced by some poultry producers as a way to move nutrients away from saturated agricultural land. However, the presence of arsenic in pelletized poultry house waste (PPHW) resulting from the use of organoarsenical antimicrobial drugs in poultry production raises concerns regarding additional incremental population exposures. Arsenic concentrations were determined in PPHW and pelletized biosolids fertilizer (PBF) samples. Pellets were processed using strong acid microwave digestion and analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. The mean arsenic concentration in PPHW (20.1 ppm) fell within the lower part of the range of previously report arsenic concentrations in unpelletized poultry house waste. Arsenic concentrations in PBF, the source of which is less clear than for PPHW, were approximately a factor of 5 times lower than those in PPHW, with a mean concentration of 4.1 ppm. The pelletization and sale of these biological waste fertilizers present new pathways of exposure to arsenic in consumer populations who would otherwise not come into contact with these wastes. Arsenic exposures in humans resulting from use of these fertilizer pellets should be quantified to avoid potential unintended negative consequences of managing wastes through pelletization.

  19. [Effect of smoking on weight and cardiopulmonary capacities in young athletes].

    PubMed

    Packa-Tchissambou, B; Oniangue, R; Massamba, A; Babela, J R; Makanga, M; Senga, P

    2001-01-01

    The aim of the study was to determine wether smokers practising sports have reduced weight, if recuperation time after moderate exercise and maximal aerobic power were lowered. Thousand young soldiers [50 smokers (S), 50 no smokers (NS)] averaging 24 years in age were studied. The subjects performed to exhaustion on Ruffier test, then a maximal exercise with Cooper test. Several biometrical and physiological parameters were evaluated: weight (W), percent of body fat (PBF), body mass index (BMI), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and recuperation index (RI). Kinetics of heart rate (HR) were studied for 7 min considering time constant (1 min) and delay for recovery. The smokers showed significant differences for W (p < 0.001), PBF (p < 0.05), VO2 max (p < 0.01) and recuperation index (p < 0.001). Maximal aerobic power were 45.8 +/- 2.7 and 50.3 +/- 3.2 ml/kg/min for S and NS, and RI were 7.5 +/- 0.9 (S) and 5.0 +/- 1 (NS). figure 1 shows that HR recovery of S has generally two components: the first was fast, the second was a slone none. The smokers who presented a great dependence to tobacco smoking had a significant lower RI (p < 0.001) as those subjects with little tobacco dependence (Table 5). The smokers had lower values of VO2 max, and there exists a tobacco dependence difference. Recuperation time for the aerobically well trained S subjects was more rapid during the lactic phase. Note that correlations obtained between the VO2 max and RI were significant (r = - 0.788; p < 0.05). The smokers and no smokers differences are discussed with reference to nicotinemia effects and the sympathetic-parasympathetic unbatance of influences. The comparison of smokers groups concerning cardiovascular data led to suppose that there exists a tobacco dependence difference in regards of the catecholaminergic sensitivity. In conclusion, this study showed that smoker practising a physical activity have a reduced weight, a higher recuperation time and an anaerobic limitation influenced by the state of tobacco dependence.

  20. Mechanical and Fatigue Properties of Additively Manufactured Metallic Materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yadollahi, Aref

    This study aims to investigate the mechanical and fatigue behavior of additively manufactured metallic materials. Several challenges associated with different metal additive manufacturing (AM) techniques (i.e. laser-powder bed fusion and direct laser deposition) have been addressed experimentally and numerically. Experiments have been carried out to study the effects of process inter-layer time interval--i.e. either building the samples one-at-a-time or multi-at-a-time (in-parallel)--on the microstructural features and mechanical properties of 316L stainless steel samples, fabricated via a direct laser deposition (DLD). Next, the effect of building orientation--i.e. the orientation in which AM parts are built--on microstructure, tensile, and fatigue behaviors of 17-4 PH stainless steel, fabricated via a laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF) method was investigated. Afterwards, the effect of surface finishing--here, as-built versus machined--on uniaxial fatigue behavior and failure mechanisms of Inconel 718 fabricated via a laser-powder bed fusion technique was sought. The numerical studies, as part of this dissertation, aimed to model the mechanical behavior of AM materials, under monotonic and cyclic loading, based on the observations and findings from the experiments. Despite significant research efforts for optimizing process parameters, achieving a homogenous, defect-free AM product--immediately after fabrication--has not yet been fully demonstrated. Thus, one solution for ensuring the adoption of AM materials for application should center on predicting the variations in mechanical behavior of AM parts based on their resultant microstructure. In this regard, an internal state variable (ISV) plasticity-damage model was employed to quantify the damage evolution in DLD 316L SS, under tensile loading, using the microstructural features associated with the manufacturing process. Finally, fatigue behavior of AM parts has been modeled based on the crack-growth concept. Using the FASTRAN code, the fatigue-life of L-PBF Inconel 718 was accurately calculated using the size and shape of process-induced voids in the material. In addition, the maximum valley depth of the surface profile was found to be an appropriate representative of the initial surface flaw for fatigue-life prediction of AM materials in an as-built surface condition.

  1. The calorimeter system of the new muon g-2 experiment at Fermilab

    DOE PAGES

    Alonzi, L. P.; Anastasi, A.; Bjorkquist, R.; ...

    2015-12-02

    The electromagnetic calorimeter for the new muon ( g–2) experiment at Fermilab will consist of arrays of PbF 2 Cerenkov crystals read out by large-area silicon photo-multiplier (SiPM) sensors. Here, we report here the requirements for this system, the achieved solution and the results obtained from a test beam using 2.0–4.5 GeV electrons with a 28-element prototype array.

  2. A 5-mm piezo-scanning fiber device for high speed ultrafast laser microsurgery

    PubMed Central

    Ferhanoglu, Onur; Yildirim, Murat; Subramanian, Kaushik; Ben-Yakar, Adela

    2014-01-01

    Towards developing precise microsurgery tools for the clinic, we previously developed image-guided miniaturized devices using low repetition rate amplified ultrafast lasers for surgery. To improve the speed of tissue removal while reducing device diameter, here we present a new 5-mm diameter device that delivers high-repetition rate laser pulses for high speed ultrafast laser microsurgery. The device consists of an air-core photonic bandgap fiber (PBF) for the delivery of high energy pulses, a piezoelectric tube actuator for fiber scanning, and two aspheric lenses for focusing the light. Its inline optical architecture provides easy alignment and substantial size reduction to 5 mm diameter as compared to our previous MEMS-scanning devices while realizing improved intensity squared (two-photon) lateral and axial resolutions of 1.16 μm and 11.46 μm, respectively. Our study also sheds light on the maximum pulse energies that can be delivered through the air-core PBF and identifies cladding damage at the input facet of the fiber as the limiting factor. We have achieved a maximum energy delivery larger than 700 nJ at 92% coupling efficiency. An in depth analysis reveals how this value is greatly affected by possible slight misalignments of the beam during coupling and the measured small beam pointing fluctuations. In the absence of these imperfections, self-phase modulation becomes the limiting factor for the maximum energy delivery, setting the theoretical upper bound to near 2 μJ for a 1-m long, 7-μm, air-core PBF. Finally, the use of a 300 kHz repetition rate fiber laser enabled rapid ablation of 150 µm x 150 µm area within only 50 ms. Such ablation speeds can now allow the surgeons to translate the surgery device as fast as ~4 mm/s to continuously remove a thin layer of a 150 µm wide tissue. Thanks to a high optical transmission efficiency of the in-line optical architecture of the device and improved resolution, we could successfully perform ablation of scarred cheek pouch tissue, drilling through a thin slice. With further development, this device can serve as a precise and high speed ultrafast laser scalpel in the clinic. PMID:25071946

  3. America Makes: National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute (NAMII) Project 1: Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) of Complex Metallic Additive Manufactured (AM) Structures

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-06-01

    layer-by-layer manufacturing of a component by using PBF processes is accompanied by the establishment of a unidirectional heat transfer along the build...direction. Because grain growth during solidification preferably occurs in the opposite direction of heat transfer , the formation of elongated...development and deployment of phased array technology.[69] Phased array ultrasonic (PAUT) sensors use multiple elements instead of a single element

  4. Performance evaluation of a dynamic telepathology system (Panoptiq™) in the morphologic assessment of peripheral blood film abnormalities.

    PubMed

    Goswami, R; Pi, D; Pal, J; Cheng, K; Hudoba De Badyn, M

    2015-06-01

    The study evaluated the performance of a dynamic imaging telepathology system (Panoptiq(™) ) as a diagnostic aid to the identification of peripheral blood film (PBF) abnormalities. The study assumed a laboratory personnel working in a clinical laboratory were operating the telepathology system to seek diagnostic opinion from an external consulting hematopathologist. The study examined 100 blood films, encompassing 23 different hematological diseases, reactive or normal cases. The study revealed that with real-time image transmission in live scanning mode of operation, the telepathology system was able to aid reviewers in achieving excellent accuracy, that is correct interpretation of morphologic abnormalities obtained in 83/84 of the hematologic diseases and 12/12 of the reactive/normal conditions (Sensitivity: 0.99; Specificity: 1.00). In contrast, when only saved static images in digital capture mode of operation were reviewed remotely, interpretative omissions occurred in 8/84 of the hematologic diseases and 0/12 of the reactive/normal conditions (Sensitivity: 0.91; Specificity: 1.00). It is hypothesized that real-time operator-reviewer communication during live scanning played an important role in the identification of key morphologic abnormalities for review. Our study showed the Panoptiq system can be adopted reliably as a dynamic telepathology tool in aiding community laboratories in the triage of PBF cases for external diagnostic consultation. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  5. Obesity and motor coordination ability in Taiwanese children with and without developmental coordination disorder.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Yi-Ching; Wu, Sheng K; Cairney, John

    2011-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between obesity and motor coordination ability in Taiwanese children with and without developmental coordination disorder (DCD). 2029 children (1078 boys, 951 girls) aged nine to ten years were chosen randomly from 14 elementary schools across Taiwan. We used bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure percentage of body fat (PBF) and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children test (MABC test) to evaluate the motor coordination ability. Using cut-off points based on PBF from past studies, boys and girls were divided into obese, overweight and normal-weight groups, respectively. In boys, total impairment scores and scores on balance subtest in the MABC were significantly higher in the obese and overweight groups when compared against the normal-weight group. Girls in the obese and the overweight groups had higher balance impairment scores than those of the normal-weight group. Among boys, the prevalence of obesity was highest in the DCD group, when compared to the borderline DCD and TD boys. A higher percentage of DCD girls were overweight and obese than TD girls. Obesity may be associated with poor motor coordination ability among boys and girls, and particularly in relation to balance ability. Children with DCD may have a higher risk to be overweight or obese in Taiwan. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Pyyromethene-BF2 Complexes as Laser Dyes

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-05-24

    pyrromethene S1 state via exciplex formation, a pro- cess well known for polyamines [20], was not incompatible with the available information... exciplex formation [21]. Strong fluorescence in a bidentate BF 2 complex with nitrogen and/or oxygen atoms as ligand term’ini was afforded by P-BF2...M. Gordon and W. R. Ware, Eds., "The Exciplex ," Academic Press, New York, 1975. [21] M. E. Huston, K. W. Haider, and A. W. Czarnik, J. Amer. Chem. Soc

  7. Oxide glass used as inorganic template for fluorescent fluoride nanoparticles synthesis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mortier, Michel; Patriarche, Gilles

    2006-09-01

    We report an original way to synthesise single-crystal PbF 2 nanoparticles by selective chemical attack of a bulk nanocomposite oxyfluoride glass-ceramic. Free of impurities and homogeneously doped with Er 3+ ions, the particles are of narrow size dispersion around 15 nm and weakly aggregated. The nanocrystallites emit a very intense green and blue up conversion fluorescence after infrared excitation. The doping level and the size of the particles is finely driven through the precursor glass-ceramic synthesis and composition.

  8. Are high energy proton beams ideal for AB-BNCT? A brief discussion from the viewpoint of fast neutron contamination control.

    PubMed

    Lee, Pei-Yi; Liu, Yuan-Hao; Jiang, Shiang-Huei

    2014-06-01

    High energy proton beam (>8MeV) is favorable for producing neutrons with high yield. However, the produced neutrons are of high energies. These high energy neutrons can cause severe fast neutron contamination and degrade the BNCT treatment quality if they are not appropriately moderated. Hence, this study aims to briefly discuss the issue, from the viewpoint of fast neutron contamination control, whether high energy proton beam is ideal for AB-BNCT or not. In this study, D2O, PbF4, CaF2, and Fluental(™) were used standalone as moderator materials to slow down 1-, 6-, and 10-MeV parallelly incident neutrons. From the calculated results, we concluded that neutrons produced by high energy proton beam could not be easily moderated by a single moderator to an acceptable contamination level and still with reasonable epithermal neutron beam intensity. Hence, much more complicated and sophisticated designs of beam shaping assembly have to be developed when using high energy proton beams. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Supervised filters for EEG signal in naturally occurring epilepsy forecasting.

    PubMed

    Muñoz-Almaraz, Francisco Javier; Zamora-Martínez, Francisco; Botella-Rocamora, Paloma; Pardo, Juan

    2017-01-01

    Nearly 1% of the global population has Epilepsy. Forecasting epileptic seizures with an acceptable confidence level, could improve the disease treatment and thus the lifestyle of the people who suffer it. To do that the electroencephalogram (EEG) signal is usually studied through spectral power band filtering, but this paper proposes an alternative novel method of preprocessing the EEG signal based on supervised filters. Such filters have been employed in a machine learning algorithm, such as the K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), to improve the prediction of seizures. The proposed solution extends with this novel approach an algorithm that was submitted to win the third prize of an international Data Science challenge promoted by Kaggle contest platform and the American Epilepsy Society, the Epilepsy Foundation, National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Mayo Clinic. A formal description of these preprocessing methods is presented and a detailed analysis in terms of Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve and Area Under ROC curve is performed. The obtained results show statistical significant improvements when compared with the spectral power band filtering (PBF) typical baseline. A trend between performance and the dataset size is observed, suggesting that the supervised filters bring better information, compared to the conventional PBF filters, as the dataset grows in terms of monitored variables (sensors) and time length. The paper demonstrates a better accuracy in forecasting when new filters are employed and its main contribution is in the field of machine learning algorithms to develop more accurate predictive systems.

  10. Supervised filters for EEG signal in naturally occurring epilepsy forecasting

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    Nearly 1% of the global population has Epilepsy. Forecasting epileptic seizures with an acceptable confidence level, could improve the disease treatment and thus the lifestyle of the people who suffer it. To do that the electroencephalogram (EEG) signal is usually studied through spectral power band filtering, but this paper proposes an alternative novel method of preprocessing the EEG signal based on supervised filters. Such filters have been employed in a machine learning algorithm, such as the K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), to improve the prediction of seizures. The proposed solution extends with this novel approach an algorithm that was submitted to win the third prize of an international Data Science challenge promoted by Kaggle contest platform and the American Epilepsy Society, the Epilepsy Foundation, National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Mayo Clinic. A formal description of these preprocessing methods is presented and a detailed analysis in terms of Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve and Area Under ROC curve is performed. The obtained results show statistical significant improvements when compared with the spectral power band filtering (PBF) typical baseline. A trend between performance and the dataset size is observed, suggesting that the supervised filters bring better information, compared to the conventional PBF filters, as the dataset grows in terms of monitored variables (sensors) and time length. The paper demonstrates a better accuracy in forecasting when new filters are employed and its main contribution is in the field of machine learning algorithms to develop more accurate predictive systems. PMID:28632737

  11. PM trend study for the 1998 - 2012 period: Impact of Transport and Petroleum-based Fuels in Santiago Chile

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Castillo, M. A.; Jhun, I.; Moreno, F.; Oyola, P.; Koutrakis, P.

    2013-05-01

    Santiago is the capital city of Chile and the combination of adverse climatic and geographical conditions, a continuously growing vehicle fleet, and an increasing number of industries, has made Santiago one of the most polluted cities in South America, and has been declared saturated zone for PM10 since 1996. Although there have been important reductions in the PM emissions due the implementation of the "Atmospheric Prevention and Decontamination Plan for the Metropolitan Region" (PPDA) however the efforts have not been enough to meet the actual standards. Currently is approved a standard for PM2.5, where the annual average is 20 μg/m3 and daily average 24 hr is 50 μg/m3. One of the PM2.5 sources are the traffic emission and one of the measures targeted in PPDA has been to regulate this source. In the last 20 years two of the main interventions have been the elimination of Lead in gasoline (2001) and the steadily reduced diesel sulfur content from 5,000 to 50 ppm. In this study we analyzed 14 years of PM2.5 mass and species concentration time's series, from April 1998 to August 2012, elemental chemical analysis was made for approximately 60% of samples using XRF technique at DRI Lab (USA). One of the objectives is evaluate the impact of fuel-related interventions and petroleum-based fuels (PBFs) sales. When was analyzed de lead concentration we found that is present in the environment despite of that was eliminated of gasoline 20 years ago. We analyzed the impact of diesel sulfur on ambient sulfur content, and was constructed a model to verify the relationship between ambient sulfur and diesel sulfur content after controlling for other covariates. The relation between ambient concentration and diesel content sulfur is linear, when the reduction of sulfur in diesel was from 1500 to 50 ppm the concentration decreased from 1.59 to 1.08 μg/m3. To determinate the impact of PBFs sales (gasoline, kerosene, petroleum) on PM2.5 concentration, we estimated PM2.5 regression model for PBF sales. In PM2.5 trend was observed an increase in 2005-2008 period ; when the PBF sales were included in the regression model, the concentration of PM2.5 was mitigated (2005-2008), this results indicates that if the PBF sales not had risen in this period the concentration of PM2.5 would not have increased as much.

  12. Luminescent hybrid materials based on (8-hydroxyquinoline)-substituted metal-organic complexes and lead-borate glasses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Petrova, Olga B.; Anurova, Maria O.; Akkuzina, Alina A.; Saifutyarov, Rasim R.; Ermolaeva, Ekaterina V.; Avetisov, Roman I.; Khomyakov, Andrew V.; Taydakov, Ilya V.; Avetissov, Igor Ch.

    2017-07-01

    Novel luminescent organic-inorganic hybrid materials based on 8-hydroxyquinoline metal complexes (Liq, Kq, Naq, Rbq, Mgq2, Srq2, Znq2, Scq3, Alq3, Gaq3, and Inq3) have been synthesized by a high temperature exchange reaction with 80PbF2-20B2O3 inorganic low-melting glass. The mechanical and optical properties, transmission spectra, emission an excitation photoluminescence, and luminescence kinetic of hybrid materials were studied. All hybrid materials showed a wide luminescence band in the range 400-700 nm.

  13. Comparison of Insect Kinin Analogs With cis-Peptide Bond Motif 4-Aminopyroglutamate Identifies Optimal Stereochemistry for Diuretic Activity

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-01-01

    Amino acid side-chain-protecting groups were Pbf for Arg and Boc for Trp. The coupling of Fmoc-4-amino- pyroglutamic acids (Fmoc-aPy-OH, Fmoc-apy-OH...Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 88:1–7, 2007. Keywords: 4-aminopyroglutamic acid ; cis-peptide bond; b-turn mimetic; constrained insect kinin analog...analogs containing three stereochemical var- iants of the (2S, 4S)-4-aminopyroglutamic acid (APy) com- ponent (see Figure 1), a mimic of the cis-peptide

  14. Protocol for the evaluation of a quality-based pay for performance scheme in Liberia.

    PubMed

    Bawo, Luke; Leonard, Kenneth L; Mohammed, Rianna

    2015-01-13

    Improving the quality of care at hospitals is a key next step in rebuilding Liberia's health system. In order to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of care at the secondary hospital level, the country is developing a system to upgrade health worker skills and competencies, and shifting towards improved provider accountability for results, including a Graduate Medical Residency Program (GMRP) and provider accountability for improvements in quality through performance-based financing (PBF) at the hospital level. This document outlines the protocol for the impact evaluation of the hospital improvement program. The evaluation will provide an estimate of the impact of the project and investigate the mechanism for success in a way that can provide general lessons about the quality of health care in low-income countries. The evaluation aims 1) to provide the best possible estimate of program impact and 2) to quantitatively describe the changes that took place within facilities as a result of the program. In particular, the impact evaluation focuses on the changes in human resources within the hospitals. As such, we use a three-period intensive evaluation of treated and matched comparison hospitals to see how services change in treated hospitals as well as a continuous data collection effort to track the activities of individual health workers within treated hospitals. We are particularly interested in understanding how facilities met quality targets. Did they bring in new health workers with higher qualifications? Did they improve the knowledge or competence of their existing staff? Did they improve the availability of medicines and equipment so that the capacities of existing health workers were improved? Did they address the motivation of health workers so that individuals with the same competence and capacity were able to provide higher quality? And, if they did improve quality, did patients notice?

  15. Blockade of renal medullary bradykinin B2 receptors increases tubular sodium reabsorption in rats fed a normal-salt diet

    PubMed Central

    Sivritas, Sema-Hayriye; Ploth, David W.; Fitzgibbon, Wayne R.

    2008-01-01

    The present study was performed to test the hypothesis that under normal physiological conditions and/or during augmentation of kinin levels, intrarenal kinins act on medullary bradykinin B2 (BKB2) receptors to acutely increase papillary blood flow (PBF) and therefore Na+ excretion. We determined the effect of acute inner medullary interstitial (IMI) BKB2 receptor blockade on renal hemodynamics and excretory function in rats fed either a normal (0.23%)- or a low (0.08%)-NaCl diet. For each NaCl diet, two groups of rats were studied. Baseline renal hemodynamic and excretory function were determined during IMI infusion of 0.9% NaCl into the left kidney. The infusion was then either changed to HOE-140 (100 μg·kg−1·h−1, treated group) or maintained with 0.9% NaCl (time control group), and the parameters were again determined. In rats fed a normal-salt diet, HOE-140 infusion decreased left kidney Na+ excretion (urinary Na+ extraction rate) and fractional Na+ excretion by 40 ± 5% and 40 ± 4%, respectively (P < 0.01), but did not alter glomerular filtration rate, inner medullary blood flow (PBF), or cortical blood flow. In rats fed a low-salt diet, HOE-140 infusion did not alter renal regional hemodynamics or excretory function. We conclude that in rats fed a normal-salt diet, kinins act tonically via medullary BKB2 receptors to increase Na+ excretion independent of changes in inner medullary blood flow. PMID:18632797

  16. The Effective Hamiltonian for the Ground State of 207Pb19F and New Measurements of the Fine Structure Spectrum Near 1.2 μ m.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mawhorter, Richard; Murphey, Benjamin; Baum, Alexander; Sears, Trevor J.; Yang, T. Zh.; Rupasinghe, P. M.; McRaven, C. P.; Shafer-Ray, N. E.; Alphei, Lukas D.; Grabow, Jens-Uwe.

    2011-06-01

    We have measured rotational transitions in the ground, X_1 ^2Π1/2, electronic state of naturally occuring isotopomers of PbF in a supersonic free jet Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. The data for 207Pb19F is particularly interesting because it is a candidate for a future experimental e-EDM measurement. To fit the data for this species to the measurement precision, the nuclear spin-spin dipolar interaction and a second term that can be equivalently viewed as a centrifugal distortion correction to the familiar Frosch and Foley hyperfine coupling terms, or an Ω- dependent correction to the nuclear spin-rotational coupling are required, in addition to the standard terms. To characterize the higher X_2 ^2Π3/2 component of the ground state of PbF, we are attempting a direct measurement of transitions between the two components in a slit jet-cooled sample using a frequency comb-referenced extended cavity diode laser. This spectrum was originally detected in a hot source by Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy, but low-J transitions were unresolved at that time. Acknowledgments: Work at Brookhaven National Laboratory was carried out under Contract No. DE-AC02-98CH10886 with the U.S. Department of Energy. Work by N. E. Shafer-Ray was performed with support from the National Science Foundatation award NSF-0855431. J.-U. Grabow ackonwledges funding from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and the Land Niedersachsen. K. Ziebarth, K. Setzer, O. Shestakov and E. Fink J. Molec. Spectrosc. 191, 108 1998.

  17. The Effect of Aerobic or Aerobic-Strength Exercise on Body Composition and Functional Capacity in Patients with BMI ≥35 after Bariatric Surgery: a Randomized Control Trial.

    PubMed

    Hassannejad, Alireza; Khalaj, Alireza; Mansournia, Mohammad Ali; Rajabian Tabesh, Mastaneh; Alizadeh, Zahra

    2017-11-01

    Although previous studies suggested that bariatric surgery is the most effective and sustainable treatment method for morbid obesity in long term, but without changing in lifestyle, maintaining optimal weight loss is almost impossible. Sixty morbid obese patients (BMI ≥ 35) were evaluated before and after 12 weeks of bariatric surgery in order to compare the impact of two different exercise programs on body composition and functional capacity outcomes. Participants were divided into three groups: aerobic (A), aerobic-strength (AS), and control (C) group. Aerobic capacity was assessed with 12-min walk-run test (12MWRT). One-repetition maximum (1RM) test was performed to evaluation upper limb muscle strength. Lower extremity functional capacity was assessed by sit-to-stand test. Weight, percent body fat (PBF), and fat mass (FM) reduced greater in the trial groups in comparison to the C group (P < 0.05). In the AS group, the reduction of fat-free mass (FFM) was significantly lower than that in the other groups. Mean changes in 12MWRT increased significantly in the intervention groups. The mean change in the sit-to-stand scores was not statistically significant between the three groups. Comparing the intervention groups showed that mean changes in 1RM variables increased in AS group (P = 0.03). The data suggests a positive effect of exercise on weight and PBF decrease after surgery, and it leads to significant improvement on aerobic capacity. Moreover, doing resisted exercise caused greater preserving of lean mass.

