Botanical and ecological basis for the resilience of Antillean dry forests

Treesearch

A.E. Lugo; E. Medina; J. Carlos Trejo Torres; E. Helmer

2006-01-01

Dry forest environments limit the number of species that can survive there. Antillean dry forests have low floristic diversity and stature, high density of small and medium-sized trees, and are among the least conserved of the tropical forests. Their canopies are smooth with no emergent trees and have high species dominance. Antillean dry forests occur mostly on...

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

Witte, Jonathon; Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720; Neaton, Jeffrey B.

With the aim of systematically characterizing the convergence of common families of basis sets such that general recommendations for basis sets can be made, we have tested a wide variety of basis sets against complete-basis binding energies across the S22 set of intermolecular interactions—noncovalent interactions of small and medium-sized molecules consisting of first- and second-row atoms—with three distinct density functional approximations: SPW92, a form of local-density approximation; B3LYP, a global hybrid generalized gradient approximation; and B97M-V, a meta-generalized gradient approximation with nonlocal correlation. We have found that it is remarkably difficult to reach the basis set limit; for the methodsmore » and systems examined, the most complete basis is Jensen’s pc-4. The Dunning correlation-consistent sequence of basis sets converges slowly relative to the Jensen sequence. The Karlsruhe basis sets are quite cost effective, particularly when a correction for basis set superposition error is applied: counterpoise-corrected def2-SVPD binding energies are better than corresponding energies computed in comparably sized Dunning and Jensen bases, and on par with uncorrected results in basis sets 3-4 times larger. These trends are exhibited regardless of the level of density functional approximation employed. A sense of the magnitude of the intrinsic incompleteness error of each basis set not only provides a foundation for guiding basis set choice in future studies but also facilitates quantitative comparison of existing studies on similar types of systems.« less

The effect of catastrophic collisional fragmentation and diffuse medium accretion on a computational interstellar dust system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liffman, Kurt

1990-01-01

The effects of catastrophic collisional fragmentation and diffuse medium accretion on a the interstellar dust system are computed using a Monte Carlo computer model. The Monte Carlo code has as its basis an analytic solution of the bulk chemical evolution of a two-phase interstellar medium, described by Liffman and Clayton (1989). The model is subjected to numerous different interstellar processes as it transfers from one interstellar phase to another. Collisional fragmentation was found to be the dominant physical process that shapes the size spectrum of interstellar dust. It was found that, in the diffuse cloud phase, 90 percent of the refractory material is locked up in the dust grains, primarily due to accretion in the molecular medium. This result is consistent with the observed depletions of silicon. Depletions were found to be affected only slightly by diffuse cloud accretion.

The Place of the Family in the System of Values of Inhabitants of a Medium-Sized Urals City

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Satybaldina, E. V.

2012-01-01

The processes of modernization in this country's economy require a well-qualified work force that is mobile in social, professional, and geographic terms. The necessary basis of a successful solution to this problem is the stability of the family, which is the basic active agent of the reproduction of new generations of workers. Family stability…

Controls on carbon consumption during Alaskan wildland fires

Treesearch

Eric S. Kasischke; Elizabeth E. Hoy

2012-01-01

A method was developed to estimate carbon consumed during wildland fires in interior Alaska based on medium-spatial scale data (60 m cell size) generated on a daily basis. Carbon consumption estimates were developed for 41 fire events in the large fire year of 2004 and 34 fire events from the small fire years of 2006-2008. Total carbon consumed during the large fire...

Hybrid neural intelligent system to predict business failure in small-to-medium-size enterprises.

PubMed

Borrajo, M Lourdes; Baruque, Bruno; Corchado, Emilio; Bajo, Javier; Corchado, Juan M

2011-08-01

During the last years there has been a growing need of developing innovative tools that can help small to medium sized enterprises to predict business failure as well as financial crisis. In this study we present a novel hybrid intelligent system aimed at monitoring the modus operandi of the companies and predicting possible failures. This system is implemented by means of a neural-based multi-agent system that models the different actors of the companies as agents. The core of the multi-agent system is a type of agent that incorporates a case-based reasoning system and automates the business control process and failure prediction. The stages of the case-based reasoning system are implemented by means of web services: the retrieval stage uses an innovative weighted voting summarization of self-organizing maps ensembles-based method and the reuse stage is implemented by means of a radial basis function neural network. An initial prototype was developed and the results obtained related to small and medium enterprises in a real scenario are presented.

Auxiliary basis sets for density-fitting second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory: weighted core-valence correlation consistent basis sets for the 4d elements Y-Pd.

PubMed

Hill, J Grant

2013-09-30

Auxiliary basis sets (ABS) specifically matched to the cc-pwCVnZ-PP and aug-cc-pwCVnZ-PP orbital basis sets (OBS) have been developed and optimized for the 4d elements Y-Pd at the second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory level. Calculation of the core-valence electron correlation energies for small to medium sized transition metal complexes demonstrates that the error due to the use of these new sets in density fitting is three to four orders of magnitude smaller than that due to the OBS incompleteness, and hence is considered negligible. Utilizing the ABSs in the resolution-of-the-identity component of explicitly correlated calculations is also investigated, where it is shown that i-type functions are important to produce well-controlled errors in both integrals and correlation energy. Benchmarking at the explicitly correlated coupled cluster with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations level indicates impressive convergence with respect to basis set size for the spectroscopic constants of 4d monofluorides; explicitly correlated double-ζ calculations produce results close to conventional quadruple-ζ, and triple-ζ is within chemical accuracy of the complete basis set limit. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Push it to the limit: Characterizing the convergence of common sequences of basis sets for intermolecular interactions as described by density functional theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Witte, Jonathon; Neaton, Jeffrey B.; Head-Gordon, Martin

2016-05-01

With the aim of systematically characterizing the convergence of common families of basis sets such that general recommendations for basis sets can be made, we have tested a wide variety of basis sets against complete-basis binding energies across the S22 set of intermolecular interactions—noncovalent interactions of small and medium-sized molecules consisting of first- and second-row atoms—with three distinct density functional approximations: SPW92, a form of local-density approximation; B3LYP, a global hybrid generalized gradient approximation; and B97M-V, a meta-generalized gradient approximation with nonlocal correlation. We have found that it is remarkably difficult to reach the basis set limit; for the methods and systems examined, the most complete basis is Jensen's pc-4. The Dunning correlation-consistent sequence of basis sets converges slowly relative to the Jensen sequence. The Karlsruhe basis sets are quite cost effective, particularly when a correction for basis set superposition error is applied: counterpoise-corrected def2-SVPD binding energies are better than corresponding energies computed in comparably sized Dunning and Jensen bases, and on par with uncorrected results in basis sets 3-4 times larger. These trends are exhibited regardless of the level of density functional approximation employed. A sense of the magnitude of the intrinsic incompleteness error of each basis set not only provides a foundation for guiding basis set choice in future studies but also facilitates quantitative comparison of existing studies on similar types of systems.

Reduced-cost linear-response CC2 method based on natural orbitals and natural auxiliary functions

PubMed Central

Mester, Dávid

2017-01-01

A reduced-cost density fitting (DF) linear-response second-order coupled-cluster (CC2) method has been developed for the evaluation of excitation energies. The method is based on the simultaneous truncation of the molecular orbital (MO) basis and the auxiliary basis set used for the DF approximation. For the reduction of the size of the MO basis, state-specific natural orbitals (NOs) are constructed for each excited state using the average of the second-order Møller–Plesset (MP2) and the corresponding configuration interaction singles with perturbative doubles [CIS(D)] density matrices. After removing the NOs of low occupation number, natural auxiliary functions (NAFs) are constructed [M. Kállay, J. Chem. Phys. 141, 244113 (2014)], and the NAF basis is also truncated. Our results show that, for a triple-zeta basis set, about 60% of the virtual MOs can be dropped, while the size of the fitting basis can be reduced by a factor of five. This results in a dramatic reduction of the computational costs of the solution of the CC2 equations, which are in our approach about as expensive as the evaluation of the MP2 and CIS(D) density matrices. All in all, an average speedup of more than an order of magnitude can be achieved at the expense of a mean absolute error of 0.02 eV in the calculated excitation energies compared to the canonical CC2 results. Our benchmark calculations demonstrate that the new approach enables the efficient computation of CC2 excitation energies for excited states of all types of medium-sized molecules composed of up to 100 atoms with triple-zeta quality basis sets. PMID:28527453

Search for global-minimum geometries of medium-sized germanium clusters. II. Motif-based low-lying clusters Ge21-Ge29

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoo, S.; Zeng, X. C.

2006-05-01

We performed a constrained search for the geometries of low-lying neutral germanium clusters GeN in the size range of 21⩽N⩽29. The basin-hopping global optimization method is employed for the search. The potential-energy surface is computed based on the plane-wave pseudopotential density functional theory. A new series of low-lying clusters is found on the basis of several generic structural motifs identified previously for silicon clusters [S. Yoo and X. C. Zeng, J. Chem. Phys. 124, 054304 (2006)] as well as for smaller-sized germanium clusters [S. Bulusu et al., J. Chem. Phys. 122, 164305 (2005)]. Among the generic motifs examined, we found that two motifs stand out in producing most low-lying clusters, namely, the six/nine motif, a puckered-hexagonal-ring Ge6 unit attached to a tricapped trigonal prism Ge9, and the six/ten motif, a puckered-hexagonal-ring Ge6 unit attached to a bicapped antiprism Ge10. The low-lying clusters obtained are all prolate in shape and their energies are appreciably lower than the near-spherical low-energy clusters. This result is consistent with the ion-mobility measurement in that medium-sized germanium clusters detected are all prolate in shape until the size N ˜65.

JPRS Report, China.

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-11-19

grew 253 percent, net assets grew 87 vigorous debates among economists a few years ago, has percent, fixed assets grew 155 percent, and average been...although enterprises. they only account for 2.7 percent of all industrial enter- prises, they possess two-thirds of all fixed assess, account If we are to...large- ther fiscal problems are handled on an ad-hoc basis. A and medium-sized enterprises do not appear strong fixed base number in contracts sets taxes

Proceedings of the REAPS Technical Symposium (6th) Held in San Diego, California on September 11-13, 1979

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-09-01

of skilled workers . Recently, one yard was denied a contract by MarAd on the basis that a facility did not actually have a skilled...provide two medium -size diese l engines ins tead of the s ingle engine in the or ig inal des ign, Levingston contracted with IHI for on -site design... available information, which would reside on the computer ready for use

A signet-ring cell melanoma arising from a medium-sized congenital melanocytic nevus in an adult: A case report and literature review.

PubMed

Tajima, Shogo; Koda, Kenji

2015-07-01

Patients with congenital nevus, especially giant congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) measuring >20 cm, are known to be at elevated risk of developing melanomas, especially during the first and second decades of life. Melanomas rarely develop in patients with small and medium-sized CMNs, but if they do, they occur during the fourth and fifth decades of life. We present a case of a rapidly enlarging signet-ring cell melanoma (over 3 months) that arose from a medium-sized CMN in a 57-year-old Japanese man. Only 11 other cases of signet-ring cell melanomas at the primary site have been reported. On the basis of morphology alone, it is difficult to diagnose a nodule appearing in a CMN as a signet-ring cell melanoma, because even a benign melanocytic nevus can appear as signet-ring cell morphology. Moreover, a rapidly growing proliferative nodule (PN) more often develops in a CMN than melanoma; PNs may at times exhibit enough atypia to be comparable to melanomas. In our case, loss of p16 expression in the melanoma distinguished it from the nevus cells and was helpful in making the correct diagnosis. Clinical information, such as the patient's age, was also useful in establishing the diagnosis. © 2015 Japanese Society of Pathology and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Effects of Forest Gaps on Soil Properties in Castanopsis kawakamii Nature Forest.

PubMed

He, Zhongsheng; Liu, Jinfu; Su, Songjin; Zheng, Shiqun; Xu, Daowei; Wu, Zeyan; Hong, Wei; Wang, James Li-Ming

2015-01-01

The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of forest gaps on the variations of soil properties in Castanopsis kawakamii natural forest. Soil physical and chemical properties in various sizes and development stages were studied in C. kawakamii natural forest gaps. The results showed that forest gaps in various sizes and development stages could improve soil pore space structure and water characteristics, which may effectively promote the water absorbing capacity for plant root growth and play an important role in forest regeneration. Soil pore space structure and water characteristics in small gaps showed more obvious improvements, followed by the medium and large gaps. Soil pore space structure and water characteristics in the later development stage of forest gaps demonstrated more obvious improvements, followed by the early and medium development stages. The contents of hydrolysable N and available K in various sizes and development stages of forest gaps were higher than those of non-gaps, whereas the contents of total N, total P, available P, organic matter, and organic carbon were lower. The contents of total N, hydrolysable N, available K, organic matter, and organic carbon in medium gaps were higher than those of large and small gaps. The disturbance of forest gaps could improve the soils' physical and chemical properties and increase the population species' richness, which would provide an ecological basis for the species coexistence in C. kawakamii natural forest.

Size-dependent penetrant diffusion in polymer glasses.

PubMed

Meng, Dong; Zhang, Kai; Kumar, Sanat K

2018-05-18

Molecular Dynamics simulations are used to understand the underpinning basis of the transport of gas-like solutes in deeply quenched polymeric glasses. As found in previous work, small solutes, with sizes smaller than 0.15 times the chain monomer size, move as might be expected in a medium with large pores. In contrast, the motion of larger solutes is activated and is strongly facilitated by matrix motion. In particular, solute motion is coupled to the local elastic fluctuations of the matrix as characterized by the Debye-Waller factor. While similar ideas have been previously proposed for the viscosity of supercooled liquids above their glass transition, to our knowledge, this is the first illustration of this concept in the context of solute mass transport in deeply quenched polymer glasses.

Cholesky-decomposed density MP2 with density fitting: Accurate MP2 and double-hybrid DFT energies for large systems

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

Maurer, Simon A.; Clin, Lucien; Ochsenfeld, Christian, E-mail: christian.ochsenfeld@uni-muenchen.de

2014-06-14

Our recently developed QQR-type integral screening is introduced in our Cholesky-decomposed pseudo-densities Møller-Plesset perturbation theory of second order (CDD-MP2) method. We use the resolution-of-the-identity (RI) approximation in combination with efficient integral transformations employing sparse matrix multiplications. The RI-CDD-MP2 method shows an asymptotic cubic scaling behavior with system size and a small prefactor that results in an early crossover to conventional methods for both small and large basis sets. We also explore the use of local fitting approximations which allow to further reduce the scaling behavior for very large systems. The reliability of our method is demonstrated on test sets formore » interaction and reaction energies of medium sized systems and on a diverse selection from our own benchmark set for total energies of larger systems. Timings on DNA systems show that fast calculations for systems with more than 500 atoms are feasible using a single processor core. Parallelization extends the range of accessible system sizes on one computing node with multiple cores to more than 1000 atoms in a double-zeta basis and more than 500 atoms in a triple-zeta basis.« less

Distribution, Statistics, and Resurfacing of Large Impact Basins on Mercury

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fassett, Caleb I.; Head, James W.; Baker, David M. H.; Chapman, Clark R.; Murchie, Scott L.; Neumann, Gregory A.; Oberst, Juergen; Prockter, Louise M.; Smith, David E.; Solomon, Sean C.;

Continuous improvement of the quality reporting system of a medium-size company

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hawkins, Anthony; Onuh, Spencer

2001-10-01

Many companies are faced with quality improvement issues on a daily basis but their response to this problem varies. This paper discusses the improvement in the defect reporting system at a medium sized manufacturing company following the appointment of an experienced, motivated, design engineer to be dedicated to that task. It sets out the situation that the engineer inherited and details the changes that were incorporated; it assesses which were successful and which failed. Following a survey of current literature, it was seen that there is little written specifically on the subject of audited defect reporting. It is felt that this study goes some way to filling that void. A successful survey of engineering companies in Southern Hampshire reinforces the principle findings, that the emphasising of the Check part of Demming's Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle is a novel approach to the Quality Improvement Process, and that it has reduced the cost of rework by an audited 80% in a period of two years.

An auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo study of the chromium dimer

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

Purwanto, Wirawan, E-mail: wirawan0@gmail.com; Zhang, Shiwei; Krakauer, Henry

2015-02-14

The chromium dimer (Cr{sub 2}) presents an outstanding challenge for many-body electronic structure methods. Its complicated nature of binding, with a formal sextuple bond and an unusual potential energy curve (PEC), is emblematic of the competing tendencies and delicate balance found in many strongly correlated materials. We present an accurate calculation of the PEC and ground state properties of Cr{sub 2}, using the auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo (AFQMC) method. Unconstrained, exact AFQMC calculations are first carried out for a medium-sized but realistic basis set. Elimination of the remaining finite-basis errors and extrapolation to the complete basis set limit are thenmore » achieved with a combination of phaseless and exact AFQMC calculations. Final results for the PEC and spectroscopic constants are in excellent agreement with experiment.« less

A novel algorithm for determining contact area between a respirator and a headform.

PubMed

Lei, Zhipeng; Yang, James; Zhuang, Ziqing

2014-01-01

The contact area, as well as the contact pressure, is created when a respiratory protection device (a respirator or surgical mask) contacts a human face. A computer-based algorithm for determining the contact area between a headform and N95 filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) was proposed. Six N95 FFRs were applied to five sizes of standard headforms (large, medium, small, long/narrow, and short/wide) to simulate respirator donning. After the contact simulation between a headform and an N95 FFR was conducted, a contact area was determined by extracting the intersection surfaces of the headform and the N95 FFR. Using computer-aided design tools, a superimposed contact area and an average contact area, which are non-uniform rational basis spline (NURBS) surfaces, were developed for each headform. Experiments that directly measured dimensions of the contact areas between headform prototypes and N95 FFRs were used to validate the simulation results. Headform sizes influenced all contact area dimensions (P < 0.0001), and N95 FFR sizing systems influenced all contact area dimensions (P < 0.05) except the left and right chin regions. The medium headform produced the largest contact area, while the large and small headforms produced the smallest.

40 CFR 428.60 - Applicability; description of the medium-sized general molded, extruded, and fabricated rubber...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... medium-sized general molded, extruded, and fabricated rubber plants subcategory. 428.60 Section 428.60... RUBBER MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Medium-Sized General Molded, Extruded, and Fabricated Rubber Plants Subcategory § 428.60 Applicability; description of the medium-sized general molded, extruded, and...

40 CFR 428.60 - Applicability; description of the medium-sized general molded, extruded, and fabricated rubber...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... medium-sized general molded, extruded, and fabricated rubber plants subcategory. 428.60 Section 428.60... (CONTINUED) RUBBER MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Medium-Sized General Molded, Extruded, and Fabricated Rubber Plants Subcategory § 428.60 Applicability; description of the medium-sized general molded...

40 CFR 428.60 - Applicability; description of the medium-sized general molded, extruded, and fabricated rubber...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... medium-sized general molded, extruded, and fabricated rubber plants subcategory. 428.60 Section 428.60... (CONTINUED) RUBBER MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Medium-Sized General Molded, Extruded, and Fabricated Rubber Plants Subcategory § 428.60 Applicability; description of the medium-sized general molded...

Extracellular Alkaline Lipase from a Novel Fungus
Curvularia sp. DHE 5: Optimisation of Physicochemical Parameters, Partial Purification and Characterisation

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Summary Thirty isolated fungal strains were screened for lipase production using Phenol Red plates, containing tributyrin as lipidic substrate, and a novel fungus identified genetically as Curvularia sp. DHE 5 was found as the most prominent strain. Various agro-industrial substrates were evaluated as inert supports for lipase production in solid-state fermentation. The highest yield of lipase ((83.4±2.2) U/g on dry mass basis) was reported with wheat bran medium after seven days of fermentation at pH=7.0, temperature of 30 °C, 70% moisture content, inoculum size of 1.27·107 spore/mL and 2% olive oil as an inducer. Supplementation of the medium with 0.05% KCl as an ion source further increased lipase production to (88.9±1.2) U/g on dry mass basis. The enzyme was partially purified through ammonium sulphate fractionation (40%) followed by dialysis, and its optimum pH and temperature were reported at 8.0 and 50 °C, respectively, with remarkable pH and thermal stability. PMID:28867950

Simplified DFT methods for consistent structures and energies of large systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caldeweyher, Eike; Gerit Brandenburg, Jan

2018-05-01

Kohn–Sham density functional theory (DFT) is routinely used for the fast electronic structure computation of large systems and will most likely continue to be the method of choice for the generation of reliable geometries in the foreseeable future. Here, we present a hierarchy of simplified DFT methods designed for consistent structures and non-covalent interactions of large systems with particular focus on molecular crystals. The covered methods are a minimal basis set Hartree–Fock (HF-3c), a small basis set screened exchange hybrid functional (HSE-3c), and a generalized gradient approximated functional evaluated in a medium-sized basis set (B97-3c), all augmented with semi-classical correction potentials. We give an overview on the methods design, a comprehensive evaluation on established benchmark sets for geometries and lattice energies of molecular crystals, and highlight some realistic applications on large organic crystals with several hundreds of atoms in the primitive unit cell.

Quantum-chemical investigation of the structures and electronic spectra of the nucleic acid bases at the coupled cluster CC2 level.

PubMed

Fleig, Timo; Knecht, Stefan; Hättig, Christof

2007-06-28

We study the ground-state structures and singlet- and triplet-excited states of the nucleic acid bases by applying the coupled cluster model CC2 in combination with a resolution-of-the-identity approximation for electron interaction integrals. Both basis set effects and the influence of dynamic electron correlation on the molecular structures are elucidated; the latter by comparing CC2 with Hartree-Fock and Møller-Plesset perturbation theory to second order. Furthermore, we investigate basis set and electron correlation effects on the vertical excitation energies and compare our highest-level results with experiment and other theoretical approaches. It is shown that small basis sets are insufficient for obtaining accurate results for excited states of these molecules and that the CC2 approach to dynamic electron correlation is a reliable and efficient tool for electronic structure calculations on medium-sized molecules.

Patterns of fruit traits in a tropical rainforest in Xishuangbanna, SW China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jin; Fleming, Theodore H.; Zhang, Ling; Wang, Hong; Liu, Yong

2004-10-01

As a basis for determining how vertebrate frugivores influence the evolution of tropical fruits, we investigated distribution patterns of different fruit traits that are known to influence frugivore food choice, drawing on data gathered from 626 plant species in a primary tropical rainforest at Xishuangbanna, SW China. Species with fleshy fruits are common (66%) in the forest; the proportion of fleshy fruits differed among different growth forms: canopy trees (63%), subcanopy trees (83%), shrubs (74%), lianas (67%), herbs (65%) and epiphytes (49%). Dry fruits had a higher frequency of small-seeded species (length of seed <2 mm) compared to fleshy fruit (34% vs. 14%, respectively), and a lower proportion of species with few seeds (1-3 seeds per fruit) (52% vs. 77%). In fleshy fruits, small fruits (<20 mm in length) were predominant (69%) while medium-sized fruits (20-50 mm) were produced by 105 species (26%), and 20 species (5%) produced large fruit (>50 mm). As a whole, black fruits were most common (40% of 389 species), followed by fruits with red, brown, yellow and bicolored (19%, 13%, 13% and 8%, respectively); green, white, and blue fruits were relatively rare (4%, 2% and 1%, respectively). Characteristics of small fleshy fruits included thin husks, red, white, or black colors and a few medium-sized seeds (2-10 mm). Many medium-sized fruits had large, well-protected seeds. The distribution of plant species among various fruit and seed categories is non-random in this forest. Nested ANOVA revealed a significant phylogenetic component in the variances of most fruit traits while fruit size and color showed 39.7-48.1% of within-genus variances from non-phylogenetic factors.

40 CFR 141.81 - Applicability of corrosion control treatment steps to small, medium-size and large water systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... treatment steps to small, medium-size and large water systems. 141.81 Section 141.81 Protection of... to small, medium-size and large water systems. (a) Systems shall complete the applicable corrosion...) or (b)(3) of this section. (2) A small system (serving ≤3300 persons) and a medium-size system...

40 CFR 141.81 - Applicability of corrosion control treatment steps to small, medium-size and large water systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... treatment steps to small, medium-size and large water systems. 141.81 Section 141.81 Protection of... to small, medium-size and large water systems. (a) Systems shall complete the applicable corrosion...) or (b)(3) of this section. (2) A small system (serving ≤3300 persons) and a medium-size system...

40 CFR 141.81 - Applicability of corrosion control treatment steps to small, medium-size and large water systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... treatment steps to small, medium-size and large water systems. 141.81 Section 141.81 Protection of... to small, medium-size and large water systems. (a) Systems shall complete the applicable corrosion...) or (b)(3) of this section. (2) A small system (serving ≤3300 persons) and a medium-size system...

40 CFR 141.81 - Applicability of corrosion control treatment steps to small, medium-size and large water systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... treatment steps to small, medium-size and large water systems. 141.81 Section 141.81 Protection of... to small, medium-size and large water systems. (a) Systems shall complete the applicable corrosion...) or (b)(3) of this section. (2) A small system (serving ≤3300 persons) and a medium-size system...

A numerical homogenization method for heterogeneous, anisotropic elastic media based on multiscale theory

DOE PAGES

Gao, Kai; Chung, Eric T.; Gibson, Richard L.; ...

2015-06-05

The development of reliable methods for upscaling fine scale models of elastic media has long been an important topic for rock physics and applied seismology. Several effective medium theories have been developed to provide elastic parameters for materials such as finely layered media or randomly oriented or aligned fractures. In such cases, the analytic solutions for upscaled properties can be used for accurate prediction of wave propagation. However, such theories cannot be applied directly to homogenize elastic media with more complex, arbitrary spatial heterogeneity. We therefore propose a numerical homogenization algorithm based on multiscale finite element methods for simulating elasticmore » wave propagation in heterogeneous, anisotropic elastic media. Specifically, our method used multiscale basis functions obtained from a local linear elasticity problem with appropriately defined boundary conditions. Homogenized, effective medium parameters were then computed using these basis functions, and the approach applied a numerical discretization that is similar to the rotated staggered-grid finite difference scheme. Comparisons of the results from our method and from conventional, analytical approaches for finely layered media showed that the homogenization reliably estimated elastic parameters for this simple geometry. Additional tests examined anisotropic models with arbitrary spatial heterogeneity where the average size of the heterogeneities ranged from several centimeters to several meters, and the ratio between the dominant wavelength and the average size of the arbitrary heterogeneities ranged from 10 to 100. Comparisons to finite-difference simulations proved that the numerical homogenization was equally accurate for these complex cases.« less

Vanishing-Overhead Linear-Scaling Random Phase Approximation by Cholesky Decomposition and an Attenuated Coulomb-Metric.

PubMed

Luenser, Arne; Schurkus, Henry F; Ochsenfeld, Christian

2017-04-11

A reformulation of the random phase approximation within the resolution-of-the-identity (RI) scheme is presented, that is competitive to canonical molecular orbital RI-RPA already for small- to medium-sized molecules. For electronically sparse systems drastic speedups due to the reduced scaling behavior compared to the molecular orbital formulation are demonstrated. Our reformulation is based on two ideas, which are independently useful: First, a Cholesky decomposition of density matrices that reduces the scaling with basis set size for a fixed-size molecule by one order, leading to massive performance improvements. Second, replacement of the overlap RI metric used in the original AO-RPA by an attenuated Coulomb metric. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to the overlap metric, while locality and sparsity of the integrals are retained, as is the effective linear scaling behavior.

Pulse Q-switched Nd:YAG laser ablation grown cinnamon nanomorphologies: Influence of different liquid medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salim, Ali Aqeel; Bidin, Noriah

2017-12-01

Broad range of biomedical applications demands accurate synthesis and characterization of various nanoparticles. We report the characterization of cinnamon nanoparticles (CNPs) grown via simple pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL). The influence of different liquid media (olive oil, ethanol, and citric acid each of volume 4 ml) on the growth morphology, structure and optical properties of CNPs is determined. Q-switched 1064-Nd: YAG laser of 10 ns pulse duration, 1 Hz repetition rate, 532 nm s harmonic generation and laser fluence of 6.37 J/cm2 is used to irradiate the cinnamon targets immersed in those liquids. Samples are characterized using TEM, HRTEM, SAED, FTIR, UV-Vis and Photoluminescence measurements. TEM images revealed the nucleation of CNPs of average size 18.36 nm (in olive oil), 21.48 nm (in ethanol), and 29.56 nm (in citric acid). Morphology of CNPs is demonstrated to be sensitive to the liquid medium. Our simple and innovative method may constitute a basis to produce CNPs of desired size distribution potential for the development of nanobiomedicine.