  18. [Telephone support for breastfeeding by primary care: a randomised multicentre trial].

    PubMed

    Balaguer Martínez, Josep Vicent; Valcarce Pérez, Inmaculada; Esquivel Ojeda, Jessica Noelia; Hernández Gil, Alicia; Martín Jiménez, María Del Pilar; Bernad Albareda, Mercè

    2018-03-22

    To evaluate a telephone support programme for mothers who breastfeed for the first 6 months. A randomised unmasked clinical trial was conducted in 5 urban Primary Care centres that included mothers with healthy newborns who were breastfeeding exclusively (EBF) or partially (PBF). The control group received the usual care. The intervention group also received telephone support for breastfeeding on a weekly basis for the first 2months and then every 2weeks until the sixth month. The type of breastfeeding was recorded in the usual check-up visit (1, 2, 4 and 6 months). The study included 193 patients in the intervention group, and 187 in a control group. The greatest increase in the percentage of EBF was observed at 6 months: 21.4% in the control group compared to 30.1% in the intervention group. However, in the adjusted odds ratios analysis, confidence intervals did not show statistical significance. The odds ratio at 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months for EBF were 1.45 (0.91-2.31), 1.35 (0.87-2.08), 1.21 (0.80-1.81), and 1.58 (0.99-2.53), respectively. The odds ratio in the same age groups for any type of breastfeeding (EBF + PBF) were 1.65 (0.39-7.00), 2.08 (0.94-4.61), 1.37 (0.79-2.38), and 1.60 (0.98-2.61), respectively. Telephone intervention was not effective enough to generalise it. Copyright © 2018. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U.

  19. Heterogeneity of pulmonary perfusion as a mechanistic image-based phenotype in emphysema susceptible smokers.

    PubMed

    Alford, Sara K; van Beek, Edwin J R; McLennan, Geoffrey; Hoffman, Eric A

    2010-04-20

    Recent evidence suggests that endothelial dysfunction and pathology of pulmonary vascular responses may serve as a precursor to smoking-associated emphysema. Although it is known that emphysematous destruction leads to vasculature changes, less is known about early regional vascular dysfunction which may contribute to and precede emphysematous changes. We sought to test the hypothesis, via multidetector row CT (MDCT) perfusion imaging, that smokers showing early signs of emphysema susceptibility have a greater heterogeneity in regional perfusion parameters than emphysema-free smokers and persons who had never smoked (NS). Assuming that all smokers have a consistent inflammatory response, increased perfusion heterogeneity in emphysema-susceptible smokers would be consistent with the notion that these subjects may have the inability to block hypoxic vasoconstriction in patchy, small regions of inflammation. Dynamic ECG-gated MDCT perfusion scans with a central bolus injection of contrast were acquired in 17 NS, 12 smokers with normal CT imaging studies (SNI), and 12 smokers with subtle CT findings of centrilobular emphysema (SCE). All subjects had normal spirometry. Quantitative image analysis determined regional perfusion parameters, pulmonary blood flow (PBF), and mean transit time (MTT). Mean and coefficient of variation were calculated, and statistical differences were assessed with one-way ANOVA. MDCT-based MTT and PBF measurements demonstrate globally increased heterogeneity in SCE subjects compared with NS and SNI subjects but demonstrate similarity between NS and SNI subjects. These findings demonstrate a functional lung-imaging measure that provides a more mechanistically oriented phenotype that differentiates smokers with and without evidence of emphysema susceptibility.

  20. Multi-scale Microstructure Characterization for Improved Understanding of Microstructure-Property Relationship in Additive Manufacturing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Song, Hye Yun

    Additive manufacturing (AM) is the process for making 3-D objects by adding materials layer by layer. It can result in a marked reduction of the time and cost associated with designing and producing highly complex parts. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in machine hardware and control software for process development to achieve dimensional accuracy and mitigate defects. On the other hand, the knowledge on microstructure-property relationship in the additively manufactured builds is still being established. In additive manufacturing, the interactions between the heat source and the material lead to a series of physical phenomena including localized heating, melting, solidification and micro-segregation, and cooling. Far-from-equilibrium microstructure can form as the material experiences a large number of repeated, rapid heating and cooling cycles (i.e. temperature gyrations) during depositions. The mechanical properties of additively manufactured parts are significantly influenced by their final microstructure. The overarching goal of the present research is to improve the fundamental understanding of microstructure-property relationship for AM parts. Specially, it is investigated the high-temperature creep strength of InconelRTM 718 (abbreviated as IN718 thereafter) fabricated by laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF) AM. The specific objectives include (1) effect of support on the local microstructure, (2) microstructure evolution during post-built heat treatment, and (3) creep strength. Detailed microstructure characterization is performed using a multitude of tools including micro-hardness mapping, scanning electron microscope (SEM) along with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) for selected area diffraction (SAD) analysis and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The characterized microstructure is correlated to the mechanical properties. Highlights of the research findings are discussed in the following. A support is a "temporary" structure typically built in-situ with the primary part to provide the structural support to the mass of overhanging features; it is subsequently removed after fabrication. During the building process, the existence of such support can affect the local heat flow from the build to the substrate, which in turn may influence the local microstructure. The first objective of this research is to develop a fundamental understanding of the effect of the support on the microstructure fabricated by L-PBF AM. Two groups of as-built samples, with support and without support, are studied. SEM along with EBSD is used to analyze the microstructure characteristics including the growth of the microstructures, the fraction of different microstructure and the misorientation among the microstructure grains. At the nano-scale resolution, TEM is used to identify the precipitate phases. In addition, the micro-hardness values are also measured for samples built with and without support. As a precipitation-strengthened alloy, the heat treatment is critical for IN718, since the desired mechanical properties, such as high-temperature tensile and creep strength, are only acquired by the formation of the strengthening precipitates, namely gamma' prime and gamma''. Currently, the industrial standards for the heat treatment of IN718 are developed for cast and wrought cases and not specifically for AM builds. Thus, it is essential to evaluate the effect of the heat treatment on the formation of the strengthening precipitates in IN718 builds fabricated by L-PBF AM, which is the focus of the second objective. Particularly, a modification to the industry standard heat treatment is developed to maximize the fraction of the strengthening precipitates in the IN718 builds. The microstructural characterizations are performed for several modified heat treatment cases including a homogenization step, solution annealing step and aging step. The micro-hardness values are measured for as-built conditions and several heat-treated conditions including the modified homogenization, solution anneal and aging steps. Finally, the oxidation behavior during the heat treatment is also discussed and compared to that for a piece of actual cast. The third objective of the present study is the evaluation of the mechanical properties of heat-treated IN718 builds produced by L-PBF AM. Particularly, creep test are performed to quantify the mechanical properties of the heat-treated IN718 builds. The creep samples are heat-treated using the following condition: homogenization at 1100 °C for 2 hours followed by air cooling (AC), and aging at 760 °C for 10 hours also followed by AC. For the creep test, the samples are loaded at a constant stress (690 MPa or 100 ksi) at 649 °C (1200 °F) in accordance to Aerospace Material Standards (AMS) 5663. The creep rate of the heat-treated AM sample is compared with the literature data for wrought cases. The relationship of creep strength to the characteristic of the microstructures in the heat-treated IN718 builds is discussed. In summary, the research results provide insights into the microstructure-creep-strength relationship for IN718 fabricated by additive manufacturing. Particularly, a modified post-built heat treatment is developed to maximize the formation of strengthening precipitates and achieve large grains in IN718, resulting in a markedly higher creep strength when compared to the literature data for wrought cases. Taken as a whole, the new knowledge generated in this dissertation is essential to ensure the performance of additively manufactured parts in structural applications.

  1. Computer-Based Methods for Thermodynamic Analysis of Materials Processing.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-11-30

    metallic alloys (12,13), silicides (14),and oxynitride * . systems (15). - . 2. Thermochemical System Employed to Characterize Binary Ill-V Phase Diagrams The...reference to Figure I shows that the stable form of RbF is the sodium chloride S form. Table I shows that OGH -oS -RFRFLS-RFRFLM-12866-.381T J/g.at. (5...KF, BF=(I/3)8aF LF-(I/4)LaF3V PF-(113)PbF 2 S- Sodium Chloride Structures Stable form of NF, KE, RE and (;F L-Liquid, M-Stable form of ZF, KeStable form

  2. Distal Insertions of the Biceps Femoris

    PubMed Central

    Branch, Eric A.; Anz, Adam W.

    2015-01-01

    Background: Avulsion of the biceps femoris from the fibula and proximal tibia is encountered in clinical practice. While the anatomy of the primary posterolateral corner structures has been qualitatively and quantitatively described, a quantitative analysis regarding the insertions of the biceps femoris on the fibula and proximal tibia is lacking. Purpose: To quantitatively assess the insertions of the biceps femoris, fibular collateral ligament (FCL), and anterolateral ligament (ALL) on the fibula and proximal tibia as well as establish relationships among these structures and to pertinent surgical anatomy. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Dissections were performed on 12 nonpaired, fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens identifying the biceps femoris, FCL, and ALL, and their insertions on the proximal tibia and fibula. The footprint areas, orientations, and distances from relevant osseous landmarks were measured using a 3-dimensional coordinate measurement device. Results: Dissection produced 6 easily identifiable and reproducible anatomic footprints. Tibial footprints included the insertion of the ALL and an insertion of the biceps femoris (TBF). Fibular footprints included the insertion of the FCL, a distal insertion of the biceps femoris (DBF), a medial footprint of the biceps femoris (MBF), and a proximal footprint of the biceps femoris (PBF). The mean area of these footprints (95% CI) was as follows: ALL, 53.0 mm2 (38.4-67.6); TBF, 93.9 mm2 (72.0-115.8); FCL, 86.8 mm2 (72.3-101.2); DBF, 119 mm2 (91.1-146.9); MBF, 46.8 mm2 (29.0-64.5); and PBF, 215 mm2 (192.4-237.5). The mean distance (95% CI) from the Gerdy tubercle to the center of the ALL footprint was 24.3 mm (21.6-27.0) and to the center of the TBF was 22.5 mm (21.0-24.0). The center of the DBF was 8.68 mm (7.0-10.3) from the anterior border of the fibula, the center of the FCL was 14.6 mm (12.5-16.7) from the anterior border of the fibula and 20.7 mm (19.0-22.4) from the tip of the fibular styloid, and the center of the PBF was 8.96 mm (8.2-9.7) from the tip of the fibular styloid. Conclusion: A tibial footprint, distal fibular footprint, medial fibular footprint, and proximal fibular footprint were all consistent components of the insertion of the biceps femoris. Consistent relationships existed between the biceps femoris and insertions of the ALL and FCL. Clinical Relevance: The size of these footprints and distances from pertinent surgical landmarks will guide repairs of biceps femoris avulsion injuries. PMID:26535398

  3. Cherenkov radiation-based three-dimensional position-sensitive PET detector: A Monte Carlo study.

    PubMed

    Ota, Ryosuke; Yamada, Ryoko; Moriya, Takahiro; Hasegawa, Tomoyuki

    2018-05-01

    Cherenkov radiation has recently received attention due to its prompt emission phenomenon, which has the potential to improve the timing performance of radiation detectors dedicated to positron emission tomography (PET). In this study, a Cherenkov-based three-dimensional (3D) position-sensitive radiation detector was proposed, which is composed of a monolithic lead fluoride (PbF 2 ) crystal and a photodetector array of which the signals can be readout independently. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to estimate the performance of the proposed detector. The position- and time resolution were evaluated under various practical conditions. The radiator size and various properties of the photodetector, e.g., readout pitch and single photon timing resolution (SPTR), were parameterized. The single photon time response of the photodetector was assumed to be a single Gaussian for the simplification. The photo detection efficiency of the photodetector was ideally 100% for all wavelengths. Compton scattering was included in simulations, but partly analyzed. To estimate the position at which a γ-ray interacted in the Cherenkov radiator, the center-of-gravity (COG) method was employed. In addition, to estimate the depth-of-interaction (DOI) principal component analysis (PCA), which is a multivariate analysis method and has been used to identify the patterns in data, was employed. The time-space distribution of Cherenkov photons was quantified to perform PCA. To evaluate coincidence time resolution (CTR), the time difference of two independent γ-ray events was calculated. The detection time was defined as the first photon time after the SPTR of the photodetector was taken into account. The position resolution on the photodetector plane could be estimated with high accuracy, by using a small number of Cherenkov photons. Moreover, PCA showed an ability to estimate the DOI. The position resolution heavily depends on the pitch of the photodetector array and the radiator thickness. If the readout pitch were ideally 0 and practically 3 mm, a full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of 0.348 and 1.92 mm was achievable with a 10-mm-thick PbF 2 crystal, respectively. Furthermore, first-order correlation could be observed between the primary principal component and the true DOI. To obtain a coincidence timing resolution better than 100-ps FWHM with a 20-mm-thick PbF 2 crystal, a photodetector with SPTR of better than σ = 30 ps was necessary. From these results, the improvement of SPTR allows us to achieve CTR better than 100-ps FWHM, even in the case where a 20-mm-thick radiator is used. Our proposed detector has the potential to estimate the 3D interaction position of γ-rays in the radiator, using only time and space information of Cherenkov photons. © 2018 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

  4. Mechanochemical synthesis, structure and properties of lead containing alkaline earth metal fluoride solid solutions MxPb1-xF2 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Heise, M.; Scholz, G.; Düvel, A.; Heitjans, P.; Kemnitz, E.

    2018-03-01

    The paper deals with the mechanochemical synthesis of lead containing alkaline earth metal fluoride solid solutions MxPb1-xF2 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) by high-energy ball milling. Several metal precursors and fluorinating agents were tested for synthesizing M0.5Pb0.5F2. Metal acetates and ammonium fluoride as precursors show the most promising results and were therefore used for the formation of MxPb1-xF2 with different metal cationic ratios. The characterization of the local fluorine coordination and the crystal structure was performed by 19F MAS NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Additional calculations of 19F chemical shifts using the superposition model allow a deeper insight into the local structure of the compounds. The fluoride ion conductivity was followed by temperature dependent DC conductivity measurements. Significantly higher conductivities were found in comparison with those of the corresponding binary fluorides. The highest values were observed for samples with high lead content M0.25Pb0.75F2, bearing in mind the much higher conductivity of PbF2 compared to MF2.

  5. Determinants of stunting and severe stunting among Burundian children aged 6-23 months: evidence from a national cross-sectional household survey, 2014.

    PubMed

    Nkurunziza, Sandra; Meessen, Bruno; Van Geertruyden, Jean-Pierre; Korachais, Catherine

    2017-07-25

    Burundi is one of the poorest countries and is among the four countries with the highest prevalence of stunting (58%) among children aged less than 5 years. This situation undermines the economic growth of the country as undernutrition is strongly associated with less schooling and reduced economic productivity. Identifying the determinants of stunting and severe stunting may help policy-makers to direct the limited Burundian resources to the most vulnerable segments of the population, and thus make it more cost effective. This study aimed to identify predictors of stunting and severe stunting among children aged less than two years in Burundi. The sample is made up of 6199 children aged 6 to 23 months with complete anthropometric measurements from the baseline survey of an impact evaluation study of the Performance-Based financing (PBF) scheme applied to nutrition services in Burundi from 2015 to 2017. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine stunting and severe stunting against a set of child, parental and household variables such as child's age or breastfeeding pattern, mother's age or knowledge of malnutrition, household size or socio-economic status. The prevalence of stunting and severe stunting were 53% [95%CI: 51.8-54.3] and 20.9% [95%CI: 19.9-22.0] respectively. Compared to children from 6-11 months, children of 12-17 months and 18-23 months had a higher risk of stunting (AdjOR:2.1; 95% CI: 1.8-2.4 and 3.2; 95% CI: 2.8-3.7). Other predictors for stunting were small babies (AdjOR=1.5; 95% CI: 1.3-1.7 for medium-size babies at birth and AdjOR=2.9; 95% CI: 2.4-3.6 for small-size babies at birth) and male children (AdjOR=1.5, 95% CI: 1.4-1.8). In addition, having no education for mothers (AdjOR=1.6; 95% CI: 1.2-2.1), incorrect mothers' child nutrition status assessment (AdjOR=3.3; 95% CI: 2.8-4), delivering at home (AdjOR=1.4; 95% CI: 1.2-1.6) were found to be predictors for stunting. More than to 2 under five children in the household (AdjOR=1.45; 95% CI: 1.1-1.9 for stunting and AdjOR= 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2-1.9 for severe stunting) and wealth were found to be predictors for both stunting and severe stunting. The factors associated with stunting were found to be applicable for severe stunting as well. Mother's education level, mother's knowledge about child nutrition status assessment and health facility delivery were predictors of child stunting. Our study confirms that stunting and severe stunting is in Burundi, as elsewhere, a multi-sectorial problem. Some determinants relate to the general development of Burundi: education of girls, poverty, and food security; will be addressed by a large array of actions. Some others relate to the health sector and its performance - we think in particular of the number of children under five in the household (birth spacing), the relationship with the health center and the knowledge of the mother on malnutrition. Our findings confirm that the Ministry of Health and its partners should strive for better performing and holistic nutrition services: they can contribute to better nutrition outcomes.

  6. Feasibility of quantification of the distribution of blood flow in the normal human fetal circulation using CMR: a cross-sectional study.

    PubMed

    Seed, Mike; van Amerom, Joshua F P; Yoo, Shi-Joon; Al Nafisi, Bahiyah; Grosse-Wortmann, Lars; Jaeggi, Edgar; Jansz, Michael S; Macgowan, Christopher K

    2012-11-26

    We present the first phase contrast (PC) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) measurements of the distribution of blood flow in twelve late gestation human fetuses. These were obtained using a retrospective gating technique known as metric optimised gating (MOG). A validation experiment was performed in five adult volunteers where conventional cardiac gating was compared with MOG. Linear regression and Bland Altman plots were used to compare MOG with the gold standard of conventional gating. Measurements using MOG were then made in twelve normal fetuses at a median gestational age of 37 weeks (range 30-39 weeks). Flow was measured in the major fetal vessels and indexed to the fetal weight. There was good correlation between the conventional gated and MOG measurements in the adult validation experiment (R=0.96). Mean flows in ml/min/kg with standard deviations in the major fetal vessels were as follows: combined ventricular output (CVO) 540 ± 101, main pulmonary artery (MPA) 327 ± 68, ascending aorta (AAo) 198 ± 38, superior vena cava (SVC) 147 ± 46, ductus arteriosus (DA) 220 ± 39,pulmonary blood flow (PBF) 106 ± 59,descending aorta (DAo) 273 ± 85, umbilical vein (UV) 160 ± 62, foramen ovale (FO)107 ± 54. Results expressed as mean percentages of the CVO with standard deviations were as follows: MPA 60 ± 4, AAo37 ± 4, SVC 28 ± 7, DA 41 ± 8, PBF 19 ± 10, DAo50 ± 12, UV 30 ± 9, FO 21 ± 12. This study demonstrates how PC CMR with MOG is a feasible technique for measuring the distribution of the normal human fetal circulation in late pregnancy. Our preliminary results are in keeping with findings from previous experimental work in fetal lambs.

  7. Using an Alternate Reality Game to Increase Physical Activity and Decrease Obesity Risk of College Students

    PubMed Central

    Johnston, Jeanne D.; Massey, Anne P.; Marker-Hoffman, Rickie Lee

    2012-01-01

    Background This quasi-experimental study investigated a game intervention—specifically, an alternate reality game (ARG)—as a means to influence college students’ physical activity (PA). An ARG is an interactive narrative that takes place in the real world and uses multiple media to reveal a story. Method Three sections of a college health course (n = 115 freshman students) were assigned either to a game group that played the ARG or to a comparison group that learned how to use exercise equipment in weekly laboratory sessions. Pre- and post-intervention measures included weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat (PBF), and self-reported moderate physical activity (MPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA), and PA (steps/week). Results A significant group x time interaction (p = .001) was detected for PA, with a significant increase in PA for the game (p < .001) versus a significant decrease (p = .001) for the comparison group. Significant within-group increases for weight (p = .001), BMI (p = .001), and PBF (p = .001) were detected. A significant group x time interaction (p = .001) was detected when analyzing self-reported VPA, with both groups reporting decreases in VPA over time; however, the decrease was only significant for the comparison group (p < .001). No significant group differences were found for MPA. Conclusions It is important that any intervention meet the needs and interests of its target population. Here, the ARG was designed in light of the learning preferences of today’s college students—collaborative and social, experiential and media-rich. Our results provide preliminary evidence that a game intervention can positively influence PA within the college student population. PMID:22920809

  8. Open lung approach vs acute respiratory distress syndrome network ventilation in experimental acute lung injury.

    PubMed

    Spieth, P M; Güldner, A; Carvalho, A R; Kasper, M; Pelosi, P; Uhlig, S; Koch, T; Gama de Abreu, M

    2011-09-01

    Setting and strategies of mechanical ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in acute lung injury (ALI) remains controversial. This study compares the effects between lung-protective mechanical ventilation according to the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Network recommendations (ARDSnet) and the open lung approach (OLA) on pulmonary function and inflammatory response. Eighteen juvenile pigs were anaesthetized, mechanically ventilated, and instrumented. ALI was induced by surfactant washout. Animals were randomly assigned to mechanical ventilation according to the ARDSnet protocol or the OLA (n=9 per group). Gas exchange, haemodynamics, pulmonary blood flow (PBF) distribution, and respiratory mechanics were measured at intervals and the lungs were removed after 6 h of mechanical ventilation for further analysis. PEEP and mean airway pressure were higher in the OLA than in the ARDSnet group [15 cmH(2)O, range 14-18 cmH(2)O, compared with 12 cmH(2)O; 20.5 (sd 2.3) compared with 18 (1.4) cmH(2)O by the end of the experiment, respectively], and OLA was associated with improved oxygenation compared with the ARDSnet group after 6 h. OLA showed more alveolar overdistension, especially in gravitationally non-dependent regions, while the ARDSnet group was associated with more intra-alveolar haemorrhage. Inflammatory mediators and markers of lung parenchymal stress did not differ significantly between groups. The PBF shifted from ventral to dorsal during OLA compared with ARDSnet protocol [-0.02 (-0.09 to -0.01) compared with -0.08 (-0.12 to -0.06), dorsal-ventral gradients after 6 h, respectively]. According to the OLA, mechanical ventilation improved oxygenation and redistributed pulmonary perfusion when compared with the ARDSnet protocol, without differences in lung inflammatory response.

  9. Effects of parents' employment status on changes in body mass index and percent body fat in adolescent girls.

    PubMed

    Lee, Sunmin; Young, Deborah Rohm; Pratt, Charlotte A; Jobe, Jared B; Chae, Soo Eun; McMurray, Robert G; Johnson, Carolyn C; Going, Scott B; Elder, John P; Stevens, June

    2012-12-01

    Parents' employment status is frequently cited as a possible predictor of child weight status. Despite the importance of the topic, only a few studies have been conducted. No longitudinal studies have been conducted in the United States. A cohort of 1201 girls from the Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls was used. Height, weight, and percent body fat (PBF) were measured at the 6th and 8th grades. Parents' employment status (measured at 6th grade) was categorized into working full time (reference), part time, unemployed, working or staying at home, and don't know. Mixed-model regression was used to reflect the hierarchical design of our study and adjusted for age, race, parents' education level, free or reduced-price school lunch status, and living arrangement. Girls whose mothers worked part time or stayed at home had a decreased risk of excess weight gain [relative risk (RR) = 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88, 1.00; RR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.79, 1.00, respectively] compared to girls whose mothers worked full time. Girls whose fathers were unemployed had a moderately increased risk of excess weight gain (RR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.00, 1.26) compared to girls whose fathers worked full time. Having an unemployed mother or part-time or stay-at-home father was not associated with excess weight gain. Parents' employment status was not associated with excess PBF gain. Our findings suggest that the availability of the mother has a greater influence on the weight of the daughter than the availability of the father. There is a need for a better understanding of how parents' employment status influences excess weight gain in adolescent girls.

  10. Endothelin-1 stimulates catalase activity through the PKCδ mediated phosphorylation of Serine 167

    PubMed Central

    Rafikov, Ruslan; Kumar, Sanjiv; Aggarwal, Saurabh; Hou, Yali; Kangath, Archana; Pardo, Daniel; Fineman, Jeffrey R.; Black, Stephen M.

    2013-01-01

    Our previous studies have shown that endothelin-1 (ET-1) stimulates catalase activity in endothelial cells and lambs with acute increases in pulmonary blood flow (PBF), without altering gene expression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism by which this occurs. Exposing pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAEC) to ET-1 increased catalase activity and decreased cellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels. These changes correlated with an increase in serine phosphorylated catalase. Using the inhibitory peptide δV1.1, this phosphorylation was shown to be PKCδ dependent. Mass spectrometry identified serine167 as the phosphorylation site. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to generate a phospho-mimic (S167D) catalase. Activity assays using recombinant protein purified from E.coli or transiently transfected COS-7 cells, demonstrated that S167D-catalase had an increased ability to degrade H2O2 compared to the wildtype enzyme. Using a phospho-specific antibody, we were able to verify that pS167 catalase levels are modulated in lambs with acute increases in PBF in the presence and absence of the ET receptor antagonist, tezosentan. S167 is being located on the dimeric interface suggesting it could be involved in regulating the formation of catalase tetramers. To evaluate this possibility we utilized analytical gel-filtration to examine the multimeric structure of recombinant wildtype- and S167D-catalase. We found that recombinant wildtype catalase was present as a mixture of monomers and dimers while S167D catalase was primarily tetrameric. Further, the incubation of wildtype catalase with PKCδ was sufficient to convert wildtype catalase into a tetrameric structure. In conclusion, this is the first report indicating that the phosphorylation of catalase regulates its multimeric structure and activity. PMID:24211614

  11. Effects of Parents' Employment Status on Changes in Body Mass Index and Percent Body Fat in Adolescent Girls

    PubMed Central

    Young, Deborah Rohm; Pratt, Charlotte A.; Jobe, Jared B.; Chae, Soo Eun; McMurray, Robert G.; Johnson, Carolyn C.; Going, Scott B.; Elder, John P.; Stevens, June

    2012-01-01

    Abstract Background Parents' employment status is frequently cited as a possible predictor of child weight status. Despite the importance of the topic, only a few studies have been conducted. No longitudinal studies have been conducted in the United States. Methods A cohort of 1201 girls from the Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls was used. Height, weight, and percent body fat (PBF) were measured at the 6th and 8th grades. Parents' employment status (measured at 6th grade) was categorized into working full time (reference), part time, unemployed, working or staying at home, and don't know. Mixed-model regression was used to reflect the hierarchical design of our study and adjusted for age, race, parents' education level, free or reduced-price school lunch status, and living arrangement. Results Girls whose mothers worked part time or stayed at home had a decreased risk of excess weight gain [relative risk (RR)=0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88, 1.00; RR=0.89, 95% CI 0.79, 1.00, respectively] compared to girls whose mothers worked full time. Girls whose fathers were unemployed had a moderately increased risk of excess weight gain (RR=1.13, 95% CI 1.00, 1.26) compared to girls whose fathers worked full time. Having an unemployed mother or part-time or stay-at-home father was not associated with excess weight gain. Parents' employment status was not associated with excess PBF gain. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the availability of the mother has a greater influence on the weight of the daughter than the availability of the father. There is a need for a better understanding of how parents' employment status influences excess weight gain in adolescent girls. PMID:23181918

  12. Using an alternate reality game to increase physical activity and decrease obesity risk of college students.

    PubMed

    Johnston, Jeanne D; Massey, Anne P; Marker-Hoffman, Rickie Lee

    2012-07-01

    This quasi-experimental study investigated a game intervention--specifically, an alternate reality game (ARG)--as a means to influence college students' physical activity (PA). An ARG is an interactive narrative that takes place in the real world and uses multiple media to reveal a story. Three sections of a college health course (n = 115 freshman students) were assigned either to a game group that played the ARG or to a comparison group that learned how to use exercise equipment in weekly laboratory sessions. Pre- and post-intervention measures included weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat (PBF), and self-reported moderate physical activity (MPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA), and PA (steps/week). A significant group x time interaction (p = .001) was detected for PA, with a significant increase in PA for the game (p < .001) versus a significant decrease (p = .001) for the comparison group. Significant within-group increases for weight (p = .001), BMI (p = .001), and PBF (p = .001) were detected. A significant group x time interaction (p = .001) was detected when analyzing self-reported VPA, with both groups reporting decreases in VPA over time; however, the decrease was only significant for the comparison group (p < .001). No significant group differences were found for MPA. It is important that any intervention meet the needs and interests of its target population. Here, the ARG was designed in light of the learning preferences of today's college students--collaborative and social, experiential and media-rich. Our results provide preliminary evidence that a game intervention can positively influence PA within the college student population. © 2012 Diabetes Technology Society.

  13. Composition dependent structural and optical properties of PbF₂-TeO₂-B₂O₃-Eu₂O₃ glasses.

    PubMed

    Wagh, Akshatha; Raviprakash, Y; Upadhyaya, Vyasa; Kamath, Sudha D

    2015-12-05

    Boric oxide based quaternary glasses in the system PbF2-TeO2-B2O3-Eu2O3 have been prepared by melt quenching technique. Density, molar volume, FTIR, UV-Vis techniques were used to probe the structural modifications with incorporation of europium ions in the glass network. An increase in glass density & decrease in molar volume (Vm) values proved the structural changes occurring in coordination of boron atom [conversion of BO3 units to BO4]. This resulted in the increase of the compaction of the prepared glasses with increase in Eu2O3 contents. The amorphous natures of the samples were ascertained by XRD and metallization criterion (M) studies. XPS study showed the values of core-level binding energy [O1s, Eu3d, Eu4d, Te3d, Te4d, Pd4f, Pb5d, O1s, and F1s] of (PbF2-TeO2-B2O3-Eu2O3) the glass matrix. The frequency and temperature dependence of dielectric properties of present glasses were investigated in the frequency range of 1 Hz-10 MHz and temperature range of 313-773K. The study of dielectric measurements proved good insulating and thermal stability of the prepared glasses. At room temperature, dielectric loss [tanδ] values were negligibly small for prepared glasses and increased with increase in temperature. FTIR spectroscopy results were in good agreement with optical band energy gap, density, molar volume and hardness values revealing network modifications caused by europium ions in the glass structure. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Cenozoic intraplate tectonics in Central Patagonia: Record of main Andean phases in a weak upper plate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gianni, G. M.; Echaurren, A.; Folguera, A.; Likerman, J.; Encinas, A.; García, H. P. A.; Dal Molin, C.; Valencia, V. A.

    2017-11-01

    Contraction in intraplate areas is still poorly understood relative to similar deformation at plate margins. In order to contribute to its comprehension, we study the Patagonian broken foreland (PBF) in South America whose evolution remains controversial. Time constraints of tectonic events and structural characterization of this belt are limited. Also, major causes of strain location in this orogen far from the plate margin are enigmatic. To unravel tectonic events, we studied the Cenozoic sedimentary record of the central sector of the Patagonian broken foreland (San Bernardo fold and thrust belt, 44°30‧S-46°S) and the Andes (Meseta de Chalia, 46°S) following an approach involving growth-strata detection, U-Pb geochronology and structural modeling. Additionally, we elaborate a high resolution analysis of the effective elastic thickness (Te) to examine the relation between intraplate contraction location and variations in lithospheric strength. The occurrence of Eocene growth-strata ( 44-40 Ma) suggests that contraction in the Andes and the Patagonian broken foreland was linked to the Incaic phase. Detection of synextensional deposits suggests that the broken foreland collapsed partially during Oligocene to early Miocene. During middle Miocene times, the Quechua contractional phase produced folding of Neogene volcanic rocks and olistostrome deposition at 17 Ma. Finally, the presented Te map shows that intraplate contraction related to Andean phases localized preferentially along weak lithospheric zones (Te < 15 km). Hence, the observed strain distribution in the PBF appears to be controlled by lateral variations in the lithospheric strength. Variations in this parameter could be related to thermo-mechanical weakening produced by intraplate rifting in Paleozoic-Mesozoic times.

  15. Household costs and time to seek care for pregnancy related complications: The role of results-based financing.

    PubMed

    Chinkhumba, Jobiba; De Allegri, Manuela; Mazalale, Jacob; Brenner, Stephan; Mathanga, Don; Muula, Adamson S; Robberstad, Bjarne

    2017-01-01

    Results-based financing (RBF) schemes-including performance based financing (PBF) and conditional cash transfers (CCT)-are increasingly being used to encourage use and improve quality of institutional health care for pregnant women in order to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in low-income countries. While there is emerging evidence that RBF can increase service use and quality, little is known on the impact of RBF on costs and time to seek care for obstetric complications, although the two represent important dimensions of access. We conducted this study to fill the existing gap in knowledge by investigating the impact of RBF (PBF+CCT) on household costs and time to seek care for obstetric complications in four districts in Malawi. The analysis included data on 2,219 women with obstetric complications from three waves of a population-based survey conducted at baseline in 2013 and repeated in 2014(midline) and 2015(endline). Using a before and after approach with controls, we applied generalized linear models to study the association between RBF and household costs and time to seek care. Results indicated that receipt of RBF was associated with a significant reduction in the expected mean time to seek care for women experiencing an obstetric complication. Relative to non-RBF, time to seek care in RBF areas decreased by 27.3% (95%CI: 28.4-25.9) at midline and 34.2% (95%CI: 37.8-30.4) at endline. No substantial change in household costs was observed. We conclude that the reduced time to seek care is a manifestation of RBF induced quality improvements, prompting faster decisions on care seeking at household level. Our results suggest RBF may contribute to timely emergency care seeking and thus ultimately reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in beneficiary populations.

  16. Correlation Functions and Glass Structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chergui, Y.; Nehaoua, N.; Telghemti, B.; Guemid, S.; Deraddji, N. E.; Belkhir, H.; Mekki, D. E.

    2011-04-01

    This work presents the use of molecular dynamics (MD) and the code of Dl Poly, in order to study the structure of fluoride glass after melting and quenching. We are realized the processing phase liquid-phase, simulating rapid quenching at different speeds to see the effect of quenching rate on the operation of the devitrification. This technique of simulation has become a powerful tool for investigating the microscopic behaviour of matter as well as for calculating macroscopic observable quantities. As basic results, we calculated the interatomic distance, angles and statistics, which help us to know the geometric form and the structure of PbF2. These results are in experimental agreement to those reported in literature.

  17. Case Management of Severe Malaria - A Forgotten Practice: Experiences from Health Facilities in Uganda

    PubMed Central

    Achan, Jane; Tibenderana, James; Kyabayinze, Daniel; Mawejje, Henry; Mugizi, Rukaaka; Mpeka, Betty; Talisuna, Ambrose; D'Alessandro, Umberto

    2011-01-01

    Introduction Severe malaria is a life-threatening medical emergency and requires prompt and effective treatment to prevent death. There is paucity of published information on current practices of severe malaria case management in sub-Saharan Africa; we evaluated the management practices for severe malaria in Ugandan health facilities Methods and Findings We did a cross sectional survey, using multi-stage sampling methods, of health facilities in 11 districts in the eastern and mid-western parts of Uganda. The study instruments were adapted from the WHO hospital care assessment tools. Between June and August 2009, 105 health facilities were surveyed and 181 health workers and 868 patients/caretakers interviewed. None of the inpatient facilities had all seven components of a basic care package for the management of severe malaria consistently available during the 3 months prior to the survey. Referral practices were appropriate for <10% (18/196) of the patients. Prompt care at any health facility was reported by 29% (247/868) of patients. Severe malaria was correctly diagnosed in 27% of patients (233).Though the quinine dose and regimen was correct in the majority (611/868, 70.4%) of patients, it was administered in the correct volumes of 5% dextrose in only 18% (147/815). Most patients (80.1%) had several doses of quinine administered in one single 500 ml bottle of 5% dextrose. Medications were purchased by 385 (44%) patients and medical supplies by 478 patients (70.6%). Conclusions Management of severe malaria in Ugandan health facilities was sub-optimal. These findings highlight the challenges of correctly managing severe malaria in resource limited settings. Priority areas for improvement include triage and emergency care, referral practises, quality of diagnosis and treatment, availability of medicines and supplies, training and support supervision. PMID:21390301

  18. Nitric oxide alterations following acute ductal constriction in the fetal lamb: a role for superoxide

    PubMed Central

    Hsu, Jong-Hau; Oishi, Peter; Wiseman, Dean A.; Hou, Yali; Chikovani, Omar; Datar, Sanjeev; Sajti, Eniko; Johengen, Michael J.; Harmon, Cynthia; Black, Stephen M.

    2010-01-01

    Acute partial compression of the fetal ductus arteriosus (DA) results in an initial abrupt increase in pulmonary blood flow (PBF), which is followed by a significant reduction in PBF to baseline values over the ensuing 2–4 h. We have previously demonstrated that this potent vasoconstricting response is due, in part, to an endothelin-1 (ET-1)-mediated decrease in nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity. In addition, in vitro data demonstrate that ET-1 increases superoxide levels in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells and that oxidative stress alters NOS activity. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the potential role of superoxide in the alterations of hemodynamics and NOS activity following acute ductal constriction in the late-gestation fetal lamb. Eighteen anesthetized near-term fetal lambs were instrumented, and a lung biopsy was performed. After a 48-h recovery, acute constriction of the DA was performed by inflating a vascular occluder. Polyethylene glycol-superoxide dismutase (PEG-SOD; 1,000–1,500 units/kg, n = 7) or PEG-alone (vehicle control group, n = 5) was injected into the pulmonary artery before ductal constriction. Six animals had a sham operation. In PEG-alone-treated lambs, acute ductal constriction rapidly decreased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) by 88%. However, by 4 h, PVR returned to preconstriction baseline. This vasoconstriction was associated with an increase in lung superoxide levels (82%), a decrease in total NOS activity (50%), and an increase in P-eNOS-Thr495 (52%) (P < 0.05). PEG-SOD prevented the increase of superoxide after ductal constriction, attenuated the vasoconstriction, preserved NOS activity, and increased P-eNOS Ser1177 (307%, P < 0.05). Sham procedure induced no changes. These data suggest that an acute decrease in NOS activity that is mediated, in part, by increased superoxide levels, and alterations in the phosphorylation status of the endothelial NOS isoform, underlie the pulmonary vascular response to acute ductal constriction. PMID:20363848

  19. Tracking urban carbon footprints from production and consumption perspectives

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, Jianyi; Hu, Yuanchao; Cui, Shenghui; Kang, Jiefeng; Ramaswami, Anu

    2015-05-01

    Cities are hotspots of socio-economic activities and greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of this study was to extend the research range of the urban carbon footprint (CF) to cover emissions embodied in products traded among regions and intra-city sectors. Using Xiamen City as a study case, the total urban-related emissions were evaluated, and the carbon flows among regions and intra-city sectors were tracked. Then five urban CF accountings were evaluated, including purely geographic accounting (PGA), community-wide infrastructure footprint (CIF), and consumption-based footprint (CBF) methods, as well as the newly defined production-based footprint (PBF) and purely production footprint (PPF). Research results show that the total urban-related emissions of Xiamen City in 2010 were 55.2 Mt CO2e/y, of which total carbon flow among regions or intra-city sectors accounted for 53.7 Mt CO2e/y. Within the total carbon flow, import and export respectively accounted for 59 and 65%, highlighting the importance of emissions embodied in trade. By regional trade balance, North America and Europe were the largest net carbon exported-to regions, and Mainland China and Taiwan the largest net carbon imported-from regions. Among intra-sector carbon flows, manufacturing was the largest emission-consuming sector of the total urban carbon flow, accounting for 77.4, and 98% of carbon export was through industrial products trade. By the PBF, PPF, CIF, PGA and CBF methods, the urban CFs were respectively 53.7 Mt CO2e/y, 44.8 Mt CO2e/y, 28.4 Mt CO2e/y, 23.7 Mt CO2e/y, and 19.0 Mt CO2e/y, so all of the other four CFs were higher than the CBF. All of these results indicate that urban carbon mitigation must consider the supply chain management of imported goods, the production efficiency within the city, the consumption patterns of urban consumers, and the responsibility of the ultimate consumers outside the city.

  20. Household costs and time to seek care for pregnancy related complications: The role of results-based financing

    PubMed Central

    Chinkhumba, Jobiba; De Allegri, Manuela; Mazalale, Jacob; Brenner, Stephan; Mathanga, Don; Muula, Adamson S.; Robberstad, Bjarne

    2017-01-01

    Results-based financing (RBF) schemes–including performance based financing (PBF) and conditional cash transfers (CCT)-are increasingly being used to encourage use and improve quality of institutional health care for pregnant women in order to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in low-income countries. While there is emerging evidence that RBF can increase service use and quality, little is known on the impact of RBF on costs and time to seek care for obstetric complications, although the two represent important dimensions of access. We conducted this study to fill the existing gap in knowledge by investigating the impact of RBF (PBF+CCT) on household costs and time to seek care for obstetric complications in four districts in Malawi. The analysis included data on 2,219 women with obstetric complications from three waves of a population-based survey conducted at baseline in 2013 and repeated in 2014(midline) and 2015(endline). Using a before and after approach with controls, we applied generalized linear models to study the association between RBF and household costs and time to seek care. Results indicated that receipt of RBF was associated with a significant reduction in the expected mean time to seek care for women experiencing an obstetric complication. Relative to non-RBF, time to seek care in RBF areas decreased by 27.3% (95%CI: 28.4–25.9) at midline and 34.2% (95%CI: 37.8–30.4) at endline. No substantial change in household costs was observed. We conclude that the reduced time to seek care is a manifestation of RBF induced quality improvements, prompting faster decisions on care seeking at household level. Our results suggest RBF may contribute to timely emergency care seeking and thus ultimately reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in beneficiary populations. PMID:28934320

  1. Prevention and management of severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia in Afghanistan

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background An evidence-based strategy exists to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality associated with severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (PE/E), but it may be difficult to implement in low-resource settings. This study examines whether facilities that provide emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC) in Afghanistan have the capacity to manage severe PE/E cases. Methods A further analysis was conducted of the 2009–10 Afghanistan EmONC Needs Assessment. Assessors observed equipment and supplies available, and services provided at 78 of the 127 facilities offering comprehensive EmONC services and interviewed 224 providers. The providers also completed a written case scenario on severe PE/E. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize facility and provider characteristics. Student t-test, one-way ANOVA, and chi-square tests were performed to determine whether there were significant differences between facility types, doctors and midwives, and trained and untrained providers. Results The median number of severe PE/E cases in the past year was just 5 (range 0–42) at comprehensive health centers (CHCs) and district hospitals, compared with 44 (range 0–130) at provincial hospitals and 108 (range 32–540) at regional and specialized hospitals (p < 0.001). Most facilities had the drugs and supplies needed to treat severe PE/E, including the preferred anticonvulsant, magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). One-third of the smallest facilities and half of larger facilities reported administering a second-line drug, diazepam, in some cases. In the case scenario, 96% of doctors and 89% of midwives recognized that MgSO4 should be used to manage severe PE/E, but 42% of doctors and 58% of midwives also thought diazepam had a role to play. Providers who were trained on the use of MgSO4 scored significantly higher than untrained providers on six of 20 items in the case scenario. Providers at larger facilities significantly outscored those at smaller facilities on five items. There was a significant difference between doctors and midwives on only one item: continued use of anti-hypertensives after convulsions are controlled. Conclusions Drugs and supplies needed to treat severe PE/E are widely available at EmONC facilities in Afghanistan, but providers lack knowledge in some areas, especially concerning the use of MgSO4 and diazepam. Providers who have specialized training or work at larger facilities are better at managing cases of severe PE/E. The findings suggest a need to clarify service delivery guidelines, offer refresher training, and reinforce best practices with supervision and reinforcement. PMID:24119329

  2. Prevention and management of severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia in Afghanistan.

    PubMed

    Kim, Young Mi; Ansari, Nasratullah; Kols, Adrienne; Tappis, Hannah; Currie, Sheena; Zainullah, Partamin; Bailey, Patricia; van Roosmalen, Jos; Stekelenburg, Jelle

    2013-10-12

    An evidence-based strategy exists to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality associated with severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (PE/E), but it may be difficult to implement in low-resource settings. This study examines whether facilities that provide emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC) in Afghanistan have the capacity to manage severe PE/E cases. A further analysis was conducted of the 2009-10 Afghanistan EmONC Needs Assessment. Assessors observed equipment and supplies available, and services provided at 78 of the 127 facilities offering comprehensive EmONC services and interviewed 224 providers. The providers also completed a written case scenario on severe PE/E. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize facility and provider characteristics. Student t-test, one-way ANOVA, and chi-square tests were performed to determine whether there were significant differences between facility types, doctors and midwives, and trained and untrained providers. The median number of severe PE/E cases in the past year was just 5 (range 0-42) at comprehensive health centers (CHCs) and district hospitals, compared with 44 (range 0-130) at provincial hospitals and 108 (range 32-540) at regional and specialized hospitals (p < 0.001). Most facilities had the drugs and supplies needed to treat severe PE/E, including the preferred anticonvulsant, magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). One-third of the smallest facilities and half of larger facilities reported administering a second-line drug, diazepam, in some cases. In the case scenario, 96% of doctors and 89% of midwives recognized that MgSO4 should be used to manage severe PE/E, but 42% of doctors and 58% of midwives also thought diazepam had a role to play. Providers who were trained on the use of MgSO4 scored significantly higher than untrained providers on six of 20 items in the case scenario. Providers at larger facilities significantly outscored those at smaller facilities on five items. There was a significant difference between doctors and midwives on only one item: continued use of anti-hypertensives after convulsions are controlled. Drugs and supplies needed to treat severe PE/E are widely available at EmONC facilities in Afghanistan, but providers lack knowledge in some areas, especially concerning the use of MgSO4 and diazepam. Providers who have specialized training or work at larger facilities are better at managing cases of severe PE/E. The findings suggest a need to clarify service delivery guidelines, offer refresher training, and reinforce best practices with supervision and reinforcement.

  3. Health worker perspectives on the possible use of intramuscular artesunate for the treatment of severe malaria at lower-level health facilities in settings with poor access to referral facilities in Nigeria: a qualitative study.

    PubMed

    Adesoro, Olatunde; Shumba, Constance; Kpamor, John; Achan, Jane; Kivumbi, Harriet; Dada, John; Maxwell, Kolawole; Tibenderana, James; Marasciulo, Madeline; Hamade, Prudence; Oresanya, Olusola; Nankabirwa, Joanita; Baba, Ebenezer

    2016-10-12

    Innovative strategies are needed to reduce malaria mortality in high burden countries like Nigeria. Given that one of the important reasons for this high malaria mortality is delay in receiving effective treatment, improved access to such treatment is critical. Intramuscular artesunate could be used at lower-level facilities given its proven efficacy, ease of use and excellent safety profile. The objective of this study was therefore to explore health workers' perspectives on the possible use of intramuscular artesunate as definitive treatment for severe malaria at lower-level facilities, especially when access to referral facilities is challenging. The study was to provide insight as a formative step into the conduct of future experimental studies to ascertain the feasibility of the use of intramuscular artesunate for definitive treatment of severe malaria in lower level facilities where access to referral care is limited. This qualitative study was done across three southern States in Nigeria (Oyo, Cross River and Enugu). Key informant interviews were conducted over a period of three months between October and December 2014 among 90 purposively selected health workers with different roles in malaria case management from primary care to policy level. A thematic content analysis was used to analyse data. Overall, most of health workers and other key informant groups thought that the use of intramuscular artesunate for definitive treatment of severe malaria at lower-level facilities was possible. They however reported human resource and infrastructure constraints as factors affecting the feasibility of intramuscular artesunate use as definitive treatment for severe malaria in lower-level facilities.. Specifically identified barriers included limited numbers of skilled health workers available to manage potential complications of severe malaria and poorly equipped facilities for supportive treatment. Intramuscular artesunate was considered easy to administer and the proximity of lower-level facilities to communities was deemed important in considering the possibility of its use at lower-level facilities. Health workers also emphasised the important role of operational research to provide additional evidence to guide the implementation of existing policy recommendations and inform future policy revisions. From the perspective of health workers, use of intramuscular artesunate for definitive treatment of severe malaria at lower-level health facilities in Nigeria is possible but dependent on availability of skilled workers, well-equipped lower-level facilities to provide supportive treatment There is need for further operational research to establish feasibility and guide the implementation of such an intervention.

  4. [Multiply upconversion emission in oxyfluoride ceramics].

    PubMed

    Xiao, Si-guo; Yang, Xiao-liang; Liu, Zhen-wei

    2003-02-01

    Oxyfluoride ceramics with the host composition of SiO2 and PbF2 have been prepared. X-ray diffraction analysis of the ceramics revealed that fluoride type beta-PbF2 solid solution regions are precipitated in the glass matrix. Rare earth ions in the beta-PbF2 solid solution show highly efficient upconversion performance due to the very small multi-phonon relaxation rates. Eight upconversion emission bands whose central wavelength are 846, 803, 665, 549, 523, 487, 456 and 411 nm have been observed when the sample was excited with 930 nm diode light. Four possible energy transfer processes between Er3+ and Yb3+ cause the electronic population of high energy level of Er3+ and realize the abound upconversion luminescence bands.

  5. Genetic polymorphisms in carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A gene are associated with variation in body composition and fasting lipid traits in Yup'ik Eskimos[S

    PubMed Central

    Lemas, Dominick J.; Wiener, Howard W.; O'Brien, Diane M.; Hopkins, Scarlett; Stanhope, Kimber L.; Havel, Peter J.; Allison, David B.; Fernandez, Jose R.; Tiwari, Hemant K.; Boyer, Bert B.