A Novel Algorithm for Determining Contact Area Between a Respirator and a Headform

PubMed Central

Lei, Zhipeng; Yang, James; Zhuang, Ziqing

2016-01-01

The contact area, as well as the contact pressure, is created when a respiratory protection device (a respirator or surgical mask) contacts a human face. A computer-based algorithm for determining the contact area between a headform and N95 filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) was proposed. Six N95 FFRs were applied to five sizes of standard headforms (large, medium, small, long/narrow, and short/wide) to simulate respirator donning. After the contact simulation between a headform and an N95 FFR was conducted, a contact area was determined by extracting the intersection surfaces of the headform and the N95 FFR. Using computer-aided design tools, a superimposed contact area and an average contact area, which are non-uniform rational basis spline (NURBS) surfaces, were developed for each headform. Experiments that directly measured dimensions of the contact areas between headform prototypes and N95 FFRs were used to validate the simulation results. Headform sizes influenced all contact area dimensions (P < 0.0001), and N95 FFR sizing systems influenced all contact area dimensions (P < 0.05) except the left and right chin regions. The medium headform produced the largest contact area, while the large and small headforms produced the smallest. PMID:24579752

Plasticity of Arabidopsis root gravitropism throughout a multidimensional condition space quantified by automated image analysis.

PubMed

Brooks, Tessa L Durham; Miller, Nathan D; Spalding, Edgar P

2010-01-01

Plant development is genetically determined but it is also plastic, a fundamental duality that can be investigated provided large number of measurements can be made in various conditions. Plasticity of gravitropism in wild-type Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seedling roots was investigated using automated image acquisition and analysis. A bank of computer-controlled charge-coupled device cameras acquired images with high spatiotemporal resolution. Custom image analysis algorithms extracted time course measurements of tip angle and growth rate. Twenty-two discrete conditions defined by seedling age (2, 3, or 4 d), seed size (extra small, small, medium, or large), and growth medium composition (simple or rich) formed the condition space sampled with 1,216 trials. Computational analyses including dimension reduction by principal components analysis, classification by k-means clustering, and differentiation by wavelet convolution showed distinct response patterns within the condition space, i.e. response plasticity. For example, 2-d-old roots (regardless of seed size) displayed a response time course similar to those of roots from large seeds (regardless of age). Enriching the growth medium with nutrients suppressed response plasticity along the seed size and age axes, possibly by ameliorating a mineral deficiency, although analysis of seeds did not identify any elements with low levels on a per weight basis. Characterizing relationships between growth rate and tip swing rate as a function of condition cast gravitropism in a multidimensional response space that provides new mechanistic insights as well as conceptually setting the stage for mutational analysis of plasticity in general and root gravitropism in particular.

Plasticity of Arabidopsis Root Gravitropism throughout a Multidimensional Condition Space Quantified by Automated Image Analysis1[W][OA

PubMed Central

Durham Brooks, Tessa L.; Miller, Nathan D.; Spalding, Edgar P.

2010-01-01

Plant development is genetically determined but it is also plastic, a fundamental duality that can be investigated provided large number of measurements can be made in various conditions. Plasticity of gravitropism in wild-type Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seedling roots was investigated using automated image acquisition and analysis. A bank of computer-controlled charge-coupled device cameras acquired images with high spatiotemporal resolution. Custom image analysis algorithms extracted time course measurements of tip angle and growth rate. Twenty-two discrete conditions defined by seedling age (2, 3, or 4 d), seed size (extra small, small, medium, or large), and growth medium composition (simple or rich) formed the condition space sampled with 1,216 trials. Computational analyses including dimension reduction by principal components analysis, classification by k-means clustering, and differentiation by wavelet convolution showed distinct response patterns within the condition space, i.e. response plasticity. For example, 2-d-old roots (regardless of seed size) displayed a response time course similar to those of roots from large seeds (regardless of age). Enriching the growth medium with nutrients suppressed response plasticity along the seed size and age axes, possibly by ameliorating a mineral deficiency, although analysis of seeds did not identify any elements with low levels on a per weight basis. Characterizing relationships between growth rate and tip swing rate as a function of condition cast gravitropism in a multidimensional response space that provides new mechanistic insights as well as conceptually setting the stage for mutational analysis of plasticity in general and root gravitropism in particular. PMID:19923240

Digital super-resolution holographic data storage based on Hermitian symmetry for achieving high areal density.

PubMed

Nobukawa, Teruyoshi; Nomura, Takanori

2017-01-23

Digital super-resolution holographic data storage based on Hermitian symmetry is proposed to store digital data in a tiny area of a medium. In general, reducing a recording area with an aperture leads to the improvement in the storage capacity of holographic data storage. Conventional holographic data storage systems however have a limitation in reducing a recording area. This limitation is called a Nyquist size. Unlike the conventional systems, our proposed system can overcome the limitation with the help of a digital holographic technique and digital signal processing. Experimental result shows that the proposed system can record and retrieve a hologram in a smaller area than the Nyquist size on the basis of Hermitian symmetry.

Legal basis of the Advanced Therapies Regulation.

PubMed

Jekerle, V; Schröder, C; Pedone, E

2010-01-01

Advanced therapy medicinal products consist of gene therapy, somatic cell therapy and tissue engineered products. Due to their specific manufacturing process and mode of action these products require specially tailored legislation. With Regulation (EC) No. 1394/2007, these needs have been met. Definitions of gene therapy, somatic cell therapy and tissue engineered products were laid down. A new committee, the Committee for Advanced Therapies, was founded, special procedures such as the certification procedure for small- and medium-sized enterprises were established and the technical requirements for Marketing Authorisation Applications (quality, non-clinical and clinical) were revised.

Evaluation of ARCAM Deposited Ti-6Al-4V

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slattery, Kevin; Slaughter, Blake; Speorl, Emily; Good, James; Gilley, Scott; McLemore, Carole

2008-01-01

A wide range of Metal Additive Manufacturing (MAM) technologies are becoming available. One of the challenges in using new technologies for aerospace systems is demonstrating that the process and system has the ability to manufacture components that meet the high quality requirements on a statistically significant basis. The widest-used system for small to medium sized components is the ARCAM system manufactured in Gothenburg, Sweden. This system features a 4kW electron-beam gun, and has a chamber volume of 250mm long x 250mm wide x 250mm to 400mm tall. This paper will describe the basis for the quality and consistency requirements, the experimental and evaluation procedures used for the evaluation, and an analysis of the results for Ti-6Al-4V.

Feasibility study for thermal treatment of solid tire wastes in Bangladesh by using pyrolysis technology

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

Islam, M.R., E-mail: mrislam1985@yahoo.com; Joardder, M.U.H.; Hasan, S.M.

2011-09-15

In this study on the basis of lab data and available resources in Bangladesh, feasibility study has been carried out for pyrolysis process converting solid tire wastes into pyrolysis oils, solid char and gases. The process considered for detailed analysis was fixed-bed fire-tube heating pyrolysis reactor system. The comparative techno-economic assessment was carried out in US$ for three different sizes plants: medium commercial scale (144 tons/day), small commercial scale (36 tons/day), pilot scale (3.6 tons/day). The assessment showed that medium commercial scale plant was economically feasible, with the lowest unit production cost than small commercial and pilot scale plants formore » the production of crude pyrolysis oil that could be used as boiler fuel oil and for the production of upgraded liquid-products.« less

Usability of digital media in patients with COPD: a pilot study.

PubMed

Cheung, Amy; Janssen, Anton; Amft, Oliver; Wouters, Emiel F M; Spruit, Martijn A

2013-04-01

Digital media can be integrated in tele-monitoring solutions, serving as the main interface between the patient and the caregiver. Consequently, the selection of the most appropriate digital medium for the specified target group is critical to ensure compliance with the tele-monitoring system. This pilot study aims to gather insights from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on the ease-of-use, efficacy, effectiveness, and satisfaction of different types of digital media. Five off-the-shelf digital media devices were tested on nine patients at CIRO+ in Horn, The Netherlands. Usability was evaluated by asking patients to use each device to answer questions related to their symptoms and health status. Subsequently, patients completed a paper-based device usability questionnaire, which assessed prior experience with digital media, device dimensions, device controllability, response speed, screen readability, ease-of-use, and overall satisfaction. After testing all the devices, patients ranked the devices according to their preference. We identified the netbook as the preferred type of device due to its good controllability, fast response time, and large screen size. The smartphone was the least favorite device as patients found the size of the screen to be too small, which made it difficult to interact with. The pilot study has provided important insights to guide the selection of the most appropriate type of digital medium for implementation in tele-monitoring solutions for patients with COPD. As the digital medium is an important interface to the patient in tele-monitoring solutions, it is essential that patients feel motivated to interact with the digital medium on a regular basis.

Strategic wellness management in Finland: The first national survey of the management of employee well-being.

PubMed

Aura, Ossi; Ahonen, Guy; Ilmarinen, Juhani

2010-12-01

To examine the scope of strategic wellness management (SWM) in Finland. To measure management of wellness a strategic wellness management index (SWMI) was developed. On the basis of the developed SWM model an Internet questionnaire was conducted for randomly selected employers representing seven business areas and three size categories. Corporate activities and SWMI for each employer and for business area and size groups were calculated. Results highlighted relatively good activity in strategic wellness (SW) processes and fairly low level of SWM procedures. The average values (± SD) of SWMI were 53.6 ± 12.3 for large, 42.8 ± 11.7 for medium-size, and 32.8 ± 12.1 for small companies. SWMI can be a positive new, strong concept to measure SW processes and thus improve both the well-being of the employees and the productivity of the enterprise.

Formation and decomposition of ethane, propane, and carbon dioxide hydrates in silica gel mesopores under high pressure.

PubMed

Aladko, E Ya; Dyadin, Yu A; Fenelonov, V B; Larionov, E G; Manakov, A Yu; Mel'gunov, M S; Zhurko, F V

2006-10-05

The experimental data on decomposition temperatures for the gas hydrates of ethane, propane, and carbon dioxide dispersed in silica gel mesopores are reported. The studies were performed at pressures up to 1 GPa. It is shown that the experimental dependence of hydrate decomposition temperature on the size of pores that limit the size of hydrate particles can be described on the basis of the Gibbs-Thomson equation only if one takes into account changes in the shape coefficient that is present in the equation; in turn, the value of this coefficient depends on a method of mesopore size determination. A mechanism of hydrate formation in mesoporous medium is proposed. Experimental data providing evidence of the possibility of the formation of hydrate compounds in hydrophobic matrixes under high pressure are reported. Decomposition temperature of those hydrate compounds is higher than that for the bulk hydrates of the corresponding gases.

Speeding up spin-component-scaled third-order pertubation theory with the chain of spheres approximation: the COSX-SCS-MP3 method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Izsák, Róbert; Neese, Frank

2013-07-01

The 'chain of spheres' approximation, developed earlier for the efficient evaluation of the self-consistent field exchange term, is introduced here into the evaluation of the external exchange term of higher order correlation methods. Its performance is studied in the specific case of the spin-component-scaled third-order Møller--Plesset perturbation (SCS-MP3) theory. The results indicate that the approximation performs excellently in terms of both computer time and achievable accuracy. Significant speedups over a conventional method are obtained for larger systems and basis sets. Owing to this development, SCS-MP3 calculations on molecules of the size of penicillin (42 atoms) with a polarised triple-zeta basis set can be performed in ∼3 hours using 16 cores of an Intel Xeon E7-8837 processor with a 2.67 GHz clock speed, which represents a speedup by a factor of 8-9 compared to the previously most efficient algorithm. Thus, the increased accuracy offered by SCS-MP3 can now be explored for at least medium-sized molecules.

[Application of health questionnaires for health management in small- and medium-sized enterprises].

PubMed

Kishida, K; Saito, M; Hasegawa, T; Aoki, S; Suzuki, S

1986-01-01

Two kinds of health questionnaires, the Todai Health Index (THI) and Cumulative Fatigue Index (CFI), were applied as a screening device for health management of workers belonging to small-medium sized enterprises. A total of 495 workers composed of 452 male workers of a glass-bottle manufacturing factory and 43 male workers of a soft-drink bottling factory were the subjects of the present study. It was found that the two kinds of health questionnaires were different from each other and have their own characteristics. Twelve scales of THI were grouped into two, the first consisting of ten scales (SUSY, RESP, EYSK, MOUT, DIGE, IMPU, MENT, DEPR, NERV, and LIFE) and the second consisting of two scales (AGGR and LISC). Nine categories of CFI were grouped into one by using principal factor analysis. It was confirmed that the twelve scale scores of THI obtained at small-medium sized factories differed from those scale scores of a reference group investigated at a large-sized enterprise. It is on the basis of the scales of aggressiveness and lies and also of the scale of mental unstability which characterizes workers, locality, job (clerical or field work), and size of industry (large or small sized) that the difference could be evaluated. Urban life characterized by a life style of staying up late at night and waking up late in the morning has been reflected on the scale of life irregularity. Irregularity of life induced by transformation of working schedule, such as two or three shifts of work and overtime, was also reflected on this scale. Two scales of THI test, i.e., many subjective symptoms and digestive organ complaints, seemed to be the representative scales indicating a close relation between work load and health level. The discriminant score for diagnosis of psychosomatic diseases is considered to be one of the most useful assessments of the individual's health condition. As mentioned above, THI is recommended as a convenient assessment method for health management of workers and for screening individuals or groups requiring health management from the total respondents belonging to small-medium sized enterprises where health administrators or professionals for health services are not available. A combined use of THI and CFI is more effective in evaluating health status of field workers than the independent use of one of these two tests, because the causal relationship between work load and health status cannot be satisfactorily observed, only through THI.

Morphological Variations in Conidia of Arthrobotrys oligospora on Different Media.

PubMed

Singh, R K; Kumar, Niranjan; Singh, K P

2005-06-01

Most commonly occurring predacious fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora showed great variation in size and shape of conidia on some media. The formation of larger conidia was recorded on beef extract and nutrient agar media. The length of conidia in Richard's YPSS, Sabouraud's, PDA and corn meal agar media was of medium size while smaller conidia were produced on Czapek's, Jensen's, Martin's medium. Maximum width of conidia was recorded on YPSS medium followed by Sabouraud's medium. The average size of spores on nematode infested corn meal agar medium was slightly increased than those on corn meal agar medium.

Sensitivity of Multiangle Imaging to the Optical and Microphysical Properties of Biomass Burning Aerosols

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Wei-Ting; Kahn, Ralph A.; Nelson, David; Yau, Kevin; Seinfeld, John H.

2008-01-01

The treatment of biomass burning (BB) carbonaceous particles in the Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) Standard Aerosol Retrieval Algorithm is assessed, and algorithm refinements are suggested, based on a theoretical sensitivity analysis and comparisons with near-coincident AERONET measurements at representative BB sites. Over the natural ranges of BB aerosol microphysical and optical properties observed in past field campaigns, patterns of retrieved Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD), particle size, and single scattering albedo (SSA) are evaluated. On the basis of the theoretical analysis, assuming total column AOD of 0.2, over a dark, uniform surface, MISR can distinguish two to three groups in each of size and SSA, except when the assumed atmospheric particles are significantly absorbing (mid-visible SSA approx.0.84), or of medium sizes (mean radius approx.0.13 pin); sensitivity to absorbing, medium-large size particles increases considerably when the assumed column AOD is raised to 0.5. MISR Research Aerosol Retrievals confirm the theoretical results, based on coincident AERONET inversions under BB-dominated conditions. When BB is externally mixed with dust in the atmosphere, dust optical model and surface reflection uncertainties, along with spatial variability, contribute to differences between the Research Retrievals and AERONET. These results suggest specific refinements to the MISR Standard Aerosol Algorithm complement of component particles and mixtures. They also highlight the importance for satellite aerosol retrievals of surface reflectance characterization, with accuracies that can be difficult to achieve with coupled surface-aerosol algorithms in some higher AOD situations.

77 FR 39321 - Eighth Meeting: RTCA Special Committee 225, Rechargeable Lithium Battery and Battery Systems...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-02

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78 FR 6845 - Eleventh Meeting: RTCA Special Committee 225, Rechargeable Lithium Battery and Battery Systems...

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2013-01-31

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78 FR 16031 - Twelfth Meeting: RTCA Special Committee 225, Rechargeable Lithium Battery and Battery Systems...

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2013-03-13

... Committee 225, Rechargeable Lithium Battery and Battery Systems--Small and Medium Size AGENCY: Federal... Special Committee 225, Rechargeable Lithium Battery and Battery Systems--Small and Medium Size. SUMMARY... Committee 225, Rechargeable Lithium Battery and Battery Systems--Small and Medium Size. DATES: The meeting...

Managers' Understanding of Workplace Health Promotion within Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: A Phenomenological Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, Ann; Parahoo, Kader; Fleming, Paul

2011-01-01

Objective: This study aimed at exploring managers' understanding of workplace health promotion and experiences of workplace health promotion activity within small and medium-sized enterprises. Design: A Heideggerian interpretive phenomenological methodology was adopted. Setting: This study was undertaken with small and medium-sized enterprise…

77 FR 8325 - Sixth Meeting: RTCA Special Committee 225, Rechargeable Lithium Batteries and Battery Systems...

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2012-02-14

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78 FR 55773 - Fourteenth Meeting: RTCA Special Committee 225, Rechargeable Lithium Battery and Battery Systems...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-11

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78 FR 38093 - Thirteenth Meeting: RTCA Special Committee 225, Rechargeable Lithium Battery and Battery Systems...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-25

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Dry paths effectively reduce road mortality of small and medium-sized terrestrial vertebrates.

PubMed

Niemi, Milla; Jääskeläinen, Niina C; Nummi, Petri; Mäkelä, Tiina; Norrdahl, Kai

2014-11-01

Wildlife passages are widely used mitigation measures designed to reduce the adverse impacts of roads on animals. We investigated whether road kills of small and medium-sized terrestrial vertebrates can be reduced by constructing dry paths adjacent to streams that pass under road bridges. The study was carried out in southern Finland during the summer of 2008. We selected ten road bridges with dry paths and ten bridges without them, and an individual dry land reference site for each study bridge on the basis of landscape and traffic features. A total of 307 dead terrestrial vertebrates were identified during the ten-week study period. The presence of dry paths decreased the amount of road-killed terrestrial vertebrates (Poisson GLMM; p < 0.001). That was true also when considering amphibians alone (p < 0.001). The evidence on road-kills on mammals was not such clear. In the mammal model, a lack of dry paths increased the amount of carcasses (p = 0.001) whereas the number of casualties at dry path bridges was comparable with dry land reference sites. A direct comparison of the dead ratios suggests an average efficiency of 79% for the dry paths. When considering amphibians and mammals alone, the computed effectiveness was 88 and 70%, respectively. Our results demonstrate that dry paths under road bridges can effectively reduce road-kills of small and medium-sized terrestrial vertebrates, even without guiding fences. Dry paths seemed to especially benefit amphibians which are a threatened species group worldwide and known to suffer high traffic mortality. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sperm kinematic, head morphometric and kinetic-morphometric subpopulations in the blue fox (Alopex lagopus).

PubMed

Soler, Carles; Contell, Jesús; Bori, Lorena; Sancho, María; García-Molina, Almudena; Valverde, Anthony; Segarvall, Jan

2017-01-01

This work provides information on the blue fox ejaculated sperm quality needed for seminal dose calculations. Twenty semen samples, obtained by masturbation, were analyzed for kinematic and morphometric parameters by using CASA-Mot and CASA-Morph system and principal component (PC) analysis. For motility, eight kinematic parameters were evaluated, which were reduced to PC1, related to linear variables, and PC2, related to oscillatory movement. The whole population was divided into three independent subpopulations: SP1, fast cells with linear movement; SP2, slow cells and nonoscillatory motility; and SP3, medium speed cells and oscillatory movement. In almost all cases, the subpopulation distribution by animal was significantly different. Head morphology analysis generated four size and four shape parameters, which were reduced to PC1, related to size, and PC2, related to shape of the cells. Three morphometric subpopulations existed: SP1: large oval cells; SP2: medium size elongated cells; and SP3: small and short cells. The subpopulation distribution differed between animals. Combining the kinematic and morphometric datasets produced PC1, related to morphometric parameters, and PC2, related to kinematics, which generated four sperm subpopulations - SP1: high oscillatory motility, large and short heads; SP2: medium velocity with small and short heads; SP3: slow motion small and elongated cells; and SP4: high linear speed and large elongated cells. Subpopulation distribution was different in all animals. The establishment of sperm subpopulations from kinematic, morphometric, and combined variables not only improves the well-defined fox semen characteristics and offers a good conceptual basis for fertility and sperm preservation techniques in this species, but also opens the door to use this approach in other species, included humans.

Sperm kinematic, head morphometric and kinetic-morphometric subpopulations in the blue fox (Alopex lagopus)

PubMed Central

Soler, Carles; Contell, Jesús; Bori, Lorena; Sancho, María; García-Molina, Almudena; Valverde, Anthony; Segarvall, Jan

2017-01-01

This work provides information on the blue fox ejaculated sperm quality needed for seminal dose calculations. Twenty semen samples, obtained by masturbation, were analyzed for kinematic and morphometric parameters by using CASA-Mot and CASA-Morph system and principal component (PC) analysis. For motility, eight kinematic parameters were evaluated, which were reduced to PC1, related to linear variables, and PC2, related to oscillatory movement. The whole population was divided into three independent subpopulations: SP1, fast cells with linear movement; SP2, slow cells and nonoscillatory motility; and SP3, medium speed cells and oscillatory movement. In almost all cases, the subpopulation distribution by animal was significantly different. Head morphology analysis generated four size and four shape parameters, which were reduced to PC1, related to size, and PC2, related to shape of the cells. Three morphometric subpopulations existed: SP1: large oval cells; SP2: medium size elongated cells; and SP3: small and short cells. The subpopulation distribution differed between animals. Combining the kinematic and morphometric datasets produced PC1, related to morphometric parameters, and PC2, related to kinematics, which generated four sperm subpopulations – SP1: high oscillatory motility, large and short heads; SP2: medium velocity with small and short heads; SP3: slow motion small and elongated cells; and SP4: high linear speed and large elongated cells. Subpopulation distribution was different in all animals. The establishment of sperm subpopulations from kinematic, morphometric, and combined variables not only improves the well-defined fox semen characteristics and offers a good conceptual basis for fertility and sperm preservation techniques in this species, but also opens the door to use this approach in other species, included humans. PMID:27751987

Model study of imaging myocardial infarction by intracardiac electrical impedance tomography.

PubMed

Li, Ying; Rao, Liyun; Ling, Yuesheng; He, Renjie; Khoury, Dirar S

2008-01-01

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) detects tissue composition inside a medium by determining its resistive properties, and uses various electrode configurations to pass a small electric current and measure corresponding potential. We investigated the feasibility of reconstructing scarred tissue inside the heart wall by employing EIT on the basis of a catheter carrying a plurality of electrodes and placed inside the blood-filled heart cavity. We built a computer model of the biological medium, and reconstructed the resistivity distribution using the finite element method and Tikhonov regularization. The results established the successful implementation of the numeric methods and the possibility of localizing and quantifying scarred myocardium. Novel application of EIT from inside the heart cavity could be useful during catheterization and may complement other diagnostic modalities. Further research is necessary to assess the impact of several factors on the accuracy of the reconstruction and include number of electrodes, catheter location, and scar size.

Conducting Creativity Brainstorming Sessions in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Using Computer-Mediated Communication Tools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murthy, Uday S.

A variety of Web-based low cost computer-mediated communication (CMC) tools are now available for use by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). These tools invariably incorporate chat systems that facilitate simultaneous input in synchronous electronic meeting environments, allowing what is referred to as “electronic brainstorming.” Although prior research in information systems (IS) has established that electronic brainstorming can be superior to face-to-face brainstorming, there is a lack of detailed guidance regarding how CMC tools should be optimally configured to foster creativity in SMEs. This paper discusses factors to be considered in using CMC tools for creativity brainstorming and proposes recommendations for optimally configuring CMC tools to enhance creativity in SMEs. The recommendations are based on lessons learned from several recent experimental studies on the use of CMC tools for rich brainstorming tasks that require participants to invoke domain-specific knowledge. Based on a consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of the various configuration options, the recommendations provided can form the basis for selecting a CMC tool for creativity brainstorming or for creating an in-house CMC tool for the purpose.

Salary Management System for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Zhang; Guangli, Xu; Yuhuan, Zhang; Yilong, Lei

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the process of wage entry, calculation, the total number are needed to be done manually in the past, the data volume is quite large, processing speed is low, and it is easy to make error, which is resulting in low efficiency. The main purpose of writing this paper is to present the basis of salary management system, establish a scientific database, the computer payroll system, using the computer instead of a lot of past manual work in order to reduce duplication of staff labor, it will improve working efficiency.This system combines the actual needs of SMEs, through in-depth study and practice of the C/S mode, PowerBuilder10.0 development tools, databases and SQL language, Completed a payroll system needs analysis, database design, application design and development work. Wages, departments, units and personnel database file are included in this system, and have data management, department management, personnel management and other functions, through the control and management of the database query, add, delete, modify, and other functions can be realized. This system is reasonable design, a more complete function, stable operation has been tested to meet the basic needs of the work.

77 FR 56253 - Ninth Meeting: RTCA Special Committee 225, Rechargeable Lithium Battery and Battery Systems-Small...

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2012-09-12

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77 FR 66084 - Tenth Meeting: RTCA Special Committee 225, Rechargeable Lithium Battery and Battery Systems-Small...

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2012-11-01

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77 FR 20688 - Seventh Meeting: RTCA Special Committee 225, Rechargeable Lithium Batteries and Battery Systems...

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2012-04-05

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Mechanical behavior of concrete and related porous materials under partial saturation: The effective stress and the viscous softening due to movement of nanometer-scale pore fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vlahinic, Ivan

It has been said that porous materials are like music: the gaps are as important as the filled-in bits. In other words, in addition to the solid structure, pore characteristics such as size and morphology play a crucial role in defining the overall physical properties of the porous materials. This work goes a step further and examines the behaviors of some porous media that arise when the pore network is occupied by two fluids, principally air and water, as a result of drying or wetting. Such a state gives rise to fluid capillarity which can generate significant negative fluid pressures. In the first part, a constitutive model for drying of an elastic porous medium is proposed and then extended to derive a novel expression for effective stress in partially saturated media. The model is motivated by the fact that in a system that is saturated by two different fluids, two different pressure inherently act on the surfaces of the pore network. This causes a non-uniform strain field in the solid structure, something that is not explicitly accounted for in the classic formulations of this problem. We use some standard micromechanical homogenization techniques to estimate the extent of the 'non-uniformity' and on this basis, evaluate the validity of the classic Bishop effective stress expression for partially saturated materials. In the second part, we examine a diverse class of porous materials which behave in an unexpected (and even counterintuitive) way under the internal moisture fluctuations. In particular, during wetting and drying alike, the solid viscosity of these materials appears to soften, sometimes by an order of magnitude or more. Under load, this can lead to significantly increased rates of deformations. On account of the recent experimental and theoretical findings on the nature of water flow in nanometer-size hydrophillic spaces, we provide a physical explanation for the viscous softening and propose a constitutive law on this basis. To this end, it also becomes necessary to describe the fluid flow in a double porosity medium, i.e. a medium containing both macro- and nano-scale porosity. We show that the proposed model can quantitatively capture the key observations that have thus far evaded a simple mechanical description. The materials more closely examined in this work enjoy a wide variety of practical uses. Wood and concrete are used as a basis for infrastructure the world over; porous glass with engineered nanometer-sized openings is used for its sorptive and filtering abilities; KevlarRTM and similar synthetic polymers are used for their high strength-to-weight ratio in creating body armor, ropes, and even sails.

Dietary partitioning of Australia's two marsupial hypercarnivores, the Tasmanian devil and the spotted-tailed quoll, across their shared distributional range

PubMed Central

Johnson, Christopher N.; Barmuta, Leon A.; Jones, Menna E.

2017-01-01

Australia’s native marsupial fauna has just two primarily flesh-eating ‘hypercarnivores’, the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) and the spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) which coexist only on the island of Tasmania. Devil populations are currently declining due to a fatal transmissible cancer. Our aim was to analyse the diet of both species across their range in Tasmania, as a basis for understanding how devil decline might affect the abundance and distribution of quolls through release from competition. We used faecal analysis to describe diets of one or both species at 13 sites across Tasmania. We compared diet composition and breadth between the two species, and tested for geographic patterns in diets related to rainfall and devil population decline. Dietary items were classified into 6 broad categories: large mammals (≥ 7.0kg), medium-sized mammals (0.5–6.9kg), small mammals (< 0.5kg), birds, reptiles and invertebrates. Diet overlap based on prey-size category was high. Quoll diets were broader than devils at all but one site. Devils consumed more large and medium-sized mammals and quolls more small mammals, reptiles and invertebrates. Medium-sized mammals (mainly Tasmanian pademelon Thylogale billardierii), followed by large mammals (mainly Bennett’s wallaby Macropus rufogriseus) and birds, were the most important prey groups for both species. Diet composition varied across sites, suggesting that both species are flexible and opportunistic foragers, but was not related to rainfall for devils. Quolls included more large mammals but fewer small mammals and invertebrates in their diet in the eastern drier parts of Tasmania where devils have declined. This suggests that a competitive release of quolls may have occurred and the substantial decline of devils has provided more food in the large-mammal category for quolls, perhaps as increased scavenging opportunities. The high diet overlap suggests that if resources become limited in areas of high devil density, interspecific competition could occur. PMID:29176811

Direct Synthesis of Medium-Bridged Twisted Amides via a Transannular Cyclization Strategy

PubMed Central

Szostak, Michal; Aubé, Jeffrey

2009-01-01

The sequential RCM to construct a challenging medium-sized ring followed by a transannular cyclization across a medium-sized ring delivers previously unattainable twisted amides from simple acyclic precursors. PMID:19708701

[Analysis of use of personal protective equipment among rural-to-urban migrant workers in small and medium enterprises in Zhongshan and Shenzhen, China].