    2012-01-01

    Variants of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A), a key hepatic lipid oxidation enzyme, may influence how fatty acid oxidation contributes to obesity and metabolic outcomes. CPT1A is regulated by diet, suggesting interactions between gene variants and diet may influence outcomes. The objective of this study was to test the association of CPT1A variants with body composition and lipids, mediated by consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Obesity phenotypes and fasting lipids were measured in a cross-sectional sample of Yup'ik Eskimo individuals (n = 1141) from the Center of Alaska Native Health Research (CANHR) study. Twenty-eight tagging CPT1A SNPs were evaluated with outcomes of interest in regression models accounting for family structure. Several CPT1A polymorphisms were associated with HDL-cholesterol and obesity phenotypes. The P479L (rs80356779) variant was associated with all obesity-related traits and fasting HDL-cholesterol. Interestingly, the association of P479L with HDL-cholesterol was still significant after correcting for body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat (PBF), or waist circumference (WC). Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the L479 allele of the CPT1A P479L variant confers a selective advantage that is both cardioprotective (through increased HDL-cholesterol) and associated with reduced adiposity. PMID:22045927

  6. Problem Severity Profiles of Substance Abusing Women in Therapeutic Treatment Facilities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Isralowitz, Richard; Reznik, Alexander

    2009-01-01

    This article aims to examine specific substance use profiles among former Soviet Union (FSU) immigrant and native-born women in Israeli therapeutic treatment facilities. Individuals were sampled at drug treatment facilities and assessed using the Addiction Severity Index. ASI scores suggest differences between the two groups. Among the findings…

  7. Real-Time Dynamic Brake Assessment Proof of Concept Final Report

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lascurain, Mary Beth; Franzese, Oscar; Capps, Gary J

    This proof-of-concept research was performed to explore the feasibility of using real-world braking data from commercial motor vehicles to make a diagnosis of brake condition similar to that of the performance-based brake tester (PBBT). This was done by determining the relationship between pressure and brake force (P-BF), compensating for the gross vehicle weight (GVW). The nature of this P-BF relationship (e.g., low braking force for a given brake application pressure) may indicate brake system problems. In order to determine the relationship between brake force and brake application pressure, a few key parameters of duty cycle information were collected. Because brakingmore » events are often brief, spanning only a few seconds, a sample rate of 10 Hz was needed. The algorithm under development required brake application pressure and speed (from which deceleration was calculated). Accurate weight estimation was also needed to properly derive the braking force from the deceleration. In order to ensure that braking force was the predominant factor in deceleration for the segments of data used in analysis, the data was screened for grade as well. Also, the analysis needed to be based on pressures above the crack pressure. The crack pressure is the pressure below which the individual brakes are not applied due the nature of the mechanical system. This value, which may vary somewhat from one wheel end to another, is approximately 10 psi. Therefore, only pressures 15 psi and above were used in the analysis. The Department of Energy s Medium Truck Duty Cycle research has indicated that under the real-world circumstances of the test vehicle brake pressures of up to approximately 30 psi can be expected. Several different types of data were collected during the testing task of this project. Constant-pressure stopping tests were conducted at several combinations of brake application pressure (15, 20, 25, and 30 psi), load conditions (moderately and fully laden), and speeds (20 and 30 mph). Data was collected at 10 Hz. Standard and stepped-pressure performance-based brake tests with brake pressure transducers were performed for each loading condition. The stepped-pressure test included the constant-pressure intervals of brake application at 15, 20, 25, and 30 psi. The PBBT data files included 10 Hz streaming data collected during the testing of each axle. Two weeks of real-world duty cycle (driving and braking) data was also collected at 10 Hz. Initial analysis of the data revealed that the data collected in the field (i.e., day-to-day operations) provided the same information as that obtained from the controlled tests. Analysis of the data collected revealed a strong linear relationship between brake application pressure and deceleration for given GVWs. As anticipated, initial speed was not found to be a significant factor in the deceleration-pressure relationship, unlike GVW. The positive results obtained from this proof of concept test point to the need for further research to expand this concept. A second phase should include testing over a wider range of speeds and include medium brake application pressures in addition to the low pressures tested in this research. Testing on multiple vehicles would also be of value. This future phase should involve testing to determine how degradation of braking performance affects the pressure-deceleration relationship.« less

  8. Crystal growth and magnetic properties of spinel (Co,Mn)3O4

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kang, Sun Hee; Kim, Ill Won; Jeong, Yoon Hee; Koo, Tae Yeong

    2012-04-01

    Single crystals of cubic and tetragonal spinel Co3-xMnxO4 (x=1.0 and 1.5) were successfully grown using a solvent evaporation method with PbF2 flux. Single crystals in octahedral shape with a size of about 4 mm on edge were obtained from 100 cm3 Pt crucibles. Ferrimagnetic transitions were detected at 170 K and 160 K from the measurements of temperature dependent magnetization and specific heat of Co2MnO4 and Co1.5Mn1.5O4, respectively. Low temperature field-dependent magnetization curves give a strong indication of the non-collinear spin structure, offering an insulating Co3-xMnxO4 system as a possible candidate for examining the multiferroicity.

  9. Gas Sensor Based on Photonic Crystal Fibres in the 2ν3 and ν2 + 2ν3 Vibrational Bands of Methane

    PubMed Central

    Cubillas, Ana M.; Lazaro, Jose M.; Conde, Olga M.; Petrovich, Marco N.; Lopez-Higuera, Jose M.

    2009-01-01

    In this work, methane detection is performed on the 2ν3 and ν2 + 2ν3 absorption bands in the Near-Infrared (NIR) wavelength region using an all-fibre optical sensor. Hollow-core photonic bandgap fibres (HC-PBFs) are employed as gas cells due to their compactness, good integrability in optical systems and feasibility of long interaction lengths with gases. Sensing in the 2ν3 band of methane is demonstrated to achieve a detection limit one order of magnitude better than that of the ν2 + 2ν3 band. Finally, the filling time of a HC-PBF is demonstrated to be dependent on the fibre length and geometry. PMID:22454584

  10. Ho3+ doped fluoroaluminate glass fibers for 2.9 µm lasing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jia, S. J.; Jia, Z. X.; Yao, C. F.; Wang, S. B.; Jiang, H. W.; Zhang, L.; Feng, Y.; Qin, G. S.; Ohishi, Y.; Qin, W. P.

    2018-01-01

    Ho3+ doped fluoroaluminate glass fibers based on chemically durable AlF3-BaF2-YF3-PbF2-MgF2-CaF2 glasses are fabricated by using a rod-in-tube method. By using an 84 cm long Ho3+-doped fluoroaluminate glass fiber as the gain medium and a 1120 nm fiber laser as the pump source, lasing at 2868 nm is obtained, the maximum unsaturated power is about 57 mW for a pump power of 1224 mW, and the corresponding slope efficiency is ~5.1%. The effect of the fiber length on lasing at 2868 nm is also investigated. Our results show that Ho3+-doped fluoroaluminate glass fibers are promising gain media for 2.9 µm laser applications.

  11. Visualization of hydrogen injection in a scramjet engine by simultaneous PLIF imaging and laser holographic imaging

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Anderson, Robert C.; Trucco, Richard E.; Rubin, L. F.; Swain, D. M.

    1992-01-01

    Flowfield characterization has been accomplished for several fuel injector configurations using simultaneous planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) and laser holographic imaging (LHI). The experiments were carried out in the GASL-NASA HYPULSE real gas expansion tube facility, a pulsed facility with steady test times of about 350 microsec. The tests were done at simulated Mach numbers 13.5 and 17. The focus of this paper is on the measurement technologies used and their application in a research facility. The HYPULSE facility, the models used for the experiments, and the setup for the LHI and PLIF measurements are described. Measurement challenges and solutions are discussed. Results are presented for experiments with several fuel injector configurations and several equivalence ratios.

  12. Replication of 6 obesity genes in a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies from diverse ancestries.

    PubMed

    Tan, Li-Jun; Zhu, Hu; He, Hao; Wu, Ke-Hao; Li, Jian; Chen, Xiang-Ding; Zhang, Ji-Gang; Shen, Hui; Tian, Qing; Krousel-Wood, Marie; Papasian, Christopher J; Bouchard, Claude; Pérusse, Louis; Deng, Hong-Wen

    2014-01-01

    Obesity is a major public health problem with a significant genetic component. Multiple DNA polymorphisms/genes have been shown to be strongly associated with obesity, typically in populations of European descent. The aim of this study was to verify the extent to which 6 confirmed obesity genes (FTO, CTNNBL1, ADRB2, LEPR, PPARG and UCP2 genes) could be replicated in 8 different samples (n = 11,161) and to explore whether the same genes contribute to obesity-susceptibility in populations of different ancestries (five Caucasian, one Chinese, one African-American and one Hispanic population). GWAS-based data sets with 1000 G imputed variants were tested for association with obesity phenotypes individually in each population, and subsequently combined in a meta-analysis. Multiple variants at the FTO locus showed significant associations with BMI, fat mass (FM) and percentage of body fat (PBF) in meta-analysis. The strongest association was detected at rs7185735 (P-value = 1.01×10(-7) for BMI, 1.80×10(-6) for FM, and 5.29×10(-4) for PBF). Variants at the CTNNBL1, LEPR and PPARG loci demonstrated nominal association with obesity phenotypes (meta-analysis P-values ranging from 1.15×10(-3) to 4.94×10(-2)). There was no evidence of association with variants at ADRB2 and UCP2 genes. When stratified by sex and ethnicity, FTO variants showed sex-specific and ethnic-specific effects on obesity traits. Thus, it is likely that FTO has an important role in the sex- and ethnic-specific risk of obesity. Our data confirmed the role of FTO, CTNNBL1, LEPR and PPARG in obesity predisposition. These findings enhanced our knowledge of genetic associations between these genes and obesity-related phenotypes, and provided further justification for pursuing functional studies of these genes in the pathophysiology of obesity. Sex and ethnic differences in genetic susceptibility across populations of diverse ancestries may contribute to a more targeted prevention and customized treatment of obesity.

  13. Federal Facilities Programs.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chase, William W.

    Brief descriptions are presented of a number of Office of Education federal funding programs directly supporting educational facilities planning and construction. Programs now in operation and several currently under consideration are pointed out. Consideration is also given to several programs in federal agencies other than the Office of…

  14. In Data We Trust? Comparison of Electronic Versus Manual Abstraction of Antimicrobial Prescribing Quality Metrics for Hospitalized Veterans With Pneumonia.

    PubMed

    Jones, Barbara E; Haroldsen, Candace; Madaras-Kelly, Karl; Goetz, Matthew B; Ying, Jian; Sauer, Brian; Jones, Makoto M; Leecaster, Molly; Greene, Tom; Fridkin, Scott K; Neuhauser, Melinda M; Samore, Matthew H

    2018-07-01

    Electronic health records provide the opportunity to assess system-wide quality measures. Veterans Affairs Pharmacy Benefits Management Center for Medication Safety uses medication use evaluation (MUE) through manual review of the electronic health records. To compare an electronic MUE approach versus human/manual review for extraction of antibiotic use (choice and duration) and severity metrics. Retrospective. Hospitalizations for uncomplicated pneumonia occurring during 2013 at 30 Veterans Affairs facilities. We compared summary statistics, individual hospitalization-level agreement, facility-level consistency, and patterns of variation between electronic and manual MUE for initial severity, antibiotic choice, daily clinical stability, and antibiotic duration. Among 2004 hospitalizations, electronic and manual abstraction methods showed high individual hospitalization-level agreement for initial severity measures (agreement=86%-98%, κ=0.5-0.82), antibiotic choice (agreement=89%-100%, κ=0.70-0.94), and facility-level consistency for empiric antibiotic choice (anti-MRSA r=0.97, P<0.001; antipseudomonal r=0.95, P<0.001) and therapy duration (r=0.77, P<0.001) but lower facility-level consistency for days to clinical stability (r=0.52, P=0.006) or excessive duration of therapy (r=0.55, P=0.005). Both methods identified widespread facility-level variation in antibiotic choice, but we found additional variation in manual estimation of excessive antibiotic duration and initial illness severity. Electronic and manual MUE agreed well for illness severity, antibiotic choice, and duration of therapy in pneumonia at both the individual and facility levels. Manual MUE showed additional reviewer-level variation in estimation of initial illness severity and excessive antibiotic use. Electronic MUE allows for reliable, scalable tracking of national patterns of antimicrobial use, enabling the examination of system-wide interventions to improve quality.

  15. Unsteady loads due to propulsive lift configurations. Part D: The development of an experimental facility for the investigation of scaling effects on propulsive lift configurations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Haviland, J. K.; Herling, W. W.

    1978-01-01

    The design and construction of an experimental facility for the investigation of scaling effects in propulsive lift configurations are described. The facility was modeled after an existing full size NASA facility which consisted of a coaxial turbofan jet engine with a rectangular nozzle in a blown surface configuration. The flow field of the model facility was examined with and without a simulated wing surface in place at several locations downstream of the nozzle exit plane. Emphasis was placed on obtaining pressure measurements which were made with static probes and surface pressure ports connected via plastic tubing to condenser microphones for fluctuating measurements. Several pressure spectra were compared with those obtained from the NASA facility, and were used in a preliminary evaluation of scaling laws.

  16. Evaluation of shielding parameters for heavy metal fluoride based tellurite-rich glasses for gamma ray shielding applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sayyed, M. I.; Lakshminarayana, G.; Kityk, I. V.; Mahdi, M. A.

    2017-10-01

    In this work, we have evaluated the γ-ray shielding parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ), effective atomic number (Zeff), half value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP) and exposure buildup factors (EBF) for heavy metal fluoride (PbF2) based tellurite-rich glasses. In addition, neutron total macroscopic cross sections (∑R) for these glasses were also calculated. The maximum value for μ/ρ, Zeff and ∑R was found for heavy metal (Bi2O3) oxide introduced glass. The results of the selected glasses have been compared, in terms of MFP with different glass systems. The shielding effectiveness of the selected glasses is found comparable or better than of common ones, which indicates that these glasses with suitable oxides could be developed for gamma ray shielding applications.

  17. [A study on the concentration quenching of Tm3+ upconversion luminescence].

    PubMed

    Chen, B; Wang, H; Huang, S

    2001-06-01

    In this work, we have a designation and preparation of MFT glasses for upconversion, the glasses consisted of TeO2 and fluoride: PbF2, AlF3, BaF2, NaF and the impurity Tm2O3. In this glass system the oxide improve forming ability, the fluorides improve the microscopic environment around RE ions in glasses. In this glass host the content of Tm2O3 achieves to 4% mol and crystallization no occurred. A detail study on the concentration quenching of upconversion luminescence for 1G4-->3H6 and 1D2-->3H4 transitions was completed. The experimental results directed that the quenching concentration was 0.6 mol.% and higher 3 times than in other glasses materials. The cross relaxation and mechanism of concentration quenching were discussed.

  18. [A pilot study on pain assessment among elderly with severe dementia
    in residential aged care facilities of Reggio Emilia district].

    PubMed

    Bargellini, Annalisa; Mastrangelo, Stefano; Cervi, Monica; Bagnasco, Michele; Reghizzi, Jlenia; Coriani, Sandra

    2017-01-01

    . A pilot study on pain assessment among elderly with severe dementia in residential aged care facilities of Reggio Emilia district. Despite the availability of pain assessment tools and best practice recommendations for the assessment and management of pain in people with severe dementia, pain in residential aged care facilities is still undetected or misinterpreted. To assess pain prevalence and analgesic load medication in people with severe cognitive impairment admitted to residential aged care facilities of Reggio Emilia (Italy) province. A pilot cross-sectional study was conducted on 84 elderly patients affected by severe dementia and resident in aged care facilities. Pain was assessed with the PAINAD observational scale, both at rest and during routine procedures: positioning in bed, from bed to standing position, from bed to chair or during the medication of a pressure sore (under challenge). 33.4% of patients had pain at rest, mainly mild, and 86.9 % under challenge. During routine interventions, in 64 patients (76.2%) pain increased compared to at rest condition (for 39, 2/3, moderate-severe); although 46 of them were prescribed as-required analgesic medication, none had received the drug. Also patients with analgesics on regular basis experienced more pain during routine procedures. Many patients experienced pain during routine procedures. The regular use of pain assessment tools and adequate training of all healthcare professionals are essential requirements for an effective pain control.

  19. SD46 Facilities and Capabilities

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ramachandran, N.; Curreri, Peter A. (Technical Monitor)

    2002-01-01

    The displays for the Materials Conference presents some of the facilities and capabilities in SD46 that can be useful to a prospective researcher from University, Academia or other government labs. Several of these already have associated personnel as principal and co-investigators on NASA peer reviewed science investigations. 1. SCN purification facility 2. ESL facility 3. Static and Dynamic magnetic field facility 4. Microanalysis facility 5. MSG Investigation - PFMI 6. Thermo physical Properties Measurement Capabilities.

  20. Extreme Environments Capabilities at Glenn Research Center

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Balcerski, Jeffrey; Kremic, Tibor; Arnett, Lori; Vento, Dan; Nakley, Leah

    2016-01-01

    The NASA Glenn Research Center has several facilities that can provide testing for extreme evironments of interest to the New Frontiers community. This includes the Glenn Extreme Enivironments Rig (GEER) which can duplicate the atmospheric chemistry and conditions for the Venus surface or any other planet with a hot environment. GRC also has several cryogenic facilities which have the capability to run with hydrogen atmospheres, hydrocarbon atmosphere, CO2 based atmospheres or nitrogen atmospheres. The cryogenic facilities have the capability to emulate Titan lakes.

  1. Materials and Fuels Complex Tour

    ScienceCinema

    Miley, Don

    2017-12-11

    The Materials and Fuels Complex at Idaho National Laboratory is home to several facilities used for the research and development of nuclear fuels. Stops include the Fuel Conditioning Facility, the Hot Fuel Examination Facility (post-irradiation examination), and the Space and Security Power System Facility, where radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) are assembled for deep space missions.

  2. Facility or Facilities? That is the Question.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Viso, M.

    2018-04-01

    The management of the martian samples upon arrival on the Earth will require a lot of work to ensure a safe life detection and biohazard testing during the quarantine. This will induce a sharing of the load between several facilities.

  3. Aeronautical Facilities Catalogue. Volume 1: Wind Tunnels

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Penaranda, F. E. (Compiler); Freda, M. S. (Compiler)

    1985-01-01

    Domestic and foreign wind tunnel facilities are enumerated and their technical parameters are described. Data pertinent to managers and engineers are presented. Facilities judged comparable in testing capability are noted and grouped together. Several comprehensive cross-indexes and charts are included.

  4. Overview of the NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility aeronautical flight projects

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Meyer, Robert R., Jr.

    1992-01-01

    Several principal aerodynamics flight projects of the NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility are discussed. Key vehicle technology areas from a wide range of flight vehicles are highlighted. These areas include flight research data obtained for ground facility and computation correlation, applied research in areas not well suited to ground facilities (wind tunnels), and concept demonstration.

  5. Shock wave facilities at Pulter Laboratory of SRI international

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Murri, W. J.

    1982-04-01

    Shock wave research in the Poulter Laboratory covers two broad areas: dynamic material response and dynamic structural response. Workers in both areas use common facilities. The Laboratory has several guns and the facilities to perform various types of high explosive loading experiments. The use of these facilities and experimental techniques is illustrated with examples from research projects.

  6. Water quality facility investigation report : final summary of project and evaluation of monitoring plan implementation.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2005-07-05

    The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has installed several stormwater : treatment facilities throughout the State to improve the quality of runoff discharged from : highways. These facilities include a variety of both above ground and below...

  7. Design and performance of SiPM-based readout of PbF 2 crystals for high-rate, precision timing applications

    DOE PAGES

    Kaspar, J.; Fienberg, A. T.; Hertzog, D. W.; ...

    2017-01-11

    Here, we have developed a custom amplifier board coupled to a large-format 16-channel Hamamatsu silicon photomultiplier device for use as the light sensor for the electromagnetic calorimeters in the Muon g-2 experiment at Fermilab. The calorimeter absorber is an array of lead-fluoride crystals, which produces short-duration Cherenkov light. The detector sits in the high magnetic field of the muon storage ring. The SiPMs selected, and their accompanying custom electronics, must preserve the short pulse shape, have high quantum efficiency, be non-magnetic, exhibit gain stability under varying rate conditions, and cover a fairly large fraction of the crystal exit surface area.more » We describe an optimized design that employs the new-generation of thru-silicon via devices. As a result, the performance is documented in a series of bench and beam tests.« less

  8. Visible luminescence of Dy3+ doped PbF2-Li2O-SrO-ZnO-B2O3 glasses for yellow light applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anjaiah, G.; Sasikala, T.; Kistaiah, P.

    2018-05-01

    The present studies on various concentrations of Dy3+ ions doped PLSrZFB glasses were carried out through optical absorption, photoluminescence and decay time measurements. The Judd-Ofelt (JO) intensity parameters Ωλ (λ = 2,4,6) can be utilized to evaluate the emission properties. The decay curves for the 4F9/2 levels have been measured and these turns to non-exponential nature at higher concentrations (> 0.1 mol%) is due to energy transfer between the Dy3+-Dy3+ ions dipole -dipole type through cross relaxation channels. The CIE chromaticity color coordinates were calculated and they were all located within the vicinity of white region of the color coordination diagram. The Inokuti-Hirayama model is used to analyze the energy transfer process and also energy transfer parameters have been calculated and discussed.

  9. Further investigation of g factors for the lead monofluoride ground state

    DOE PAGES

    Skripnikov, L. V.; Petrov, A. N.; Titov, A. V.; ...

    2015-09-15

    We report the results of our theoretical study and analysis of earlier experimental data for the g-factor tensor components of the ground 2II 1/2 state of the free PbF radical. These values obtained both within the relativistic coupled-cluster method combined with the generalized relativistic effective core potential approach and with our fit of the experimental data from [R. J. Mawhorter, B. S. Murphy, A. L. Baum, T. J. Sears, T. Yang, P. M. Rupasinghe, C. P. McRaven, N. E. Shafer-Ray, L. D. Alphei, and J.-U. Grabow, Phys. Rev. A 84, 022508 (2011); A. L. Baum, B.A. thesis, Pomona College, 2011].more » The obtained results agree very well with each other but contradict the previous fit performed in the cited works. Our final prediction for g factors is G ∥=0.081(5),G ⊥=–0.27(1).« less

  10. Further investigation of g factors for the lead monofluoride ground state

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Skripnikov, L. V.; Petrov, A. N.; Titov, A. V.; Mawhorter, R. J.; Baum, A. L.; Sears, T. J.; Grabow, J.-U.

    2015-09-01

    We report the results of our theoretical study and analysis of earlier experimental data for the g -factor tensor components of the ground 2Π1 /2 state of the free PbF radical. The values were obtained both within the relativistic coupled-cluster method combined with the generalized relativistic effective core potential approach and with our fit of the experimental data from [R. J. Mawhorter, B. S. Murphy, A. L. Baum, T. J. Sears, T. Yang, P. M. Rupasinghe, C. P. McRaven, N. E. Shafer-Ray, L. D. Alphei, and J.-U. Grabow, Phys. Rev. A 84, 022508 (2011), 10.1103/PhysRevA.84.022508; A. L. Baum, B.A. thesis, Pomona College, 2011]. The obtained results agree very well with each other but contradict the previous fit performed in the cited works. Our final prediction for g factors is G∥=0.081 (5 ) ,G⊥=-0.27 (1 ) .

  11. Computational Simulation of Thermal and Spattering Phenomena and Microstructure in Selective Laser Melting of Inconel 625

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Özel, Tuğrul; Arısoy, Yiğit M.; Criales, Luis E.

    Computational modelling of Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) processes such as Selective laser Melting (SLM) can reveal information that is hard to obtain or unobtainable by in-situ experimental measurements. A 3D thermal field that is not visible by the thermal camera can be obtained by solving the 3D heat transfer problem. Furthermore, microstructural modelling can be used to predict the quality and mechanical properties of the product. In this paper, a nonlinear 3D Finite Element Method based computational code is developed to simulate the SLM process with different process parameters such as laser power and scan velocity. The code is further improved by utilizing an in-situ thermal camera recording to predict spattering which is in turn included as a stochastic heat loss. Then, thermal gradients extracted from the simulations applied to predict growth directions in the resulting microstructure.

  12. Phenol-quinone tautomerism in (arylazo)naphthols and the analogous Schiff bases: benchmark calculations.

    PubMed

    Ali, S Tahir; Antonov, Liudmil; Fabian, Walter M F

    2014-01-30

    Tautomerization energies of a series of isomeric [(4-R-phenyl)azo]naphthols and the analogous Schiff bases (R = N(CH3)2, OCH3, H, CN, NO2) are calculated by LPNO-CEPA/1-CBS using the def2-TZVPP and def2-QZVPP basis sets for extrapolation. The performance of various density functionals (B3LYP, M06-2X, PW6B95, B2PLYP, mPW2PLYP, PWPB95) as well as MP2 and SCS-MP2 is evaluated against these results. M06-2X and SCS-MP2 yield results close to the LPNO-CEPA/1-CBS values. Solvent effects (CCl4, CHCl3, CH3CN, and CH3OH) are treated by a variety of bulk solvation models (SM8, IEFPCM, COSMO, PBF, and SMD) as well as explicit solvation (Monte Carlo free energy perturbation using the OPLSAA force field).

  13. In-situ material-motion diagnostics and fuel radiography in experimental reactors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    DeVolpi, A.

    1982-01-01

    Material-motion monitoring has become a routine part of in-pile transient reactor-safety experiments. Diagnostic systems, such as the fast-neutron hodoscope, were developed for the purpose of providing direct time-resolved data on pre-failure fuel motion, cladding-breach time and location, and post-failure fuel relocation. Hodoscopes for this purpose have been installed at TREAT and CABRI; other types of imaging systems that have been tested are a coded-aperture at ACRR and a pinhole at TREAT. Diagnostic systems that use penetrating radiation emitted from the test section can non-invasively monitor fuel without damage to the measuring instrument during the radiographic images of test sections installedmore » in the reator. Studies have been made of applications of hodoscopes to other experimental reactors, including PBF, FARET, STF, ETR, EBR-II, SAREF-STF, and DMT.« less

  14. Rare earth-doped lead borate glasses and transparent glass-ceramics: structure-property relationship.

    PubMed

    Pisarski, W A; Pisarska, J; Mączka, M; Lisiecki, R; Grobelny, Ł; Goryczka, T; Dominiak-Dzik, G; Ryba-Romanowski, W

    2011-08-15

    Correlation between structure and optical properties of rare earth ions in lead borate glasses and glass-ceramics was evidenced by X-ray-diffraction, Raman, FT-IR and luminescence spectroscopy. The rare earths were limited to Eu(3+) and Er(3+) ions. The observed BO(3)↔BO(4) conversion strongly depends on the relative PbO/B(2)O(3) ratios in glass composition, giving important contribution to the luminescence intensities associated to (5)D(0)-(7)F(2) and (5)D(0)-(7)F(1) transitions of Eu(3+). The near-infrared luminescence and up-conversion spectra for Er(3+) ions in lead borate glasses before and after heat treatment were measured. The more intense and narrowing luminescence lines suggest partial incorporation of Er(3+) ions into the orthorhombic PbF(2) crystalline phase, which was identified using X-ray diffraction analysis. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. NETL- Severe Environment Corrosion Erosion Facility

    ScienceCinema

    None

    2018-01-16

    NETL's Severe Environment Corrosion Erosion Facility in Albany studies how new and old materials will stand up to new operating conditions. Work done in the lab supports NETL's oxy-fuel combustion oxidation work, refractory materials stability work, and the fuels program, in particular the hydrogen membrane materials stability work, to determine how best to upgrade existing power plants.

  16. Data Management Facility Operations Plan

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Keck, Nicole N

    2014-06-30

    The Data Management Facility (DMF) is the data center that houses several critical Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Climate Research Facility services, including first-level data processing for the ARM Mobile Facilities (AMFs), Eastern North Atlantic (ENA), North Slope of Alaska (NSA), Southern Great Plains (SGP), and Tropical Western Pacific (TWP) sites, as well as Value-Added Product (VAP) processing, development systems, and other network services.

  17. Microbial characterization of the Mars Odyssey spacecraft and its encapsulation facility.

    PubMed

    La Duc, Myron T; Nicholson, Wayne; Kern, Roger; Venkateswaran, Kasthuri

    2003-10-01

    Microbial characterization of the Mars Odyssey spacecraft and the Kennedy Space Center Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility II (SAEF-II) was carried out by both culture-based and molecular methods. The most dominant cultivable microbes were species of Bacillus, with comamonads, microbacteria and actinomycetales also represented. Several spore-forming isolates were resistant to gamma-radiation, UV, H2O2 and desiccation, and one Acinetobacter radioresistens isolate and several Aureobasidium, isolated directly from the spacecraft, survived various conditions. Sequences arising in clone libraries were fairly consistent between the spacecraft and facility; predominant genera included Variovorax, Ralstonia and Aquaspirillum. This study improves our understanding of the microbial community structure, diversity and survival capabilities of microbes in an encapsulation facility and physically associated with colocated spacecraft.

  18. Microbial characterization of the Mars Odyssey spacecraft and its encapsulation facility

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    La Duc, Myron T.; Nicholson, Wayne; Kern, Roger; Venkateswaran, Kasthuri

    2003-01-01

    Microbial characterization of the Mars Odyssey spacecraft and the Kennedy Space Center Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility II (SAEF-II) was carried out by both culture-based and molecular methods. The most dominant cultivable microbes were species of Bacillus, with comamonads, microbacteria and actinomycetales also represented. Several spore-forming isolates were resistant to gamma-radiation, UV, H2O2 and desiccation, and one Acinetobacter radioresistens isolate and several Aureobasidium, isolated directly from the spacecraft, survived various conditions. Sequences arising in clone libraries were fairly consistent between the spacecraft and facility; predominant genera included Variovorax, Ralstonia and Aquaspirillum. This study improves our understanding of the microbial community structure, diversity and survival capabilities of microbes in an encapsulation facility and physically associated with colocated spacecraft.

  19. Analyzing the threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to nuclear facilities

    DOE PAGES

    Solodov, Alexander; Williams, Adam; Al Hanaei, Sara; ...

    2017-04-18

    Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are among the major growing technologies that have many beneficial applications, yet they can also pose a significant threat. Recently, several incidents occurred with UAVs violating privacy of the public and security of sensitive facilities, including several nuclear power plants in France. The threat of UAVs to the security of nuclear facilities is of great importance and is the focus of this work. This paper presents an overview of UAV technology and classification, as well as its applications and potential threats. We show several examples of recent security incidents involving UAVs in France, USA, and Unitedmore » Arab Emirates. Further, the potential threats to nuclear facilities and measures to prevent them are evaluated. The importance of measures for detection, delay, and response (neutralization) of UAVs at nuclear facilities are discussed. An overview of existing technologies along with their strength and weaknesses are shown. Finally, the results of a gap analysis in existing approaches and technologies is presented in the form of potential technological and procedural areas for research and development. Furthermore based on this analysis, directions for future work in the field can be devised and prioritized.« less

  20. Preparation of a nano emodin transfersome and study on its anti-obesity mechanism in adipose tissue of diet-induced obese rats

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Objective To describe the preparation of nano emodin transfersome (NET) and investigate its effect on mRNA expression of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and G0/G1 switch gene 2 (G0S2) in adipose tissue of diet-induced obese rats. Methods NET was prepared by film-ultrasonic dispersion method. The effects of emodin components at different ratios on encapsulation efficiency were investigated.The NET envelopment rate was determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The particle size and Zeta potential of NET were evaluated by Zetasizer analyzer. Sixty male SD rats were assigned to groups randomly. After 8-week treatment, body weight, wet weight of visceral fat and the percentage of body fat (PBF) were measured. Fasting blood glucose and serum lipid levels were determined. The adipose tissue section was HE stained, and the cellular diameter and quantity of adipocytes were evaluated by light microscopy. The mRNA expression of ATGL and G0S2 from the peri-renal fat tissue was assayed by RT-PCR. Results The appropriate formulation was deoxycholic acid sodium salt vs. phospholipids 1:8, cholesterol vs. phospholipids 1:3, vitamin Evs. phospholipids 1:20, and emodin vs. phospholipid 1:6. Zeta potential was −15.11 mV, and the particle size was 292.2 nm. The mean encapsulation efficiency was (69.35 ± 0.25)%. Compared with the obese model group, body weight, wet weight of visceral fat, PBF and mRNA expression of G0S2 from peri-renal fat tissue were decreased significantly after NET treatment (all P < 0.05), while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), the diameter of adipocytes and mRNA expression of ATGL from peri-renal fat tissue were increased significantly (all P < 0.05). Conclusion The preparation method is simple and reasonable. NET with negative electricity was small and uniform in particle size, with high encapsulation efficiency and stability. NET could reduce body weight and adipocyte size, and this effect was associated with the up-regulation of ATGL, down-regulation of G0S2 expression in the adipose tissue, and improved insulin sensitivity. PMID:24641917

  1. Academic status does not affect outcome following complex hepato-pancreato-biliary procedures.

    PubMed

    Altieri, Maria S; Yang, Jie; Groves, Donald; Yin, Donglei; Cagino, Kristen; Talamini, Mark; Pryor, Aurora

    2018-05-01

    There is a growing debate regarding outcomes following complex hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) procedures. The purpose of our study is to examine if facility type has any impact on complications, readmission rates, emergency department (ED) visit rates, and length of stay (LOS) for patients undergoing HPB surgery. The SPARCS administrative database was used to identify patients undergoing complex HPB procedures between 2012 and 2014 in New York. Univariate generalized linear mixed models were fit to estimate the marginal association between outcomes such as overall/severe complication rates, 30-day and 1-year readmission rates, 30-day and 1-year ED-visit rates, and potential risk factors. Univariate linear mixed models were used to estimate the marginal association between possible risk factors and LOS. Facility type, as well as any variables found to be significant in our univariate analysis (p = 0.05), was further included in the multivariable regression models. There were 4122 complex HPB procedures performed. Academic facilities were more likely to have a higher hospital volume (p < 0001). Surgery at academic facilities were less likely to have coexisting comorbidities; however, they were more likely to have metastatic cancer and/or liver disease (p = 0.0114, < 0. 0001, and = 0.0299, respectively). Postoperatively, patients at non-academic facilities experienced higher overall complication rates, and higher severe complication rates, when compared to those at academic facilities (p < 0.0001 and = 0.0018, respectively). Further analysis via adjustment for possible confounding factors, however, revealed no significant difference in the risk of severe complications between the two facility types. Such adjustment also demonstrated higher 30-day readmission risk in patients who underwent their surgery at an academic facility. No significant difference was found when comparing the outcomes of academic and non-academic facilities, after adjusting for age, gender, race, region, insurance, and hospital volume. Patients from academic facilities were more likely to be readmitted within the first 30-days after surgery.

  2. 75 FR 54961 - Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, Single Nuclear Unit at the Bellefonte Plant...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-09

    ... facility, a wind farm, a methane- gas cofiring facility, and several small solar photovoltaic facilities... maintenance of select plant systems and other regulatory compliance activities. Major buildings and plant... the plant cooling towers and the reactor, auxiliary, control, turbine, office, and service buildings...

  3. Where to Start when Previous Facilities Data are Questionable

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Watt, Catherine E.; Higerd, Thomas B.; Valcik, Nicolas A.

    2007-01-01

    Academic leaders and governing boards are increasingly aware of the importance and difficulty in managing physical plants as finite resources. In addition, the finances needed to renovate or build facilities have become severely constrained. The National Science Foundation (2000), in its survey of research facilities, suggests that research space…

  4. Hazardous Waste Cleanup: Frontier Chemical Waste Process Incorporated – Royal Avenue Site in Niagara Falls, New York

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Frontier Chemical Waste Process facility is located in a heavy industrial/commercial area. Several large industrial facilities surround the facility. The closest residential area is located about ½ mile west and the closest off-site building is located 300

  5. 47 CFR 73.24 - Broadcast facilities; showing required.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES AM Broadcast Stations § 73.24 Broadcast facilities; showing required. An authorization for a new AM broadcast station or increase in facilities of an existing station will be issued... among the several states and communities. (b) That a proposed new station (or a proposed change in the...

  6. The transportation depot: An orbiting vehicle support facility

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kaszubowski, Martin J.; Ayers, J. Kirk

    1992-01-01

    This paper describes the details of an effort to produce conceptual designs for an orbiting platform, called a transportation depot, to handle assembly and processing of lunar, Martian, and related vehicles. High-level requirements for such a facility were established, and several concepts were developed to meet those requirements. By showing that the critical rigid-body momentum characteristics of each concept are similar to those of the dual-keel space station, some insight was gained about the controllability and utility of this type of facility. Finally, several general observations were made that highlight the advantages and disadvantages of particular design features.

  7. Recent Developments at the NASA Langley Research Center National Transonic Facility

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Paryz, Roman W.

    2011-01-01

    Several upgrade projects have been completed or are just getting started at the NASA Langley Research Center National Transonic Facility. These projects include a new high capacity semi-span balance, model dynamics damping system, semi-span model check load stand, data acquisition system upgrade, facility automation system upgrade and a facility reliability assessment. This presentation will give a brief synopsis of each of these efforts.

  8. Methods for evaluating temporal trends in noise exposure

    PubMed Central

    Neitzel, RL; Galusha, D; Dixon-Ernst, C; Rabinowitz, PM

    2014-01-01

    Objective Hearing conservation programs have been mandatory in many US industries since 1983. Since then, three program elements (audiometric testing, hearing protection, and training) have been the focus of much research. By comparison, little has been done on noise exposure evaluation. Design and study sample Utilizing a large dataset (>10,000 measurements over 20 years) from eight facilities operated by a multinational aluminum manufacturing company, we evaluated several approaches to assessing temporal trends in Time Weighted Average (TWA) exposures and the fraction of measurements exceeding 85 dBA by facility, by exposure group within facility, and by individual worker within facility. Results Overall, exposures declined across locations over the study period. Several facilities demonstrated substantial reductions in exposure, and the results of mean noise levels and exceedance fractions generally showed good agreement. The results of analyses at the individual level diverged with analyses by facility and exposure group within facility, suggesting that individual-level analyses, while challenging, may provide important information not available from coarser levels of analysis. Conclusions Validated metrics are needed to allow for assessment of temporal trends in noise exposure. Such metrics will improve our ability to characterize, in a standardized manner, efforts to reduce noise-induced hearing loss. PMID:24564696

  9. Factors Affecting Discharge to Home of Geriatric Intermediate Care Facility Residents in Japan.

    PubMed

    Morita, Kojiro; Ono, Sachiko; Ishimaru, Miho; Matsui, Hiroki; Naruse, Takashi; Yasunaga, Hideo

    2018-04-01

    To investigate factors associated with lower likelihood of discharge to home from geriatric intermediate care facilities in Japan. Retrospective cohort study. We used data from the nationwide long-term care (LTC) insurance claims database (April 2012-March 2014). Study participants were 342,758 individuals newly admitted to 3,459 geriatric intermediate care facilities during the study period. The primary outcome was discharge to home. We performed a multivariable competing-risk Cox regression with adjustment for resident-, facility-, and region-level characteristics. Resident level of care needs and several medical conditions were included as time-varying covariates. Death, admission to a hospital, and admission to another LTC facility were treated as competing risks. During the 2-year follow-up period, 19% of participants were discharged to home. In the multivariable competing-risk Cox regression, the following factors were significantly associated with lower likelihood of discharge to home: older age, higher level of care need, having several medical conditions, private ownership of the facility, more beds in the facility, and more LTC facility beds per 1,000 adults aged 65 and older in the region. Only 19% of residents were discharged to home. Our results are useful for policy-makers to promote discharge to home of older adults in geriatric intermediate care facilities. © 2018, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2018, The American Geriatrics Society.

  10. School Facilities Funding and Capital-Outlay Distribution in the States

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Duncombe, William; Wang, Wen

    2009-01-01

    Traditionally, financing the construction of school facilities has been a local responsibility. In the past several decades, states have increased their support for school facilities. Using data collected from various sources, this study first classifies the design of capital aid programs in all 50 states into various categories based on the scope…

  11. National Trends in Sustainability Performance: Lessons for Facilities Leaders

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jones, Kristy M.; Keniry, L. Julian

    2009-01-01

    For most facilities leaders, sustainability is nothing new. The authors have observed repeatedly over several decades that administrative and facilities staff have often taken the lead in initiating many of the most effective and visible efforts on campuses to dramatically curb energy use and waste and to contain costs, even during times of rapid…

  12. Understanding facilities design parameters for a remanufacturing system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Topcu, Aysegul; Cullinane, Thomas

    2005-11-01

    Remanufacturing is rapidly becoming a very important element in the economies of the world. Products such as washing machines, clothes driers, automobile parts, cell phones and a wide range of consumer durable goods are being reclaimed and sent through processes that restore these products to levels of operating performance that are as good or better than their new product performance. The operations involved in the remanufacturing process add several new dimensions to the work that must be performed. Disassembly is an operation that rarely appears on the operations chart of a typical production facility. The inspection and test functions in remanufacturing most often involve several more tasks than those involved in the first time manufacturing cycle. A close evaluation of most any remanufacturing operation reveals several points in the process in which parts must be cleaned, tested and stored. Although several researchers have focused their work on optimizing the disassembly function and the inspection, test and store functions, very little research has been devoted to studying the impact of the facilities design on the effectiveness of the remanufacturing process. The purpose of this paper will be to delineate the differences between first time manufacturing operations and remanufacturing operations for durable goods and to identify the features of the facilities design that must be considered if the remanufacturing operations are to be effective.

  13. BMP Effectiveness/Efficiency Monitoring Annotated Bibliography

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2002-05-17

    The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has installed several stormwater treatment facilities to : improve the quality of runoff discharged from the States highway network. These facilities include a : variety of both above ground and below...

  14. A facility-wide approach to recreation programming for adults who are severely and profoundly retarded.

    PubMed

    Burch, M R; Reiss, M; Bailey, J S

    1985-01-01

    A facility-wide recreation program was designed and implemented in order to increase staff and client participation in daily leisure activities at an intermediate care facility for severely and profoundly mentally retarded adults. The baseline phase of the study consisted of having recreational materials available during scheduled recreation periods. The treatment was a package program consisting of (1) providing the staff with preplanned materials and activities, (2) assigning staff to specific roles, and (3) monitoring staff and providing feedback by supervisors. The treatment was implemented on the two living units of the Liberty Intermediate Care Facility. Treatment effects were similar on both units. Client participation increased from a baseline average of less than 10% to nearly 50% and staff participation increased from less than 10% to an average of 60% during program implementation.

  15. Managing NIF safety equipment in a high neutron and gamma radiation environment.

    PubMed

    Datte, Philip; Eckart, Mark; Jackson, Mark; Khater, Hesham; Manuel, Stacie; Newton, Mark

    2013-06-01

    The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is a 192 laser beam facility that supports the Inertial Confinement Fusion program. During the ignition experimental campaign, the NIF is expected to perform shots with varying fusion yield producing 14 MeV neutrons up to 20 MJ or 7.1 × 10(18) neutrons per shot and a maximum annual yield of 1,200 MJ. Several infrastructure support systems will be exposed to varying high yield shots over the facility's 30-y life span. In response to this potential exposure, analysis and testing of several facility safety systems have been conducted. A detailed MCNP (Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport Code) model has been developed for the NIF facility, and it includes most of the major structures inside the Target Bay. The model has been used in the simulation of expected neutron and gamma fluences throughout the Target Bay. Radiation susceptible components were identified and tested to fluences greater than 10(13) (n cm(-2)) for 14 MeV neutrons and γ-ray equivalent. The testing includes component irradiation using a 60Co gamma source and accelerator-based irradiation using 4- and 14- MeV neutron sources. The subsystem implementation in the facility is based on the fluence estimates after shielding and survivability guidelines derived from the dose maps and component tests results. This paper reports on the evaluation and implementation of mitigations for several infrastructure safety support systems, including video, oxygen monitoring, pressure monitors, water sensing systems, and access control interfaces found at the NIF.

  16. Guidelines for Analysis of Health Facilities Planning in Developing Countries. Volume 5: Health Facilities Planning. International Health Planning Methods Series.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Porter, Dennis R.; And Others

    Intended to assist Agency for International Development (AID) officers, advisors, and health officials in incorporating health planning into national plans for economic development, this fifth of ten manuals in the International Health Planning Methods Series deals with health facilities planning in developing countries. While several specific…

  17. The Effect of Art Therapy on Cognitive Performance among Ethnically Diverse Older Adults

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pike, Amanda Alders

    2013-01-01

    This study examined the effect of art therapy on the cognitive performance of a multisite, ethnically diverse sample ("N" = 91) of older adults. Participants were recruited from several U.S. facilities that included a community center, a retirement center, an adult daycare, an assisted living facility, and a skilled nursing facility.…

  18. 40 CFR Appendix F to Part 112 - Facility-Specific Response Plan

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... of Contents 1.0Model Facility-Specific Response Plan 1.1Emergency Response Action Plan 1.2Facility.... EC01MR92.015 1.1Emergency Response Action Plan Several sections of the response plan shall be co-located... sections shall be called the Emergency Response Action Plan. The Agency intends that the Action Plan...

  19. Severe morbidity after antiretroviral (ART) initiation: active surveillance in HIV care programs, the IeDEA West Africa collaboration.

    PubMed

    Abo, Yao; Zannou Djimon, Marcel; Messou, Eugène; Balestre, Eric; Kouakou, Martial; Akakpo, Jocelyn; Ahouada, Carin; de Rekeneire, Nathalie; Dabis, François; Lewden, Charlotte; Minga, Albert

    2015-04-09

    The causes of severe morbidity in health facilities implementing Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) programmes are poorly documented in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to describe severe morbidity among HIV-infected patients after ART initiation, based on data from an active surveillance system established within a network of specialized care facilities in West African cities. Within the International epidemiological Database to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA)--West Africa collaboration, we conducted a prospective, multicenter data collection that involved two facilities in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire and one in Cotonou, Benin. Among HIV-infected adults receiving ART, events were recorded using a standardized form. A simple case-definition of severe morbidity (death, hospitalization, fever>38°5C, Karnofsky index<70%) was used at any patient contact point. Then a physician confirmed and classified the event as WHO stage 3 or 4 according to the WHO clinical classification or as degree 3 or 4 of the ANRS scale. From December 2009 to December 2011, 978 adults (71% women, median age 39 years) presented with 1449 severe events. The main diagnoses were: non-AIDS-defining infections (33%), AIDS-defining illnesses (33%), suspected adverse drug reactions (7%), other illnesses (4%) and syndromic diagnoses (16%). The most common specific diagnoses were: malaria (25%), pneumonia (13%) and tuberculosis (8%). The diagnoses were reported as syndromic in one out of five events recorded during this study. This study highlights the ongoing importance of conventional infectious diseases among severe morbid events occurring in patients on ART in ambulatory HIV care facilities in West Africa. Meanwhile, additional studies are needed due to the undiagnosed aspect of severe morbidity in substantial proportion.

  20. Meeting the challenge of competition through structured entrepreneurship.

    PubMed

    Cates, N R

    1987-01-01

    The growth of the health care industry within the last several decades has changed the very nature of health care facilities. Where once these facilities were only concerned with health-related issues, they are now concerned with their status as businesses. These facilities now utilize business functions such as marketing, advertising, sales, and strategic planning. This article explains how health care facilities can use structural entrepreneurship in order to meet the business-related challenges of the future.

  1. The current status of treatment-related severe hypoglycemia in Japanese patients with diabetes mellitus: A report from the committee on a survey of severe hypoglycemia in the Japan Diabetes Society.