PubMed

Zeng, Zhi; Lu, Liming; Rao, Zhanhong; Han, Lu; Shi, Jingrong; Ling, Li

2014-04-01

To investigate the current supply and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among rural-to-urban migrant workers in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Zhongshan and Shenzhen, China and the influential factors for the use of PPE, and to provide a basis for better occupational health services and ensuring the health of migrant workers. Multi-stage sampling was used to select 856 migrant workers from 27 SMEs in Zhongshan and Shenzhen, and face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted in these subjects. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way analysis of variance, chi-square test, and logistic regression. Of all migrant workers, 38.67%were supplied with free PPE by the factory, and this rate varied across industries (furniture industry: 45.81%; electronic industry: 31.46%) and SMEs (medium enterprises: 42.13%; small enterprises: 39.20%; micro enterprises: 22.16%); 22.43% insisted on the use of PPE. The logistic regression analysis showed that factors associated with the use of PPE included sex, age, awareness of occupational health knowledge, and the size of enterprise. The rates of supply and use of PPE among migrant workers are low. The larger the enterprise, the better the supply of PPE. Male gender, being elder, and high occupational health knowledge score were favorable factors for the use of PPE, while small enterprise size was the unfavorable factor for the use of PPE.

Management Education for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the European Communities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holzer, Rainer

This report summarizes the activities of various bodies providing training impetus for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe on the three levels of (1) basic management education for potential small and medium-sized business owners and/or managers; (2) programs for small firm start-ups; and (3) activities to improve the management of…

Evaluation research of small and medium-sized enterprise informatization on big data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Na

2017-09-01

Under the background of big data, key construction of small and medium-sized enterprise informationization level was needed, but information construction cost was large, while information cost of inputs can bring benefit to small and medium-sized enterprises. This paper established small and medium-sized enterprise informatization evaluation system from hardware and software security level, information organization level, information technology application and the profit level, and information ability level. The rough set theory was used to brief indexes, and then carry out evaluation by support vector machine (SVM) model. At last, examples were used to verify the theory in order to prove the effectiveness of the method.

The Role of Breast Size and Areolar Pigmentation in Perceptions of Women's Sexual Attractiveness, Reproductive Health, Sexual Maturity, Maternal Nurturing Abilities, and Age.

PubMed

Dixson, Barnaby J; Duncan, Melanie; Dixson, Alan F

2015-08-01

Women's breast morphology is thought to have evolved via sexual selection as a signal of maturity, health, and fecundity. While research demonstrates that breast morphology is important in men's judgments of women's attractiveness, it remains to be determined how perceptions might differ when considering a larger suite of mate relevant attributes. Here, we tested how variation in breast size and areolar pigmentation affected perceptions of women's sexual attractiveness, reproductive health, sexual maturity, maternal nurturing abilities, and age. Participants (100 men; 100 women) rated images of female torsos modeled to vary in breast size (very small, small, medium, and large) and areolar pigmentation (light, medium, and dark) for each of the five attributes listed above. Sexual attractiveness ratings increased linearly with breast size, but large breasts were not judged to be significantly more attractive than medium-sized breasts. Small and medium-sized breasts were rated as most attractive if they included light or medium colored areolae, whereas large breasts were more attractive if they had medium or dark areolae. Ratings for perceived age, sexual maturity, and nurturing ability also increased with breast size. Darkening the areolae reduced ratings of the reproductive health of medium and small breasts, whereas it increased ratings for large breasts. There were no significant sex differences in ratings of any of the perceptual measures. These results demonstrate that breast size and areolar pigmentation interact to determine ratings for a suite of sociosexual attributes, each of which may be relevant to mate choice in men and intra-sexual competition in women.

Uptake of silver nanoparticles by monocytic THP-1 cells depends on particle size and presence of serum proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kettler, Katja; Giannakou, Christina; de Jong, Wim H.; Hendriks, A. Jan; Krystek, Petra

2016-09-01

Human health risks by silver nanoparticle (AgNP) exposure are likely to increase due to the increasing number of NP-containing products and demonstrated adverse effects in various cell lines. Unfortunately, results from (toxicity) studies are often based on exposure dose and are often measured only at a fixed time point. NP uptake kinetics and the time-dependent internal cellular concentration are often not considered. Macrophages are the first line of defense against invading foreign agents including NPs. How macrophages deal with the particles is essential for potential toxicity of the NPs. However, there is a considerable lack of uptake studies of particles in the nanometer range and macrophage-like cells. Therefore, uptake rates were determined over 24 h for three different AgNPs sizes (20, 50 and 75 nm) in medium with and without fetal calf serum. Non-toxic concentrations of 10 ng Ag/mL for monocytic THP-1 cells, representing realistic exposure concentration for short-term exposures, were chosen. The uptake of Ag was higher in medium without fetal calf serum and showed increasing uptake for decreasing NP sizes, both on NP mass and on number basis. Internal cellular concentrations reached roughly 32/10 %, 25/18 % and 21/15 % of the nominal concentration in the absence of fetal calf serum/with fetal calf serum for 20-, 50- and 75-nm NPs, respectively. Our research shows that uptake kinetics in macrophages differ for various NP sizes. To increase the understanding of the mechanism of NP toxicity in cells, the process of uptake (timing) should be considered.

Complex absorbing potentials within EOM-CC family of methods: Theory, implementation, and benchmarks

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

Zuev, Dmitry; Jagau, Thomas-C.; Krylov, Anna I.

2014-07-14

A production-level implementation of equation-of-motion coupled-cluster singles and doubles (EOM-CCSD) for electron attachment and excitation energies augmented by a complex absorbing potential (CAP) is presented. The new method enables the treatment of metastable states within the EOM-CC formalism in a similar manner as bound states. The numeric performance of the method and the sensitivity of resonance positions and lifetimes to the CAP parameters and the choice of one-electron basis set are investigated. A protocol for studying molecular shape resonances based on the use of standard basis sets and a universal criterion for choosing the CAP parameters are presented. Our resultsmore » for a variety of π{sup *} shape resonances of small to medium-size molecules demonstrate that CAP-augmented EOM-CCSD is competitive relative to other theoretical approaches for the treatment of resonances and is often able to reproduce experimental results.« less

Mineral resource potential map of the Fossil Ridge Wilderness Study Area, Gunnison County, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

DeWitt, Ed; Stoneman, R.J.; Clark, J.R.; Kluender, S.E.

1985-01-01

Areas that immediately adjoin the Fossil Ridge Wilderness Study Area have a high potential for molybdenum in large deposits, lead in medium-size deposits, and zinc -in small- to medium-size deposits. Depending on the extraction of base metals, parts of the adjoining areas could have a low resource potential for bismuth and cadmium as byproducts in medium-size deposits.

75 FR 31768 - Procurement List Proposed Additions and Deletions

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-04

.... Service Type/Location: Custodial Services, Woodlawn Child Care Center, Social Security Administration... Regular NSN: 8415-01-546-0166--Undershirt Size Small Long NSN: 8415-01-538-8614--Undershirt Size Medium Regular NSN: 8415-01-546-0305--Undershirt Size Medium Long NSN: 8415-01-538-8621--Undershirt Size Large...

The research on electronic commerce security payment system based on set protocol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Hongliang

2012-04-01

With the rapid development of network technology, online transactions have become more and more common. In this paper, we firstly introduce the principle and the basic principal and technical foundation of SET, and then we analyze the progress of designing a system in the foundation of the procedure of the electronic business based on SET. On this basis, we design a system of the Payment System for Electronic Business. It will not only take on crucial realism signification for large-scale, medium-sized and mini-type corporations, but also provide guide meaning with programmer and design-developer to realize Electronic Commerce (EC).

REOSC approach to ELTs and segmented optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geyl, Roland; Cayrel, Marc

2000-07-01

On the basis of its experience gained on the VLT and GEMINI primary mirrors polishing REOSC will present his first comments on the preliminary technical specifications of some concepts (OWL, MAXAT) discussed with their instigators (ESO, AURA). Similarities with other projects presently running (CEA LIL) at REOSC that lead to consider such type of giant telescope with some unsuspected serenity. In addition the discussion will be illustrated with the REOSC experience in medium and large size off axis aspheric optics fabrication, the most recent being the Gran Telescopio Canaries project for which REOSC has just been awarded by GRANTECAN S.A. for polishing the 36 segments of this 11-m instrument.

Analysis and Optimization of Four-Coil Planar Magnetically Coupled Printed Spiral Resonators.

PubMed

Khan, Sadeque Reza; Choi, GoangSeog

2016-08-03

High-efficiency power transfer at a long distance can be efficiently established using resonance-based wireless techniques. In contrast to the conventional two-coil-based inductive links, this paper presents a magnetically coupled fully planar four-coil printed spiral resonator-based wireless power-transfer system that compensates the adverse effect of low coupling and improves efficiency by using high quality-factor coils. A conformal architecture is adopted to reduce the transmitter and receiver sizes. Both square architecture and circular architectures are analyzed and optimized to provide maximum efficiency at a certain operating distance. Furthermore, their performance is compared on the basis of the power-transfer efficiency and power delivered to the load. Square resonators can produce higher measured power-transfer efficiency (79.8%) than circular resonators (78.43%) when the distance between the transmitter and receiver coils is 10 mm of air medium at a resonant frequency of 13.56 MHz. On the other hand, circular coils can deliver higher power (443.5 mW) to the load than the square coils (396 mW) under the same medium properties. The performance of the proposed structures is investigated by simulation using a three-layer human-tissue medium and by experimentation.

Identification of corrosion product on medium carbon steel under the exposure of Banda Aceh’s atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thalib, Sulaiman; Ikhsan, Muharil; Fonna, Syarizal; Huzni, Syifaul; Ridha, Syahrir

2018-05-01

This research was conducted to study the form of corrosion products of medium carbon steel under the exposure of Banda Aceh’s atmosphere. The medium carbon steel samples which the size based on ASTM G 50 were exposed in open areas around the Engineering Faculty, Syiah Kuala University, Darussalam - Banda Aceh, Aceh province, Indonesia. The study was carried out from January through December 2016. The corrosion product formed on the surface of the samples was studied using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) method. Measurements of weight loss due to atmospheric corrosion as a basis for calculating corrosion rates was referring to ASTM G1. Corrosion product found based on XRD analysis was lepidocrocite (FeO2, γ-FeOOH) and goethite (FeO2, α-FeOOH). The results agreed with SEM analysis that also indicates to lepidocrocite and goethite. The corrosion rate for twelve months showed that the highest rate occurs in the period of March-April that was 0.024 mpy. During twelve months exposure, the corrosion products consist of lepidocrocite and goethite. Significant changes began to occur in the eighth month, where the product of corrosion was almost entirely goethite.

The impact of changing attitudes, norms, and self-efficacy on health-related intentions and behavior: A meta-analysis.

PubMed

Sheeran, Paschal; Maki, Alexander; Montanaro, Erika; Avishai-Yitshak, Aya; Bryan, Angela; Klein, William M P; Miles, Eleanor; Rothman, Alexander J

2016-11-01

Several health behavior theories converge on the hypothesis that attitudes, norms, and self-efficacy are important determinants of intentions and behavior. However, inferences regarding the relation between these cognitions and intention or behavior rest largely on correlational data that preclude causal inferences. To determine whether changing attitudes, norms, or self-efficacy leads to changes in intentions and behavior, investigators need to randomly assign participants to a treatment that significantly increases the respective cognition relative to a control condition, and test for differences in subsequent intentions or behavior. The present review analyzed findings from 204 experimental tests that met these criteria. Studies were located using computerized searches and informal sources and meta-analyzed using STATA Version 11. Experimentally induced changes in attitudes, norms, and self-efficacy all led to medium-sized changes in intention (d+ = .48, .49, and .51, respectively), and engendered small to medium-sized changes in behavior (attitudes-d+ = .38, norms-d+ = .36, self-efficacy-d+ = .47). These effect sizes generally were not qualified by the moderator variables examined (e.g., study quality, theoretical basis of the intervention, methodological characteristics, and features of the targeted behavior), although effects were larger for interventions designed to increase (vs. decrease) behavioral performance. The present review lends novel, experimental support for key predictions from health behavior theories, and demonstrates that interventions that modify attitudes, norms, and self-efficacy are effective in promoting health behavior change. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

The utility of injury narratives for prioritising future prevention activities in small and medium enterprises in rural Vietnam.

PubMed

Marucci-Wellman, Helen; Willetts, Joanna L; Diep, Nguyen Bich; Binh, Ta Thi Tuyet

2013-04-01

Injuries are a leading cause of work-related disability and death in rapidly developing countries such as Vietnam. The authors' objective was to demonstrate the utility of detailed injury narratives, derived from a household survey, in providing information on the determinants of work-related injuries to inform potential intervention targets. In a cross-sectional survey administered to 2615 households of a rapidly developing community of Vietnam where many workers engage in both agriculture and industrial work, the authors collected information about self-reported work-related injuries, annual hours worked in each industry and narrative text describing the circumstances of each injury. The authors used a customised coding taxonomy to describe injury scenarios. Several intervention themes emerged, including the implementation of machine guarding, the use of cut resistant gloves and safety glasses which would benefit the small- and medium-sized enterprises. Calculation of incidence rates using full-time equivalents, stratified by work group, provided some unexpected observations of the risks of working in agriculture; workers who work in agriculture in addition to another industry are at an increased risk of fatigue or overexertion and other consequences of working too hard in their agricultural activities. A lack of aggregate injury statistics makes it difficult for the owners of small- and medium-sized enterprises to recognise a priori the most effective safety interventions. This analysis of detailed injury narratives with an appropriate taxonomic basis offers the ability to focus on the level of cause, activity and source and may inform the choice of various potential interventions at the workplace or enterprise level.

Empirical evidences of owners’ managerial behaviour - the case of small companies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lobontiu, G.; Banica, M.; Ravai-Nagy, S.

2017-05-01

In a small firm, the founder or the owner-manager often leaves his or her own personal “stamp” on the way things are done, finding solutions for the multitude of problems the firm faces, and maintaining control over the firm’s operations. The paper aims to investigate the degree to which the owner-managers are controlling the operations of their firm on a day-to-day basis or even getting involved into the management of the functional areas. Our empirical research, conducted on a sample of 200 small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) from the North-Western Romania, Maramures (NUTS3 level - RO114), shows that owner-managers tend to be all-powerful, making decisions based on their experience. Furthermore, the survey highlights the focus of owner-managers on two functional areas, namely the production, and sales and marketing. Finally, the correlation analysis states that in the case of small firms, the owner-manager is more involved in managing the functional areas of the firm, as compared to the medium-ones.

Aerial-Photointerpretation of landslides along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers

USGS Publications Warehouse

Su, W.-J.; Stohr, C.

2000-01-01

A landslide inventory was conducted along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers in the New Madrid Seismic Zone of southern Illinois, between the towns of Olmsted and Chester, Illinois. Aerial photography and field reconnaissance identified 221 landslides of three types: rock/debris falls, block slides, and undifferentiated rotational/translational slides. Most of the landslides are small- to medium-size, ancient rotational/translational features partially ob-scured by vegetation and modified by weathering. Five imagery sources were interpreted for landslides: 1:250,000-scale side-looking airborne radar (SLAR); 1:40,000-scale, 1:20,000-scale, 1:6,000-scale, black and white aerial photography; and low altitude, oblique 35-mm color photography. Landslides were identified with three levels of confidence on the basis of distinguishing characteristics and ambiguous indicators. SLAR imagery permitted identification of a 520 hectare mega-landslide which would not have been identified on medium-scale aerial photography. The leaf-off, 35-mm color, oblique photography provided the best imagery for confident interpretation of detailed features needed for smaller landslides.

Genetic diversity and genetic structure of an endemic Mexican Dusky Rattlesnake (Crotalus triseriatus) in a highly modified agricultural landscape: implications for conservation.

PubMed

Sunny, Armando; Monroy-Vilchis, Octavio; Zarco-González, Martha M; Mendoza-Martínez, Germán David; Martínez-Gómez, Daniel

2015-12-01

It is necessary to determine genetic diversity of fragmented populations in highly modified landscapes to understand how populations respond to land-use change. This information will help guide future conservation and management strategies. We conducted a population genetic study on an endemic Mexican Dusky Rattlesnake (Crotalus triseriatus) in a highly modified landscape near the Toluca metropolitan area, in order to provide crucial information for the conservation of this species. There was medium levels of genetic diversity, with a few alleles and genotypes. We identified three genetically differentiated clusters, likely as a result of different habitat cover type. We also found evidence of an ancestral genetic bottleneck and medium values of effective population size. Inbreeding coefficients were low and there was a moderate gene flow. Our results can be used as a basis for future research and C. triseriatus conservation efforts, particularly considering that the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt is heavily impacted by destructive land-use practices.

Propagation of electromagnetic waves in a turbulent medium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Canuto, V. M.; Hartke, G. J.

1986-01-01

Theoretical modeling of the wealth of experimental data on propagation of electromagnetic radiation through turbulent media has centered on the use of the Heisenberg-Kolmogorov (HK) model, which is, however, valid only for medium to small sized eddies. Ad hoc modifications of the HK model to encompass the large-scale region of the eddy spectrum have been widely used, but a sound physical basis has been lacking. A model for large-scale turbulence that was recently proposed is applied to the above problem. The spectral density of the temperature field is derived and used to calculate the structure function of the index of refraction N. The result is compared with available data, yielding a reasonably good fit. The variance of N is also in accord with the data. The model is also applied to propagation effects. The phase structure function, covariance of the log amplitude, and variance of the log intensity are calculated. The calculated phase structure function is in excellent agreement with available data.

Nanoscale multireference quantum chemistry: full configuration interaction on graphical processing units.

PubMed

Fales, B Scott; Levine, Benjamin G

2015-10-13

Methods based on a full configuration interaction (FCI) expansion in an active space of orbitals are widely used for modeling chemical phenomena such as bond breaking, multiply excited states, and conical intersections in small-to-medium-sized molecules, but these phenomena occur in systems of all sizes. To scale such calculations up to the nanoscale, we have developed an implementation of FCI in which electron repulsion integral transformation and several of the more expensive steps in σ vector formation are performed on graphical processing unit (GPU) hardware. When applied to a 1.7 × 1.4 × 1.4 nm silicon nanoparticle (Si72H64) described with the polarized, all-electron 6-31G** basis set, our implementation can solve for the ground state of the 16-active-electron/16-active-orbital CASCI Hamiltonian (more than 100,000,000 configurations) in 39 min on a single NVidia K40 GPU.

[Management of cerebrospinal fluid leaks according to size. Our experience].

PubMed

Alobid, Isam; Enseñat, Joaquim; Rioja, Elena; Enriquez, Karla; Viscovich, Liza; de Notaris, Matteo; Bernal-Sprekelsen, Manuel

2014-01-01

We present our experience in the reconstruction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks according to their size and location. Fifty-four patients who underwent advanced skull base surgery (large defects) and 62 patients with CSF leaks of different origin (small and medium-sized defects) were included. Large defects were reconstructed with a nasoseptal pedicled flap positioned on fat and fascia lata and lumbar drainage was used. In small and medium-sized leaks of other origin, intrathecal fluorescein 5% was applied previously to identify the defect. Fascia lata in an underlay position was used for reconstruction, which was then covered with mucoperiosteum from the turbinate. Perioperative antibiotics were administered for 5-7 days. Nasal packing was removed after 24-48 hours. The most frequent aetiology for small and medium-sized defects was spontaneous (48.4%), followed by trauma (24.2%), iatrogenic (5%) and others. The success rate was of 91% after the first surgery and 98% in large skull base defects and small/medium-sized respectively. After rescue surgery, the rate of closure achieved was 100%. The follow-up was 15.6 ± 12.4 months for large defects and 75.3 ± 51.3 months for small/medium-sized defects without recurrence. Endoscopic surgery for closure of any type of skull base defect is the gold standard approach. Defect size does not play a significant role in the success rate. Fascia lata and mucoperiosteum allow a reconstruction of small/medium-sized defects. For larger skull base defects, a combination of fat, fascia lata and nasoseptal pedicled flaps provide a successful reconstruction. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

Joint Effects of Granule Size and Degree of Substitution on Octenylsuccinated Sweet Potato Starch Granules As Pickering Emulsion Stabilizers.

PubMed

Li, Jinfeng; Ye, Fayin; Lei, Lin; Zhou, Yun; Zhao, Guohua

2018-05-02

The granules of sweet potato starch were size fractionated into three portions with significantly different median diameters ( D 50 ) of 6.67 (small-sized), 11.54 (medium-sized), and 16.96 μm (large-sized), respectively. Each portion was hydrophobized at the mass-based degrees of substitution (DS m ) of approximately 0.0095 (low), 0.0160 (medium), and 0.0230 (high). The Pickering emulsion-stabilizing capacities of modified granules were tested, and the resultant emulsions were characterized. The joint effects of granule size and DS m on emulsifying capacity (EC) were investigated by response surface methodology. For small-, medium-, and large-sized fractions, their highest emulsifying capacities are comparable but, respectively, encountered at high (0.0225), medium (0.0158), and low (0.0095) DS m levels. The emulsion droplet size increased with granule size, and the number of freely scattered granules in emulsions decreased with DS m . In addition, the term of surface density of the octenyl succinic group (SD -OSG ) was first proposed for modified starch granules, and it was proved better than DS m in interpreting the emulsifying capacities of starch granules with varying sizes. The present results implied that, as the particulate stabilizers, the optimal DS m of modified starch granules is size specific.

Bank Size and Small- and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) Lending: Evidence from China.

PubMed

Shen, Yan; Shen, Minggao; Xu, Zhong; Bai, Ying

2009-04-01

Using panel data collected in 2005, we evaluate how bank size, discretion over credit, incentive schemes, competition, and the institutional environment affect lending to small- and medium-sized enterprises in China. We deal with the endogeneity problem using instrumental variables, and a reduced-form approach is also applied to allow for weak instruments in estimation. We find that total bank asset is an insignificant factor for banks' decision on small- and medium-enterprise (SME) lending, but more local lending authority, more competition, carefully designed incentive schemes, and stronger law enforcement encourage commercial banks to lend to SMEs.

Insensitivity of compaction properties of brittle granules to size enlargement by roller compaction.

PubMed

Wu, Sy-Juen; Sun, Changquan 'Calvin'

2007-05-01

Pharmaceutical granules prepared by roller compaction often exhibit significant loss of tabletability, that is, reduction in tensile strength, when compared to virgin powder. This may be attributed to granule size enlargement for highly plastic materials, for example, microcrystalline cellulose. The sensitivity of powder compaction properties on granule size variations impacts the robustness of the dry granulation process. We hypothesize that such sensitivity of compaction properties on granule size is minimum for brittle materials because extensive fracture of brittle granules during compaction minimizes differences in initial granule size. We tested the hypothesis using three common brittle excipients. Results show that the fine (44-106 microm), medium (106-250 microm), and coarse (250-500 microm) granules exhibit essentially identical tabletability below a certain critical compaction pressure, 100, 140, and 100 MPa for spray-dried lactose monohydrate, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, and mannitol, respectively. Above respective critical pressure, tabletability lines diverge with smaller granules exhibiting slightly higher tablet tensile strength at identical compaction conditions. Overall, tabletability of brittle granules is insensitive to granule size enlargement. The results provide a scientific basis to the common practice of incorporating brittle filler to a typical tablet formulation processed by roller compaction granulation. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

Preparing the Production of a New Product in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises by Using the Method of Projects Management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bijańska, Jolanta; Wodarski, Krzysztof; Wójcik, Janusz

2016-06-01

Efficient and effective preparation the production of new products is important requirement for a functioning and development of small and medium-sized enterprises. One of the methods, which support the fulfilment of this condition is project management. This publication presents the results of considerations, which are aimed at developing a project management model of preparation the production of a new product, adopted to specificity of small and medium-sized enterprises.

The development of internet based ship design support system for small and medium sized shipyards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Sung-Chul; Lee, Soon-Sup; Kang, Dong-Hoon; Lee, Kyung-Ho

2012-03-01

In this paper, a prototype of ship basic planning system is implemented for the small and medium sized shipyards based on the internet technology and concurrent engineering concept. The system is designed from the user requirements. Consequently, standardized development environment and tools are selected. These tools are used for the system development to define and evaluate core application technologies. The system will contribute to increasing competitiveness of small and medium sized shipyards in the 21st century industrial en-vironment.

eBASIS (Bioactive Substances in Food Information Systems) and Bioactive Intakes: Major Updates of the Bioactive Compound Composition and Beneficial Bioeffects Database and the Development of a Probabilistic Model to Assess Intakes in Europe.

PubMed

Plumb, Jenny; Pigat, Sandrine; Bompola, Foteini; Cushen, Maeve; Pinchen, Hannah; Nørby, Eric; Astley, Siân; Lyons, Jacqueline; Kiely, Mairead; Finglas, Paul

2017-03-23

eBASIS (Bioactive Substances in Food Information Systems), a web-based database that contains compositional and biological effects data for bioactive compounds of plant origin, has been updated with new data on fruits and vegetables, wheat and, due to some evidence of potential beneficial effects, extended to include meat bioactives. eBASIS remains one of only a handful of comprehensive and searchable databases, with up-to-date coherent and validated scientific information on the composition of food bioactives and their putative health benefits. The database has a user-friendly, efficient, and flexible interface facilitating use by both the scientific community and food industry. Overall, eBASIS contains data for 267 foods, covering the composition of 794 bioactive compounds, from 1147 quality-evaluated peer-reviewed publications, together with information from 567 publications describing beneficial bioeffect studies carried out in humans. This paper highlights recent updates and expansion of eBASIS and the newly-developed link to a probabilistic intake model, allowing exposure assessment of dietary bioactive compounds to be estimated and modelled in human populations when used in conjunction with national food consumption data. This new tool could assist small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the development of food product health claim dossiers for submission to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

A comparison of workplace safety perceptions among financial decision-makers of medium- vs. large-size companies.

PubMed

Huang, Yueng-Hsiang; Leamon, Tom B; Courtney, Theodore K; Chen, Peter Y; DeArmond, Sarah

2011-01-01

This study, through a random national survey in the U.S., explored how corporate financial decision-makers perceive important workplace safety issues as a function of the size of the company for which they worked (medium- vs. large-size companies). Telephone surveys were conducted with 404 U.S. corporate financial decision-makers: 203 from medium-size companies and 201 from large companies. Results showed that the patterns of responding for participants from medium- and large-size companies were somewhat similar. The top-rated safety priorities in resource allocation reported by participants from both groups were overexertion, repetitive motion, and bodily reaction. They believed that there were direct and indirect costs associated with workplace injuries and for every dollar spent improving workplace safety, more than four dollars would be returned. They perceived the top benefits of an effective safety program to be predominately financial in nature - increased productivity and reduced costs - and the safety modification participants mentioned most often was to have more/better safety-focused training. However, more participants from large- than medium-size companies reported that "falling on the same level" was the major cause of workers' compensation loss, which is in line with industry loss data. Participants from large companies were more likely to see their safety programs as better than those of other companies in their industries, and those of medium-size companies were more likely to mention that there were no improvements needed for their companies. Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Russ, M; Shankar, A; Lau, A

Purpose: Demonstrate and quantify the augmented resolution due to focalspot size decrease in images acquired on the anode side of the field, for both small and medium (0.3 and 0.6mm) focal-spot sizes using the experimental task-based GM-ROD metric. Theoretical calculations have shown that a medium focal-spot can achieve the resolution of a small focal-spot if acquired with a tilted anode, effectively providing a higher-output small focal-spot. Methods: The MAF-CMOS (micro-angiographic fluoroscopic complementary-metal-oxide semiconductor) detector (75µm pixel pitch) imaged two copper wire segments of different diameter and a pipeline stent at the central axis and on the anode side of themore » beam, achieved by tilting the x-ray C-arm (Toshiba Infinix) to 6° and realigning the detector with the perpendicular ray to correct for x-ray obliquity. The relative gain in resolution was determined using the GM-ROD metric, which compares images on the basis of the Fourier transform of the image and the measured NNPS. To emphasize the geometric unsharpness, images were acquired at a magnification of two. Results: Images acquired on the anode side were compared to those acquired on the central axis with the same target-area focal-spot to consider the effect of an angled tube, and for all three objects the advantage of the smaller effective focal-spot was clear, showing a maximum improvement of 36% in GM-ROD. The images obtained with the small focal-spot at the central axis were compared to those of the medium focal-spot at the anode side and, for all objects, the relative performance was comparable. Conclusion: For three objects, the GM-ROD demonstrated the advantage of the anode side focal-spot. The comparable performance of the medium focal-spot on the anode side will allow for a high-output small focal-spot; a necessity in endovascular image-guided interventions. Partial support from an NIH grant R01EB002873 and an equipment grant from Toshiba Medical Systems Corp.« less

Vasculitis: determinants of disease patterns.