    PubMed

    Namba, Mitsuyoshi; Iwakura, Toshio; Nishimura, Rimei; Akazawa, Kohei; Matsuhisa, Munehide; Atsumi, Yoshihito; Satoh, Jo; Yamauchi, Toshimasa

    2018-03-02

    Despite great strides in pharmacotherapy for diabetes, there is increasing concern over the risk of hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes receiving pharmacotherapy as they become increasingly older. This has prompted the Japan Diabetes Society (JDS) to initiate a survey on the current status of severe hypoglycemia in clinical settings. In July 2015, following approval from the JDS Scientific Survey/Research Ethics Committee, the JDS extended an invitation to executive educators, who represented a total of 631 healthcare facilities accredited by the JDS for diabetes education, to participate in the proposed survey. Of these, those who expressed their willingness to participate in the survey were sent an application form required for obtaining ethical approval at these healthcare facilities and were then asked, following approval, to enter relevant clinical data on an unlinked, anonymous basis in a web-based registry. The current survey was fully funded by the JDS Scientific Survey/Research Committee. A case registry (clinical case database) was launched after facility-specific information (healthcare facility database) was collected from all participating facilities and after informed consent was obtained from all participating patients. With severe hypoglycemia defined as the "presence of hypoglycemic symptoms requiring assistance from another person to treat and preferably venous plasma glucose levels at onset/diagnosis of disease or at presentation clearly less than 60 mg/dL (capillary whole blood glucose, less than 50 mg/dL)", the current survey was conducted between April 1, 2014 and March 31, 2015, during which facility-specific information was collected from a total of 193 facilities with a total of 798 case reports collected from 113 facilities. Of the 193 respondent facilities, 149 reported having an emergency department as well, with the median number of patients who required emergency transportation services to reach these facilities totaling 4,962 annually, of which those with severe hypoglycemia accounted for 0.34% (17). The respondent facilities accommodated a total of 2,237 patients with severe hypoglycemia annually, with the number of patients thus accommodated being 6.5 patients per site. A total of 1,171 patients were admitted for severe hypoglycemia, with the number of patients thus admitted being 4.0 per site, who accounted for 52.3% of all patients visiting annually for severe hypoglycemia. A review of the 798 case reports collected during the survey revealed that 240, 480 and 78 patients had type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and other types of diabetes, respectively; those with type 2 diabetes were shown to be significantly older (median [interquartile range], 77.0 [68.0-83.0]) than those with type 1 diabetes (54.0 [41.0-67.0]) (P < 0.001); and the BMI was shown to be significantly higher for those with type 2 diabetes (22.0 [19.5-24.8] kg/m 2 ) than for those with type 1 diabetes (21.3 [18.9-24.0] kg/m 2 ) (P = 0.003). It was also found that the median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was significantly lower among those with type 2 diabetes (50.6 mL [31.8-71.1]/min/1.73 m 2 ) than among those with type 1 diabetes (73.3 [53.5-91.1] mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) (P < 0.001). Again, the median HbA1c value at onset of severe hypoglycemia was shown to be 7.0 (6.3-8.1)% among all patients examined, 7.5 (6.9-8.6)% among those with type 1 diabetes, and 6.8 (6.1-7.6)% among those with type 2 diabetes, with the HbA1c value at onset of hypoglycemia being significantly lower among those with type 2 diabetes (P < 0.001). Antecedent symptoms of severe hypoglycemia were shown to be present, absent and unknown in 35.5, 35.6, and 28.9% of all patients, respectively, with the incidence of symptomatic hypoglycemia being significantly lower among those with type 1 diabetes (41.0%) than among those with type 2 diabetes (56.9%). The antidiabetic agents used in those with type 2 diabetes were insulin preparations (292 patients including 29 receiving concomitant sulfonylureas [SUs]) (60.8%), SUs (159 insulin-naïve patients) (33.1%), and no insulin preparations or SUs (29 patients) (6.0%). Of the 798 patients surveyed, 296 patients (37.2%) were shown to have required emergency transportation services for severe hypoglycemia before. Thus, the survey revealed, for the first time, the current status of treatment-related severe hypoglycemia in Japan and clearly highlights the acute need for implementing preventive measures against hypoglycemia not only through education on hypoglycemia but through optimization of antidiabetic therapy for those at high risk of severe hypoglycemia or those with a history of severe hypoglycemia. © 2018 Japan Diabetes Society (JDS). Journal of Diabetes Investigation published by Asian Association for the Study of Diabetes (AASD) and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

  2. Why first-level health workers fail to follow guidelines for managing severe disease in children in the Coast Region, the United Republic of Tanzania

    PubMed Central

    Lyimo, Thomas; Skarbinski, Jacek; Metta, Emmy; Kahigwa, Elizeus; Flannery, Brendan; Dowell, Scott F; Abdulla, Salim; Kachur, S Patrick

    2009-01-01

    Abstract Objective To determine why health workers fail to follow integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) guidelines for severely ill children at first-level outpatient health facilities in rural areas of the United Republic of Tanzania. Methods Retrospective and prospective case reviews of severely ill children aged < 5 years were conducted at health facilities in four districts. We ascertained treatment and examined the characteristics associated with referral, conducted follow-up interviews with parents of severely ill children, and gave health workers questionnaires and interviews. Findings In total, 502 cases were reviewed at 62 facilities. Treatment with antimalarials and antibiotics was consistent with the diagnosis given by health workers. However, of 240 children classified as having “very severe febrile disease”, none received all IMCI-recommended therapies, and only 25% of severely ill children were referred. Lethargy and anaemia diagnoses were independently associated with referral. Most (91%) health workers indicated that certain severe conditions can be managed without referral. Conclusion The health workers surveyed rarely adhered to IMCI treatment and referral guidelines for children with severe illness. They administered therapy based on narrow diagnoses rather than IMCI classifications, disagreed with referral guidelines and often considered referral unnecessary. To improve implementation of IMCI, attention should focus on the reasons for health worker non-adherence. PMID:19274361

  3. Prevalence of Legionella species isolated from shower water in public bath facilities in Toyama Prefecture, Japan.

    PubMed

    Kanatani, Jun-Ichi; Isobe, Junko; Norimoto, Shiho; Kimata, Keiko; Mitsui, Chieko; Amemura-Maekawa, Junko; Kura, Fumiaki; Sata, Tetsutaro; Watahiki, Masanori

    2017-05-01

    We investigated the prevalence of Legionella spp. isolated from shower water in public bath facilities in Toyama Prefecture, Japan. In addition, we analyzed the genetic diversity among Legionella pneumophila isolates from shower water as well as the genetic relationship between isolates from shower water and from stock strains previously analyzed from sputum specimens. The isolates were characterized using serogrouping, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and sequence-based typing. Legionella spp. were isolated from 31/91 (34.1%) samples derived from 17/37 (45.9%) bath facilities. Isolates from shower water and bath water in each public bath facility were serologically or genetically different, indicating that we need to isolate several L. pneumophila colonies from both bath and shower water to identify public bath facilities as sources of legionellosis. The 61 L. pneumophila isolates from shower water were classified into 39 sequence types (STs) (index of discrimination = 0.974), including 19 new STs. Among the 39 STs, 12 STs match clinical isolates in the European Working Group for Legionella Infections database. Notably, ST505 L. pneumophila SG 1, a strain frequently isolated from patients with legionellosis and from bath water in this area, was isolated from shower water. Pathogenic L. pneumophila strains including ST505 strain were widely distributed in shower water in public bath facilities, with genetic diversity showing several different origins. This study highlights the need to isolate several L. pneumophila colonies from both bath water and shower water to identify public bath facilities as infection sources in legionellosis cases. Copyright © 2017 Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and The Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Rurality and nursing home quality: evidence from the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey.

    PubMed

    Kang, Yu; Meng, Hongdao; Miller, Nancy A

    2011-12-01

    To evaluate the impact of rural geographic location on nursing home quality of care in the United States. The study used cross-sectional observational design. We obtained resident- and facility-level data from 12,507 residents in 1,174 nursing homes from the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey. We used multilevel regression models to predict risk-adjusted rates of hospitalization, influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, and moderate to severe pain while controlling for resident and facility characteristics. Adjusting for covariates, residents in rural facilities were more likely to experience hospitalization (odds ratio [OR] = 1.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16-1.94) and moderate to severe pain (OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.35-2.09). Significant facility-level predictors of higher quality included higher percentage of Medicaid beneficiaries, accreditation status, and special care programs. Medicare payment findings were mixed. Significant resident-level predictors included dementia diagnosis and being a "long-stay" resident. Rural residents were more likely to reside in facilities without accreditations or special care programs, factors that increased their odds of receiving poorer quality of care. Policy efforts to enhance Medicare payment approaches as well as increase rural facilities' accreditation status and provision of special care programs will likely reduce quality of care disparities in facilities.

  5. Calibration of the NASA Glenn 8- by 6-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel (1996 and 1997 Tests)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Arrington, E. Allen

    2012-01-01

    There were several physical and operational changes made to the NASA Glenn Research Center 8- by 6-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel during the period of 1992 through 1996. Following each of these changes, a facility calibration was conducted to provide the required information to support the research test programs. Due to several factors (facility research test schedule, facility downtime and continued facility upgrades), a full test section calibration was not conducted until 1996. This calibration test incorporated all test section configurations and covered the existing operating range of the facility. However, near the end of that test entry, two of the vortex generators mounted on the compressor exit tailcone failed causing minor damage to the honeycomb flow straightener. The vortex generators were removed from the facility and calibration testing was terminated. A follow-up test entry was conducted in 1997 in order to fully calibrate the facility without the effects of the vortex generators and to provide a complete calibration of the newly expanded low speed operating range. During the 1997 tunnel entry, all planned test points required for a complete test section calibration were obtained. This data set included detailed in-plane and axial flow field distributions for use in quantifying the test section flow quality.

  6. Effect of facility on the operative costs of distal radius fractures.

    PubMed

    Mather, Richard C; Wysocki, Robert W; Mack Aldridge, J; Pietrobon, Ricardo; Nunley, James A

    2011-07-01

    The purpose of this study was to investigate whether ambulatory surgery centers can deliver lower-cost care and to identify sources of those cost savings. We performed a cost identification analysis of outpatient volar plating for closed distal radius fractures at a single academic medical center. Multiple costs and time measures were taken from an internal database of 130 consecutive patients and were compared by venue of treatment, either an inpatient facility or an ambulatory, stand-alone surgery facility. The relationships between total cost and operative time and multiple variables, including fracture severity, patient age, gender, comorbidities, use of bone graft, concurrent carpal tunnel release, and surgeon experience, were examined, using multivariate analysis and regression modeling to identify other cost drivers or explanatory variables. The mean operative cost was considerably greater at the inpatient facility ($7,640) than at the outpatient facility ($5,220). Cost drivers of this difference were anesthesia services, post-anesthesia care unit, and operating room costs. Total surgical time, nursing time, set-up, and operative times were 33%, 109%, 105%, and 35% longer, respectively, at the inpatient facility. There was no significant difference between facilities for the additional variables, and none of those variables independently affected cost or operative time. The only predictor of cost and time was facility type. This study supports the use of ambulatory stand-alone surgical facilities to achieve efficient resource utilization in the operative treatment of distal radius fractures. We also identified several specific costs and time measurements that differed between facilities, which can serve as potential targets for tertiary facilities to improve utilization. Economic and Decisional Analysis III. Copyright © 2011 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Institutional management of core facilities during challenging financial times.

    PubMed

    Haley, Rand

    2011-12-01

    The economic downturn is likely to have lasting effects on institutions of higher education, prioritizing proactive institutional leadership and planning. Although by design, core research facilities are more efficient and effective than supporting individual pieces of research equipment, cores can have significant underlying financial requirements and challenges. This paper explores several possible institutional approaches to managing core facilities during challenging financial times.

  8. 29 CFR 1918.97 - First aid and lifesaving facilities. (See appendix V of this part).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 29 Labor 7 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false First aid and lifesaving facilities. (See appendix V of... LONGSHORING General Working Conditions. § 1918.97 First aid and lifesaving facilities. (See appendix V of this... injury, regardless of severity, to the employer. (b) First aid. A first aid kit shall be available at or...

  9. 75 FR 53717 - Notice of Lodging of Consent Decree Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-01

    ... U.S.C. 6901-6992k, at Air Products' chemical manufacturing facility in Pasadena, Texas. The... neighboring Agrifos Fertilizer, Inc. (``Agrifos'') facility for disposal violated several provisions of RCRA...

  10. A meta-analysis of socio-demographic factors predicting birth in health facility.

    PubMed

    Berhan, Yifru; Berhan, Asres

    2014-09-01

    The low proportion of health facility delivery in developing countries is one of the main challenges in achieving the Millennium Development Goal of a global reduction of maternal deaths by 75% by 2015. There are several primary studies which identified socio-demographic and other predictors of birth in health facility. However, there are no efforts to synthesis the findings of these studies. The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine the strength of the association of birth in the health facility with selected sociodemographic factors. A meta-analysis of Mantel-Haenszel odds ratios was conducted by including 24 articles which were reported between 2000 and 2013 from developing countries. A computer-based search was done from MEDLINE, African Journals Online, Google Scholar and HINARI databases. Included studies did compare the women's' health facility delivery in relation to their selected socio-demographic characteristics. The pooled analysis demonstrated association of health facility delivery with living in urban areas (OR = 9.8), secondary and above educational level of the parents (OR = 5.0), middle to high wealth status (OR = 2.3) and first time pregnancy (OR = 2.8). The risk of delivering outside the health facility was not significantly associated with maternal age (teenage vs 20 years and above) and marital status. The distance of pregnant women's residence from the health facility was found to have an inverse relation to the proportion of health facility delivery. Although the present meta-analysis identified several variables which were associated with an increase in health facility delivery, the most important predictor of birth in the health facility amenable to intervention is educational status of the parents to be. Therefore, formal and informal education to women and family members on the importance of health facility delivery needs to be strengthened. Improving the wealth status of the population across the world may not be achieved soon, but should be in the long-term strategy to increase the birth rate in the health facility.

  11. Determinants of Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) non-severe pneumonia classification and care in Malawi health facilities: Analysis of a national facility census.

    PubMed

    Johansson, Emily White; Nsona, Humphreys; Carvajal-Aguirre, Liliana; Amouzou, Agbessi; Hildenwall, Helena

    2017-12-01

    Research shows inadequate Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI)-pneumonia care in various low-income settings but evidence is largely from small-scale studies with limited evidence of patient-, provider- and facility-levels determinants of IMCI non-severe pneumonia classification and its management. The Malawi Service Provision Assessment 2013-2014 included 3149 outpatients aged 2-59 months with completed observations, interviews and re-examinations. Mixed-effects logistic regression models quantified the influence of patient-, provider and facility-level determinants on having IMCI non-severe pneumonia and its management in observed consultations. Among 3149 eligible outpatients, 590 (18.7%) had IMCI non-severe pneumonia classification in re-examination. 228 (38.7%) classified cases received first-line antibiotics and 159 (26.9%) received no antibiotics. 18.6% with cough or difficult breathing had 60-second respiratory rates counted during consultations, and conducting this assessment was significantly associated with IMCI training ever received (odds ratio (OR) = 2.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29-4.31) and negative rapid diagnostic test results (OR = 3.21, 95% CI: 1.45-7.13). Older children had lower odds of assessments than infants (OR = 48-59 months: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.16-0.75). Children presenting with any of the following complaints also had reduced odds of assessment: fever, diarrhea, skin problem or any danger sign. First-line antibiotic treatment for classified cases was significantly associated with high temperatures (OR = 3.26, 95% CI: 1.24-8.55) while older children had reduced odds of first-line treatment compared to infants (OR = 48-59 months: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.10-0.83). RDT-confirmed malaria was a significant predictor of no antibiotic receipt for IMCI non-severe pneumonia (OR = 10.65, 95% CI: 2.39-47.36). IMCI non-severe pneumonia care was sub-optimal in Malawi health facilities in 2013-2014 with inadequate assessments and prescribing practices that must be addressed to reduce this leading cause of mortality. Child's symptoms and age, malaria diagnosis and provider training were primary influences on assessment and treatment practices. Current evidence could be used to better target IMCI training and support to improve pneumonia care for sick children in Malawi facilities.

  12. Absorption edge parameters of the LIII edge for compounds of Hg, Tl, Pb and Bi using EDXRF technique

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Singh, Gurinderjeet; Singh, Amrit; Gupta, Manoj Kumar; Dhaliwal, A. S.; Kahlon, K. S.

    2018-03-01

    The measurement of Absorption edge parameters of the LIII edge of pure elements Hg, Tl, Pb and Bi along with their compounds HgCl2, HgO, HgF2, TlCl, Tl2O3, PbCl2, PbF2, Pb3O4, BiF3, BiCl3 and Bi2O3 has been done using EDXRF technique. In the present measurements 241Am (59.54 keV) radioactive source of activity 100 mCi along with CANBERRA make cryo-cooled Si (Li) detector is used. The measured results are compared with theoretically calculated values from FFAST version 2.1 (Chantler et al., 2005) and shows good agreement with each other within experimental uncertainties within 3.5%. It is observed that the values of absorption edge parameters of the LIII edge depends slightly on the chemical environment and shows almost constant behaviour with effective atomic number (Zeff)

  13. Georgetown University Photovoltaic Higher Education National Exemplar Facility (PHENEF)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Marshall, N.

    1984-01-01

    Several photographs of this facility using photovoltaic (PV) cells are shown. An outline is given of the systems requirements, system design and wiring topology, a simplified block design, module electrical characteristics, PV module and PV module matching.

  14. Facile solid-phase synthesis of sulfated tyrosine-containing peptides: total synthesis of human big gastrin-II and cholecystokinin (CCK)-39.

    PubMed

    Kitagawa, K; Aida, C; Fujiwara, H; Yagami, T; Futaki, S; Kogire, M; Ida, J; Inoue, K

    2001-01-12

    Chemical synthesis of tyrosine O-sulfated peptides is still a laborious task for peptide chemists because of the intrinsic acid-lability of the sulfate moiety. An efficient cleavage/deprotection procedure without loss of the sulfate is the critical difficulty remaining to be solved for fluoren-9-ylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-based solid-phase synthesis of sulfated peptides. To overcome the difficulty, TFA-mediated solvolysis rates of a tyrosine O-sulfate [Tyr(SO3H)] residue and two protecting groups, tBu for the hydroxyl group of Ser and 2,2,4,6,7-pentamethyldihydrobenzofuran-5-sulfonyl (Pbf) for the guanidino group of Arg, were examined in detail. The desulfation obeyed first-order kinetics with a large entropy (59.6 J.K-1.mol-1) and enthalpy (110.5 kJ.mol-1) of activation. These values substantiated that the desulfation rate of the rigidly solvated Tyr(SO3H) residue was strongly temperature-dependent. By contrast, the SN1-type deprotections were less temperature-dependent and proceeded smoothly in TFA of a high ionizing power. Based on the large rate difference between the desulfation and the SN1-type deprotections in cold TFA, an efficient deprotection protocol for the sulfated peptides was developed. Our synthetic strategy for Tyr(SO3H)-containing peptides with this effective deprotection protocol is as follows: (i) a sulfated peptide chain is directly constructed on 2-chlorotrityl resin with Fmoc-based solid-phase chemistry using Fmoc-Tyr(SO3Na)-OH as a building block; (ii) the protected peptide-resin is treated with 90% aqueous TFA at 0 degree C for an appropriate period of time for the cleavage and deprotection. Human cholecystokinin (CCK)-12, mini gastrin-II (14 residues), and little gastrin-II (17 residues) were synthesized with this method in 26-38% yields without any difficulties. This method was further applied to the stepwise synthesis of human big gastrin-II (34 residues), CCK-33 and -39. Despite the prolonged acid treatment (15-18 h at 0 degree C), the ratios of the desulfated peptides were less than 15%, and the pure sulfated peptides were obtained in around 10% yields.

  15. Risk assessment of CST-7 proposed waste treatment and storage facilities Volume I: Limited-scope probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) of proposed CST-7 waste treatment & storage facilities. Volume II: Preliminary hazards analysis of proposed CST-7 waste storage & treatment facilities

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sasser, K.

    1994-06-01

    In FY 1993, the Los Alamos National Laboratory Waste Management Group [CST-7 (formerly EM-7)] requested the Probabilistic Risk and Hazards Analysis Group [TSA-11 (formerly N-6)] to conduct a study of the hazards associated with several CST-7 facilities. Among these facilities are the Hazardous Waste Treatment Facility (HWTF), the HWTF Drum Storage Building (DSB), and the Mixed Waste Receiving and Storage Facility (MWRSF), which are proposed for construction beginning in 1996. These facilities are needed to upgrade the Laboratory`s storage capability for hazardous and mixed wastes and to provide treatment capabilities for wastes in cases where offsite treatment is not availablemore » or desirable. These facilities will assist Los Alamos in complying with federal and state requlations.« less

  16. Identification of Communication and Coordination Issues in the US Air Traffic Control System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Davison, Hayley J.; Hansman, R. John

    2001-01-01

    Today's air traffic control system is approaching the point of saturation, as evidenced by increasing delays across the National Airspace System (NAS). There exists an opportunity to enhance NAS efficiency and reduce delays by improving strategic communication throughout the ATC system. Although several measures have been taken to improve communication (e.g., Collaborative Decision Making tools), communication issues between ATC facilities remain. It is hypothesized that by identifying the key issues plaguing inter-facility strategic communication, steps can be taken to enhance these communications, and therefore ATC system efficiency. In this report, a series of site visits were performed at Boston and New York ATC facilities as well as at the Air Traffic Control System Command Center. The results from these site visits were used to determine the current communication and coordination structure of Traffic Management Coordinators, who hold a pivotal role in inter-facility communications. Several themes emerged from the study, including: ambiguity of organizational structure in the current ATC system, awkward coordination between ATC facilities, information flow issues, organizational culture issues, and negotiation behaviors used to cope with organizational culture issues.

  17. Enhancing the sustainability and climate resiliency of health care facilities: a comparison of initiatives and toolkits.

    PubMed

    Balbus, John; Berry, Peter; Brettle, Meagan; Jagnarine-Azan, Shalini; Soares, Agnes; Ugarte, Ciro; Varangu, Linda; Prats, Elena Villalobos

    2016-09-01

    Extreme weather events have revealed the vulnerability of health care facilities and the extent of devastation to the community when they fail. With climate change anticipated to increase extreme weather and its impacts worldwide-severe droughts, floods, heat waves, and related vector-borne diseases-health care officials need to understand and address the vulnerabilities of their health care systems and take action to improve resiliency in ways that also meet sustainability goals. Generally, the health sector is among a country's largest consumers of energy and a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Now it has the opportunity lead climate mitigation, while reducing energy, water, and other costs. This Special Report summarizes several initiatives and compares three toolkits for implementing sustainability and resiliency measures for health care facilities: the Canadian Health Care Facility Climate Change Resiliency Toolkit, the U.S. Sustainable and Climate Resilient Health Care Facilities Toolkit, and the PAHO SMART Hospitals Toolkit of the World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization. These tools and the lessons learned can provide a critical starting point for any health system in the Americas.

  18. HISCAT: A proposed new scatter facility in Northern Scandinavia

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bostrom, R.; Thide, B.

    1986-01-01

    It is proposed that a new versatile ionospheric and atmospheric scatter radar be constructed in northern Scandavia through a multinational collaborative effort. The new facility tentatively named HISCAT (High frequency, High power, High latitude, Heating and Ionospheric Scatter facility), should be used for scientific investigations of: the physics of the neutral (middle) atmosphere; fundamental plasma phenomena, natural or artificially induced in the ionosphere; electrodynamic conditions at high altitudes above the auroral region and in the polar cap ionosphere; plasma waves in the solar atmosphere. The system should thus be able to operate as a mesosphere-stratosphere-troposphere (MST) radar, a so-called ionospheric modification facility, incoherent-scatter radar, coherent-scatter radar, and solar radar. Basically, the new facility should be a device that can operate simultaneously on several frequencies in the frequency range 5 to 50 MHz not covered by other instruments. It should comprise: powerful transmitters, capable of delivering a total average power of several megawatts; an advanced phased antenna array of high gain forming one or two steerable and well collimated beams; and an advanced data collection and analysis system.

  19. In-Plant Reuse of Pollution Abated Waters.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-08-01

    Carbon Treatment Facility Prefilters D-10 Spent Carbon Receiving Tank EZ D-11 Powdered Carbon Feeder System E. Process Chemical Assay/Monitoring...PBA manufacturing complex, several wastewater treatment facilities were built to treat wastewater from various plants . This task deals with...all of which discharge to the Central Treatment Facility (Appendix K-I). The plant is permitted (Appendix I-I) by EPA and consists of a lime/alum

  20. JPRS Report, Science & Technology Europe

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-07-27

    materials research under microgravity conditions, such as ELLI, AMF of MHF ( Mirror Heating Facility) the Zone Melt- ing Furnace is a resistance-heated...pendently controlled zones. This is another advantage of a resistance-heated furnace over a mirror heating facil- ity. When the experiment requires a...zone, the subdivision into several heating zones will be preferable to the single light focus of a mirror heating facility. In 1987/88, following

  1. Incidence of childhood pneumonia: facility-based surveillance estimate compared to measured incidence in a South African birth cohort study

    PubMed Central

    le Roux, David M; Myer, Landon; Nicol, Mark P; Zar, Heather J

    2015-01-01

    Background Pneumonia is the leading cause of childhood mortality and a major contributor to childhood morbidity, but accurate measurement of pneumonia incidence is challenging. We compared pneumonia incidence using a facility-based surveillance system to estimates from a cohort study conducted contemporaneously in the same community in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods A surveillance system was developed in six public sector primary care clinics and in a regional referral hospital, to detect childhood pneumonia cases. Nurses recorded all children presenting to facilities who met WHO case definitions of pneumonia, and hospital records were reviewed. Estimates of pneumonia incidence and severity were compared with incidence rates based on active surveillance in the Drakenstein Child Health Study. Results From June 2012 until September 2013, the surveillance system detected 306 pneumonia episodes in children under 1 year of age, an incidence of 0.20 episodes/child-year (e/cy) (95% CI 0.17 to 0.22 e/cy). The incidence in the cohort study from the same period was 0.27 e/cy (95% CI 0.23 to 0.32 e/cy). Pneumonia incidence in the surveillance system was almost 30% lower than in the birth cohort; incidence rate ratio 0.72 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.89). In the surveillance system, 18% were severe pneumonia cases, compared to 23% in the birth cohort, rate ratio 0.81 (95% CI 0.55 to 1.18). Conclusions In this setting, facility-based pneumonia surveillance detected fewer cases of pneumonia, and fewer severe cases, compared to the corresponding cohort study. Facility pneumonia surveillance using data collected by local healthcare workers provides a useful estimate of the epidemiology of childhood pneumonia but may underestimate incidence and severity. PMID:26685027

  2. Electroconvulsive treatment--more than electricity?: An Odyssey of facilities.

    PubMed

    Berg, John E

    2009-12-01

    To investigate whether the practice of electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) today is done in a comparable way in different hospitals on several continents. During visits to the ECT facilities of 14 hospitals on 3 continents, comparisons were made, and responsible health professionals were interviewed using a semistructured guide. It is emphasized that the present article is not the result of a well-structured research, but of reflections after observing a lack of homogeneity among facilities. A total of more than 18,000 modified ECT sessions were given per year in the 14 hospitals. The opinion of the public and regulatory bodies on ECT strongly influences the possibility of giving ECT to patients. Indications for ECT are wider than the cases of depression in most facilities visited. A psychiatrist gives ECT in all but 1 facility. Anesthesia is given by an anesthesiologist in all but 1 facility. A mouthpiece was not used in 2 (or 3) facilities, although the rationale was the same as in facilities using mouthpieces. No facility gave unmodified ECT. Holding on to the patient during seizures was judged unnecessary in 12 of 14 facilities. In severe mental illness, the practice of using ECT seems to have its merit also in cases with debilitating illnesses other than unipolar and bipolar depression. Giving ECT may be done by qualified or specially certified nurses, but the giving of anesthesia should be the realm of the anesthesiologist. Mouthpieces are judged by some facilities to be a superfluous device. The holding of patients during seizure can be omitted. Some of the facilities visited give ECT to a huge number of patients each year. They differ in the practice of ECT and could be the focus of comparative research. Despite the differences observed, and procedures that could be altered, giving ECT in a modified way effectively relieves suffering in the patients.

  3. Description of European Space Agency (ESA) Concept Development for a Mars Sample Receiving Facility (MSRF)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vrublevskis, J.; Berthoud, L.; Guest, M.; Smith, C.; Bennett, A.; Gaubert, F.; Schroeven-Deceuninck, H.; Duvet, L.; van Winnendael, M.

    2018-04-01

    This presentation gives an overview of the several studies conducted for the European Space Agency (ESA) since 2007, which progressively developed layouts for a potential implementation of a Mars Sample Receiving Facility (MSRF).

  4. Managing Inventory At A Transitional Facility

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hutchins, Henry A.

    1993-01-01

    Kennedy Inventory Management System, KIMS, geared to needs of facility in transition from research and development to manufacturing. Operated jointly by several contractors at Kennedy Space Center, KIMS designed to reduce cost and increase efficiency of fabrication and maintenance of spaceflight hardware.

  5. Contributions of fat mass and fat distribution to hip bone strength in healthy postmenopausal Chinese women.

    PubMed

    Shao, Hong Da; Li, Guan Wu; Liu, Yong; Qiu, Yu You; Yao, Jian Hua; Tang, Guang Yu

    2015-09-01

    The fat and bone connection is complicated, and the effect of adipose tissue on hip bone strength remains unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the relative contribution of body fat accumulation and fat distribution to the determination of proximal femur strength in healthy postmenopausal Chinese women. This cross-sectional study enrolled 528 healthy postmenopausal women without medication history or known diseases. Total lean mass (LM), appendicular LM (ALM), percentage of lean mass (PLM), total fat mass (FM), appendicular FM (AFM), percentage of body fat (PBF), android and gynoid fat amount, android-to-gynoid fat ratio (AOI), bone mineral density (BMD), and proximal femur geometry were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Hip structure analysis was used to compute some variables as geometric strength-related parameters by analyzing the images of the hip generated from DXA scans. Correlation analyses among anthropometrics, variables of body composition and bone mass, and geometric indices of hip bone strength were performed with stepwise linear regression analyses as well as Pearson's correlation analysis. In univariate analysis, there were significantly inverse correlations between age, years since menopause (YSM), hip BMD, and hip geometric parameters. Bone data were positively related to height, body weight, LM, ALM, FM, AFM, and PBF but negatively related to AOI and amount of android fat (all P < 0.05). AFM and AOI were significantly related to most anthropometric parameters. AFM was positively associated with height, body weight, and BMI. AFM was negatively associated with age and YSM. AOI was negatively associated with height, body weight, and BMI. AOI positively associated with age and YSM. LM, ALM, and FM had a positive relationship with anthropometric parameters (P < 0.05 for all). PLM had a negative relationship with those parameters. The correlation between LM, ALM, FM, PLM, ALM, age, and YSM was not significant. In multivariate linear regression analysis, the hip bone strength was observed to have a consistent and unchanged positive association with AFM and a negative association with AOI, whereas its association with other variables of body composition was not significant after adjusting for age, years since menopause, height, body weight, and BMI. AFM may be a positively protective effect for hip bone strength while AOI, rather than android fat, shows a strong negative association with hip bone strength after making an adjustment for confounders (age, YSM, height, body weight, and BMI) in healthy postmenopausal Chinese women. Rational weight control and AOI reduction during menopause may have vital clinical significance in decreasing postmenopausal osteoporosis.

  6. Detection methods for atoms and radicals in the gas phase

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hack, W.

    This report lists atoms and free radicals in the gas phase which are of interest for environmental and flame chemistry and have been detected directly. The detection methods which have been used are discussed with respect to their range of application, specificity and sensitivity. In table 1, detection methods for the five atoms of group IV (C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) and about 60 radicals containing at least one atom of group IV are summarized (CH, Cd, Cf, CC1, CBr, Cn, Cs, CSe, CH2, CD2, Chf, Cdf, CHC1, CHBr, CF2, CC12, CBr2, CFC1, CFBr, CH3, CD3, CF3, CH2F, CH2C1, CH2Br, CHF2, CHC12, CHBr2, Hco, Fco, CH30, CD30, CH2OH, CH3S, Nco, CH4N, CH302, CF302; C2, C2N, C2H, C20, C2HO, C2H3, C2F3, C2H5, C2HsO, C2H4OH, CH3CO, CD3CO, C2H3O, C2H502, CH3COO2, C2H4N, C2H6N, C3; Si, SiF, SiF2, SiO, SiC, Si2; Ge, GeC, GeO, GeF, GeF2, GeCl2, Sn, SnF, SnO, SnF2, Pb, PbF, PbF2, PbO, PbS). In table 2 detection methods for about 25 other atoms and 60 radicals are listed: (H, D, O, O2, Oh, Od, HO2, DO2, F, Ci, Br, I, Fo, Cio, BrO, Io, FO2, C1O2, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, N, N3, Nh, Nd, Nf, Nci, NBr, NH2, ND2, Nhd, Nhf, NF2, NC12, N2H3, No, NO2, NO3, Hno, Dno, P, Ph, Pd, Pf, Pci, PH2, PD2, PF2, Po, As, AsO, AsS, Sb, Bi, S, S2, Sh, Sd, Sf, SF2, So, Hso, Dso, Sn, Se, Te, Se2, SeH, SeD, SeF, SeO, SeS, SeN, TeH, TeO, Bh, BH2, Bo, Bn, B02, Cd, Hg, UF5). The tables also cite some recent kinetic applications of the various methods.

  7. Review on heavy ion radiotherapy facilities and related ion sources (invited)a)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kitagawa, A.; Fujita, T.; Muramatsu, M.; Biri, S.; Drentje, A. G.

    2010-02-01

    Heavy ion radiotherapy awakens worldwide interest recently. The clinical results obtained by the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences in Japan have clearly demonstrated the advantages of carbon ion radiotherapy. Presently, there are four facilities for heavy ion radiotherapy in operation, and several new facilities are under construction or being planned. The most common requests for ion sources are a long lifetime and good stability and reproducibility. Sufficient intensity has been achieved by electron cyclotron resonance ion sources at the present facilities.

  8. Large space structures testing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Waites, Henry; Worley, H. Eugene

    1987-01-01

    There is considerable interest in the development of testing concepts and facilities that accurately simulate the pathologies believed to exist in future spacecraft. Both the Government and Industry have participated in the development of facilities over the past several years. The progress and problems associated with the development of the Large Space Structure Test Facility at the Marshall Flight Center are presented. This facility was in existence for a number of years and its utilization has run the gamut from total in-house involvement, third party contractor testing, to the mutual participation of other goverment agencies in joint endeavors.

  9. X-Ray Calibration Facility/Advanced Video Guidance Sensor Test

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Johnston, N. A. S.; Howard, R. T.; Watson, D. W.

    2004-01-01

    The advanced video guidance sensor was tested in the X-Ray Calibration facility at Marshall Space Flight Center to establish performance during vacuum. Two sensors were tested and a timeline for each are presented. The sensor and test facility are discussed briefly. A new test stand was also developed. A table establishing sensor bias and spot size growth for several ranges is detailed along with testing anomalies.

  10. The ERDA/LeRC photovoltaic systems test facility

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Forestieri, A. F.

    1977-01-01

    A test facility was designed, and built to provide a place where photovoltaic systems may be assembled and electrically configured, to evaluate system performance and characteristics. The facility consists of a solar cell array of an initial 10-kW peak power rating, test hardware for several alternate methods of power conditioning, a variety of loads, an electrical energy storage system, and an instrumentation and data acquisition system.

  11. Clinical characteristics and service use of persons with mental illness living in an intermediate care facility.

    PubMed

    Anderson, R L; Lewis, D A

    1999-10-01

    The study examined the characteristics of residents living in a 450-bed intermediate care facility for persons with severe mental illness in Illinois and sought to determine the factors predicting their utilization of mental health services. Data on 100 randomly selected residents with a chart diagnosis of schizophrenia were collected using chart review and interviews. Data for 78 residents whose diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder was confirmed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV were included in the analyses. Fifty-three percent of the residents used facility-based specialty mental health services beyond medication management, such as group therapy or a day program. Persons with the least severe psychiatric illnesses and with higher levels of motivation for overall care used the most mental health services. Thirty-five percent of the residents had been discharged to an inpatient psychiatric unit during the previous year. Residents most likely to be discharged to those settings were young men with a history of homelessness who refused facility-based health services. Despite recent policy-driven efforts to improve care in this intermediate care facility for persons with mental illness, the facility continues to have problems addressing the mental health needs of the residents.

  12. Current status and some future test directions for the U.S. National Transonic Facility

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gloss, Blair B.

    1992-01-01

    The construction of the National Transonic Facility was completed in September 1982 and the start-up and checkout of the tunnel systems were performed over the following two years. In August 1984, the facility was declared operational for final checkout of cryogenic instrumentation and control systems, and for the aerodynamics calibration and testing to commence. Since 1984 several operational problems have been identified and successfully solved which is demonstrated by the fact that the facility has operated the last year with no significant facility down times. Also during this time period, development of test techniques and instrumentation has continued. This paper will review some of the recent test techniques and instrumentation developments, and will briefly review the status of the facility.

  13. Integration of bicycling and walking facilities into the infrastructure of urban communities.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2012-02-01

    Several manuals, handbooks and web resources exist to provide varied guidance on planning for and designing bicycle and pedestrian facilities, yet there are no specific indications about which of the varied treatments in these guides work well for us...

  14. Integration of Bicycling and Walking Facilities into the Infrastructure of Urban Communities

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2012-02-01

    Several manuals, handbooks and web resources exist to provide varied guidance on planning for and designing bicycle and pedestrian facilities, yet there are no specific indications about which of the varied treatments in these guides work well for us...

  15. Surrogate Safety Assessment Model and Validation : Final Report

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2008-06-01

    Safety of traffic facilities is most often measured by counting the number (and severity) of crashes that occur. It is not possible to apply such a measurement technique to traffic facility designs that have not yet been built or deployed in the real...

  16. Alternatives for Financing Higher Education Facilities.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Leslie, Larry L.; Felix, Frank J.

    1980-01-01

    How state governments should finance public college and university facilities is discussed. A framework for analyzing the capital financing alternatives available to state governments is described. Several alternatives in Arizona--including state appropriations, leasing, and revenue bonding--are considered as an illustration. (Author/MLW)

  17. Hazardous Waste Cleanup: Arsynco Incorporated in Carlstadt, New Jersey

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    The Arsynco facility is located in a heavy industrial and commercial area at the western boundary of the Hackensack Meadowlands tidal marsh area, Foot of 13th Street in Carlstadt, Bergen County, New Jersey. The facility consisted of several manufacturing/s

  18. Change Is Good...Wrong!

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hill, Franklin

    2000-01-01

    Change must be personally relevant, beneficial, clearly defined and believed to be achievable. To renovate school facilities, several steps are necessary: identifying future trends and making them personally applicable, establishing a realistic vision, creating functional facility goals, seeing the building as an empty shell, and considering…

  19. Survey of solar thermal test facilities

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Masterson, K.

    The facilities that are presently available for testing solar thermal energy collection and conversion systems are briefly described. Facilities that are known to meet ASHRAE standard 93-77 for testing flat-plate collectors are listed. The DOE programs and test needs for distributed concentrating collectors are identified. Existing and planned facilities that meet these needs are described and continued support for most of them is recommended. The needs and facilities that are suitable for testing components of central receiver systems, several of which are located overseas, are identified. The central contact point for obtaining additional details and test procedures for these facilitiesmore » is the Solar Thermal Test Facilities Users' Association in Albuquerque, N.M. The appendices contain data sheets and tables which give additional details on the technical capabilities of each facility. Also included is the 1975 Aerospace Corporation report on test facilities that is frequently referenced in the present work.« less

  20. Predictors of death from severe pneumonia among children 2-59 months old hospitalized in Bohol, Philippines: implications for referral criteria at a first-level health facility.

    PubMed

    Lupisan, S P; Ruutu, P; Erma Abucejo-Ladesma, P; Quiambao, B P; Gozum, L; Sombrero, L T; Romano, V; Herva, E; Riley, I; Simoes, E A F

    2007-08-01

    To determine predictors of death among children 2-59 months old admitted to hospital with severe pneumonia. Prospective observational study from April 1994 to May 2000 to investigate serious infections in children less than 5 years old admitted to a tertiary care government hospital in a rural province in central Philippines. The quality of clinical and laboratory work was monitored. The WHO classification for severe pneumonia was used for patient enrolment. There were 1249 children with severe pneumonia and no CNS infection. Thirty children died. Using univariate analysis, the following factors were significantly associated with death: age 2-5 months, dense infiltrates on chest radiography and presence of definite bacterial pathogens in the blood. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed the following independent predictors of death: age 2-5 months, weight for age z-score less than -2 SD, dense infiltrates on chest radiography and definite pathogens isolated in the blood. When the results of chest radiographs and blood cultures were not included to mimic facilities available at first-level facilities, age 2-5 months and weight for age z-score less than -2 SD remained independent predictors of death. When resources are limited, children with lower chest wall indrawing (severe pneumonia) who are 2-5 months old or moderately to severely malnourished should be referred for immediate higher-level care.

  1. Development of a test facility to evaluate the optimal design of BMPs for managing environmental problems at construction sites.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2012-06-01

    The following document is the final report for ALDOT Project 930655 which summarizes the design and : construction of the Auburn University Erosion and Sediment Control Testing Facility (AUESCTF) along : with several intermediatescale, f...

  2. Deferred Maintenance.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kaiser, Harvey H.

    1980-01-01

    Facilities maintenance is seen as the most important item on the agenda of education in the 1980s. Definite action has been taken to identify deferred maintenance needs of several state systems and private colleges. Identifying and defining the problem is discussed along with comprehensive facilities management and survey guidelines. (MLW)

  3. Focusing giga-electronvolt heavy ions to micrometers at the Institute of Modern Physics.

    PubMed

    Sheng, Lina; Du, Guanghua; Guo, Jinlong; Wu, Ruqun; Song, Mingtao; Yuan, Youjin; Xiao, Guoqing

    2013-05-01

    To study the radiation effect of cosmic heavy ions of low fluxes in electronics and living samples, a focusing heavy ion microbeam facility, for ions with energies of several MeV/u up to 100 MeV/u, was constructed in the Institute of Modern Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This facility has a vertical design and an experiment platform for both in-vacuum analysis and in-air irradiation. Recently, microbeam of (12)C(6+) with energy of 80.55 MeV/u was successfully achieved at this interdisciplinary microbeam facility with a full beam spot size of 3 μm × 5 μm on target in air. Different from ions with energy of several MeV/u, the very high ion energy of hundred MeV/u level induces problems in beam micro-collimation, online beam spot diagnosis, radiation protection, etc. This paper presents the microbeam setup, difficulties in microbeam formation, and the preliminary experiments performed with the facility.

  4. The role of institutions on the effectiveness of malaria treatment in the Ghanaian health sector.

    PubMed

    Amporfu, Eugenia; Nonvignon, Justice

    2015-04-19

    The Ghanaian health sector has undertaken several policies to help improve the quality of care received by patients. This includes the construction of several health facilities, the increase in the training of health workers, especially nurses, and the introduction of incentive packages (such as salary increase) to motivate health workers. The important question is to what extent does the institutional arrangement between the health facilities and the government as well as between health workers and public health facility administration affect the quality of care? The objective of this study is to find the effect of institutional factors on the quality of care. The institutional factors examined were mainly the extent of decentralization between government and health facilities, as well as between health workers and facility administration, the hiring procedure, and job satisfaction. The study used primary data on former patients from sixty six health facilities in three administrative regions of Ghana: the Northern, the Ashanti and the Greater Accra regions. The quality indicator used was effectiveness of treatment as determined by the patient. Ordered logit regression was run for the indicator with patient and health facility characteristics as well as institutional factors as independent variables. The sample size was 2248. The results showed that the patient's level of formal education had a strong influence on the effectiveness of treatment. In addition, effectiveness of treatment differed according to the administrative region in which the facility was located, and according to the extent of decentralization between health facility and government. The quality of instruments used for treatment, the working conditions for health workers, and job satisfaction had no effect on the effectiveness of treatment. Decentralization, the flow of information from government to health facilities and from health facility administrators to health workers are important in ensuring effectiveness. The study recommends further decentralization between health facilities as well as between health workers and administrators. In addition, the study recommends the involvement of health facilities in malaria programs to ensure the flow of information needed for effectiveness of treatment.

  5. Budgeting Facilities Operation Costs Using the Facilities Operation Model

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-06-01

    practices that today’s modern buildings have built into them. Several factors can change from the time the requirement is generated to when actual...information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instruction, searching existing data sources, gathering and...BOS required $4.2 billion.2 In FY2012, it is estimated it will reach $4.6 billion.3 Unlike sustainment and modernization , failure to fund facility

  6. Holifield Heavy-Ion Research Facility at Oak Ridge

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jones, C.M.

    1977-01-01

    A new heavy-ion accelerator facility is now under construction at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. A brief description of the scope and schedule of this project is given, and the new large tandem accelerator, which will be a major element of the facility is discussed in some detail. Several studies which have been made or are in progress in Oak Ridge in preparation for operation of the tandem accelerator are briefly described.

  7. Poster — Thur Eve — 50: Common Regulatory Non-Compliances and How to Avoid Them

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Heimann, M.

    The Accelerators and Class II Facilities Division (ACFD) of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), is responsible for the oversight of radiotherapy facilities containing Class II prescribed equipment in Canada. Over the past several years, ACFD has been performing compliance inspections of Class II nuclear facilities across the country (medical and otherwise), and in that time, has issued several hundred corrective actions to licensees due to non-compliance with regulatory requirements. Recently, a study was done to determine the most common regulatory non-compliances. The purpose of this poster presentation is to disseminate information to the licensee community about the nature ofmore » these non-compliances, and how they can be avoided by licensees in the future.« less

  8. Case management of malaria in Swaziland, 2011-2015: on track for elimination?

    PubMed

    Dlamini, S V; Kosgei, R J; Mkhonta, N; Zulu, Z; Makadzange, K; Zhou, S; Owiti, P; Sikhondze, W; Namboze, J; Reid, A; Kunene, S

    2018-04-25

    Objective: To assess adherence to malaria diagnosis and treatment guidelines (2010 and 2014) in all health care facilities in Swaziland between 2011 and 2015. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study involving all health care facilities that diagnosed and managed malaria cases in Swaziland. Patients' age, sex, diagnosis method and type of treatment were analysed. Results: Of 1981 records for severe and uncomplicated malaria analysed, 56% of cases were uncomplicated and 14% had severe malaria. The type of malaria was not recorded for 30% of cases. Approximately 71% of cases were confirmed by rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) alone, 3% by microscopy alone and 26% by both RDT and microscopy. Of the uncomplicated cases, 93% were treated with artemether-lumefantrine (AL) alone, 5% with quinine alone and 2% with AL and quinine. Amongst the severe cases, 11% were treated with AL alone, 44% with quinine alone and 45% with AL and quinine. For severe malaria, clinics and health centres prescribed AL alone more often than hospitals (respectively 13%, 12% and 4%, P = 0.03). Conclusion: RDTs and/or microscopy results are used at all facilities to inform treatment. Poor recording of malaria type causes difficulties in assessing the prescription of antimalarial drugs.

  9. The Mothball, Sustainment, and Proposed Reactivation of the Hypersonic Tunnel Facility (HTF) at NASA Glenn Research Center Plum Brook Station

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Thomas, Scott R.; Lee, Jinho; Stephens, John W.; Hostler, Robert W., Jr.; VonKamp, William D.

    2010-01-01

    The Hypersonic Tunnel Facility (HTF) located at the NASA Glenn Research Center s Plum Brook Station in Sandusky, Ohio, is the nation s only large-scale, non-vitiated, hypersonic propulsion test facility. The HTF, with its 4-story graphite induction heater, is capable of duplicating Mach 5, 6, and 7 flight conditions. This unique propulsion system test facility has experienced several standby and reactivation cycles. The intent of the paper is to overview the HTF capabilities to the propulsion community, present the current status of HTF, and share the lessons learned from putting a large-scale facility into mothball status for a later restart

  10. Collision of comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter observed by the NASA infrared telescope facility

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Orton, G.; A'Hearn, M.; Baines, K.; Deming, D.; Dowling, T.; Goguen, J.; Griffith, C.; Hammel, H.; Hoffmann, W.; Hunten, D.; hide

    1995-01-01

    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Infrared Telescope Facility was used to investigate the collision of comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter from 12 July to 7 August 1994. Strong thermal infrared emission lasting several minutes was observed after the impacts of fragments C, G, and R. All impacts warmed the stratosphere and some the troposphere up to several degrees. The abundance of stratospheric ammonia increased by more than 50 times. Impact-related particles extended up to a level where the atmospheric pressure measured several millibars. The north polar near-infrared aurora brightened by nearly a factor of 5 a week after the impacts.

  11. Collision of comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter observed by the NASA infrared telescope facility.

    PubMed

    Orton, G; A'Hearn, M; Baines, K; Deming, D; Dowling, T; Goguen, J; Griffith, C; Hammel, H; Hoffmann, W; Hunten, D

    1995-03-03

    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Infrared Telescope Facility was used to investigate the collision of comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter from 12 July to 7 August 1994. Strong thermal infrared emission lasting several minutes was observed after the impacts of fragments C, G, and R. All impacts warmed the stratosphere and some the troposphere up to several degrees. The abundance of stratospheric ammonia increased by more than 50 times. Impact-related particles extended up to a level where the atmospheric pressure measured several millibars. The north polar near-infrared aurora brightened by nearly a factor of 5 a week after the impacts.

  12. Ferry Terminals and Small Craft Berthing Facilities. Design Manual 25.5.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-07-01

    become water-logged and sink in a few years. Use is generally not recommended. (2) Extruded polystyrene (Styrofoam). Available in several sizes of precast...Supplemental facilities, such as boardroom, coffee- break room or snack bar, engineering room, and storage room, fol large installations. b

  13. ERDA/Lewis research center photovoltaic systems test facility

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Forestieri, A. F.; Johnson, J. A.; Knapp, W. D.; Rigo, H.; Stover, J.; Suhay, R.

    1977-01-01

    A national photovoltaic power systems test facility (of initial 10-kW peak power rating) is described. It consists of a solar array to generate electrical power, test-hardware for several alternate methods of power conversion, electrical energy storage systems, and an instrumentation and data acquisition system.

  14. Building Condition and Suitability Evaluation Manual.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    MGT of America, Inc., Tallahassee, FL.

    This educational facility evaluation manual contains the overall building condition rating form and the supporting check sheets which have been field tested in several states and, where appropriate, modified for use in the Idaho School Facilities Needs Assessment. The exterior building condition form examines the foundation, structure, walls,…

  15. MULTI-POLLUTANT CONCENTRATION MEASUREMENTS AROUND A CONCENTRATED SWINE PRODUCTION FACILITY USING OPEN-PATH FTIR SPECTROMETRY

    EPA Science Inventory

    Open-path Fourier transform infrared (OP/FTIR) spectrometry was used to measure the concentrations of ammonia, methane, and other atmospheric gasses around an integrated industrial swine production facility in eastern North Carolina. Several single-path measurements were made ove...

  16. OXYGEN TRANSFER STUDIES AT THE MADISON METROPOLITAN SEWERAGE DISTRICT FACILITIES

    EPA Science Inventory

    Field studies at the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District facilities were conducted over a 3-year period to obtain long-term data on the performance of fine pore aeration equipment in municipal wastewater. The studies were conducted on several basins in the East Plant containi...

  17. A free-piston Stirling engine/linear alternator controls and load interaction test facility

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rauch, Jeffrey S.; Kankam, M. David; Santiago, Walter; Madi, Frank J.

    1992-01-01

    A test facility at LeRC was assembled for evaluating free-piston Stirling engine/linear alternator control options, and interaction with various electrical loads. This facility is based on a 'SPIKE' engine/alternator. The engine/alternator, a multi-purpose load system, a digital computer based load and facility control, and a data acquisition system with both steady-periodic and transient capability are described. Preliminary steady-periodic results are included for several operating modes of a digital AC parasitic load control. Preliminary results on the transient response to switching a resistive AC user load are discussed.

  18. KSC-2011-7851

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2011-11-21

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media tour several facilities, including the Multi-Payload Processing Facility, during the 21st Century Ground Systems Program Tour at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Other tour stops were the Launch Equipment Test Facility, the Operations & Checkout Building and the Canister Rotation Facility. NASA’s 21st Century Ground Systems Program was initiated at Kennedy Space Center to establish the needed launch and processing infrastructure to support the Space Launch System Program and to work toward transforming the landscape of the launch site for a multi-faceted user community. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

  19. KSC-2011-7846

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2011-11-21

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media tour several facilities, including the Launch Equipment Test Facility in the Industrial Area, during the 21st Century Ground Systems Program Tour at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Other tour stops were the Operations & Checkout Building, the Multi-Payload Processing Facility and the Canister Rotation Facility. NASA’s 21st Century Ground Systems Program was initiated at Kennedy Space Center to establish the needed launch and processing infrastructure to support the Space Launch System Program and to work toward transforming the landscape of the launch site for a multi-faceted user community. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

  20. KSC-2011-7847

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2011-11-21

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media tour several facilities, including the Launch Equipment Test Facility in the Industrial Area, during the 21st Century Ground Systems Program Tour at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Other tour stops were the Operations & Checkout Building, the Multi-Payload Processing Facility and the Canister Rotation Facility. NASA’s 21st Century Ground Systems Program was initiated at Kennedy Space Center to establish the needed launch and processing infrastructure to support the Space Launch System Program and to work toward transforming the landscape of the launch site for a multi-faceted user community. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

  1. Indirect causes of severe adverse maternal outcomes: a secondary analysis of the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health.