PubMed

Hoffman, Gary S; Calabrese, Leonard H

2014-08-01

The vasculitides are a large group of heterogeneous diseases for which it has been assumed that pathogenesis is largely autoimmune. As clinicians, we distinguish one form of vasculitis from another on the basis of observed patterns of organ injury, the size of the vessels affected and histopathological findings. The terms 'small-vessel', 'medium-vessel' and 'large-vessel' vasculitis are useful clinical descriptors, but fail to inform us about why vessels of a certain calibre are favoured by one disease and not another. Classification based on vessel size also fails to consider that vessels of a specific calibre are not equally prone to injury. Distinct vulnerabilities undoubtedly relate to the fact that same-size vessels in different tissues may not be identical conduits. In fact, vessels become specialized, from the earliest stages of embryonic development, to suit the needs of different anatomical locations. Vessels of the same calibre in different locations and organs are as different as the organ parenchymal cells through which they travel. The dialogue between developing vessels and the tissues they perfuse is designed to meet special local needs. Added to the story of vascular diversity and vulnerability are changes that occur during growth, development and ageing. An improved understanding of the unique territorial vulnerabilities of vessels could form the basis of new hypotheses for the aetiopathogenesis of the vasculitides. This Review considers how certain antigens, including infectious agents, might become disease-relevant and how vascular diversity could influence disease phenotypes and the spectrum of vascular inflammatory diseases.

Design of serum-free medium for suspension culture of CHO cells on the basis of general commercial media.

PubMed

Miki, Hideo; Takagi, Mutsumi

2015-08-01

The design of serum-free media for suspension culture of genetically engineered Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells using general commercial media as a basis was investigated. Subcultivation using a commercial serum-free medium containing insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 with or without FCS necessitated additives other than IGF-1 to compensate for the lack of FCS and improve cell growth. Suspension culture with media containing several combinations of growth factors suggested the effectiveness of addition of both IGF-1 and the lipid signaling molecule lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) for promoting cell growth. Subcultivation of CHO cells in suspension culture using the commercial serum-free medium EX-CELL™302, which contained an IGF-1 analog, supplemented with LPA resulted in gradually increasing specific growth rate comparable to the serum-containing medium and in almost the same high antibody production regardless of the number of generations. The culture with EX-CELL™302 supplemented with LPA in a jar fermentor with pH control at 6.9 showed an apparently higher cell growth rate than the cultures without pH control and with pH control at 6.8. The cell growth in the medium supplemented with aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA), which was much cheaper than IGF-1, in combination with LPA was synergistically promoted similarly to that in the medium supplemented with IGF-1 and LPA. In conclusion, the serum-free medium designed on the basis of general commercial media could support the growth of CHO cells and antibody production comparable to serum-containing medium in suspension culture. Moreover, the possibility of cost reduction by the substitution of IGF-1 with ATA was also shown.

Penetration of spherical projectiles into wet granular media.

PubMed

Birch, S P D; Manga, M; Delbridge, B; Chamberlain, M

2014-09-01

We measure experimentally the penetration depth d of spherical particles into a water-saturated granular medium made of much smaller sand-sized grains. We vary the density, size R, and velocity U of the impacting spheres, and the size δ of the grains in the granular medium. We consider velocities between 7 and 107 m/s, a range not previously addressed, but relevant for impacts produced by volcanic eruptions. We find that d∝R(1/3)δ(1/3)U(2/3). The scaling with velocity is similar to that identified in previous, low-velocity collisions, but it also depends on the size of the grains in the granular medium. We develop a model, consistent with the observed scaling, in which the energy dissipation is dominated by the work required to rearrange grains along a network of force chains in the granular medium.

Controlling plasma stimulated media in cancer treatment application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Dayun; Sherman, Jonathan H.; Cheng, Xiaoqian; Ratovitski, Edward; Canady, Jerome; Keidar, Michael

2014-12-01

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) constitutes a "cocktail" of various reactive species. Accumulating evidence shows the effectiveness of CAP in killing cancer cells and decreasing the tumor size, which provides a solid basis for its potential use in cancer treatment. Currently, CAP is mainly used to directly treat cancer cells and trigger the death of cancer cells via apoptosis or necrosis. By altering the concentration of fetal bovine serum in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium and the temperature to store CAP stimulated media, we demonstrated controllable strategies to harness the stimulated media to kill glioblastoma cells in vitro. This study demonstrated the significant role of media in killing cancer cells via the CAP treatment.

Bank Size and Small- and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) Lending: Evidence from China

PubMed Central

SHEN, YAN; SHEN, MINGGAO; XU, ZHONG; BAI, YING

2014-01-01

Summary Using panel data collected in 2005, we evaluate how bank size, discretion over credit, incentive schemes, competition, and the institutional environment affect lending to small- and medium-sized enterprises in China. We deal with the endogeneity problem using instrumental variables, and a reduced-form approach is also applied to allow for weak instruments in estimation. We find that total bank asset is an insignificant factor for banks’ decision on small- and medium-enterprise (SME) lending, but more local lending authority, more competition, carefully designed incentive schemes, and stronger law enforcement encourage commercial banks to lend to SMEs. PMID:26052179

Evaluation of the significance of radiographic density and size of calculi in the incidence and clinical manifestations of postlithotripsy renal hematomas.

PubMed

Orozco Fariñas, Rodolfo; Iglesias Prieto, José Ignacio; Massarrah Halabi, Jorge; Mancebo Gómez, José María; Pérez-Castro Ellendt, Enrique

2011-01-01

The present study is a continuation of an earlier article published on the incidence, clinical manifestations, treatment and risk factors associated with postlithotripsy renal hematomas (1). To assess the possible influence of the size and radiodensity of kidney stones on the incidence and clinical behavior of renal postlithotripsy hematomas. Observational prospective study of 324 renal units in the same number of patients undergoing extracorporeal renal lithotripsy. The variables "calculus size" and "radiographic calculus density" were evaluaArch. ted statistically by means of the IPSS 0.15 program on the basis of 42 postlithotripsy hematomas diagnosed and grouped according to their clinical behavior. Higher incidence of hematomas was observed in hiperdense calculi (25%) versus medium density calculi (7,4%), this difference was significant in the asymptomatic hematoma group. Calculus size was unrelated to the incidence of renal hematoma, but there was a significant association between renal hematoma and radiographic calculus density, probably due to the relation of radiographic density to chemical composition and, ultimately, to hardness and ultrastructure. Ultrastructure is yet another factor, among others, to be taken into account as a potential conditioning factor for this complication.

Sustainability and Small to Medium Sized Enterprises--How to Engage Them

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Condon, Linda

2004-01-01

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have a major advantage over larger organisations in regard to addressing sustainability issues--their size means they are able to react very quickly to changes in the business environment. They are disadvantaged, however, by lack of information on marketplace changes that make sustainability an opportunity…

Real-time optical monitoring of microbial growth using optimal combination of light-emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Ken-ichi; Yamada, Takeshi; Hiraishi, Akira; Nakauchi, Shigeki

2012-12-01

We developed a real-time optical monitoring system consisting of a monochrome complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera and two light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with a constant temperature incubator for the rapid detection of microbial growth on solid media. As a target organism, we used Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius, which is an acidophilic thermophilic endospore-forming bacterium able to survive in pasteurization processes and grow in acidic drink products such as apple juice. This bacterium was cultured on agar medium with a redox dye applied to improve detection sensitivity. On the basis of spectroscopic properties of the colony, medium, and LEDs, an optimal combination of two LED illuminations was selected to maximize the contrast between the colony and medium areas. We measured A. acidocaldarius and Escherichia coli at two different dilution levels using these two LEDs. From the results of time-course changes in the number of detected pixels in the detection images, a similar growth rate was estimated amongst the same species of microbes, regardless of the dilution level. This system has the ability to detect a colony of approximately 26 μm in diameter in a detection image, and it can be interpreted that the size corresponds to less than 20 μm diameter in visual inspection.

Development and process evaluation of the participatory and action-oriented empowerment model facilitated by occupational health nurses for workplace health promotion in small and medium-sized enterprises.

PubMed

Nishikido, Noriko; Matsuda, Kazumi; Fukuda, Eiko; Motoki, Chiharu; Tsutaki, Miho; Kawakami, Yuko; Yuasa, Akiko; Iijima, Miyoko; Tanaka, Mika; Hirata, Mamoru; Hojoh, Minoru; Ikeda, Tomoko; Maeda, Kazutoshi; Miyoshi, Yukari; Arai, Sumiko; Mitsuhashi, Hiroyuki

2007-01-01

The objective of this study is to develop an available empowerment model for workplace health promotion (WHP) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to evaluate its applicability and feasibility. Semi-structured interviews with employers and workers in SMEs were conducted to assess their actual requirements for support. The structure of our new empowerment model was discussed and established through several rounds of focus group meetings with occupational safety and health researchers and practitioners on the basis of results of our interviews. We developed a new participatory and action-oriented empowerment model based on needs for support of employers and workers in SMEs. This new model consists of three originally developed tools: an action checklist, an information guidebook, and a book of good practices. As the facilitators, occupational health nurses (OHNs) from health insurance associations were trained to empower employers and workers using these tools. Approximately 80 SMEs (with less than 300 employees) were invited to participate in the model project. With these tools and continued empowerment by OHNs, employers and workers were able to smoothly work on WHP. This newly developed participatory and action-oriented empowerment model that was facilitated by trained OHNs appears to be both applicable and feasible for WHP in SMEs in Japan.

[Management practices in medium-sized private hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil].

PubMed

Brito, Luiz Artur Ledur; Malik, Ana Maria; Brito, Eliane; Bulgacov, Sergio; Andreassi, Tales

2017-04-03

Traditional management practices are sometimes considered merely a necessary condition for superior performance. Other resources and competencies with higher barriers to imitation are assumed to be potential sources of competitive advantage. This study describes and analyzes the effect of traditional management practices on the performance of medium-sized hospitals. Medium-sized companies frequently display the greatest differences in management practices, and only recently did the hospital sector seek ways to develop its competitiveness in the administrative arena. The results generally indicate that basic management practices can make differences in performance, offering support for the new practice-based view (PBV). Hospitals with the highest rate of adoption of practices had the highest occupancy rate, hospital-bed admissions, and accreditation. Lack of adoption of management practices by medium-sized hospitals limits their competitive capacity and can be viewed as a component of the so-called Brazil cost, but in this case an internal component.

Building Energy Management Open Source Software

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

Rahman, Saifur

Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy in November 2013, a Building Energy Management Open Source Software (BEMOSS) platform was engineered to improve sensing and control of equipment in small- and medium-sized commercial buildings. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), small- (5,000 square feet or smaller) and medium-sized (between 5,001 to 50,000 square feet) commercial buildings constitute about 95% of all commercial buildings in the U.S. These buildings typically do not have Building Automation Systems (BAS) to monitor and control building operation. While commercial BAS solutions exist, including those from Siemens, Honeywell, Johnsons Controls and many more, they aremore » not cost effective in the context of small- and medium-sized commercial buildings, and typically work with specific controller products from the same company. BEMOSS targets small and medium-sized commercial buildings to address this gap.« less

Measuring non-recurrent congestion in small to medium sized urban areas.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-05-01

Understanding the relative magnitudes of recurrent vs. non-recurrent congestion in an urban area is critical to the selection of proper countermeasures and the appropriate allocation of resources to address congestion problems. Small to medium sized ...

Planning for the Impacts of Highway Relief Routes on Small- and Medium-Size Communities

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-03-01

This report explores possible strategies for minimizing the negative impacts and maximizing the positive impacts of highway relief routes on small- and medium-size communities in Texas. Planning strategies are identified through a : literature search...

How AACR2 Will Affect a Medium Sized Library.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pang, Isabel S.

1980-01-01

Measures the impact of AACR2 on the catalog of a medium sized college library, using data collected from the Library of Congress announced changes. How to deal with these changes and estimate their costs is discussed. (Author/RAA)

Enantioselective Synthesis of Medium-Sized Lactams via Chiral α,β-Unsaturated Acylammonium Salts.

PubMed

Kang, Guowei; Yamagami, Masaki; Vellalath, Sreekumar; Romo, Daniel

2018-04-06

Medium-sized lactams are important structural motifs found in a variety of bioactive compounds and natural products but are challenging to prepare, especially in optically active form. A Michael addition/proton transfer/lactamization organocascade process is described that delivers medium-sized lactams, including azepanones, benzazepinones, azocanones, and benzazocinones, in high enantiopurity through the intermediacy of chiral α,β-unsaturated acylammonium salts. An unexpected indoline synthesis was also uncovered, and the benzazocinone skeleton was transformed into other complex heterocyclic derivatives, including spiroglutarimides, isoquinolinones, and δ-lactones. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

In vitro food production for isolated closed environments: formation of ripe tomato fruits from excised flower buds.

PubMed

Applewhite, P B; K-Sawhney, R; Galston, A W

1997-01-01

Excised preanthesis flower buds of young Pixie Hybrid tomato plants develop into red ripe fruits in aseptic culture on a modified Murashige-Skoog medium with 3% sucrose at pH 5.8. The addition of certain synthetic auxins (IAA, NAA, IBA), auxin precursors (ISA), or cytokinins (KIN, IPA, ZEA, BAP) to the medium improved the percentage of buds developing into fruits, the weight of the ripe fruits, or both. The best results were obtained by an auxin-cytokinin combination of 10 microM IBA with 1 microM BAP. Storage of the excised buds at low temperature (6 degrees C) for up to 4 weeks before transfer to 27 degrees C caused only minimal deterioration in size and number of the fruit crop. Extension of low-temperature storage to 8 weeks produced smaller fruits that took longer to develop. This system could produce fresh, ripe small tomatoes on a sustained basis for up to 2 months for an isolated environment such as a space vehicle or submarine.

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

Sadovskii, V. M., E-mail: sadov@icm.krasn.ru; Sadovskaya, O. V., E-mail: o-sadov@icm.krasn.ru

Based on the generalized rheological method, the mathematical model describing small deformations of a single-phase porous medium without regard to the effects of a fluid or gas in pores is constructed. The change in resistance of a material to the external mechanical impacts at the moment of pore collapse is taken into account by means of the von Mises–Schleicher strength condition. In order to consider irreversible deformations, alongside with the classical yield conditions by von Mises and Tresca– Saint-Venant, the special condition modeling the plastic loss of stability of a porous skeleton is used. The random nature of the poremore » size distribution is taken into account. It is shown that the proposed mathematical model satisfies the principles of thermodynamics of irreversible processes. Phenomenological parameters of the model are determined on the basis of the approximate calculation of the problem on quasi-static loading of a cubic periodicity cell with spherical voids. In the framework of the obtained model, the process of propagation of plane longitudinal waves of the compression in a homogenous porous medium, accompanied by the plastic deformation of a skeleton and the collapse of pores, is analyzed.« less

eBASIS (Bioactive Substances in Food Information Systems) and Bioactive Intakes: Major Updates of the Bioactive Compound Composition and Beneficial Bioeffects Database and the Development of a Probabilistic Model to Assess Intakes in Europe

PubMed Central

Plumb, Jenny; Pigat, Sandrine; Bompola, Foteini; Cushen, Maeve; Pinchen, Hannah; Nørby, Eric; Astley, Siân; Lyons, Jacqueline; Kiely, Mairead; Finglas, Paul

2017-01-01

eBASIS (Bioactive Substances in Food Information Systems), a web-based database that contains compositional and biological effects data for bioactive compounds of plant origin, has been updated with new data on fruits and vegetables, wheat and, due to some evidence of potential beneficial effects, extended to include meat bioactives. eBASIS remains one of only a handful of comprehensive and searchable databases, with up-to-date coherent and validated scientific information on the composition of food bioactives and their putative health benefits. The database has a user-friendly, efficient, and flexible interface facilitating use by both the scientific community and food industry. Overall, eBASIS contains data for 267 foods, covering the composition of 794 bioactive compounds, from 1147 quality-evaluated peer-reviewed publications, together with information from 567 publications describing beneficial bioeffect studies carried out in humans. This paper highlights recent updates and expansion of eBASIS and the newly-developed link to a probabilistic intake model, allowing exposure assessment of dietary bioactive compounds to be estimated and modelled in human populations when used in conjunction with national food consumption data. This new tool could assist small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the development of food product health claim dossiers for submission to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). PMID:28333085

Delivery of workshops on mobility monitoring in small to medium-sized communities.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-11-01

This report summarizes the delivery and outcome of a series of workshops conducted in 13 cities across the : state on performing mobility monitoring in small to medium-sized communities. The workshops served as : implementation for research project 0...

Differential foraging preferences on seed size by rodents result in higher dispersal success of medium-sized seeds.

PubMed

Cao, Lin; Wang, Zhenyu; Yan, Chuan; Chen, Jin; Guo, Cong; Zhang, Zhibin

2016-11-01

Rodent preference for scatter-hoarding large seeds has been widely considered to favor the evolution of large seeds. Previous studies supporting this conclusion were primarily based on observations at earlier stages of seed dispersal, or on a limited sample of successfully established seedlings. Because seed dispersal comprises multiple dispersal stages, we hypothesized that differential foraging preference on seed size by animal dispersers at different dispersal stages would ultimately result in medium-sized seeds having the highest dispersal success rates. In this study, by tracking a large number of seeds for 5 yr, we investigated the effects of seed size on seed fates from seed removal to seedling establishment of a dominant plant Pittosporopsis kerrii (Icacinaceae) dispersed by scatter-hoarding rodents in tropical forest in southwest China. We found that small seeds had a lower survival rate at the early dispersal stage where more small seeds were predated at seed stations and after removal; large seeds had a lower survival rate at the late dispersal stage, more large seeds were recovered, predated after being cached, or larder-hoarded. Medium-sized seeds experienced the highest dispersal success. Our study suggests that differential foraging preferences by scatter-hoarding rodents at different stages of seed dispersal could result in conflicting selective pressures on seed size and higher dispersal success of medium-sized seeds. © 2016 by the Ecological Society of America.

Habitat Heterogeneity Variably Influences Habitat Selection by Wild Herbivores in a Semi-Arid Tropical Savanna Ecosystem

PubMed Central

Muposhi, Victor K.; Gandiwa, Edson; Chemura, Abel; Bartels, Paul; Makuza, Stanley M.; Madiri, Tinaapi H.

2016-01-01

An understanding of the habitat selection patterns by wild herbivores is critical for adaptive management, particularly towards ecosystem management and wildlife conservation in semi arid savanna ecosystems. We tested the following predictions: (i) surface water availability, habitat quality and human presence have a strong influence on the spatial distribution of wild herbivores in the dry season, (ii) habitat suitability for large herbivores would be higher compared to medium-sized herbivores in the dry season, and (iii) spatial extent of suitable habitats for wild herbivores will be different between years, i.e., 2006 and 2010, in Matetsi Safari Area, Zimbabwe. MaxEnt modeling was done to determine the habitat suitability of large herbivores and medium-sized herbivores. MaxEnt modeling of habitat suitability for large herbivores using the environmental variables was successful for the selected species in 2006 and 2010, except for elephant (Loxodonta africana) for the year 2010. Overall, large herbivores probability of occurrence was mostly influenced by distance from rivers. Distance from roads influenced much of the variability in the probability of occurrence of medium-sized herbivores. The overall predicted area for large and medium-sized herbivores was not different. Large herbivores may not necessarily utilize larger habitat patches over medium-sized herbivores due to the habitat homogenizing effect of water provisioning. Effect of surface water availability, proximity to riverine ecosystems and roads on habitat suitability of large and medium-sized herbivores in the dry season was highly variable thus could change from one year to another. We recommend adaptive management initiatives aimed at ensuring dynamic water supply in protected areas through temporal closure and or opening of water points to promote heterogeneity of wildlife habitats. PMID:27680673

Family Caregivers of Liver Transplant Recipients: Coping Strategies Associated With Different Levels of Post-traumatic Growth.

PubMed

Pérez-San-Gregorio, M Á; Martín-Rodríguez, A; Borda-Mas, M; Avargues-Navarro, M L; Pérez-Bernal, J; Gómez-Bravo, M Á

2018-03-01

Analyze the influence of 2 variables (post-traumatic growth and time since liver transplantation) on coping strategies used by the transplant recipient's family members. In all, 218 family members who were their main caregivers of liver transplant recipients were selected. They were evaluated using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and the Brief COPE. A 3 × 3 factorial analysis of variance was used to analyze the influence that post-traumatic growth level (low, medium, and high) and time since transplantation (≤3.5 years, >3.5 to ≤9 years, and >9 years) exerted on caregiver coping strategies. No interactive effects between the two factors in the study were found. The only significant main effect was the influence of the post-traumatic growth factor on the following variables: instrumental support (P = .007), emotional support (P = .005), self-distraction (P = .006), positive reframing (P = .000), acceptance (P = .013), and religion (P = <.001). According to the most relevant effect sizes, low post-traumatic growth compared with medium growth was associated with less use of self-distraction (P = .006, d = -0.52, medium effect size), positive reframing (P = .001, d = -0.62, medium effect size), and religion (P = .000, d = -0.66, medium effect size), and in comparison with high growth, it was associated with less use of positive reframing (P = .002, d = -0.56, medium effect size) and religion (P = .000, d = 0.87, large effect size). Regardless of the time elapsed since the stressful life event (liver transplantation), family members with low post-traumatic growth usually use fewer coping strategies involving a positive, transcendent vision to deal with transplantation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cognitive-behavioral and pharmacological interventions for premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Kleinstäuber, Maria; Witthöft, Michael; Hiller, Wolfgang

2012-09-01

The current meta-analysis investigates the efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions and psychopharmacotherapy for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Based on a multiple-phase literature search, controlled trials were selected according to a priori defined inclusion criteria. Data were extracted on the basis of a standardized coding scheme. The standardized weighted mean difference (random effects model) was used as effect size index. Dependent on outcome, 22 included studies obtained small to medium effect sizes for cognitive-behavioral interventions (range: d(+) = 0.24-0.70) and for serotonergic antidepressants (range: d(+) = 0.29-0.58), at post-assessment. Follow-ups were performed only in studies of cognitive-behavioral interventions (range: d(+) = 0.46-0.74). There was no evidence of a publication bias. For both cognitive-behavioral interventions and serotonergic antidepressants, efficacy in treatment of PMS was found to not be satisfactory. Future research should possibly focus more on a combination of both approaches.

Sampling, testing and modeling particle size distribution in urban catch basins.

PubMed

Garofalo, G; Carbone, M; Piro, P

2014-01-01

The study analyzed the particle size distribution of particulate matter (PM) retained in two catch basins located, respectively, near a parking lot and a traffic intersection with common high levels of traffic activity. Also, the treatment performance of a filter medium was evaluated by laboratory testing. The experimental treatment results and the field data were then used as inputs to a numerical model which described on a qualitative basis the hydrological response of the two catchments draining into each catch basin, respectively, and the quality of treatment provided by the filter during the measured rainfall. The results show that PM concentrations were on average around 300 mg/L (parking lot site) and 400 mg/L (road site) for the 10 rainfall-runoff events observed. PM with a particle diameter of <45 μm represented 40-50% of the total PM mass. The numerical model showed that a catch basin with a filter unit can remove 30 to 40% of the PM load depending on the storm characteristics.

Pion-less effective field theory for real and lattice nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bansal, Aaina; Binder, Sven; Ekström, Andreas; Hagen, Gaute; Papenbrock, Thomas

2017-09-01

We compute the medium-heavy nuclei 16O and 40Ca using pion-less effective field theory (EFT) at leading order (LO) and next-to-leading order (NLO). The low-energy coefficients of the EFT Hamiltonian are adjusted to A = 2 , 3 nuclei data from experiments, or alternatively to data from lattice QCD at unphysical pion mass mπ = 806 MeV. The EFT is implemented through discrete variable representation of finite harmonic oscillator basis. This approach ensures rapid convergence with respect to the size of the model space and allows us to compute heavier atomic and lattice nuclei. The atomic nuclei 16O and 40Ca are bound with respect to decay into alpha particles at NLO, but not at LO.

Apparatus And Method For Reconstructing Data Using Cross-Parity Stripes On Storage Media

DOEpatents

Hughes, James Prescott

2003-06-17

An apparatus and method for reconstructing missing data using cross-parity stripes on a storage medium is provided. The apparatus and method may operate on data symbols having sizes greater than a data bit. The apparatus and method makes use of a plurality of parity stripes for reconstructing missing data stripes. The parity symbol values in the parity stripes are used as a basis for determining the value of the missing data symbol in a data stripe. A correction matrix is shifted along the data stripes, correcting missing data symbols as it is shifted. The correction is performed from the outside data stripes towards the inner data stripes to thereby use previously reconstructed data symbols to reconstruct other missing data symbols.

Hybrid and Constrained Resolution-of-Identity Techniques for Coulomb Integrals.

PubMed

Duchemin, Ivan; Li, Jing; Blase, Xavier

2017-03-14

The introduction of auxiliary bases to approximate molecular orbital products has paved the way to significant savings in the evaluation of four-center two-electron Coulomb integrals. We present a generalized dual space strategy that sheds a new light on variants over the standard density and Coulomb-fitting schemes, including the possibility of introducing minimization constraints. We improve in particular the charge- or multipole-preserving strategies introduced respectively by Baerends and Van Alsenoy that we compare to a simple scheme where the Coulomb metric is used for lowest angular momentum auxiliary orbitals only. We explore the merits of these approaches on the basis of extensive Hartree-Fock and MP2 calculations over a standard set of medium size molecules.

75 FR 62761 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-13

... of the survey: one for large domestic corporations and small and medium-sized businesses and one for..., small and medium-sized businesses, universities, non-profit research organizations, and independent... they plan to submit, in addition to providing general feedback concerning industry trends and the...

Lesion size affects diagnostic performance of IOTA logistic regression models, IOTA simple rules and risk of malignancy index in discriminating between benign and malignant adnexal masses.

PubMed

Di Legge, A; Testa, A C; Ameye, L; Van Calster, B; Lissoni, A A; Leone, F P G; Savelli, L; Franchi, D; Czekierdowski, A; Trio, D; Van Holsbeke, C; Ferrazzi, E; Scambia, G; Timmerman, D; Valentin, L

2012-09-01

To estimate the ability to discriminate between benign and malignant adnexal masses of different size using: subjective assessment, two International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) logistic regression models (LR1 and LR2), the IOTA simple rules and the risk of malignancy index (RMI). We used a multicenter IOTA database of 2445 patients with at least one adnexal mass, i.e. the database previously used to prospectively validate the diagnostic performance of LR1 and LR2. The masses were categorized into three subgroups according to their largest diameter: small tumors (diameter < 4 cm; n = 396), medium-sized tumors (diameter, 4-9.9 cm; n = 1457) and large tumors (diameter ≥ 10 cm, n = 592). Subjective assessment, LR1 and LR2, IOTA simple rules and the RMI were applied to each of the three groups. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio (LR+, LR-), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve (AUC) were used to describe diagnostic performance. A moving window technique was applied to estimate the effect of tumor size as a continuous variable on the AUC. The reference standard was the histological diagnosis of the surgically removed adnexal mass. The frequency of invasive malignancy was 10% in small tumors, 19% in medium-sized tumors and 40% in large tumors; 11% of the large tumors were borderline tumors vs 3% and 4%, respectively, of the small and medium-sized tumors. The type of benign histology also differed among the three subgroups. For all methods, sensitivity with regard to malignancy was lowest in small tumors (56-84% vs 67-93% in medium-sized tumors and 74-95% in large tumors) while specificity was lowest in large tumors (60-87%vs 83-95% in medium-sized tumors and 83-96% in small tumors ). The DOR and the AUC value were highest in medium-sized tumors and the AUC was largest in tumors with a largest diameter of 7-11 cm. Tumor size affects the performance of subjective assessment, LR1 and LR2, the IOTA simple rules and the RMI in discriminating correctly between benign and malignant adnexal masses. The likely explanation, at least in part, is the difference in histology among tumors of different size. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Development of a model to simulate infection dynamics of Mycobacterium bovis in cattle herds in the United States

PubMed Central

Smith, Rebecca L.; Schukken, Ynte H.; Lu, Zhao; Mitchell, Rebecca M.; Grohn, Yrjo T.

2013-01-01

Objective To develop a mathematical model to simulate infection dynamics of Mycobacterium bovis in cattle herds in the United States and predict efficacy of the current national control strategy for tuberculosis in cattle. Design Stochastic simulation model. Sample Theoretical cattle herds in the United States. Procedures A model of within-herd M bovis transmission dynamics following introduction of 1 latently infected cow was developed. Frequency- and density-dependent transmission modes and 3 tuberculin-test based culling strategies (no test-based culling, constant (annual) testing with test-based culling, and the current strategy of slaughterhouse detection-based testing and culling) were investigated. Results were evaluated for 3 herd sizes over a 10-year period and validated via simulation of known outbreaks of M bovis infection. Results On the basis of 1,000 simulations (1000 herds each) at replacement rates typical for dairy cattle (0.33/y), median time to detection of M bovis infection in medium-sized herds (276 adult cattle) via slaughterhouse surveillance was 27 months after introduction, and 58% of these herds would spontaneously clear the infection prior to that time. Sixty-two percent of medium-sized herds without intervention and 99% of those managed with constant test-based culling were predicted to clear infection < 10 years after introduction. The model predicted observed outbreaks best for frequency-dependent transmission, and probability of clearance was most sensitive to replacement rate. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Although modeling indicated the current national control strategy was sufficient for elimination of M bovis infection from dairy herds after detection, slaughterhouse surveillance was not sufficient to detect M bovis infection in all herds and resulted in subjectively delayed detection, compared with the constant testing method. Further research is required to economically optimize this strategy. PMID:23865885

Activation of Mechanosensitive Transient Receptor Potential/Piezo Channels in Odontoblasts Generates Action Potentials in Cocultured Isolectin B4-negative Medium-sized Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons.

PubMed

Sato, Masaki; Ogura, Kazuhiro; Kimura, Maki; Nishi, Koichi; Ando, Masayuki; Tazaki, Masakazu; Shibukawa, Yoshiyuki

2018-06-01

Various stimuli to the dentin surface elicit dentinal pain by inducing dentinal fluid movement causing cellular deformation in odontoblasts. Although odontoblasts detect deformation by the activation of mechanosensitive ionic channels, it is still unclear whether odontoblasts are capable of establishing neurotransmission with myelinated A delta (Aδ) neurons. Additionally, it is still unclear whether these neurons evoke action potentials by neurotransmitters from odontoblasts to mediate sensory transduction in dentin. Thus, we investigated evoked inward currents and evoked action potentials form trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons after odontoblast mechanical stimulation. We used patch clamp recordings to identify electrophysiological properties and record evoked responses in TG neurons. We classified TG cells into small-sized and medium-sized neurons. In both types of neurons, we observed voltage-dependent inward currents. The currents from medium-sized neurons showed fast inactivation kinetics. When mechanical stimuli were applied to odontoblasts, evoked inward currents were recorded from medium-sized neurons. Antagonists for the ionotropic adenosine triphosphate receptor (P2X 3 ), transient receptor potential channel subfamilies, and Piezo1 channel significantly inhibited these inward currents. Mechanical stimulation to odontoblasts also generated action potentials in the isolectin B 4 -negative medium-sized neurons. Action potentials in these isolectin B 4 -negative medium-sized neurons showed a short duration. Overall, electrophysiological properties of neurons indicate that the TG neurons with recorded evoked responses after odontoblast mechanical stimulation were myelinated Aδ neurons. Odontoblasts established neurotransmission with myelinated Aδ neurons via P2X 3 receptor activation. The results also indicated that mechanosensitive TRP/Piezo1 channels were functionally expressed in odontoblasts. The activation of P2X 3 receptors induced an action potential in the Aδ neurons, underlying a sensory generation mechanism of dentinal pain. Copyright © 2018 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Economic Impacts of Highway Relief Routes on Small- and Medium-Size Communities: Case Studies

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-09-01

Original Report Date: March 2000. Highway relief routes may have a variety of impacts on small- and medium-size communities, both positive and negative. On the positive side, communities benefit from a reduction in traffic through the heart of the co...

Job Stress in the United Kingdom: Are Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Large Enterprises Different?

PubMed

Lai, Yanqing; Saridakis, George; Blackburn, Robert

2015-08-01

This paper examines the relationships between firm size and employees' experience of work stress. We used a matched employer-employee dataset (Workplace Employment Relations Survey 2011) that comprises of 7182 employees from 1210 private organizations in the United Kingdom. Initially, we find that employees in small and medium-sized enterprises experience lower level of overall job stress than those in large enterprises, although the effect disappears when we control for individual and organizational characteristics in the model. We also find that quantitative work overload, job insecurity and poor promotion opportunities, good work relationships and poor communication are strongly associated with job stress in the small and medium-sized enterprises, whereas qualitative work overload, poor job autonomy and employee engagements are more related with larger enterprises. Hence, our estimates show that the association and magnitude of estimated effects differ significantly by enterprise size. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Extracting nuclear sizes of medium to heavy nuclei from total reaction cross sections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horiuchi, W.; Hatakeyama, S.; Ebata, S.; Suzuki, Y.

2016-04-01

Background: Proton and neutron radii are fundamental quantities of atomic nuclei. To study the sizes of short-lived unstable nuclei, there is a need for an alternative to electron scattering. Purpose: The recent paper by Horiuchi et al. [Phys. Rev. C 89, 011601(R) (2014)], 10.1103/PhysRevC.89.011601 proposed a possible way of extracting the matter and neutron-skin thickness of light- to medium-mass nuclei using total reaction cross section, σR. The analysis is extended to medium to heavy nuclei up to lead isotopes with due attention to Coulomb breakup contributions as well as density distributions improved by paring correlation. Methods: We formulate a quantitative calculation of σR based on the Glauber model including the Coulomb breakup. To substantiate the treatment of the Coulomb breakup, we also evaluate the Coulomb breakup cross section due to the electric dipole field in a canonical-basis-time-dependent-Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov theory in the three-dimensional coordinate space. Results: We analyze σR's of 103 nuclei with Z =20 , 28, 40, 50, 70, and 82 incident on light targets, H,21, 4He, and 12C. Three kinds of Skyrme interactions are tested to generate those wave functions. To discuss possible uncertainty due to the Coulomb breakup, we examine its dependence on the target, the incident energy, and the Skyrme interaction. The proton is a most promising target for extracting the nuclear sizes as the Coulomb excitation can safely be neglected. We find that the so-called reaction radius, aR=√{σR/π } , for the proton target is very well approximated by a linear function of two variables, the matter radius and the skin thickness, in which three constants depend only on the incident energy. We quantify the accuracy of σR measurements needed to extract the nuclear sizes. Conclusions: The proton is the best target because, once the incident energy is set, its aR is very accurately determined by only the matter radius and neutron-skin thickness. If σR's at different incident energies are measured, one can determine both the proton and neutron radii for unstable nuclei as well. The total reaction cross sections calculated in this paper are given as Supplemental Material for the sake of future measurements.

Economic Effects of Highway Relief Routes on Small and Medium-Size Communities: Literature Review and Identification Issues

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-01

Highway relief routes around small- or medium-size communities are an important element of the Texas Trunk System. These routes provide for the safe and efficient movement of through traffic and contribute to the growth of the Texas economy. For smal...

Current information technology needs of small to medium sized apparel manufacturers and contractors

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

Wipple, C.; Vosti, E.

1997-11-01

This report documents recent efforts of the American Textile Partnership (AMTEX) Demand Activated Manufacturing Architecture (DAMA) Project to address needs that are characterized of small to medium sized apparel manufactures and contractors. Background on the AMTEX/DAMA project and objectives for this specific efforts are discussed.

Library Webmasters in Medium-Sized Academic Libraries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kneip, Jason

2007-01-01

Library webmasters in medium-sized academic libraries were surveyed about their educational backgrounds, job responsibilities, and training and experience levels in Web development. The article summarizes the findings of the survey with recommendations for libraries and library and information science programs. (Contains 7 tables, 5 figures,and 5…

Continuing Education for Managers from Small and Medium Sized German Companies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fub, Jorg

1995-01-01

An international trade school in southern Germany, which is a highly export-oriented environment, has established a vocational and professional continuing education program for personnel of small- and medium-size companies. Offerings include a graduate course in international marketing, seminars for export companies, distance education in…

Management Consulting and International Business Support for SMEs: Need and Obstacles

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mughan, Terry; Lloyd-Reason, Lester; Zimmerman, Carsten

2004-01-01

This paper explores the challenges involved in the development of coordinated management consulting services for small and medium-sized international companies in the East of England. This paper synthesises the findings of recently published quantitative and qualitative research to identify the characteristics of small to medium-sized enterprises…

Assessment of metal exposure, ecological status and required water quality monitoring strategies in small- to medium-size temperate rivers.

PubMed

Marijić, Vlatka Filipović; Perić, Mirela Sertić; Kepčija, Renata Matoničkin; Dragun, Zrinka; Kovarik, Ivana; Gulin, Vesna; Erk, Marijana

2016-01-01

The present study was undertaken to obtain a better understanding of the seasonal variability of total dissolved metal/metalloid levels and physicochemical parameters within small- to medium-size freshwater ecosystems in temperate climate region. The research was conducted in four seasons in the Sutla River, medium-size polluted, and the Črnomerec Stream, small-size unpolluted watercourse in Croatia. In the Sutla River, characterized by the rural/industrial catchment, physicochemical parameters and total dissolved metal concentrations of 21 trace and 4 macro elements were analysed downstream of the point source of pollution, the glass production facility, indicating for the first time their variability across four seasons. Based on dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, nutrient concentrations, conductivity and total chemical oxygen demand, quality status of the Sutla River was good, but moderate to poor during summer, what was additionally confirmed by the highest levels of the most of 25 measured metals/metalloids in summer. Comparison with the reference small-size watercourse, the Črnomerec Stream, indicated significant anthropogenic impact on the Sutla River, most evident for Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb and Tl levels (3-70-fold higher in the Sutla River across all seasons). Generally, presented results indicated significant decrease of the water quality in the anthropogenically impacted small- to medium-size watercourses in summer, regarding physicochemical water parameters and total dissolved metal/metalloid concentrations, and pointed to significant seasonality of these parameters. Confirmed seasonality of river ecological status indicates that seasonal assessment represents a prerequisite for proper classification of the water quality in small- to medium-size temperate rivers.

Small- and Medium-Sized Commercial Building Monitoring and Controls Needs: A Scoping Study

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

Katipamula, Srinivas; Underhill, Ronald M.; Goddard, James K.

2012-10-31

Buildings consume over 40% of the total energy consumption in the U.S. A significant portion of the energy consumed in buildings is wasted because of the lack of controls or the inability to use existing building automation systems (BASs) properly. Much of the waste occurs because of our inability to manage and controls buildings efficiently. Over 90% of the buildings are either small-size (<5,000 sf) or medium-size (between 5,000 sf and 50,000 sf); these buildings currently do not use BASs to monitor and control their building systems from a central location. According to Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS), aboutmore » 10% of the buildings in the U.S. use BASs or central controls to manage their building system operations. Buildings that use BASs are typically large (>100,000 sf). Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) were asked by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Building Technologies Program (BTP) to identify monitoring and control needs for small- and medium-sized commercial buildings and recommend possible solutions. This study documents the needs and solutions for small- and medium-sized buildings.« less

Real-time demonstration and evaluation of over-the-loop short to medium-range ensemble streamflow forecasting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wood, A. W.; Clark, E.; Newman, A. J.; Nijssen, B.; Clark, M. P.; Gangopadhyay, S.; Arnold, J. R.

2015-12-01

The US National Weather Service River Forecasting Centers are beginning to operationalize short range to medium range ensemble predictions that have been in development for several years. This practice contrasts with the traditional single-value forecast practice at these lead times not only because the ensemble forecasts offer a basis for quantifying forecast uncertainty, but also because the use of ensembles requires a greater degree of automation in the forecast workflow than is currently used. For instance, individual ensemble member forcings cannot (practically) be manually adjusted, a step not uncommon with the current single-value paradigm, thus the forecaster is required to adopt a more 'over-the-loop' role than before. The relative lack of experience among operational forecasters and forecast users (eg, water managers) in the US with over-the-loop approaches motivates the creation of a real-time demonstration and evaluation platform for exploring the potential of over-the-loop workflows to produce usable ensemble short-to-medium range forecasts, as well as long range predictions. We describe the development and early results of such an effort by a collaboration between NCAR and the two water agencies, the US Army Corps of Engineers and the US Bureau of Reclamation. Focusing on small to medium sized headwater basins around the US, and using multi-decade series of ensemble streamflow hindcasts, we also describe early results, assessing the skill of daily-updating, over-the-loop forecasts driven by a set of ensemble atmospheric outputs from the NCEP GEFS for lead times from 1-15 days.

MIGRESIVES: a research project on migration from adhesives in food-packaging materials in support of European legislation and standardization.

PubMed

Störmer, A; Franz, R

2009-12-01

Most food packages and food-contact materials are manufactured using adhesives. The European Union regulates all food-contact materials, as their constituents may not contaminate food and endanger consumers' health. In contrast to plastics which are regulated by positive lists of authorized ingredients, adhesives have not yet a specific regulation. The MIGRESIVES project aimed to elaborate a scientific global risk-assessment approach to meet current general European Union regulatory requirements and as a basis for future specific European Union legislation as well as to provide the industry, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, a tool to ensure that migration from adhesives is in compliance with the regulatory requirements. The idea was to demonstrate that consumers' exposure to chemicals released by adhesives is in many cases below levels of concern. Technical/scientific knowledge from industry and research institutes will be merged into a collective research endeavour gathering all stakeholders. The major milestones are (1) the classification of adhesives according to chemistry and uses, (2) the test strategies based on physico-chemical behaviour of adhesives, (3) modelling migration/exposure from adhesives, (4) providing guidelines to integrate the risk-assessment approach into the daily life of companies, (5) the feasibility of applying the toxicological approach from the European Union BIOSAFEPAPER project, and (6) extensive training/education to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large dissemination for general adoption of the concept in Europe.

Resource efficiency and culture--workplace training for small and medium-sized enterprises.

PubMed

Bliesner, Anna; Liedtke, Christa; Rohn, Holger

2014-05-15

Although there are already some qualification offers available for enterprises to support resource efficiency innovations, the high potentials that can be identified especially for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have not been activated until now. As successful change lies in the hands of humans, the main aim of vocational education has to be the promotion of organisational and cultural changes in the enterprises. As there is already a small but increasing number of enterprises that perform very well in resource efficiency innovations one question arises: What are typical characteristics of those enterprises? Leaning on a good-practice approach, the project "ResourceCulture" is going to prove or falsify the hypothesis that enterprises being successful with resource efficiency innovations have a specific culture of trust, which substantially contributes to innovation processes, or even initially enables them. Detailed empirical field research will light up which correlations between resource efficiency, innovation and cultures of trust can be found and will offer important aspects for the improvement of management instruments and qualification concepts for workplace training. The project seizes qualification needs that were likewise mentioned by enterprises and consultants, regarding the implementation of resource efficiency. This article - based on first empirical field research results - derives preliminary indications for the design of the qualification module for the target groups resource efficiency consultants and managers. On this basis and in order to implement "ResourceCulture" conceptual and methodological starting points for workplace training are outlined. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Physicochemical characterization of engineered nanoparticles under physiological conditions: effect of culture media components and particle surface coating.

PubMed

Fatisson, Julien; Quevedo, Ivan R; Wilkinson, Kevin J; Tufenkji, Nathalie

2012-03-01

The use of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in commercial products has increased substantially over the last few years. Some research has been conducted in order to determine whether or not such materials are cytotoxic, but questions remain regarding the role that physiological media and sera constituents play in ENP aggregation or stabilization. In this study, several characterization methods were used to evaluate the particle size and surface potential of 6 ENPs suspended in a number of culture media and in the presence of different culture media constituents. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) were employed for size determinations. Results were interpreted on the basis of ENP surface potentials evaluated from particle electrophoretic mobilities (EPM). Measurements made after 24h of incubation at 37°C showed that the cell culture medium constituents had only moderate impact on the physicochemical properties of the ENP, although incubation in bovine serum albumin destabilized the colloidal system. In contrast, most of the serum proteins increased colloidal stabilization. Moreover, the type of ENP surface modification played a significant role in ENP behavior whereby the complexity of interactions between the ENPs and the medium components generally decreased with increasing complexity of the particle surface. This investigation emphasizes the importance of ENP characterization under conditions that are representative of cell culture media or physiological conditions for improved assessments of nanoparticle cytotoxicity. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Risk determinants of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) - an exploratory study in New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Islam, Ariful; Tedford, Des

2012-08-01

The smooth running of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) presents a significant challenge irrespective of the technological and human resources they may have at their disposal. SMEs continuously encounter daily internal and external undesirable events and unwanted setbacks to their operations that detract from their business performance. These are referred to as `disturbances' in our research study. Among the disturbances, some are likely to create risks to the enterprises in terms of loss of production, manufacturing capability, human resource, market share, and, of course, economic losses. These are finally referred to as `risk determinant' on the basis of their correlation with some risk indicators, which are linked to operational, occupational, and economic risks. To deal with these risk determinants effectively, SMEs need a systematic method of approach to identify and treat their potential effects along with an appropriate set of tools. However, initially, a strategic approach is required to identify typical risk determinants and their linkage with potential business risks. In this connection, we conducted this study to explore the answer to the research question: what are the typical risk determinants encountered by SMEs? We carried out an empirical investigation with a multi-method research approach (a combination of a questionnaire-based mail survey involving 212 SMEs and five in-depth case studies) in New Zealand. This paper presents a set of typical internal and external risk determinants, which need special attention to be dealt with to minimize operational risks of an SME.

The utility of monetary contingency contracts for weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Sykes-Muskett, Bianca J; Prestwich, Andrew; Lawton, Rebecca J; Armitage, Christopher J

2015-01-01

Financial incentives to improve health have received increasing attention, but are subject to ethical concerns. Monetary Contingency Contracts (MCCs), which require individuals to deposit money that is refunded contingent on reaching a goal, are a potential alternative strategy. This review evaluates systematically the evidence for weight loss-related MCCs. Randomised controlled trials testing the effect of weight loss-related MCCs were identified in online databases. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to calculate overall effect sizes for weight loss and participant retention. The association between MCC characteristics and weight loss/participant retention effects was calculated using meta-regression. There was a significant small-to-medium effect of MCCs on weight loss during treatment when one outlier study was removed. Group refunds, deposit not paid as lump sum, participants setting their own deposit size and additional behaviour change techniques were associated with greater weight loss during treatment. Post-treatment, there was no significant effect of MCCs on weight loss. There was a significant small-to-medium effect of MCCs on participant retention during treatment. Researcher-set deposits paid as one lump sum, refunds delivered on an all-or-nothing basis and refunds contingent on attendance at classes were associated with greater retention during treatment. Post-treatment, there was no significant effect of MCCs on participant retention. The results support the use of MCCs to promote weight loss and participant retention up to the point that the incentive is removed and identifies the conditions under which MCCs work best.

Garment sizes in perception of body size.

PubMed

Fan, Jintu; Newton, Edward; Lau, Lilian; Liu, Fu

2003-06-01

This paper reports an experimental investigation of the effect of garment size on perceived body size. The perceived body sizes of three Chinese men (thin, medium, and obese build) wearing different sizes of white T-shirts were assessed using Thompson and Gray's 1995 Nine-figural Scale in 1 (thinnest) to 9 (obese) grade and a newly-proposed method. Within the limit of commercially available T-shirt sizes, for thin and medium persons, perceived body sizes are bigger when wearing T-shirts of larger sizes. For an obese person, however, wearing a large size T-shirt tends to make him look thinner. The study also showed that the newly proposed comparative method is more reliable in comparing body size perception but without measuring the magnitude of the change in body-size grade. The figural scale and the comparative method can be complementary.

Size and Shape of Protein Molecules at the Nanometer Level Determined by Sedimentation, Gel Filtration, and Electron Microscopy

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

An important part of characterizing any protein molecule is to determine its size and shape. Sedimentation and gel filtration are hydrodynamic techniques that can be used for this medium resolution structural analysis. This review collects a number of simple calculations that are useful for thinking about protein structure at the nanometer level. Readers are reminded that the Perrin equation is generally not a valid approach to determine the shape of proteins. Instead, a simple guideline is presented, based on the measured sedimentation coefficient and a calculated maximum S, to estimate if a protein is globular or elongated. It is recalled that a gel filtration column fractionates proteins on the basis of their Stokes radius, not molecular weight. The molecular weight can be determined by combining gradient sedimentation and gel filtration, techniques available in most biochemistry laboratories, as originally proposed by Siegel and Monte. Finally, rotary shadowing and negative stain electron microscopy are powerful techniques for resolving the size and shape of single protein molecules and complexes at the nanometer level. A combination of hydrodynamics and electron microscopy is especially powerful. PMID:19495910

Basis for the development of sustainable optimisation indicators for activated sludge wastewater treatment plants in the Republic of Ireland.

PubMed

Gordon, G T; McCann, B P

2015-01-01

This paper describes the basis of a stakeholder-based sustainable optimisation indicator (SOI) system to be developed for small-to-medium sized activated sludge (AS) wastewater treatment plants (WwTPs) in the Republic of Ireland (ROI). Key technical publications relating to best practice plant operation, performance audits and optimisation, and indicator and benchmarking systems for wastewater services are identified. Optimisation studies were developed at a number of Irish AS WwTPs and key findings are presented. A national AS WwTP manager/operator survey was carried out to verify the applied operational findings and identify the key operator stakeholder requirements for this proposed SOI system. It was found that most plants require more consistent operational data-based decision-making, monitoring and communication structures to facilitate optimised, sustainable and continuous performance improvement. The applied optimisation and stakeholder consultation phases form the basis of the proposed stakeholder-based SOI system. This system will allow for continuous monitoring and rating of plant performance, facilitate optimised operation and encourage the prioritisation of performance improvement through tracking key operational metrics. Plant optimisation has become a major focus due to the transfer of all ROI water services to a national water utility from individual local authorities and the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive.

Fine coal cleaning via the micro-mag process

DOEpatents

Klima, Mark S.; Maronde, Carl P.; Killmeyer, Richard P.

1991-01-01

A method of cleaning particulate coal which is fed with a dense medium slurry as an inlet feed to a cyclone separator. The coal particle size distribution is in the range of from about 37 microns to about 600 microns. The dense medium comprises water and ferromagnetic particles that have a relative density in the range of from about 4.0 to about 7.0. The ferromagnetic particles of the dense medium have particle sizes of less than about 15 microns and at least a majority of the particle sizes are less than about 5 microns. In the cyclone, the particulate coal and dense-medium slurry is separated into a low gravity product stream and a high gravity produce stream wherein the differential in relative density between the two streams is not greater than about 0.2. The low gravity and high gravity streams are treated to recover the ferromagnetic particles therefrom.

Teaching Medium-Sized ERP Systems - A Problem-Based Learning Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winkelmann, Axel; Matzner, Martin

In order to increase the diversity in IS education, we discuss an approach for teaching medium-sized ERP systems in master courses. Many of today's IS curricula are biased toward large ERP packages. Nevertheless, these ERP systems are only a part of the ERP market. Hence, this chapter describes a course outline for a course on medium-sized ERP systems. Students had to study, analyze, and compare five different ERP systems during a semester. The chapter introduces a procedure model and scenario for setting up similar courses at other universities. Furthermore, it describes some of the students' outcomes and evaluates the contribution of the course with regard to a practical but also academic IS education.

An Examination of the Effects of Cultural, Climatic, Structural, and Technological Factors on Knowledge Management Effectiveness

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-15

ineffective or missing incentive systems (Ruggles, 1998). A study of small and medium sized enterprises found that culture was the second highest rated...communicated by management and shared by the employees throughout the organization. In a study of small and medium sized companies, senior leadership was...operationalized as industry performance , diversification, firm size , structure and risk level (Tanriverdi, 2005). 14 Two recent studies examine KM

Calculation of excitation energies from the CC2 linear response theory using Cholesky decomposition

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

Baudin, Pablo, E-mail: baudin.pablo@gmail.com; qLEAP – Center for Theoretical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, DK-8000 Aarhus C; Marín, José Sánchez

2014-03-14

A new implementation of the approximate coupled cluster singles and doubles CC2 linear response model is reported. It employs a Cholesky decomposition of the two-electron integrals that significantly reduces the computational cost and the storage requirements of the method compared to standard implementations. Our algorithm also exploits a partitioning form of the CC2 equations which reduces the dimension of the problem and avoids the storage of doubles amplitudes. We present calculation of excitation energies of benzene using a hierarchy of basis sets and compare the results with conventional CC2 calculations. The reduction of the scaling is evaluated as well asmore » the effect of the Cholesky decomposition parameter on the quality of the results. The new algorithm is used to perform an extrapolation to complete basis set investigation on the spectroscopically interesting benzylallene conformers. A set of calculations on medium-sized molecules is carried out to check the dependence of the accuracy of the results on the decomposition thresholds. Moreover, CC2 singlet excitation energies of the free base porphin are also presented.« less

Photogrammetry and Its Potential Application in Medical Science on the Basis of Selected Literature.

PubMed

Ey-Chmielewska, Halina; Chruściel-Nogalska, Małgorzata; Frączak, Bogumiła

2015-01-01

Photogrammetry is a science and technology which allows quantitative traits to be determined, i.e. the reproduction of object shapes, sizes and positions on the basis of their photographs. Images can be recorded in a wide range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. The most common is the visible range, but near- and medium-infrared, thermal infrared, microwaves and X-rays are also used. The importance of photogrammetry has increased with the development of computer software. Digital image processing and real-time measurement have allowed the automation of many complex manufacturing processes. Photogrammetry has been widely used in many areas, especially in geodesy and cartography. In medicine, this method is used for measuring the widely understood human body for the planning and monitoring of therapeutic treatment and its results. Digital images obtained from optical-electronic sensors combined with computer technology have the potential of objective measurement thanks to the remote nature of the data acquisition, with no contact with the measured object and with high accuracy. Photogrammetry also allows the adoption of common standards for archiving and processing patient data.

Impact of Annular Size on Outcomes After Surgical or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

PubMed

Deeb, G Michael; Chetcuti, Stanley J; Yakubov, Steven J; Patel, Himanshu J; Grossman, P Michael; Kleiman, Neal S; Heiser, John; Merhi, William; Zorn, George L; Tadros, Peter N; Petrossian, George; Robinson, Newell; Mumtaz, Mubashir; Gleason, Thomas G; Huang, Jian; Conte, John V; Popma, Jeffrey J; Reardon, Michael J

2018-04-01

This analysis evaluates the relationship of annular size to hemodynamics and the incidence of prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) in surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients. The CoreValve US Pivotal High Risk Trial, described previously, compared TAVR using a self-expanding valve with SAVR. Multislice computed tomography was used to categorize TAVR and SAVR subjects according to annular perimeter-derived diameter: large (≥26 mm), medium (23 to <26 mm), and small (<23 mm). Hemodynamics, PPM, and clinical outcomes were assessed. At all postprocedure visits, mean gradients were significantly lower for TAVR compared with SAVR in small and medium size annuli (p < 0.001). Annular size was significantly associated with mean gradient after SAVR, with small annuli having the highest gradients (p < 0.05 at all timepoints); gradients were similar across all annular sizes after TAVR. In subjects receiving SAVR, the frequency of PPM was significantly associated with annular size, with small annuli having the greatest incidence. No difference in PPM incidence by annular sizing was observed with TAVR. In addition, TAVR subjects had significantly less PPM than SAVR subjects in small and medium annuli (p < 0.001), with no difference in the incidence of PPM between TAVR and SAVR in large annuli (p = 0.10). Annular size has a significant effect on hemodynamics and the incidence of PPM in SAVR subjects, not observed in TAVR subjects. With respect to annular size, TAVR results in better hemodynamics and less PPM for annuli less than 26 mm and should be strongly considered when choosing a tissue valve for small and medium size annuli. Copyright © 2018 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

77 FR 2697 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Annual Services Report

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-19

... and from a sample of small- and medium-sized businesses selected using a stratified sampling procedure... be canvassed when the sample is re-drawn, while nearly all of the small- and medium-sized firms from...); Educational Services (NAICS 61); Health Care and Social Assistance (NAICS 62); Arts, Entertainment, and...

76 FR 22161 - Second Meeting: RTCA Special Committee 225: Rechargeable Lithium Batteries and Battery Systems...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-20

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76 FR 70531 - Fifth Meeting: RTCA Special Committee 225, Rechargeable Lithium Battery and Battery Systems-Small...

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2011-11-14

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76 FR 6180 - First Meeting: RTCA Special Committee 225: Rechargeable Lithium Batteries and Battery Systems...

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2011-02-03

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2011-09-01

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... 225: Rechargeable Lithium Batteries and Battery Systems--Small and Medium Sizes AGENCY: Federal... Lithium Batteries and Battery Systems--Small and Medium Sizes. SUMMARY: The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 225: Rechargeable Lithium Batteries and Battery...