    PubMed

    Lumbiganon, P; Laopaiboon, M; Intarut, N; Vogel, J P; Souza, J P; Gülmezoglu, A M; Mori, R

    2014-03-01

    To assess the proportion of severe maternal outcomes resulting from indirect causes, and to determine pregnancy outcomes of women with indirect causes. Secondary analysis of the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health. A total of 359 health facilities in 29 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. A total of 314 623 pregnant women admitted to the participating facilities. We identified the percentage of women with severe maternal outcomes arising from indirect causes. We evaluated the risk of severe maternal and perinatal outcomes in women with, versus without, underlying indirect causes, using adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, by a multilevel, multivariate logistic regression model, accounting for clustering effects within countries and health facilities. Severe maternal outcomes and preterm birth, fetal mortality, early neonatal mortality, perinatal mortality, low birthweight, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Amongst 314 623 included women, 2822 were reported to suffer from severe maternal outcomes, out of which 20.9% (589/2822; 95% CI 20.1-21.6%) were associated with indirect causes. The most common indirect cause was anaemia (50%). Women with underlying indirect causes showed significantly higher risk of obstetric complications (adjusted odds ratio, aOR, 7.0; 95% CI 6.6-7.4), severe maternal outcomes (aOR 27.9; 95% CI 24.7-31.6), and perinatal mortality (aOR 3.8; 95% CI 3.5-4.1). Indirect causes were responsible for about one-fifth of severe maternal outcomes. Women with underlying indirect causes had significantly increased risks of severe maternal and perinatal outcomes. © 2014 RCOG The World Health Organization retains copyright and all other rights in the manuscript of this article as submitted for publication.

  2. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mulder, R.U.; Benneche, P.E.; Hosticka, B.

    The objective of the DOE supported Reactor Sharing Program is to increase the availability of university nuclear reactor facilities to non-reactor-owning educational institutions. The educational and research programs of these user institutions is enhanced by the use of the nuclear facilities. Several methods have been used by the UVA Reactor Facility to achieve this objective. First, many college and secondary school groups toured the Reactor Facility and viewed the UVAR reactor and associated experimental facilities. Second, advanced undergraduate and graduate classes from area colleges and universities visited the facility to perform experiments in nuclear engineering and physics which would notmore » be possible at the user institution. Third, irradiation and analysis services at the Facility have been made available for research by faculty and students from user institutions. Fourth, some institutions have received activated material from UVA from use at their institutions. These areas are discussed in this report.« less

  3. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    NONE

    The objective of the DOE supported Reactor Sharing Program is to increase the availability of university nuclear reactor facilities to non-reactor-owning educational institutions. The educational and research programs of these user institutions is enhanced by the use of the nuclear facilities. Several methods have been used by the UVA Reactor Facility to achieve this objective. First, many college and secondary school groups toured the Reactor Facility and viewed the UVAR reactor and associated experimental facilities. Second, advanced undergraduate and graduate classes from area colleges and universities visited the facility to perform experiments in nuclear engineering and physics which would notmore » be possible at the user institution. Third, irradiation and analysis services at the Facility have been made available for research by faculty and students from user institutions. Fourth, some institutions have received activated material from UVA for use at their institutions. These areas are discussed further in the report.« less

  4. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mulder, R.U.; Benneche, P.E.; Hosticka, B.

    The objective of the DOE supported Reactor Sharing Program is to increase the availability of university nuclear reactor facilities to non-reactor-owning educational institutions. The educational and research programs of these user institutions is enhanced by the use of the nuclear facilities. Several methods have been used by the UVA Reactor Facility to achieve this objective. First, many college and secondary school groups toured the Reactor Facility and viewed the UVAR reactor and associated experimental facilities. Second, advanced undergraduate and graduate classes from area colleges and universities visited the facility to perform experiments in nuclear engineering and physics which would notmore » be possible at the user institution. Third, irradiation and analysis services at the Facility have been made available for research by faculty and students from user institutions. Fourth, some institutions have received activated material from UVA for use at their institutions. These areas are discussed here.« less

  5. 75 FR 19467 - Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; Revisions to the New Source Review (NSR...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-04-14

    ...EPA is taking final action to disapprove revisions to the SIP submitted by the State of Texas that relate to the Modification of Existing Qualified Facilities (the Qualified Facilities Program or the Program). EPA is disapproving the Texas Qualified Facilities Program because it does not meet the Minor NSR SIP requirements nor does it meet the NSR SIP requirements for a substitute Major NSR SIP revision. EPA is also approving three definitions that are severable from the Qualified Facilities submittals. These three definitions we are approving are, ``grandfathered facility,'' ``maximum allowable emission rate table (MAERT),'' and ``new facility.'' Moreover, we are making an administrative correction to the SIP-approved definition of ``facility.'' We are taking this action under section 110, part C, and part D of the Federal Clean Air Act (the Act or CAA).

  6. Stress, anxiety, and the air traffic control specialist : some conclusions from a decade of research.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1980-09-01

    This paper summarizes a decade of research evaluating possible stress effects of work on Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCSs).Studies were conducted at a variety of large and small air traffic facilities. A visit of several days to each facility w...

  7. Implementation of the Generic Safety Analysis Report - Lessons Learned

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Blanchard, A.

    1999-06-02

    The Savannah River Site has completed the development, review and approval process for the Generic Safety Analysis Report (GSAR) and implemented this information in facility SARs and BIOs. This includes the yearly revision of the GSAR and the facility-specific SARs. The process has provided us with several lessons learned.

  8. Facilities | Advanced Manufacturing Research | NREL

    Science.gov Websites

    , and black building with two people walking in front of it. Energy Systems Integration Facility Its projects. Photo of a large, warehouse-like, lab space with several people in hard hats operating equipment with a few people and manufacturing equipment, including spools and web lines. Manufacturing Laboratory

  9. World Presidents Organization

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    2010-01-01

    Members of the World Presidents' Organization enjoy exhibits at StenniSphere, the museum and visitor center at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center during a tour of the space facility Jan. 26. WPO members from several states toured Stennis facilities during a daylong visit that included a presentation by Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise of Biloxi.

  10. Response to in-depth safety audit of the L Lake sampling station

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gladden, J.B.

    1986-10-15

    An in-depth safety audit of several of the facilities and operations supporting the Biological Monitoring Program on L Lake was conducted. Subsequent to the initial audit, the audit team evaluated the handling of samples taken for analysis of Naegleria fowleri at the 704-U laboratory facility.

  11. HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSISTANCE RESOURCES: POLLUTION PREVENTION AND COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE FOR HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

    EPA Science Inventory

    This CD ROM is a result of several healthcare guidance documents coming into existence around the same time and the need for one tool where healthcare facilities could have access to these documents and other valuable healthcare resources regardless of connection to the internet....

  12. Facilities for meteorological research at NASA Goddard/Wallops Flight Facility

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gerlach, J. C.; Carr, R. E.

    1984-01-01

    The technical characteristics of the Atmospheric Sciences Research Facility, the improvements being made to the instrumentation there which will enhance its usefulness in atmospheric research, and several of the on-going research programs are described. Among the area of atmospheric research discussed are clouds and precipitation, lightning, ozone, wind, and storms. Meteorological instruments including Doppler radar, spectrophotometers, and ozone sensors are mentioned. Atmospheric research relevant to aircraft design and COMSTAR communication satellites is briefly discussed.

  13. Healthcare-seeking Behaviour for Common Infectious Disease-related Illnesses in Rural Kenya: A Community-based House-to-house Survey

    PubMed Central

    Flannery, Brendan; Onyango, Bernard; Larson, Charles; Alaii, Jane; Zhang, Xingyou; Hamel, Mary J.; Breiman, Robert F.; Feikin, Daniel R.

    2011-01-01

    Community surveys of healthcare-use determine the proportion of illness episodes not captured by health facility-based surveillance, the methodology used most commonly to estimate the burden of disease in Africa. A cross-sectional survey of households with children aged less than five years was conducted in 35 of 686 census enumeration areas in rural Bondo district, western Kenya. Healthcare sought for acute episodes of diarrhoea or fever in the past two weeks or pneumonia in the past year was evaluated. Factors associa-ted with healthcare-seeking were analyzed by logistic regression accounting for sample design. In total, 6,223 residents of 981 households were interviewed. Of 1,679 children aged less than five years, 233 (14%) had diarrhoea, and 736 (44%) had fever during the past two weeks; care at health facilities was sought for one-third of these episodes. Pneumonia in the past year was reported for 64 (4%) children aged less than five years; 88% sought healthcare at any health facility and 48% at hospitals. Seeking healthcare at health facilities was more likely for children from households with higher socioeconomic status and with more symptoms of severe illness. Health facility and hospital-based surveillance would underestimate the burden of disease substantially in rural western Kenya. Seeking healthcare at health facilities and hospitals varied by syndrome, severity of illness, and characteristics of the patient. PMID:21528791

  14. 41 CFR 51-10.150 - Program accessibility: Existing facilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... Relating to Public Contracts COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED 10... FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED § 51-10.150 Program accessibility...

  15. 41 CFR 51-10.150 - Program accessibility: Existing facilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... Relating to Public Contracts COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED 10... FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED § 51-10.150 Program accessibility...

  16. 41 CFR 51-10.150 - Program accessibility: Existing facilities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... Relating to Public Contracts COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED 10... FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED § 51-10.150 Program accessibility...

  17. Risk factors for severe injury following indoor and outdoor falls in geriatric patients.

    PubMed

    Kim, Sun Hyu

    2016-01-01

    This study was performed to examine the characteristics of indoor and outdoor falls in older patients and the factors related to severe injury in the emergency department (ED). In total, 26,515 patients fell indoors and 19,581 outdoors. The general and clinical characteristics were compared between the two groups and factors associated with severe injury following the falls were evaluated. Younger males fell more frequently outdoors than indoors. The common activities during outdoor falls were sports and leisure activities. Environmental hazards lead to more outdoor falls than indoor falls. Factors associated with severe injury after indoor falls were transport to the ED by public ambulance or from another medical facility rather than individual transportation, fall from stairs rather than fell over, and a head and neck injury rather than a lower extremity injury. Factors related to severe injury after outdoor falls were male sex, transport to the ED by public ambulance or from another medical facility or by another method rather than individual transportation, state employed, fall from stairs rather than fell over, head and neck or thorax or abdomen injury rather than a lower extremity injury. Transport to the ED by public ambulance or from another medical facility, and head and neck injury were risks for severe injury following indoor and outdoor falls in elderly subjects. Efforts to identify the risk factors for severe injury and for falling itself are important to prevent and reduce fall injuries in elderly subjects. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Thermal Vacuum Control Systems Options for Test Facilities

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Marchetti, John

    2008-01-01

    This presentation suggests several Thermal Vacuum System (TVAC) control design approach methods for TVAC facilities. Over the past several years many aerospace companies have or are currently upgrading their TVAC testing facilities whether it be by upgrading old equipment or purchasing new. In doing so they are updating vacuum pumping and thermal capabilities of their chambers as well as their control systems. Although control systems are sometimes are considered second to the vacuum or thermal system upgrade process, they should not be taken lightly and must be planned and implemented with the equipment it is to control. Also, emphasis should be placed on how the operators will use the system as well as the requirements of "their" customers. Presented will be various successful methods of TVAC control systems from Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) based to personal computer (PC) based control.

  19. Costs of postabortion care in public sector health facilities in Malawi: a cross-sectional survey.

    PubMed

    Benson, Janie; Gebreselassie, Hailemichael; Mañibo, Maribel Amor; Raisanen, Keris; Johnston, Heidi Bart; Mhango, Chisale; Levandowski, Brooke A

    2015-12-17

    Health systems could obtain substantial cost savings by providing safe abortion care rather than providing expensive treatment for complications of unsafely performed abortions. This study estimates current health system costs of treating unsafe abortion complications and compares these findings with newly-projected costs for providing safe abortion in Malawi. We conducted in-depth surveys of medications, supplies, and time spent by clinical personnel dedicated to postabortion care (PAC) for three treatment categories (simple, severe non-surgical, and severe surgical complications) and three uterine evacuation (UE) procedure types (manual vacuum aspiration (MVA), dilation and curettage (D&C) and misoprostol-alone) at 15 purposively-selected public health facilities. Per-case treatment costs were calculated and applied to national, annual PAC caseload data. The median cost per D&C case ($63) was 29% higher than MVA treatment ($49). Costs to treat severe non-surgical complications ($63) were almost five times higher than those of a simple PAC case ($13). Severe surgical complications were especially costly to treat at $128. PAC treatment in public facilities cost an estimated $314,000 annually. Transition to safe, legal abortion would yield an estimated cost reduction of 20%-30%. The method of UE and severity of complications have a large impact on overall costs. With a liberalized abortion law and implementation of induced abortion services with WHO-recommended UE methods, current PAC costs to the health system could markedly decrease.

  20. 6 CFR 27.125 - Severability.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 6 Domestic Security 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Severability. 27.125 Section 27.125 Domestic Security DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM STANDARDS General § 27.125 Severability. If a court finds any portion of this part to have been promulgated...

  1. 6 CFR 27.125 - Severability.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 6 Domestic Security 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Severability. 27.125 Section 27.125 Domestic Security DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM STANDARDS General § 27.125 Severability. If a court finds any portion of this part to have been promulgated...

  2. 6 CFR 27.125 - Severability.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 6 Domestic Security 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Severability. 27.125 Section 27.125 Domestic Security DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM STANDARDS General § 27.125 Severability. If a court finds any portion of this part to have been promulgated...

  3. 6 CFR 27.125 - Severability.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 6 Domestic Security 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Severability. 27.125 Section 27.125 Domestic Security DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM STANDARDS General § 27.125 Severability. If a court finds any portion of this part to have been promulgated...

  4. 6 CFR 27.125 - Severability.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 6 Domestic Security 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Severability. 27.125 Section 27.125 Domestic Security DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM STANDARDS General § 27.125 Severability. If a court finds any portion of this Part to have been promulgated...

  5. Trending Technologies for Indoor FM: Looking for "Geo" in Information

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gunduz, M.; Isikdag, U.; Basaraner, M.

    2016-10-01

    Today technological developments in the Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry provides opportunities to build huge and complex buildings and facilities. In order to operate these facilities and to meet the requirements of the occupants and also to manage energy, waste and to keep all facility services operational, several Facility Management (FM) solutions were developed. This paper starts by presenting a state of art review of research related to Indoor Facility Management Systems. Later, a textual analysis focused to identify the research trends in this field is presented in the paper. The result of the literature review and textual analysis indicates that current research in Indoor FM Systems is underestimating the role of Geoinformation, Geoinformation models and systems.

  6. 41 CFR 101-26.701 - Purchase of products and services from the blind and other severely handicapped persons.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... services from the blind and other severely handicapped persons. 101-26.701 Section 101-26.701 Public... severely handicapped persons. (a) Purchases by executive agencies of products produced by workshops of the blind or other severely handicapped persons which are carried in GSA supply distribution facilities must...

  7. 41 CFR 101-26.701 - Purchase of products and services from the blind and other severely handicapped persons.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... services from the blind and other severely handicapped persons. 101-26.701 Section 101-26.701 Public... severely handicapped persons. (a) Purchases by executive agencies of products produced by workshops of the blind or other severely handicapped persons which are carried in GSA supply distribution facilities must...

  8. 41 CFR 101-26.701 - Purchase of products and services from the blind and other severely handicapped persons.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... services from the blind and other severely handicapped persons. 101-26.701 Section 101-26.701 Public... severely handicapped persons. (a) Purchases by executive agencies of products produced by workshops of the blind or other severely handicapped persons which are carried in GSA supply distribution facilities must...

  9. 41 CFR 101-26.701 - Purchase of products and services from the blind and other severely handicapped persons.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... services from the blind and other severely handicapped persons. 101-26.701 Section 101-26.701 Public... severely handicapped persons. (a) Purchases by executive agencies of products produced by workshops of the blind or other severely handicapped persons which are carried in GSA supply distribution facilities must...

  10. 41 CFR 101-26.701 - Purchase of products and services from the blind and other severely handicapped persons.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... services from the blind and other severely handicapped persons. 101-26.701 Section 101-26.701 Public... severely handicapped persons. (a) Purchases by executive agencies of products produced by workshops of the blind or other severely handicapped persons which are carried in GSA supply distribution facilities must...

  11. Using classification tree modelling to investigate drug prescription practices at health facilities in rural Tanzania.

    PubMed

    Kajungu, Dan K; Selemani, Majige; Masanja, Irene; Baraka, Amuri; Njozi, Mustafa; Khatib, Rashid; Dodoo, Alexander N; Binka, Fred; Macq, Jean; D'Alessandro, Umberto; Speybroeck, Niko

    2012-09-05

    Drug prescription practices depend on several factors related to the patient, health worker and health facilities. A better understanding of the factors influencing prescription patterns is essential to develop strategies to mitigate the negative consequences associated with poor practices in both the public and private sectors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural Tanzania among patients attending health facilities, and health workers. Patients, health workers and health facilities-related factors with the potential to influence drug prescription patterns were used to build a model of key predictors. Standard data mining methodology of classification tree analysis was used to define the importance of the different factors on prescription patterns. This analysis included 1,470 patients and 71 health workers practicing in 30 health facilities. Patients were mostly treated in dispensaries. Twenty two variables were used to construct two classification tree models: one for polypharmacy (prescription of ≥3 drugs) on a single clinic visit and one for co-prescription of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) with antibiotics. The most important predictor of polypharmacy was the diagnosis of several illnesses. Polypharmacy was also associated with little or no supervision of the health workers, administration of AL and private facilities. Co-prescription of AL with antibiotics was more frequent in children under five years of age and the other important predictors were transmission season, mode of diagnosis and the location of the health facility. Standard data mining methodology is an easy-to-implement analytical approach that can be useful for decision-making. Polypharmacy is mainly due to the diagnosis of multiple illnesses.

  12. 3718-F Alkali Metal Treatment and Storage Facility Closure Plan. Revision 1

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    None

    The Hanford Site, located northwest of the city of Richland, Washington, houses reactors, chemical-separation systems, and related facilities used for the production of special nuclear materials, as well as for activities associated with nuclear energy development. The 300 Area of the Hanford Site contains reactor fuel manufacturing facilities and several research and development laboratories. The 3718-F Alkali Metal Treatment and Storage Facility (3718-F Facility), located in the 300 Area, was used to store and treat alkali metal wastes. Therefore, it is subject to the regulatory requirements for the storage and treatment of dangerous wastes. Closure will be conducted pursuant tomore » the requirements of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-303-610 (Ecology 1989) and 40 CFR 270.1. Closure also will satisfy the thermal treatment facility closure requirements of 40 CFR 265.381. This closure plan presents a description of the 3718-F Facility, the history of wastes managed, and the approach that will be followed to close the facility. Only hazardous constituents derived from 3718-F Facility operations will be addressed.« less

  13. Ant colony optimization for solving university facility layout problem

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mohd Jani, Nurul Hafiza; Mohd Radzi, Nor Haizan; Ngadiman, Mohd Salihin

    2013-04-01

    Quadratic Assignment Problems (QAP) is classified as the NP hard problem. It has been used to model a lot of problem in several areas such as operational research, combinatorial data analysis and also parallel and distributed computing, optimization problem such as graph portioning and Travel Salesman Problem (TSP). In the literature, researcher use exact algorithm, heuristics algorithm and metaheuristic approaches to solve QAP problem. QAP is largely applied in facility layout problem (FLP). In this paper we used QAP to model university facility layout problem. There are 8 facilities that need to be assigned to 8 locations. Hence we have modeled a QAP problem with n ≤ 10 and developed an Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm to solve the university facility layout problem. The objective is to assign n facilities to n locations such that the minimum product of flows and distances is obtained. Flow is the movement from one to another facility, whereas distance is the distance between one locations of a facility to other facilities locations. The objective of the QAP is to obtain minimum total walking (flow) of lecturers from one destination to another (distance).

  14. Health and Safety Management for Small-scale Methane Fermentation Facilities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yamaoka, Masaru; Yuyama, Yoshito; Nakamura, Masato; Oritate, Fumiko

    In this study, we considered health and safety management for small-scale methane fermentation facilities that treat 2-5 ton of biomass daily based on several years operation experience with an approximate capacity of 5 t·d-1. We also took account of existing knowledge, related laws and regulations. There are no qualifications or licenses required for management and operation of small-scale methane fermentation facilities, even though rural sewerage facilities with a relative similar function are required to obtain a legitimate license. Therefore, there are wide variations in health and safety consciousness of the operators of small-scale methane fermentation facilities. The industrial safety and health laws are not applied to the operation of small-scale methane fermentation facilities. However, in order to safely operate a small-scale methane fermentation facility, the occupational safety and health management system that the law recommends should be applied. The aims of this paper are to clarify the risk factors in small-scale methane fermentation facilities and encourage planning, design and operation of facilities based on health and safety management.

  15. Westinghouse Cementation Facility of Solid Waste Treatment System - 13503

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jacobs, Torsten; Aign, Joerg

    2013-07-01

    During NPP operation, several waste streams are generated, caused by different technical and physical processes. Besides others, liquid waste represents one of the major types of waste. Depending on national regulation for storage and disposal of radioactive waste, solidification can be one specific requirement. To accommodate the global request for waste treatment systems Westinghouse developed several specific treatment processes for the different types of waste. In the period of 2006 to 2008 Westinghouse awarded several contracts for the design and delivery of waste treatment systems related to the latest CPR-1000 nuclear power plants. One of these contracts contains the deliverymore » of four Cementation Facilities for waste treatment, s.c. 'Follow on Cementations' dedicated to three locations, HongYanHe, NingDe and YangJiang, of new CPR-1000 nuclear power stations in the People's Republic of China. Previously, Westinghouse delivered a similar cementation facility to the CPR-1000 plant LingAo II, in Daya Bay, PR China. This plant already passed the hot functioning tests successfully in June 2012 and is now ready and released for regular operation. The 'Follow on plants' are designed to package three 'typical' kind of radioactive waste: evaporator concentrates, spent resins and filter cartridges. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview on the Westinghouse experience to design and execution of cementation facilities. (authors)« less

  16. Langley Research Center's Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel: Testing Capabilities and Recent Modernization Activities

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Micol, John R.

    2001-01-01

    Description, capabilities, initiatives, and utilization of the NASA Langley Research Center's Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel are presented. A brief overview of the facility's operational capabilities and testing techniques is provided. A recent Construction of Facilities (CoF) project to improve facility productivity and efficiency through facility automation has been completed and is discussed. Several new and maturing thrusts are underway that include systematic efforts to provide credible assessment for data quality, modifications to the new automation control system for increased compatibility with the Modern Design Of Experiments (MDOE) testing methodology, and process improvements for better test coordination, planning, and execution.

  17. Langley Research Center's Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel: Testing Capabilities and Recent Modernization Activities

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Micol, John R.

    2001-01-01

    Description, capabilities, initiatives, and utilization of the NASA Langley Research Center's Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel are presented. A brief overview of the facility's operational capabilities and testing techniques is provided. A recent Construction of Facilities (Car) project to improve facility productivity and efficiency through facility automation has been completed and is discussed. Several new and maturing thrusts are underway that include systematic efforts to provide credible assessment for data quality, modifications to the new automation control system for increased compatibility with the Modern Design of Experiments (MDOE) testing methodology, and process improvements for better test coordination, planning, and execution.

  18. KSC-98pc1166

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1998-09-28

    The orbiter Atlantis, being towed from the Shuttle Landing Facility toward the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) , intersects the morning sun's rays. In the background, to the right of the VAB, are the Orbiter Processing Facility 1 and 2. Atlantis spent 10 months in Palmdale, CA, undergoing extensive inspections and modifications in the orbiter processing facility there. The modifications included several upgrades enabling it to support International Space Station missions, such as adding an external airlock for ISS docking missions and installing thinner, lighter thermal protection blankets for weight reduction which will allow it to haul heavier cargo. Atlantis will undergo preparations at KSC in Orbiter Processing Facility 2 for its planned flight in June 1999

  19. Vibration isolation in a free-piston driven expansion tube facility

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gildfind, D. E.; Jacobs, P. A.; Morgan, R. G.

    2013-09-01

    The stress waves produced by rapid piston deceleration are a fundamental feature of free-piston driven expansion tubes, and wave propagation has to be considered in the design process. For lower enthalpy test conditions, these waves can traverse the tube ahead of critical flow processes, severely interfering with static pressure measurements of the passing flow. This paper details a new device which decouples the driven tube from the free-piston driver, and thus prevents transmission of stress waves. Following successful incorporation of the concept in the smaller X2 facility, it has now been applied to the larger X3 facility, and results for both facilities are presented.

  20. Use of aluminum sulfate (alum) to decrease ammonia emissions from beef cattle bedded manure packs

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Confined cattle facilities are an increasingly common housing system in the Northern Great Plains of the United States. Ammonia volatilization from the surface of the floor and bedding in these confined facilities depends on several variables including pH, temperature, and moisture content. When pH ...

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