Promoting Learning in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hughes, Maria; Gray, Sue

1998-01-01

In 1996, small and medium-sized enterprises constituted 99% of all businesses in the United Kingdom in all but the electricity, gas, and water supply sector, providing 46% of nongovernment employment. SMEs' concern with day-to-day demands leaves them with limited time and resources to consider their training needs. Although providing support and…

Workplace Health Promotion within Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, Ann; Parahoo, Kader; Fleming, Paul

2010-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore managers' understanding of workplace health promotion (WHP) and experiences of WHP activity within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a Health and Social Care Trust area of Northern Ireland. The paper aims to focus on engagement with activities within the context of prevention of…

Barriers to Employee Training in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises: Insights and Evidences from Mauritius

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Padachi, Kesseven; Bhiwajee, Soolakshna Lukea

2016-01-01

Purpose: Training is an important component of successful business concerns. However, although there is growing acceptance amongst scholars that small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are engines that drive economies across nations, through their contribution in terms of job creation and poverty reduction; extant research portray that these…

Understanding Informal Learning in Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises in South Korea

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jeong, Shinhee; McLean, Gary N.; Park, Soyoun

2018-01-01

Purpose: This paper aims to explore informal learning experiences among employees working in South Korean small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 100 employees. This study specifically seeks to understand the characteristics of informal learning in Korean SMEs and culturally sensitive contextual factors that shape informal…

Effect of particle size distribution on permeability in the randomly packed porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Markicevic, Bojan

2017-11-01

An answer of how porous medium heterogeneity influences the medium permeability is still inconclusive, where both increase and decrease in the permeability value are reported. A numerical procedure is used to generate a randomly packed porous material consisting of spherical particles. Six different particle size distributions are used including mono-, bi- and three-disperse particles, as well as uniform, normal and log-normal particle size distribution with the maximum to minimum particle size ratio ranging from three to eight for different distributions. In all six cases, the average particle size is kept the same. For all media generated, the stochastic homogeneity is checked from distribution of three coordinates of particle centers, where uniform distribution of x-, y- and z- positions is found. The medium surface area remains essentially constant except for bi-modal distribution in which medium area decreases, while no changes in the porosity are observed (around 0.36). The fluid flow is solved in such domain, and after checking for the pressure axial linearity, the permeability is calculated from the Darcy law. The permeability comparison reveals that the permeability of the mono-disperse medium is smallest, and the permeability of all poly-disperse samples is less than ten percent higher. For bi-modal particles, the permeability is for a quarter higher compared to the other media which can be explained by volumetric contribution of larger particles and larger passages for fluid flow to take place.

A systematic study of the strong interaction with P-barANDA

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

Messchendorp, J. G.

2011-10-21

The theory of Quantum Chromo Dynamics (QCD) reproduces the strong interaction at distances much shorter than the size of the nucleon. At larger distance scales, the generation of hadron masses and confinement cannot yet be derived from first principles on basis of QCD. The PANDA experiment at FAIR will address the origin of these phenomena in controlled environments. Beams of antiprotons together with a multi-purpose and compact detection system will provide unique tools to perform studies of the strong interaction. This will be achieved via precision spectroscopy of charmonium and open-charm states, an extensive search for exotic objects such asmore » glueballs and hybrids, in-medium and hypernuclei spectroscopy, and more. An overview is given of the physics program of the P-barANDA collaboration.« less

3D printing of PLGA scaffolds for tissue engineering.

PubMed

Mironov, Anton V; Grigoryev, Aleksey M; Krotova, Larisa I; Skaletsky, Nikolaj N; Popov, Vladimir K; Sevastianov, Viktor I

2017-01-01

We proposed a novel method of generation of bioresorbable polymeric scaffolds with specified architectonics for tissue engineering using extrusion three-dimensional (3D) printing with solutions of polylactoglycolide in tetraglycol with their subsequent solidifying in aqueous medium. On the basis of 3D computer models, we obtained the matrix structures with interconnected system of pores ranging in size from 0.5 to 500 µm. The results of in vitro studies using cultures of line NIH 3Т3 mouse fibroblasts, floating islet cultures of newborn rabbit pancreas, and mesenchymal stem cells of human adipose tissue demonstrated the absence of cytotoxicity and good adhesive properties of scaffolds in regard to the cell cultures chosen. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 104-109, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Funalichnus bhubani isp. nov. from Bhuban Formation, Surma Group (Lower -Middle Miocene) of Aizawl, Mizoram, India

PubMed Central

Tiwari, Raghavendra Prasad; Rajkonwar, Chinmoy; Patel, Satish Jaychandbhai

2013-01-01

A new ichnospecies of the ichnogenus Funalichnus Pokorný is described from the Middle Bhuban Unit, Bhuban Formation, Surma Group (Lower - Middle Miocene) of Aizawl, Mizoram, India. Funalichnus bhubani isp. Nov. Is a large burrow displaying cylindrical segments that are oriented nearly perpendicular to the bedding plane. The new ichnospecies can be identified on the basis of general form, size, unlined passive filling and twisted rod-like structure. The association of Funalichnus bhubani isp. Nov. With Arenicolites, Diplocraterion, Ophiomorpha Psilonichnus Skolithos and Thalassinoides points to its bathymetric restriction. The deep extension of the burrow in clastic sediments provides a favourable condition for preservation in the shoreface environment and occurrence in fine- to medium-grained clastic sediments may be a preservational preference. PMID:24204992

Electrophysiological property and chemical sensitivity of primary afferent neurons that innervate rat whisker hair follicles.

PubMed

Ikeda, Ryo; Gu, Jianguo

2016-01-01

Whisker hair follicles are sensory organs that sense touch and perform tactile discrimination in animals, and they are sites where sensory impulses are initiated when whisker hairs touch an object. The sensory signals are then conveyed by whisker afferent fibers to the brain for sensory perception. Electrophysiological property and chemical sensitivity of whisker afferent fibers, important factors affecting whisker sensory processing, are largely not known. In the present study, we performed patch-clamp recordings from pre-identified whisker afferent neurons in whole-mount trigeminal ganglion preparations and characterized their electrophysiological property and sensitivity to ATP, serotonin and glutamate. Of 97 whisker afferent neurons examined, 67% of them are found to be large-sized (diameter ≥45 µm) cells and 33% of them are medium- to small-sized (diameter <45 µm) cells. Almost every large-sized whisker afferent neuron fires a single action potential but many (40%) small/medium-sized whisker afferent neurons fire multiple action potentials in response to prolonged stepwise depolarization. Other electrophysiological properties including resting membrane potential, action potential threshold, and membrane input resistance are also significantly different between large-sized and small/medium-sized whisker afferent neurons. Most large-sized and many small/medium-sized whisker afferent neurons are sensitive to ATP and/or serotonin, and ATP and/or serotonin could evoke strong inward currents in these cells. In contrast, few whisker afferent neurons are sensitive to glutamate. Our results raise a possibility that ATP and/or serotonin may be chemical messengers involving sensory signaling for different types of rat whisker afferent fibers.

Effect of Medium pH on Rhodosporidium toruloides NCYC 921 Carotenoid and Lipid Production Evaluated by Flow Cytometry.

PubMed

Dias, Carla; Silva, Corália; Freitas, Claudia; Reis, Alberto; da Silva, Teresa Lopes

2016-07-01

The effect of the culture medium pH (3.5-6.0) on the carotenoid and lipid (as fatty acids) production by the yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides NCYC 921 was studied. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the yeast's physiological response to different culture medium pH values. The yeast biomass concentration and lipid content were maxima at pH 4.0 (5.90 g/L and 21.85 % w/w, respectively), while the maximum carotenoid content (63.37 μg/g) was obtained at pH 5.0. At the exponential phase, the yeast cell size and internal complexity were similar, at different medium pH. At the stationary phase, the yeast cell size and internal complexity decreased as the medium pH increased. At the exponential phase, the proportion of cells with polarized membranes was always high (>80 %) but at the stationary phase, the proportion of yeast cells with depolarized membranes was dominant (>65 %) and increased with the medium pH increase. The results here reported may contribute for yeast bioprocesses optimization. For the first time, multiparameter flow cytometry was used to evaluate the impact of medium pH changes on the yeast cell physiological status, specifically on the yeast membrane potential, membrane integrity, cell size and internal complexity.

Effects of intake level of a mixed diet on chewing activity and on particle size of ruminated boli, ruminal digesta fractions and faeces of steers.

PubMed

Kovács, P L; Südekum, K H; Stangassinger, M

1997-01-01

This study evaluated the effects of intake of a mixed diet on chewing activity during eating and rumination and the relationship between the chewing activity and the particle size of the ruminated boli, ruminal digesta fractions and faeces in steers. Six ruminally cannulated steers received a mixed forage/concentrate diet (68:32, dry matter basis). The diet was offered twice daily at approximately 1, 1.5 and 2 times the estimated maintenance energy requirements (low, medium and high intake, respectively) in a repeated 3 x 3 Latin square design. The rumens were emptied manually and samples of the ruminated boli and of the ruminal upper strata were collected at four different times throughout the day. The dry matter weight distribution of the total amount of recovered particles was determined by a wet-sieving procedure. Numerically, the effect of intake on the mean particle sizes of the different materials was small. However, the mean particle size was reduced by almost nine tenths from their size at intake of the mixed diet (4.78 mm) to defecation (0.51 mm). The total number of minutes chewing and eating and ruminating increased as the intake level increased. When related to 1 kg of dry matter intake, only the eating and chewing times were significantly longer for the high as compared to the medium intake. Rumination patterns were examined using a cosinor model. Data indicated that the average amount of time spent ruminating also increased as the intake level increased. The overall pattern of rumination was not impaired by higher intake levels. The amount of large (> or = 4 mm) particles that escaped per minute of rumination time between 3 and 7.5 h postfeeding was similar for all the intake levels. It was concluded that an active breakdown process occurred in the rumen which could cope with the higher intake levels of the mixed diet over the range of 1 to 2 times the maintenance energy requirement level.

Modeling of Autovariator Operation as Power Components Adjuster in Adaptive Machine Drives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balakin, P. D.; Belkov, V. N.; Shtripling, L. O.

2018-01-01

Full application of the available power and stationary mode preservation for the power station (engine) operation of the transport machine under the conditions of variable external loading, are topical issues. The issues solution is possible by means of mechanical drives with the autovaried rate transfer function and nonholonomic constraint of the main driving mediums. Additional to the main motion, controlled motion of the driving mediums is formed by a variable part of the transformed power flow and is implemented by the integrated control loop, functioning only on the basis of the laws of motion. The mathematical model of the mechanical autovariator operation is developed using Gibbs function, acceleration energy; the study results are presented; on their basis, the design calculations of the autovariator driving mediums and constraints, including its automatic control loop, are possible.

Communicating Hydrocephalus Associated with Small- to Medium-Sized Vestibular Schwannomas: Clinical Significance of the Tumor Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Map.

PubMed

Taniguchi, Masaaki; Nakai, Tomoaki; Kohta, Masaaki; Kimura, Hidehito; Kohmura, Eiji

2016-10-01

The etiology of hydrocephalus associated with the small- to medium-sized vestibular schwannomas is still controversial. We investigated tumor-specific factors related to the association of hydrocephalus with small- to medium-sized vestibular schwannomas. Among the 77 patients with vestibular schwannoma smaller than 30 mm, 9 patients demonstrated associated communicating hydrocephalus. Patient medical records, radiologic data, and histopathologic specimens were reviewed retrospectively. The age of the patients, and size, mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, and histologic features of the tumors were compared with those of patients without hydrocephalus. The symptoms related to hydrocephalus improved in all patients after tumor removal. Both the mean size and ADC values exhibited a statistically significant difference between the tumors with and without hydrocephalus (P < 0.01). The size and ADC value of the tumor were significantly related to the association with hydrocephalus. The increased tumor ADC value was considered to be the result of degenerative change and suggested the involvement of protein sloughing in the etiology of the associated hydrocephalus. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Outcomes and Costs of Residential Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in Taiwan: A Comparative Evaluation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chou, Yueh-Ching; Lin, Li-Chan; Pu, Cheng-Yun; Lee, Wan-Ping; Chang, Shu-Chuan

2008-01-01

Background: The disability policy in Taiwan has traditionally emphasized residential care in large institutions and, more recently, medium-sized group homes. This paper compares the relative costs, services provided and outcomes between the traditional institutions, medium-sized group homes and new small-scale community living units that were…

Virtual Class: Distance Learning for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in the Spanish Region of Castilla y Leon.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rodriguez, Blanca; Perez, Maria Angeles; Verdu, Maria Jesus; Navazo, Maria Agustina; Lopez, Ricardo; Mompo, Rafael; Garcia, Joaquin

Lifelong learning is becoming a necessity in the new Information Society where everyone, particularly small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), must keep up with new technologies. Education and training are of the most importance in this updating. An interdisciplinary and inter-university work group called "Canalejas" (Spain) has…

Successful E-Learning in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paulsen, Morten Flate

2009-01-01

So far, e-learning has primarily been used when there are many learners involved. The up-front investments related to e-learning are relatively high, and may be perceived as prohibitive for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Some e-learning is, however, getting less expensive, and some e-learning models are more suited for small-scale…

Small and Medium-Sized Information Technology Firms: Assessment of Non-Local Partnership Facilitators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Findikoglu, Melike Nur

2012-01-01

A two-phased qualitative study was conducted to explore the facilitators of non-local (i.e. domestic or international) partnerships formed by small- and medium-sized firms (SME). Rooted in trust, proximity and dynamic capabilities lenses, the study focused on behaviors of SMEs performing in dynamic, competitive and highly interlinked industry, the…

75 FR 9431 - Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: U.S. and EU Export Activities, and Barriers and Opportunities...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-02

... and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Characteristics and Performance AGENCY: United States International... for February 9-10, 2010. The February 9-10 hearing was cancelled when Federal Government activity was... procedures relating to hearings in these investigations in St. Louis, MO, on March 10, 2010, and Portland, OR...

Toward a Singleton Undergraduate Computer Graphics Course in Small and Medium-Sized Colleges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shesh, Amit

2013-01-01

This article discusses the evolution of a single undergraduate computer graphics course over five semesters, driven by a primary question: if one could offer only one undergraduate course in graphics, what would it include? This constraint is relevant to many small and medium-sized colleges that lack resources, adequate expertise, and enrollment…

An Examination of Library World Wide Web Sites at Medium-Sized Universities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tolppanen, Bradley P.; Miller, Joan; Wooden, Martha H.

2000-01-01

Presents the results of a study of Web sites for 133 academic libraries serving medium-sized universities. Suggests that navigational and design aspects need improvement; information should not be included unless it will be accessed and used; and greater use should be made of online tutorials and virtual tours to supplement regular bibliographic…

Analysis and Evaluation of Databases on Business and Management Training Schemes for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the European Community.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allesch, Jurgen; Preiss-Allesch, Dagmar

This report describes a study that identified major databases in operation in the 12 European Community countries that provide small- and medium-sized enterprises with information on opportunities for obtaining training and continuing education. Thirty-five databases were identified through information obtained from telephone interviews or…

The Pauson-Khand reaction of medium sized trans-cycloalkenes.

PubMed

Lledó, Agustí; Fuster, Aida; Revés, Marc; Verdaguer, Xavier; Riera, Antoni

2013-04-14

Medium sized trans-cycloalkenes are unusually reactive in the intermolecular Pauson-Khand reaction (PKR) with regard to typical monocyclic alkenes. This is due to the ring strain imparted by the E stereochemistry. The PKR of these alkenes offers a modular, regioselective and straightforward entry to trans fused [n.3.0] bicyclic scaffolds (n = 6-8).

A Bayesian Approach to International Distributor Selection for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Software Industry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lui, Joseph P.

2013-01-01

Identifying appropriate international distributors for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the software industry for overseas markets can determine a firm's future endeavors in international expansion. SMEs lack the complex skills in market research and decision analysis to identify suitable partners to engage in global market entry.…

The effects of dry-rolled corn particle size on performance, carcass traits, and starch digestibility in feedlot finishing diets containing wet distiller's grains.

PubMed

Schwandt, E F; Wagner, J J; Engle, T E; Bartle, S J; Thomson, D U; Reinhardt, C D

2016-03-01

Crossbred yearling steers ( = 360; 395 ± 33.1 kg initial BW) were used to evaluate the effects of dry-rolled corn (DRC) particle size in diets containing 20% wet distiller's grains plus solubles on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and starch digestibility. Steers were used in a randomized complete block design and allocated to 36 pens (9 pens/treatment, with 10 animals/pen). Treatments were coarse DRC (4,882 μm), medium DRC (3,760 μm), fine DRC (2,359 μm), and steam-flaked corn (0.35 kg/L; SFC). Final BW and ADG were not affected by treatment ( > 0.05). Dry matter intake was greater and G:F was lower ( < 0.05) for steers fed DRC vs. steers fed SFC. There was a linear decrease ( < 0.05) in DMI in the final 5 wk on feed with decreasing DRC particle size. Fecal starch decreased (linear, < 0.01) as DRC particle size decreased. In situ starch disappearance was lower for DRC vs. SFC ( < 0.05) and linearly increased ( < 0.05) with decreasing particle size at 8 and 24 h. Reducing DRC particle size did not influence growth performance but increased starch digestion and influenced DMI of cattle on finishing diets. No differences ( > 0.10) were observed among treatments for any of the carcass traits measured. Results indicate improved ruminal starch digestibility, reduced fecal starch concentration, and reduced DMI with decreasing DRC particle size in feedlot diets containing 20% wet distiller's grains on a DM basis.

Modeling shape and topology of low-resolution density maps of biological macromolecules.

PubMed Central

De-Alarcón, Pedro A; Pascual-Montano, Alberto; Gupta, Amarnath; Carazo, Jose M

2002-01-01

In the present work we develop an efficient way of representing the geometry and topology of volumetric datasets of biological structures from medium to low resolution, aiming at storing and querying them in a database framework. We make use of a new vector quantization algorithm to select the points within the macromolecule that best approximate the probability density function of the original volume data. Connectivity among points is obtained with the use of the alpha shapes theory. This novel data representation has a number of interesting characteristics, such as 1) it allows us to automatically segment and quantify a number of important structural features from low-resolution maps, such as cavities and channels, opening the possibility of querying large collections of maps on the basis of these quantitative structural features; 2) it provides a compact representation in terms of size; 3) it contains a subset of three-dimensional points that optimally quantify the densities of medium resolution data; and 4) a general model of the geometry and topology of the macromolecule (as opposite to a spatially unrelated bunch of voxels) is easily obtained by the use of the alpha shapes theory. PMID:12124252

Substrate texture affects female cricket walking response to male calling song

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarmiento-Ponce, E. J.; Sutcliffe, M. P. F.; Hedwig, B.

2018-03-01

Field crickets are extensively used as a model organism to study female phonotactic walking behaviour, i.e. their attraction to the male calling song. Laboratory-based phonotaxis experiments generally rely on arena or trackball-based settings; however, no attention has been paid to the effect of substrate texture on the response. Here, we tested phonotaxis in female Gryllus bimaculatus, walking on trackballs machined from methyl-methacrylate foam with different cell sizes. Surface height variations of the trackballs, due to the cellular composition of the material, were measured with profilometry and characterized as smooth, medium or rough, with roughness amplitudes of 7.3, 16 and 180 µm. Female phonotaxis was best on a rough and medium trackball surface, a smooth surface resulted in a significant lower phonotactic response. Claws of the cricket foot were crucial for effective walking. Females insert their claws into the surface pores to allow mechanical interlocking with the substrate texture and a high degree of attachment, which cannot be established on smooth surfaces. These findings provide insight to the biomechanical basis of insect walking and may inform behavioural studies that the surface texture on which walking insects are tested is crucial for the resulting behavioural response.

Dogmatism as a mediating influence on the perception of risk in consumer choice decisions.

PubMed

Durand, R M; Davis, D L; Bearden, W O

1977-01-01

The risk perceived by individual consumers when faced with an unfamiliar purchase situation was examined across three groups of females for three product categories. Group membership was determined on the basis of high, medium, and low scores on the Trodahl-Powell dogmatism instrument. Ss were 155 housewives of a medium size midwestern city in the United States surveyed as part of a two-tiered sampling process. The results of a multivariate analysis of variance procedure supported the hypothesis that consumers of a less dogmatic nature perceive lower levels of risk inherent within unfamiliar purchase situations than more dogmatic individuals. The implication for management is that the likelihood of obtaining successful new product introductions may be substantially enhanced through the process of risk reduction across dogmatic consumer segments by use of direct testimonial promotional themes stressing product acceptance in support of more traditional and informative advertising messages. The feasibility of this approach is based upon the premise that the behavior of dogmatic individuals is more frequently affected by pressures from peers and significant others than the behavior of individuals low in dogmatism which is generally based on more factual and relevant information.

Prognostic Factors Affecting Rotator Cuff Healing After Arthroscopic Repair in Small to Medium-sized Tears.

PubMed

Park, Ji Soon; Park, Hyung Jun; Kim, Sae Hoon; Oh, Joo Han

2015-10-01

Small and medium-sized rotator cuff tears usually have good clinical and anatomic outcomes. However, healing failure still occurs in some cases. To evaluate prognostic factors for rotator cuff healing in patients with only small to medium-sized rotator cuff tears. Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Data were prospectively collected from 339 patients with small to medium-sized rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic repair by a single surgeon between March 2004 and August 2012 and who underwent magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomographic arthrography at least 1 year after surgery. The mean age of the patients was 59.8 years (range, 39-80 years), and the mean follow-up time was 20.8 months (range, 12-66 months). The functional evaluation included the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant-Murley score, and Simple Shoulder Test. Postoperative VAS for pain and functional scores improved significantly compared with preoperative values (P < .001). Forty-five healing failures occurred (13.3%), and fatty degeneration of the infraspinatus muscle, tear size (anteroposterior dimension), and age were significant factors affecting rotator cuff healing (P < .001, = .018, and = .011, respectively) in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Grade II and higher infraspinatus fatty degeneration correlated with a higher failure rate. The failure rate was also significantly higher in patients with a tear >2 cm in size (34.2%) compared with patients with a tear ≤2 cm (10.6%) (P < .001). A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the predictive cut-off value for the oldest age and the largest tear size for successful healing, which were calculated as 69 years and 2 cm, respectively, with a specificity of 90%. In small to medium-sized rotator cuff tears, grade II fatty degeneration of the infraspinatus muscle according to the Goutallier classification could be a reference point for successful healing, and anatomic outcomes might be better if repair is performed before the patient is 69 years old and the tear size exceeds 2 cm. © 2015 The Author(s).

Particle-size distribution modified effective medium theory and validation by magneto-dielectric Co-Ti substituted BaM ferrite composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Qifan; Chen, Yajie; Harris, Vincent G.

2018-05-01

This letter reports an extended effective medium theory (EMT) including particle-size distribution functions to maximize the magnetic properties of magneto-dielectric composites. It is experimentally verified by Co-Ti substituted barium ferrite (BaCoxTixFe12-2xO19)/wax composites with specifically designed particle-size distributions. In the form of an integral equation, the extended EMT formula essentially takes the size-dependent parameters of magnetic particle fillers into account. It predicts the effective permeability of magneto-dielectric composites with various particle-size distributions, indicating an optimal distribution for a population of magnetic particles. The improvement of the optimized effective permeability is significant concerning magnetic particles whose properties are strongly size dependent.

Making Sense of Experiential Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGill, Ian; Weil, Susan

1990-01-01

The four "villages" of experiential learning (EL) are (1) assessment and accreditation of prior learning; (2) EL as the basis for change in postsecondary institutions; (3) EL as the basis for community action and social change; and (4) EL as a medium for personal growth and development. (SK)

Using the Critical Incident Technique to Research Decision Making regarding Access to Training and Development in Medium-Sized Enterprises

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coetzer, Alan; Redmond, Janice; Sharafizad, Jalleh

2012-01-01

Employees in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form part of a "disadvantaged" group within the workforce that receives less access to training and development (T&D) than employees in large firms. Prior research into reasons for the relatively low levels of employee participation in training and development has typically…

78 FR 9938 - U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement: Effects on U.S. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises; Institution...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-12

... Trade Agreement on U.S. small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) since entry into force of the... effects of the agreement on the production, distribution, and export strategy of U.S. SMEs, as identified by those SMEs, and describing how U.S. SMEs have benefited from specific provisions of the agreement...

Worldwide Report, Arms Control.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-10-11

active, innovative organizations—an indispensable force during the conception and start-up phase of new technologies—with heavyweight structures...This triangular coopera- tion— innovative PME [Small- and Medium-Sized Business]-big enterprises- government—is at work on the American continent, in...CSEE [Signals and Electrical Enterprises Company], and some innovative PME’s [Small- and Medium-Sized Business(es)] such as AID [expansion unknown] at

Is Small Finally Becoming Beautiful? Small and Medium-Size Enterprises in the New Economy. IES Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dejonckheere, J.; Ramioul, M.; Van Hootegem, G.

This report addresses small and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs') role in the changing international division of labor and trade in information service activities. Chapter 2 describes the EMERGENCE project to map and measure eWork. Chapter 3 reviews literature that shows SMEs account for the overwhelming majority of companies and make a crucial…

Key Influencing Factors behind Moodle Adoption in Irish Small to Medium Sized Higher Education Colleges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker, David; Livadas, Lelia; Miles, Gail

2011-01-01

This research investigated Irish Small to Medium Sized Educational Institutions (SMSEs) involved in Higher Education (HE) that adopted Moodle, the OSS (Open Source Software) course management system (CMS). As Moodle has only been adopted in the Irish HE sector in the last 5-7 years, this research crucially studied the attitudes of the SMSEs that…

Design and development of a prototypical software for semi-automatic generation of test methodologies and security checklists for IT vulnerability assessment in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Möller, Thomas; Bellin, Knut; Creutzburg, Reiner

2015-03-01

The aim of this paper is to show the recent progress in the design and prototypical development of a software suite Copra Breeder* for semi-automatic generation of test methodologies and security checklists for IT vulnerability assessment in small and medium-sized enterprises.

40 CFR 141.81 - Applicability of corrosion control treatment steps to small, medium-size and large water systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 23 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Applicability of corrosion control treatment steps to small, medium-size and large water systems. 141.81 Section 141.81 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS Control of Lead and Copper...

The Effectiveness of School-Type Classes Compared to the Traditional Lecture/Tutorial Method for Teaching Quantitative Methods to Business Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldfinch, Judy

1996-01-01

A study compared the effectiveness of two methods (medium-size class instruction and large lectures with tutorial sessions) for teaching mathematics and statistics to first-year business students. Students and teachers overwhelmingly preferred the medium-size class method, which produced higher exam scores but had no significant effect on…

78 FR 69047 - Travel and Tourism Trade Mission to Taiwan, Japan and Korea

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-18

... notify applicants that the fee for each additional participant (SME or larger) is $700 per participant... fee will be $1,400 for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) and $1,625 for large firms. For... participation fee will be $1,725 for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) and $1,925 for large firms. For...

Using Computer-Based Continuing Professional Education of Training Staff to Develop Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Thailand

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sooraksa, Nanta

2012-01-01

This paper describes a career development program for staff involved in providing training for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand. Most of these staff were professional vocational teachers in schools. The program uses information communication technology (ICT), and its main objective is to teach Moodle software as a tool for…

Towards a Service-Oriented Enterprise: The Design of a Cloud Business Integration Platform in a Medium-Sized Manufacturing Enterprise

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stamas, Paul J.

2013-01-01

This case study research followed the two-year transition of a medium-sized manufacturing firm towards a service-oriented enterprise. A service-oriented enterprise is an emerging architecture of the firm that leverages the paradigm of services computing to integrate the capabilities of the firm with the complementary competencies of business…

An Agile Methodology for Implementing Service-Oriented Architecture in Small and Medium Sized Organizations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laidlaw, Gregory

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of Lean/Agile principles, using action research to develop and deploy new technology for Small and Medium sized enterprises. The research case was conducted at the Lapeer County Sheriff's Department and involves the initial deployment of a Service Oriented Architecture to alleviate the data…

Entrepreneurial Training for the Growth of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Lessons from Central and Eastern Europe. Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

European Training Foundation, Turin (Italy).

This report brings together a number of principles as to best practice in supporting, through training, growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Central and Eastern Europe. Chapter 2 identifies key principles to be drawn from the West through a literature review. Chapter 3 reviews the "practice" of entrepreneurial training…

Workplace Education Programs in Small and Medium-Sized Michigan Firms. Staff Working Paper 92-13.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hollenbeck, Kevin; Anderson, William

A project collected data from small and medium-sized firms (employing fewer than 500) in Michigan concerning workplace education programs. It addressed why firms were or were not offering programs, program characteristics, and program impacts on firms and employees. Case studies of 28 businesses were undertaken from May 1991-July 1992 and a…

Consultant-Client Relationship and Knowledge Transfer in Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises Change Processes.

PubMed

Martinez, Luis F; Ferreira, Aristides I; Can, Amina B

2016-04-01

Based on Szulanski's knowledge transfer model, this study examined how the communicational, motivational, and sharing of understanding variables influenced knowledge transfer and change processes in small- and medium-sized enterprises, particularly under projects developed by funded programs. The sample comprised 144 entrepreneurs, mostly male (65.3%) and mostly ages 35 to 45 years (40.3%), who filled an online questionnaire measuring the variables of "sharing of understanding," "motivation," "communication encoding competencies," "source credibility," "knowledge transfer," and "organizational change." Data were collected between 2011 and 2012 and measured the relationship between clients and consultants working in a Portuguese small- and medium-sized enterprise-oriented action learning program. To test the hypotheses, structural equation modeling was conducted to identify the antecedents of sharing of understanding, motivational, and communicational variables, which were positively correlated with the knowledge transfer between consultants and clients. This transfer was also positively correlated with organizational change. Overall, the study provides important considerations for practitioners and academicians and establishes new avenues for future studies concerning the issues of consultant-client relationship and the efficacy of Government-funded programs designed to improve performance of small- and medium-sized enterprises. © The Author(s) 2016.

An assessment of personality disorders with the Five-Factor Model among Belgian inmates.

PubMed

Thiry, Benjamin

2012-01-01

Many international studies report a high prevalence of personality disorders among inmates on the basis of (semi)-structured diagnostic interviews. The present study proposes a self-reported evaluation of personality disorders using the NEO PI-R. The sample consists of 244 male and 18 female inmates (N=262) who were psychologically assessed. The analysis of the five psychological domains shows that the French-speaking Belgian inmates are as stable, as extroverted, more closed, more agreeable and more conscientious than the normative sample. The NEO PI-R facets are also analyzed. The mean Cohen's d (.26) is small. Two personality disorders have medium effect sizes: obsessive compulsive personality disorder (high) and histrionic personality (low). Small effect sizes exist for antisocial personality (low), psychopathy (low), narcissistic personality (low), schizoid personality (high) and borderline personality (low). In our view, the context of the assessment can partially explain these results but not entirely. The results do not confirm previous studies and question the high rates of psychiatric prevalence in prison. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mutilation of the uvula among Bedouins of the South Sinai.

PubMed

Nathan, H; Hershkovitz, I; Arensburg, B; Kobyliansky, Y; Goldschmidt-Nathan, M

1982-07-01

Mutilation of the uvula, as practiced by various tribes of Bedouins in the South Sinai, was discovered while carrying out anthropological studies in the area. Partial or total amputation of the uvula is performed on both boys and girls during the first or second year of life, as a ritual custom. Anatomical changes in the soft palate due to the uvulectomy in 115 subjects are described. The remnant of the uvula (scar) was classified according to size as: very large, large, medium, small, trace or none. A notch or kind of cleft of the palate, as a result of the uvulectomy, was considered the most extreme degree of extirpation. The majority (47%) were of small size and a notch was found in 9.6%. Changes in shape and symmetry of the arches of the palate as a result of the uvulectomy are also described. These changes are explained on the basis of the anatomical structure of the palate and uvula. The possible effects of the uvulectomy on health in general and on speech in particular are discussed.

Quantum chemical modeling of enzymatic reactions: the case of histone lysine methyltransferase.

PubMed

Georgieva, Polina; Himo, Fahmi

2010-06-01

Quantum chemical cluster models of enzyme active sites are today an important and powerful tool in the study of various aspects of enzymatic reactivity. This methodology has been applied to a wide spectrum of reactions and many important mechanistic problems have been solved. Herein, we report a systematic study of the reaction mechanism of the histone lysine methyltransferase (HKMT) SET7/9 enzyme, which catalyzes the methylation of the N-terminal histone tail of the chromatin structure. In this study, HKMT SET7/9 serves as a representative case to examine the modeling approach for the important class of methyl transfer enzymes. Active site models of different sizes are used to evaluate the methodology. In particular, the dependence of the calculated energies on the model size, the influence of the dielectric medium, and the particular choice of the dielectric constant are discussed. In addition, we examine the validity of some technical aspects, such as geometry optimization in solvent or with a large basis set, and the use of different density functional methods. Copyright 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

How Thinking About the Donor Influences Post-traumatic Growth in Liver Transplant Recipients.

PubMed

Martín-Rodríguez, A; Pérez-San-Gregorio, M Á; Avargues-Navarro, M L; Borda-Mas, M; Pérez-Bernal, J; Gómez-Bravo, M Á

2018-03-01

The aim of this work was to find out whether thinking frequently about the donor influences post-traumatic growth of liver transplant recipients. The sample of 240 patients selected was made up of 185 men and 55 women with an overall mean age of 60.21 (SD 9.3) years. All of them had received liver transplants from cadaver donors. Transplant recipients were asked whether they thought frequently about the donor (yes or no) and filled out the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory. The t test for unpaired samples was applied to analyze how thinking frequently about the donor or not influenced post-traumatic growth. We also calculated the effect sizes by means of Cohen d or Cohen w depending on the nature of the variables analyzed (quantitative or qualitative). The liver transplant recipients who thought frequently about the donor, compared with those who did not, had higher total scores on post-traumatic growth (P = .000; d = 0.57; medium effect size). Furthermore, considering the effect sizes, the differences between the subgroups were more relevant on the following subscales: new possibilities (P = .000; d = 0.53; medium effect size), appreciation of life (P = .000; d = 0.60; medium effect size), and spiritual change (P = .000; d = 0.54; medium effect size). Patients who think frequently about the donor have more post-traumatic growth than those who do not. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Worldwide Report, Arms Control.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-07-19

on measures of substantially reducing medium -range nuclear arms to agreed-upon levels on the basis of reciprocity and in strict conformity with the ...to the United States to reach agreement on the immediate discontinua- tion by the United States of the deployment of medium -range missiles in Europe... by unilaterally imposing a moratorium on the

Concanavalin A-induced and spontaneous suppressor cell activities in peripheral blood lymphocytes and spleen cells from gastric cancer patients.

PubMed

Toge, T; Hamamoto, S; Itagaki, E; Yajima, K; Tanada, M; Nakane, H; Kohno, H; Nakanishi, K; Hattori, T

1983-11-01

In 173 gastric cancer patients, activities of Concanavalin-A-induced suppressor cells (Con-AS) and spontaneous suppressor cells (SpS) in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), splenic vein lymphocytes (SVL), and spleen cells (SCs) were investigated. Suppressions by Con-AS in PBL were significantly effective in patients of Stages III and IV, while suppressions by SpS were effective in patients with recurrent tumors. Thus, in PBLs of cancer patients, suppressor precursors, which are considered to be activated in vitro by Concanavalin-A, seemed to appear with the advances of the disease, and SpS activities, which could be already activated in vivo, seemed to increase in the terminal stage. In SCs, increased activities of Con-AS, but normal activities of SpS, were observed, and these suppressor-cell populations consisted of glass nonadherent cells. Suppressor activities of SCs would be due to suppressor T-cells, not to other types of cells. Furthermore, Con-AS existed in the medium-sized lymphocytes, which were fractionated on the basis of cell size, while SpS in the large-sized lymphocytes. A higher proportion of T-cells, bearing Fc receptors for IgG, was observed in the larger-sized lymphocyte fractions. Cell numbers in the large-sized lymphocyte fraction tended to increase with the advances of tumors. From these results, it is suggested that higher presence of suppressor precursors and the increase of SpS activities may occur in cancer patients, depending on the tumor advancing.

Indirect Validation of Probe Speed Data on Arterial Corridors

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

Eshragh, Sepideh; Young, Stanley E.; Sharifi, Elham

This study aimed to estimate the accuracy of probe speed data on arterial corridors on the basis of roadway geometric attributes and functional classification. It was assumed that functional class (medium and low) along with other road characteristics (such as weighted average of the annual average daily traffic, average signal density, average access point density, and average speed) were available as correlation factors to estimate the accuracy of probe traffic data. This study tested these factors as predictors of the fidelity of probe traffic data by using the results of an extensive validation exercise. This study showed strong correlations betweenmore » these geometric attributes and the accuracy of probe data when they were assessed by using average absolute speed error. Linear models were regressed to existing data to estimate appropriate models for medium- and low-type arterial corridors. The proposed models for medium- and low-type arterials were validated further on the basis of the results of a slowdown analysis. These models can be used to predict the accuracy of probe data indirectly in medium and low types of arterial corridors.« less

Investigation of the Klinkenberg effect in a micro/nanoporous medium by direct simulation Monte Carlo method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Guang; Weigand, Bernhard

2018-04-01

The pressure-driven gas transport characteristics through a porous medium consisting of arrays of discrete elements is investigated by using the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. Different porous structures are considered, accounting for both two- and three-dimensional arrangements of basic microscale and nanoscale elements. The pore scale flow patterns in the porous medium are obtained, and the Knudsen diffusion in the pores is studied in detail for slip and transition flow regimes. A new effective pore size of the porous medium is defined, which is a function of the porosity, the tortuosity, the contraction factor, and the intrinsic permeability of the porous medium. It is found that the Klinkenberg effect in different porous structures can be fully described by the Knudsen number characterized by the effective pore size. The accuracies of some widely used Klinkenberg correlations are evaluated by the present DSMC results. It is also found that the available correlations for apparent permeability, most of which are derived from simple pipe or channel flows, can still be applicative for more complex porous media flows, by using the effective pore size defined in this study.

40 CFR Table 1 to Subpart Hhh of... - Emission Limits for Small Rural, Small, Medium, and Large HMIWI

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

..., Medium, and Large HMIWI 1 Table 1 to Subpart HHH of Part 62 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Part 62—Emission Limits for Small Rural, Small, Medium, and Large HMIWI For the air pollutant You must meet this emissions limit HMIWI size Small rural Small Medium Large With these units(7 percent oxygen...

40 CFR Table 1 to Subpart Hhh of... - Emissions Limits for Small Rural, Small, Medium and Large HMIWI

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

..., Medium and Large HMIWI 1 Table 1 to Subpart HHH of Part 62 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Part 62—Emissions Limits for Small Rural, Small, Medium and Large HMIWI For the air pollutant You must meet this emissions limit HMIWI size Small rural Small Medium Large With these units(7 percent oxygen...

Interobserver Agreement on Endoscopic Classification of Oesophageal Varices in Children.

PubMed

D'Antiga, Lorenzo; Betalli, Pietro; De Angelis, Paola; Davenport, Mark; Di Giorgio, Angelo; McKiernan, Patrick J; McLin, Valerie; Ravelli, Paolo; Durmaz, Ozlem; Talbotec, Cecile; Sturm, Ekkehard; Woynarowski, Marek; Burroughs, Andrew K

2015-08-01

Data regarding agreement on endoscopic features of oesophageal varices in children with portal hypertension (PH) are scant. The aim of this study was to evaluate endoscopic visualisation and classification of oesophageal varices in children by several European clinicians, to build a rational basis for future multicentre trials. Endoscopic pictures of the distal oesophagus of 100 children with a clinical diagnosis of PH were distributed to 10 endoscopists. Observers were requested to classify variceal size according to a 3-degree scale (small, medium, and large, class A), a 2-degree scale (small and large, class B), and to recognise red wales (presence or absence, class Red). Overall agreement was considered fair if Fleiss and Cohen κ test was ≥0.30, good if ≥0.40, excellent if ≥0.60, and perfect if ≥0.80. Agreement between observers was fair with class A (κ = 0.34) and class B (κ = 0.38), and good with class Red (κ = 0.49). The agreement was good on presence versus absence of varices (class A = 0.53, class B = 0.48). The agreement among the observers was good in class A when endoscopic features of severe PH (medium and large sizes, red marks) were grouped and compared with mild features (absent and small varices) (κ = 0.58). Experts working in different centres show a fairly good agreement on endoscopic features of PH in children, although a better training of paediatric endoscopists may improve the agreement in grading severity of varices in this setting.

Nucleon QCD sum rules in the instanton medium

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

Ryskin, M. G.; Drukarev, E. G., E-mail: drukarev@pnpi.spb.ru; Sadovnikova, V. A.

2015-09-15

We try to find grounds for the standard nucleon QCD sum rules, based on a more detailed description of the QCD vacuum. We calculate the polarization operator of the nucleon current in the instanton medium. The medium (QCD vacuum) is assumed to be a composition of the small-size instantons and some long-wave gluon fluctuations. We solve the corresponding QCD sum rule equations and demonstrate that there is a solution with the value of the nucleon mass close to the physical one if the fraction of the small-size instantons contribution is w{sub s} ≈ 2/3.

Applicability of the Effective-Medium Approximation to Heterogeneous Aerosol Particles.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mishchenko, Michael I.; Dlugach, Janna M.; Liu, Li

2016-01-01

The effective-medium approximation (EMA) is based on the assumption that a heterogeneous particle can have a homogeneous counterpart possessing similar scattering and absorption properties. We analyze the numerical accuracy of the EMA by comparing superposition T-matrix computations for spherical aerosol particles filled with numerous randomly distributed small inclusions and Lorenz-Mie computations based on the Maxwell-Garnett mixing rule. We verify numerically that the EMA can indeed be realized for inclusion size parameters smaller than a threshold value. The threshold size parameter depends on the refractive-index contrast between the host and inclusion materials and quite often does not exceed several tenths, especially in calculations of the scattering matrix and the absorption cross section. As the inclusion size parameter approaches the threshold value, the scattering-matrix errors of the EMA start to grow with increasing the host size parameter and or the number of inclusions. We confirm, in particular, the existence of the effective-medium regime in the important case of dust aerosols with hematite or air-bubble inclusions, but then the large refractive-index contrast necessitates inclusion size parameters of the order of a few tenths. Irrespective of the highly restricted conditions of applicability of the EMA, our results provide further evidence that the effective-medium regime must be a direct corollary of the macroscopic Maxwell equations under specific assumptions.

Foam Flow Through a 2D Porous Medium: Evolution of the Bubble Size Distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meheust, Y.; Géraud, B.; Cantat, I.; Dollet, B.

2017-12-01

Foams have been used for decades as displacing fluids for EOR and aquifer remediation, and more recently as carriers of chemical amendments for remediation of the vadose zone. Bulk foams are shear-thinning fluids; but for foams with bubbles of order at least the typical pore size of the porous medium, the rheology cannot be described at the continuum scale, as viscous dissipation occurs mostly at the contact between soap films and solid walls. We have investigated the flow of an initially monodisperse foam through a transparent 2D porous medium[1]. The resulting complex flow phenomenology has been characterized quantitatively from optical measurements of the bubble dynamics. In addition to preferential flow path and local flow intermittency, we observe an irreversible evolution of the probability density function (PDF) for bubbles size as bubbles travel along the porous medium. This evolution is due to bubble fragmentation by lamella division, which is by far the dominant mechanism of film creation/destruction. We measure and characterize this evolution of the PDF as a function of the experimental parameters, and model it numerically based on a fragmentation equation, with excellent agreement. The model uses two ingredients obtained from the experimental data, namely the statistics of the bubble fragmentation rate and of the fragment size distributions[2]. It predicts a nearly-universal scaling of all PDFs as a function of the bubble area normalized by the initial mean bubble area. All the PDFs measured in various experiments, with different mean flow velocities, initial bubble sizes and foam qualities, collapse on a master distribution which is only dependent on the geometry of the medium.References:[1] B. Géraud, S. A. Jones, I. Cantat, B. Dollet & Y. Méheust (2016), WRR 52(2), 773-790. [2] B. Géraud, Y. Méheust, I. Cantat & B. Dollet (2017), Lamella division in a foam flowing through a two-dimensional porous medium: A model fragmentation process, PRL 118, 098003.

A Hair & a Fungus: Showing Kids the Size of a Microbe

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richter, Dana L.

2013-01-01

A simple method is presented to show kids the size of a microbe--a fungus hypha--compared to a human hair. Common household items are used to make sterile medium on a stove or hotplate, which is dispensed in the cells of a weekly plastic pill box. Mold fungi can be easily and safely grown on the medium from the classroom environment. A microscope…

Attitudes about OCLC in Small and Medium-Sized Libraries. Illinois Valley Library System OCLC Experimental Project. Report No. 4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bills, Linda G.; Wilford, Valerie

A project was conducted from 1980 to 1982 to determine the costs and benefits of OCLC use in 29 small and medium-sized member libraries of the Illinois Valley Library System (IVLS). Academic, school, public, and special libraries participated in the project. Based on written attitude surveys of and interviews with library directors, staff,…

Funding Continuing Training in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Discussion and Case Studies from across the EU. CEDEFOP Panorama Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pukkinen, Tommi; Romijn, Clemens; Elson-Rogers, Sarah

There are three main parts to this report of a study that used case studies to showcase the different approaches used to encourage more continuing training within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the European Union (EU). Section 1 discusses the importance of funding training in SMEs and highlights the various types of funding…

Concept of an Exchange Network for the Development of Vocational Training in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boudet, Rene

An examination of the ways in which vocational training can be extended to small and medium-sized enterprises in the European Economic Community, this document consists of: an introduction; four parts containing multiple chapters; 10 case studies; and a bibliography. Following the introduction, which is an update of a report made in 1985, part one…

The Soviet Union and Eastern Europe: A Bibliographic Guide to Recommended Books for Small and Medium-Sized Libraries and School Media Centers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Horak, Stephan M.

Intended to aid librarians in small- and medium-sized libraries and media centers, this annotated bibliography lists 1,555 books focusing on the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. The book is divided into four parts: (1) "General and Interrelated Themes--Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics and Eastern European Countries"; (2)…

Impact of Top Management Team on Firm Performance in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Adopting Commercial Open-Source Enterprise Resource Planning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cereola, Sandra J.; Wier, Benson; Norman, Carolyn Strand

2012-01-01

Based on the large number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the United States, their increasing interest in enterprise-wide software systems and their impact on the US economy, it is important to understand the determinants that can facilitate the successful implementation and assimilation of such technology into these firms' daily…

Lowest-energy cage structures of medium-sized ( ZnO )n clusters with n = 15 - 24

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Lingli; Sai, Linwei; Zhao, Jijun; Qiu, Ruifeng

2015-01-01

Fullerene-like cage structures of medium-sized ( ZnO )n clusters with n = 15 - 24 were generated by spiral algorithm and optimized using density functional theory calculations. Most of these lowest-energy cage structures contain only four-membered and six-membered rings, whereas eight-membered rings were found in the lowest-energy cages of ( ZnO )n (n = 19, 20, 23, 24). Our best cage configurations either reproduce or prevail the previously reported ones. The size-dependent electronic properties were also discussed.

Lowest-energy cage structures of medium-sized (ZnO){sub n} clusters with n = 15 − 24

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

Tang, Lingli; Sai, Linwei; Zhao, Jijun, E-mail: zhaojj@dlut.edu.cn

2015-01-22

Fullerene-like cage structures of medium-sized (ZnO){sub n} clusters with n = 15 − 24 were generated by spiral algorithm and optimized using density functional theory calculations. Most of these lowest-energy cage structures contain only four-membered and six-membered rings, whereas eight-membered rings were found in the lowest-energy cages of (ZnO){sub n} (n = 19, 20, 23, 24). Our best cage configurations either reproduce or prevail the previously reported ones. The size-dependent electronic properties were also discussed.

CC2 oscillator strengths within the local framework for calculating excitation energies (LoFEx).

PubMed

Baudin, Pablo; Kjærgaard, Thomas; Kristensen, Kasper

2017-04-14

In a recent work [P. Baudin and K. Kristensen, J. Chem. Phys. 144, 224106 (2016)], we introduced a local framework for calculating excitation energies (LoFEx), based on second-order approximated coupled cluster (CC2) linear-response theory. LoFEx is a black-box method in which a reduced excitation orbital space (XOS) is optimized to provide coupled cluster (CC) excitation energies at a reduced computational cost. In this article, we present an extension of the LoFEx algorithm to the calculation of CC2 oscillator strengths. Two different strategies are suggested, in which the size of the XOS is determined based on the excitation energy or the oscillator strength of the targeted transitions. The two strategies are applied to a set of medium-sized organic molecules in order to assess both the accuracy and the computational cost of the methods. The results show that CC2 excitation energies and oscillator strengths can be calculated at a reduced computational cost, provided that the targeted transitions are local compared to the size of the molecule. To illustrate the potential of LoFEx for large molecules, both strategies have been successfully applied to the lowest transition of the bivalirudin molecule (4255 basis functions) and compared with time-dependent density functional theory.

Free vibration analysis of embedded magneto-electro-thermo-elastic cylindrical nanoshell based on the modified couple stress theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghadiri, Majid; Safarpour, Hamed

2016-09-01

In this paper, size-dependent effect of an embedded magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) nanoshell subjected to thermo-electro-magnetic loadings on free vibration behavior is investigated. Also, the surrounding elastic medium has been considered as the model of Winkler characterized by the spring. The size-dependent MEE nanoshell is investigated on the basis of the modified couple stress theory. Taking attention to the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT), the modeled nanoshell and its equations of motion are derived using principle of minimum potential energy. The accuracy of the presented model is validated with some cases in the literature. Finally, using the Navier-type method, an analytical solution of governing equations for vibration behavior of simply supported MEE cylindrical nanoshell under combined loadings is presented and the effects of material length scale parameter, temperature changes, external electric potential, external magnetic potential, circumferential wave numbers, constant of spring, shear correction factor and length-to-radius ratio of the nanoshell on natural frequency are identified. Since there has been no research about size-dependent analysis MEE cylindrical nanoshell under combined loadings based on FSDT, numerical results are presented to be served as benchmarks for future analysis of MEE nanoshells using the modified couple stress theory.

[Occupational and non-occupational factors influencing health state of small and medium business workers].

PubMed

Fasikov, R M; Khuzhakhmetova, I B; Stepanov, E G

2010-01-01

Complex study of work conditions and health parameters of workers engaged into small and medium business proved that preserved and better health of these workers, prevention of occupational and occupationally mediated diseases necessitate federal and regional complex system of measures including legal basis, database on work conditions and their influence on small and medium business workers' health, occupational medicine training for employers and employees, more active involvement of medical institutioins into screening for occupational diseases.

Two new Species of Simulium (Simulium) (Diptera: Simuliidae) From Mount Murud, Sarawak, Malaysia.

PubMed

Takaoka, Hiroyuki; Ya'cob, Zubaidah; Sofian-Azirun, Mohd

2015-01-01

Two new species of black flies, Simulium (Simulium) murudense and Simulium (Simulium) cheedhangi, are described on the basis of females, males, pupae, and larvae collected in Mount Murud, Sarawak, Malaysia. Both species belong to the Simulium melanopus Edwards species group. S. (S.) murudense sp. nov. is distinguished from most known species by a combination of the haired basal portion of the radial vein and the darkened fore coxae, and S. (S.) cheedhangi sp. nov. is characterized in the female by having a medium-sized claw tooth and in the pupa by six somewhat inflated gill filaments. Notes are given on the S. melanopus species-group in Sarawak and Sabah. © The Authors 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

What role do local grocery stores play in urban food environments? A case study of Hartford-Connecticut.

PubMed

Martin, Katie S; Ghosh, Debarchana; Page, Martha; Wolff, Michele; McMinimee, Kate; Zhang, Mengyao

2014-01-01

Research on urban food environments emphasizes limited access to healthy food, with fewer large supermarkets and higher food prices. Many residents of Hartford, Connecticut, which is often considered a food desert, buy most of their food from small and medium-sized grocery stores. We examined the food environment in greater Hartford, comparing stores in Hartford to those in the surrounding suburbs, and by store size (small, medium, and large). We surveyed all small (over 1,000 ft2), medium, and large-sized supermarkets within a 2-mile radius of Hartford (36 total stores). We measured the distance to stores, availability, price and quality of a market basket of 25 items, and rated each store on internal and external appearance. Geographic Information System (GIS) was used for mapping distance to the stores and variation of food availability, quality, and appearance. Contrary to common literature, no significant differences were found in food availability and price between Hartford and suburban stores. However, produce quality, internal, and external store appearance were significantly lower in Hartford compared to suburban stores (all p<0.05). Medium-sized stores had significantly lower prices than small or large supermarkets (p<0.05). Large stores had better scores for internal (p<0.05), external, and produce quality (p<0.01). Most Hartford residents live within 0.5 to 1 mile distance to a grocery store. Classifying urban areas with few large supermarkets as 'food deserts' may overlook the availability of healthy foods and low prices that exist within small and medium-sized groceries common in inner cities. Improving produce quality and store appearance can potentially impact the food purchasing decisions of low-income residents in Hartford.

What Role Do Local Grocery Stores Play in Urban Food Environments? A Case Study of Hartford-Connecticut

PubMed Central

Martin, Katie S.; Ghosh, Debarchana; Page, Martha; Wolff, Michele; McMinimee, Kate; Zhang, Mengyao

2014-01-01

Introduction Research on urban food environments emphasizes limited access to healthy food, with fewer large supermarkets and higher food prices. Many residents of Hartford, Connecticut, which is often considered a food desert, buy most of their food from small and medium-sized grocery stores. We examined the food environment in greater Hartford, comparing stores in Hartford to those in the surrounding suburbs, and by store size (small, medium, and large). Methods We surveyed all small (over 1,000 ft2), medium, and large-sized supermarkets within a 2-mile radius of Hartford (36 total stores). We measured the distance to stores, availability, price and quality of a market basket of 25 items, and rated each store on internal and external appearance. Geographic Information System (GIS) was used for mapping distance to the stores and variation of food availability, quality, and appearance. Results Contrary to common literature, no significant differences were found in food availability and price between Hartford and suburban stores. However, produce quality, internal, and external store appearance were significantly lower in Hartford compared to suburban stores (all p<0.05). Medium-sized stores had significantly lower prices than small or large supermarkets (p<0.05). Large stores had better scores for internal (p<0.05), external, and produce quality (p<0.01). Most Hartford residents live within 0.5 to 1 mile distance to a grocery store. Discussion Classifying urban areas with few large supermarkets as ‘food deserts’ may overlook the availability of healthy foods and low prices that exist within small and medium-sized groceries common in inner cities. Improving produce quality and store appearance can potentially impact the food purchasing decisions of low-income residents in Hartford. PMID:24718579

VOLTTRON™: Tech-to-Market Best-Practices Guide for Small- and Medium-Sized Commercial Buildings

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

Cort, Katherine A.; Haack, Jereme N.; Katipamula, Srinivas

VOLTTRON™ is an open-source distributed control and sensing platform developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy. It was developed to be used by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to support transactive controls research and deployment activities. VOLTTRON is designed to be an overarching integration platform that could be used to bring together vendors, users, and developers and enable rapid application development and testing. The platform is designed to support modern control strategies, including the use of agent- and transaction-based controls. It also is designed to support the management of a wide rangemore » of applications, including heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems; electric vehicles; and distributed-energy and whole-building loads. This report was completed as part of the Building Technologies Office’s Technology-to-Market Initiative for VOLTTRON’s Market Validation and Business Case Development efforts. The report provides technology-to-market guidance and best practices related to VOLTTRON platform deployments and commercialization activities for use by entities serving small- and medium-sized commercial buildings. The report characterizes the platform ecosystem within the small- and medium-sized commercial building market and articulates the value proposition of VOLTTRON for three core participants in this ecosystem: 1) platform owners/adopters, 2) app developers, and 3) end-users. The report also identifies key market drivers and opportunities for open platform deployments in the small- and medium-sized commercial building market. Possible pathways to the market are described—laboratory testing to market adoption to commercialization. We also identify and address various technical and market barriers that could hinder deployment of VOLTTRON. Finally, we provide “best practice” tech-to-market guidance for building energy-related deployment efforts serving small- and medium-sized commercial buildings.« less

The Political Vocabulary of Hong Kong English.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Benson, Phil

1994-01-01

A study analyzed patterns of usage of political vocabulary in Hong Kong English as found in newspaper reports of a leading Hong Kong English-medium newspaper and two other English-medium newspapers. Data were drawn from a computerized corpus and a clippings file. The report begins with an overview of the theoretical basis of the study of ideology…

Expression of dopamine D2 receptor and choline acetyltransferase mRNA in the dopamine deafferented rat caudate-putamen.

PubMed

Brené, S; Lindefors, N; Herrera-Marschitz, M; Persson, H

1990-01-01

In situ hybridization was used to study dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) mRNA expression in neurons of the rat forebrain, both on control animals and after a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion of midbrain dopamine neurons. D2R mRNA expressing neurons were seen in regions which are known to be heavily innervated by midbrain dopamine fibers such as caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens and olfactory tubercle. ChAT mRNA expressing neurons were seen in caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens and septal regions including vertical limb of the diagonal band. In caudate-putamen, approximately 55% of the medium sized neurons, which is the predominating neuronal cell-size in this region, were specifically labeled with the D2R probe. In addition, approximately 95% of the large size neurons in caudate-putamen were specifically labeled with both the D2R and ChAT probes, suggesting that most cholinergic neurons in the caudate-putamen express D2R mRNA. After a unilateral lesion of midbrain dopamine neurons, no change in the level of either D2R or ChAT mRNA were seen in the large size intrinsic cholinergic neurons in caudate-putamen. Similarly, no evidence was obtained for altered levels of D2R mRNA in medium size neurons in medial caudate-putamen, or nucleus accumbens. However, an increase in the number of medium size neurons expressing D2R mRNA was observed in the lateral part of the dopamine deafferented caudate-putamen. Thus, it appears that midbrain dopamine deafferentation causes an increase in D2R mRNA expression in a subpopulation of medium size neurons in the lateral caudate-putamen.

Assessing the effectiveness of safeguards at a medium-sized spent-fuel reprocessing facility

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

Higinbotham, W.; Fishbone, L.G.; Suda, S.

1983-01-01

In order to evaluate carefully and systematically the effectiveness of safeguards at nuclear-fuel-cycle facilities, the International Atomic Energy Agency has adopted a safeguards effectiveness assessment methodology. The methodology has been applied to a well-characterized, medium-sized, spent-fuel reprocessing plant to understand how explicit safeguards inspection procedures would serve to expose conceivable nuclear materials diversion schemes, should such diversion occur.

Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Calendar: A Case Analysis of Faculty, Students and Administrative Opinions in a Medium-Sized Public Community College. Report 78-79-02.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parrish, Richard M.; Pascale, Marie

After reviewing types of college calendars (traditional semester, early semester, trimester, and quarter) and previous research on the use of various school calendars, this paper describes a survey conducted by Ocean County College, a medium-sized college currently using a traditional semester calendar, to determine the views of students, faculty,…

Graduate Transition into Work: The Bridging Role of Graduate Placement Programmes in the Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprise Workplace

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gallagher, Pádraig

2015-01-01

This research looks at the role of graduate placement programmes in bridging the gap between higher education and the small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector. The research design and methodology used in this study was exploratory, in-depth and qualitative in nature. The research took the form of a multiple case study and focused on seven…

Use of care management practices in small- and medium-sized physician groups: do public reporting of physician quality and financial incentives matter?

PubMed

Alexander, Jeffrey A; Maeng, Daniel; Casalino, Lawrence P; Rittenhouse, Diane

2013-04-01

To examine the effect of public reporting (PR) and financial incentives tied to quality performance on the use of care management practices (CMPs) among small- and medium-sized physician groups. Survey data from The National Study of Small and Medium-sized Physician Practices were used. Primary data collection was also conducted to assess community-level PR activities. The final sample included 643 practices engaged in quality reporting; about half of these practices were subject to PR. We used a treatment effects model. The instrumental variables were the community-level variables that capture the level of PR activity in each community in which the practices operate. (1) PR is associated with increased use of CMPs, but the estimate is not statistically significant; (2) financial incentives are associated with greater use of CMPs; (3) practices' awareness/sensitivity to quality reports is positively related to their use of CMPs; and (4) combined PR and financial incentives jointly affect CMP use to a greater degree than either of these factors alone. Small- to medium-sized practices appear to respond to PR and financial incentives by greater use of CMPs. Future research needs to investigate the appropriate mix and type of incentive arrangements and quality reporting. © Health Research and Educational Trust.

Pore-scale modeling of Capillary Penetration of Wetting Liquid into 3D Fibrous Media: A Critical Examination of Equivalent Capillary Concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palakurthi, Nikhil Kumar; Ghia, Urmila; Comer, Ken

2013-11-01

Capillary penetration of liquid through fibrous porous media is important in many applications such as printing, drug delivery patches, sanitary wipes, and performance fabrics. Historically, capillary transport (with a distinct liquid propagating front) in porous media is modeled using capillary-bundle theory. However, it is not clear if the capillary model (Washburn equation) describes the fluid transport in porous media accurately, as it assumes uniformity of pore sizes in the porous medium. The present work investigates the limitations of the applicability of the capillary model by studying liquid penetration through virtual fibrous media with uniform and non-uniform pore-sizes. For the non-uniform-pore fibrous medium, the effective capillary radius of the fibrous medium was estimated from the pore-size distribution curve. Liquid penetration into the 3D virtual fibrous medium at micro-scale was simulated using OpenFOAM, and the numerical results were compared with the Washburn-equation capillary-model predictions. Preliminary results show that the Washburn equation over-predicts the height rise in the early stages (purely inertial and visco-inertial stages) of capillary transport.

Feeding strategy and cannibalism of the Argentine hake Merluccius hubbsi.

PubMed

Ocampo Reinaldo, M; González, R; Romero, M A

2011-12-01

The diet composition and feeding strategy of the Argentine hake Merluccius hubbsi in the San Matías Gulf were analysed in order to use this information for the sustainable management of the fishery. Merluccius hubbsi behaved as an opportunistic predator. Small M. hubbsi consumed planktonic crustaceans, whereas medium and large fish ate numerous prey taxa with low frequency of occurrence and variable specific abundance. Intra- and intercohort cannibalism were detected in all size groups and were particularly significant in large M. hubbsi. Medium-sized M. hubbsi consumed small conspecifics and large-sized M. hubbsi consumed both small and medium M. hubbsi. These results indicate that the removal of large M. hubbsi by fishing may increase the risk of overfishing by two combined effects: a direct effect of recruitment-overfishing and an indirect effect of growth-overfishing through an enhanced cannibalism of medium M. hubbsi on small M. hubbsi. Intra- and intercohort cannibalism and other trophic relationships in the M. hubbsi should therefore be considered explicitly in stock assessment models. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of Fish Biology © 2011 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Commercial Internet Adoption in China: Comparing the Experience of Small, Medium and Large Businesses.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riquelme, Hernan

2002-01-01

Describes a study of small, medium, and large enterprises in Shanghai, China that investigated which size companies benefit the most from the Internet. Highlights include leveling the ground for small and medium enterprises (SMEs); increased sales and cost savings for large companies; and competitive advantages. (LRW)

Implications of Requiring New Production of Older Aircraft Types (less than 75,000 pounds) to Meet Amended Noise Standards.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-06-01

ratio CF700 engine, do not qualify, but in each case the producer has plans for, or is delivering a model using the TFE731 engine that does qualify. CF700...the size range, namely, the Learjets using the CJ610 engine and the Gulfstream 3 using the Spey. All medium-sized jets using the TFE731 are quieter...very few engines available for aircraft in each size range: the JT15 and CJ610 for small aircraft, the CF700, ATF3, and TFE731 for medium aircraft and

The Short- to Medium-Term Predictive Accuracy of Static and Dynamic Risk Assessment Measures in a Secure Forensic Hospital

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chu, Chi Meng; Thomas, Stuart D. M.; Ogloff, James R. P.; Daffern, Michael

2013-01-01

Although violence risk assessment knowledge and practice has advanced over the past few decades, it remains practically difficult to decide which measures clinicians should use to assess and make decisions about the violence potential of individuals on an ongoing basis, particularly in the short to medium term. Within this context, this study…

Enhancement of the thermal transport in a culture medium with Au nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiménez-Pérez, J. L.; Fuentes, R. Gutierrez; Alvarado, E. Maldonado; Ramón-Gallegos, E.; Cruz-Orea, A.; Tánori-Cordova, J.; Mendoza-Alvarez, J. G.

2008-11-01

In this work, it is reported the gold nanoparticles synthesis, their characterization, and their application to the enhancement of the thermal transport in a cellular culture medium. The Au nanoparticles (NPs), with average size of 10 nm, contained into a culture medium (DMEM (1)/F12(1)) (CM) increased considerably the heat transfer in the medium. Thermal lens spectrometry (TLS) was used to measure the thermal diffusivity of the nanofluids. The characteristic time constant of the transient thermal lens was obtained by fitting the theoretical expression, for transient thermal lens, to the experimental data. Our results show that the thermal diffusivity of the culture medium is highly sensitive to the Au nanoparticle concentration and size. The ability to modify the thermal properties to nanometer scale becomes very important in medical applications as in the case of cancer treatment by using photodynamic therapy (PDT). A complementary study with UV-vis and TEM techniques was performed to characterize the Au nanoparticles.

Real-world cost-effectiveness of infliximab for moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis in a medium-sized city of China.

PubMed

Li, Jingyang; Wen, Zhenhua; Cai, Anlie; Tian, Feng; Zhang, Liang; Luo, Xiaowen; Deng, Li; He, Jingyun; Yang, Yicheng; Chen, Wendong

2017-05-01

To assess the cost-effectiveness of infliximab-containing therapy (ICT) for moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a medium-sized Chinese city. A Chinese prospective cohort study comparing ICT (25 patients) versus conventional disease-modified antirheumatic drugs (24 patients) for RA was used to assess the cost-effectiveness of ICT. The cohort study observed significantly reduced disease activity score of 28 joints (coefficient -2.718, p < 0.001), improved EQ-5D (coefficient 0.453, p < 0.001) and increased medical costs (coefficient 1.289, p < 0.001) associated with ICT. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per gained quality-adjusted life year for ICT versus disease-modified antirheumatic drugs was 1.897-times of the local gross domestic product per capita. Infliximab was a favorable cost-effective alternative option for moderate-to-severe RA in a medium-sized city of China.

[Company integration management in small and medium-sized companies. Legal requirements and prerequisites for successful implementation].

PubMed

Ramm, D; Mahnke, C; Tauscher, A; Welti, F; Seider, H; Shafaei, R

2012-01-01

The article is based on the results of the project “Company integration management in small and medium-sized companies. Legal requirements and prerequisites for a successful implementation” (01 January 2009-31 August 2010). Since 2004 all employers have been legally bound to offer company integration management (BEM, Betriebliches Eingliederungsmanagement) for all employees who have been incapacitated for work for more than 6 weeks within a year (Section 84 SGB IX, Book 9 of the German Social Code). Objective of this law is to ensure ongoing employment. The aim of the study was to investigate the requirements companies, rehabilitation centres and services as well as social insurance institutions are faced with according to Section 84 SGB IX. Prerequisites for an effective implementation of BEM in small and medium-sized enterprises were analyzed. Protocol-based interviews with experts were adopted. A total of 38 interviews with experts were carried out. The experts interviewed were either willing to give information by interest (concernment) or were named by law as an initiator or co-operator in the process of integration. A substantial literature research was performed in advance of the interviews. The awareness level of BEM is still very low even 7 years after its introduction. Small and medium-sized enterprises do not have any significant experiential knowledge of long-term incapacity for work and, hence, about BEM. Due to a lack of workers representation in many small and medium companies, management does not receive initiatives or support in implementation of BEM from employees' side. Employers prefer a central contact point providing them with the information and help needed, the common service units, however, being widely unknown in this context. Cost comparisons suggest that a company integration management might be more cost-effective than dismissing employees who are incapacitated for some fields of work. These findings might even hold true for small and medium-sized companies. Social insurance institutions are aware of company integration management; however there is a substantial lack of experience. There is some evidence that incentives and bonuses according to Section 84, 3 SGB IX would not have any significant impact on the implementation of company integration management in small and medium-sized enterprises. POLICY RECOMMENDATION: All relevant actors in the field of company integration management should reassess their possibilities to advocate integration management. Not only employees but also employers and social security institutions will benefit from comprehensive implementation of company integration management. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

A qualitative study of pandemic influenza preparedness among small and medium-sized businesses in New York City.

PubMed

Burton, Deron C; Confield, Evan; Gasner, Mary Rose; Weisfuse, Isaac

2011-10-01

Small businesses need to engage in continuity planning to assure delivery of goods and services and to sustain the economy during an influenza pandemic. This is especially true in New York City, where 98 per cent of businesses have fewer than 100 employees. It was an objective therefore, to determine pandemic influenza business continuity practices and strategies suitable for small and medium-sized NYC businesses. The study design used focus groups, and the participants were owners and managers of businesses with fewer than 500 employees in New York City. The main outcome measures looked for were the degree of pandemic preparedness, and the feasibility of currently proposed business continuity strategies. Most participants reported that their businesses had no pandemic influenza plan. Agreement with feasibility of specific business continuity strategies was influenced by the type of business represented, cost of the strategy, and business size. It was concluded that recommendations for pandemic-related business continuity plans for small and medium-sized businesses should be tailored to the type and size of business and should highlight the broad utility of the proposed strategies to address a range of business stressors.

A study on size effect of carboxymethyl starch nanogel crosslinked by electron beam radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Binh, Doan; Pham Thi Thu Hong; Nguyen Ngoc Duy; Nguyen Thanh Duoc; Nguyen Nguyet Dieu

2012-07-01

The formation of carboxymethyl starch (CMS) nanogel with 50 nm less particle size was carried out through a radiation crosslinked process on the electron beam (EB) linear accelerator. Changes of intrinsic viscosities and weight averaged molecular weight in the CMS concentration, which ranged from 3 to 10 mg ml-1 in absorbed doses were investigated. There were some new peaks in the 1H NMR spectra of CMS nanogel compared with those of CMS polymer. These results were anticipated that the predominant intramolecular crosslinking of dilute CMS aqueous solution occurred while being exposed to a short intense pulse of ionizing radiation. Hydrodynamic radius (often called particle size, Rh) and distribution of particle size were measured by a dynamic light scattering technique. The radiation yield of intermolecular crosslinking of CMS solution was calculated from the expression of Gx (Charlesby, 1960; Jung-Chul, 2010). The influence of the "size effect" was demonstrated by testing culture of Lactobacillus bacteria on MRS agar culture medium containing CMS nanogel and polymer. Results showed that the number of Lactobacillus bacteria growing on nanogel containing culture medium is about 170 cfu/ml and on polymer containing culture medium is only 6 cfu/ml.

Nanoparticle dispersion in environmentally relevant culture media: a TiO2 case study and considerations for a general approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horst, Allison M.; Ji, Zhaoxia; Holden, Patricia A.

2012-08-01

Nanoparticle exposure in toxicity studies requires that nanoparticles are bioavailable by remaining highly dispersed in culture media. However, reported dispersion approaches are variable, mostly study-specific, and not transferable owing to their empirical basis. Furthermore, many published approaches employ proteinaceous dispersants in rich laboratory media, both of which represent end members in environmental scenarios. Here, a systematic approach was developed to disperse initially agglomerated TiO2 nanoparticles (Aeroxide® TiO2 P25, Evonik, NJ; primary particle size range 6.4-73.8 nm) in oligotrophic culture medium for environmentally relevant bacterial toxicity studies. Based on understanding particle-particle interactions in aqueous media and maintaining environmental relevance, the approach involves (1) quantifying the relationship between pH and zeta potential to determine the point of zero charge of select nanoparticles in water; (2) nominating, then testing and selecting, environmentally relevant stabilizing agents; and (3) dispersing via "condition and capture" whereby stock dry powder nanoparticles are sonicated in pre-conditioned (with base, or acid, plus stabilizing agent) water, then diluted into culture media. The "condition and capture" principle is transferable to other nanoparticle and media chemistries: simultaneously, mechanically and electrostatically, nanoparticles can be dispersed with surrounding stabilizers that coat and sterically hinder reagglomeration in the culture medium.

Portion Size Labeling and Intended Soft Drink Consumption: The Impact of Labeling Format and Size Portfolio

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vermeer, Willemijn M.; Steenhuis, Ingrid H. M.; Leeuwis, Franca H.; Bos, Arjan E. R.; de Boer, Michiel; Seidell, Jacob C.

2010-01-01

Objective: To assess what portion size labeling "format" is most promising in helping consumers selecting appropriate soft drink sizes, and whether labeling impact depends on the size portfolio. Methods: An experimental study was conducted in fast-food restaurants in which 2 labeling formats (ie, reference portion size and small/medium/large…

Influence of fragment size and postoperative joint congruency on long-term outcome of posterior malleolar fractures.

PubMed

Drijfhout van Hooff, Cornelis Christiaan; Verhage, Samuel Marinus; Hoogendoorn, Jochem Maarten

2015-06-01

One of the factors contributing to long-term outcome of posterior malleolar fractures is the development of osteoarthritis. Based on biomechanical, cadaveric, and small population studies, fixation of posterior malleolar fracture fragments (PMFFs) is usually performed when fragment size exceeds 25-33%. However, the influence of fragment size on long-term clinical and radiological outcome size remains unclear. A retrospective cohort study of 131 patients treated for an isolated ankle fracture with involvement of the posterior malleolus was performed. Mean follow-up was 6.9 (range, 2.5-15.9) years. Patients were divided into groups depending on size of the fragment, small (<5%, n = 20), medium (5-25%, n = 86), or large (>25%, n = 25), and presence of step-off after operative treatment. We have compared functional outcome measures (AOFAS, AAOS), pain (VAS), and dorsiflexion restriction compared to the contralateral ankle and the incidence of osteoarthritis on X-ray. There were no nonunions, 56% of patients had no radiographic osteoarthritis, VAS was 10 of 100, and median clinical score was 90 of 100. More osteoarthritis occurred in ankle fractures with medium and large PMFFs compared to small fragments (small 16%, medium 48%, large 54%; P = .006). Also when comparing small with medium-sized fragments (P = .02), larger fragment size did not lead to a significantly decreased function (median AOFAS 95 vs 88, P = .16). If the PMFF size was >5%, osteoarthritis occurred more frequently when there was a postoperative step-off ≥1 mm in the tibiotalar joint surface (41% vs 61%, P = .02) (whether the posterior fragment had been fixed or not). In this group, fixing the PMFF did not influence development of osteoarthritis. However, in 42% of the cases with fixation of the fragment a postoperative step-off remained (vs 45% in the group without fixation). Osteoarthritis is 1 component of long-term outcome of malleolar fractures, and the results of this study demonstrate that there was more radiographic osteoarthritis in patients with medium and large posterior fragments than in those with small fragments. Radiographic osteoarthritis also occurred more frequently when postoperative step-off was 1 mm or more, whether the posterior fragment was fixed or not. However, clinical scores were not different for these groups. Level IV, retrospective case series. © The Author(s) 2015.

Assessment of management and basic beef quality assurance practices on Idaho dairies.

PubMed

Glaze, J B; Chahine, M

2009-03-01

In 2004 a mail-in survey was conducted to establish a baseline level of awareness and knowledge related to dairy beef quality assurance (BQA) issues in Idaho. A 30-question survey was mailed to every (n = 736) registered Idaho dairy. Two-hundred seventy-three (37%) dairies participated and were categorized as small (n <201 cows; 53.5%), medium-sized (n = 201 to 1,000 cows; 27.1%) or large (n >1,000 cows; 19.4%). The majority of respondents were dairy owners (83%). Eighty-nine percent of respondents indicated they followed BQA recommendations for animal care. The neck region in cows was used by 68% of respondents for i.m. injections and by 80% for s.c. injections. In calves, the values were 61 and 78%, respectively. Seventy-four percent of respondents indicated they had been trained for injections. Training methods cited included veterinarians (19.8%), dairy owners (16.8%), experience (9.9%), and BQA events or schools (4.5%). The importance of BQA in the dairy industry was rated 2.6 on a 5-point scale (0 = low; 4 = high). Participants rated the effect of dairy animals on the beef industry at 2.5. Plastic ear tags were the preferred method of animal identification, with 100% of large dairies, 97.3% of medium-sized dairies, and 84% of small dairies citing their use. Less than 10% used electronic identification for their animals. Almost half (48%) of large and medium-sized (49%) dairies and 32% of small dairies supported a national animal identification program. A mandatory identification program was supported by 41, 69, and 59% for small, medium-sized, and large dairies, respectively. The percentage of dairies keeping records was similar between small (93%), medium-sized (99%), and large (100%) dairies. Most small dairies (58%) used some form of paper records, whereas most medium-sized (85%) and large (100%) dairies used computers for record keeping. The preferred method to market cull cows by Idaho dairies was the auction market (64%), followed by order buyers (17%), direct to the packer (17%), private treaty sales (16%), and forward contracts (1%). To market calves, dairies used private treaty sales (52%), auction markets (42%), order buyers (14%), and forward contracts (1%). The results of this study will be used by University of Idaho Extension faculty in the design, development, and delivery of dairy BQA program information and materials.

Effects of PEG-induced osmotic stress on growth and dhurrin levels of forage sorghum.

PubMed

O'Donnell, Natalie H; Møller, Birger Lindberg; Neale, Alan D; Hamill, John D; Blomstedt, Cecilia K; Gleadow, Roslyn M

2013-12-01

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a valuable forage crop in regions with low soil moisture. Sorghum may accumulate high concentrations of the cyanogenic glucoside dhurrin when drought stressed resulting in possible cyanide (HCN) intoxication of grazing animals. In addition, high concentrations of nitrate, also potentially toxic to ruminants, may accumulate during or shortly after periods of drought. Little is known about the degree and duration of drought-stress required to induce dhurrin accumulation, or how changes in dhurrin concentration are influenced by plant size or nitrate metabolism. Given that finely regulating soil moisture under controlled conditions is notoriously difficult, we exposed sorghum plants to varying degrees of osmotic stress by growing them for different lengths of time in hydroponic solutions containing polyethylene glycol (PEG). Plants grown in medium containing 20% PEG (-0.5 MPa) for an extended period had significantly higher concentrations of dhurrin in their shoots but lower dhurrin concentrations in their roots. The total amount of dhurrin in the shoots of plants from the various treatments was not significantly different on a per mass basis, although a greater proportion of shoot N was allocated to dhurrin. Following transfer from medium containing 20% PEG to medium lacking PEG, shoot dhurrin concentrations decreased but nitrate concentrations increased to levels potentially toxic to grazing ruminants. This response is likely due to the resumption of plant growth and root activity, increasing the rate of nitrate uptake. Data presented in this article support a role for cyanogenic glucosides in mitigating oxidative stress. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Finance salaries. Account the cost.

PubMed

Robling, Andy

2003-02-06

Post-qualification salaries have increased by 4-7 per cent, a slowdown on last year's figures when increases were often more than 10 per cent. The highest increases this year tended to be in medium-sized trusts where newly qualified accountants' salaries rose 8.2 per cent. Directors of finance in large trusts earn about 20 per cent more than in medium trusts and about 40 per cent more than in small ones. Newly qualified accountants in large trusts earn 5 per cent more than in medium-sized trusts and 13 per cent more than in small ones. The survey is based on an analysis of salaries from Hays' jobs database, and salaries of registered candidates.

Fem Formulation for Heat and Mass Transfer in Porous Medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azeem; Soudagar, Manzoor Elahi M.; Salman Ahmed, N. J.; Anjum Badruddin, Irfan

2017-08-01

Heat and mass transfer in porous medium can be modelled using three partial differential equations namely, momentum equation, energy equation and mass diffusion. These three equations are coupled to each other by some common terms that turn the whole phenomenon into a complex problem with inter-dependable variables. The current article describes the finite element formulation of heat and mass transfer in porous medium with respect to Cartesian coordinates. The problem under study is formulated into algebraic form of equations by using Galerkin's method with the help of two-node linear triangular element having three nodes. The domain is meshed with smaller sized elements near the wall region and bigger size away from walls.

[Problems of implementing integration management at company level in small and medium-sized enterprises].

PubMed

Hetzel, C; Flach, T; Weber, A; Schian, H-M

2006-05-01

At company level responsibility increases for the employment of workers with health-related problems or disabilities, but realisation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) is lacking. Therefore a model is developed based on theory and a survey. Minimum requirements for "betriebliches Eingliederungsmanagement" (integration management at company level) according to section 84 (2) SGB IX Book 9 of the German Social Code, the main products of the international movement "disability management", a description of roles for realisation and the main sources of employers' support are described. Although external supporting of SMEs is unquestioned, it is expensive and retards own initiative and own activity counting solely on this. Only by developing a minimum of SME's awareness, acceptance and competence, this will open up to (currently suboptimal) external support. Goal is identifying SME managers' attitudes, activities, proposals and expectations referring integration management at company level to derive concepts of SME's support. 13 interviews are analysed by qualitative content analysis identifying the following barriers: information deficit, absence of priority, limited possibilities for transitional work, cost, partially limited workers' self-responsibility, illness as a "tabes" subject. Possibilities overcoming these barriers are delineated. On that basis a model is presented: pragmatically for realisation, a company contact person with minimum competence, uniform external support, institutional partners' integration and quality assurance according to disability management. Interlocking SME world and social insurance world means first to support SME's awareness, acceptance and competence, second to create for SME a central contact in the "rehabilitation jungle" and third to develop SME-suitable premiums according to section 84 (3) SGB IX, Book 9 of the German social code.

Attempt to probe nuclear charge radii by cluster and proton emissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Yibin; Ren, Zhongzhou; Ni, Dongdong

2013-05-01

We deduce the rms nuclear charge radii for ground states of light and medium-mass nuclei from experimental data of cluster radioactivity and proton emission in a unified framework. On the basis of the density-dependent cluster model, the calculated decay half-lives are obtained within the modified two-potential approach. The charge distribution of emitted clusters in the cluster decay and that of daughter nuclei in the proton emission are determined to correspondingly reproduce the experimental half-lives within the folding model. The obtained charge distribution is then employed to give the rms charge radius of the studied nuclei. Satisfactory agreement between theory and experiment is achieved for available experimental data, and the present results are found to be consistent with theoretical estimations. This study is expected to be helpful in the future detection of nuclear sizes, especially for these exotic nuclei near the proton dripline.

Survival, physical and physiological changes of Taenia hydatigena eggs under different conditions of water stress.

PubMed

Sánchez Thevenet, Paula; Alvarez, Hector Manuel; Basualdo, Juan Angel

2017-06-01

Taenia hydatigena eggs were investigated for morphological and physiological changes under water stress conditions. Fresh eggs were exposed at 31%, 47% and 89% of relative humidity (RH), and survival, size and ultrastructural changes were accounted up to 365 days of exposition. The article shows how each RH environment affects the vitality of the eggs. Results of this study suggest that T. hydatigena eggs have mechanisms to withstand water stress, indicating that the eggs clustering improves protection against desiccation, and that endogenous metabolism using triacylglycerols play an important role in the maintenance of embryo vitality under low, medium and high relative humidity conditions. This contributes to understanding the water stress resistance mechanism in eggs belonging to Taeniidae family. The findings shown herein have provided a basis to better comprehend basic biology and epidemiology of the cysticercosis caused by T. hydatigena. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Applying the relaxation model of interfacial heat transfer to calculate the liquid outflow with supercritical initial parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alekseev, M. V.; Vozhakov, I. S.; Lezhnin, S. I.; Pribaturin, N. A.

2017-09-01

A comparative numerical simulation of the supercritical fluid outflow on the thermodynamic equilibrium and non-equilibrium relaxation models of phase transition for different times of relaxation has been performed. The model for the fixed relaxation time based on the experimentally determined radius of liquid droplets was compared with the model of dynamically changing relaxation time, calculated by the formula (7) and depending on local parameters. It is shown that the relaxation time varies significantly depending on the thermodynamic conditions of the two-phase medium in the course of outflowing. The application of the proposed model with dynamic relaxation time leads to qualitatively correct results. The model can be used for both vaporization and condensation processes. It is shown that the model can be improved on the basis of processing experimental data on the distribution of the droplet sizes formed during the breaking up of the liquid jet.

Effects of research tool patents on biotechnology innovation in a developing country: A case study of South Korea

PubMed Central

Kang, Kyung-Nam; Ryu, Tae-Kyu; Lee, Yoon-Sik

2009-01-01

Background Concerns have recently been raised about the negative effects of patents on innovation. In this study, the effects of patents on innovations in the Korean biotech SMEs (small and medium-sized entrepreneurs) were examined using survey data and statistical analysis. Results The survey results of this study provided some evidence that restricted access problems have occurred even though their frequency was not high. Statistical analysis revealed that difficulties in accessing patented research tools were not negatively correlated with the level of innovation performance and attitudes toward the patent system. Conclusion On the basis of the results of this investigation in combination with those of previous studies, we concluded that although restricted access problems have occurred, this has not yet deterred innovation in Korea. However, potential problems do exist, and the effects of restricted access should be constantly scrutinized. PMID:19321013

A new form of Elongatoolithidae, Undulatoolithus pengi oogen. et oosp. nov. from Pingxiang, Jiangxi, China.

PubMed

Wang, Qiang; Zhao, Zikui; Wang, Xiaolin; Li, Ning; Zou, Songlin

2013-12-10

A new oogenus and oospecies of the Elongatoolithidae, Undulatoolithus pengi oogen. et oosp. nov., is described on the basis of specimens from the Upper Cretaceous Zhoutian Formation of the Pingxiang Basin, Jiangxi Province, China. The eggs are slightly asymmetrical, paired, and lay radially-oriented in a circular configuration within the clutch, and most suggestive of Macroolithus of the Elongatoolithidae by medium-sized eggs with average polar axis and equatorial diameter of 19.36 and 8.35 cm, and the ornamentation pattern of nodes and ridges on the outer surface. The new oogenus differs from Macroolithus in its prominent ridges 0.67 mm in height, about half of the entire eggshell thickness, gradational boundary between the cone layer and the overlying columnar layer, cone layer-to-columnar layer thickness ratio of 1/8 or 1/4. This discovery adds new data on the morphology and diversification of Late Cretaceous elongatoolithid ootaxa. 

Effects of research tool patents on biotechnology innovation in a developing country: a case study of South Korea.

PubMed

Kang, Kyung-Nam; Ryu, Tae-Kyu; Lee, Yoon-Sik

2009-03-26

Concerns have recently been raised about the negative effects of patents on innovation. In this study, the effects of patents on innovations in the Korean biotech SMEs (small and medium-sized entrepreneurs) were examined using survey data and statistical analysis. The survey results of this study provided some evidence that restricted access problems have occurred even though their frequency was not high. Statistical analysis revealed that difficulties in accessing patented research tools were not negatively correlated with the level of innovation performance and attitudes toward the patent system. On the basis of the results of this investigation in combination with those of previous studies, we concluded that although restricted access problems have occurred, this has not yet deterred innovation in Korea. However, potential problems do exist, and the effects of restricted access should be constantly scrutinized.

Complex Dynamics in Information Sharing Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cronin, Bruce

This study examines the roll-out of an electronic knowledge base in a medium-sized professional services firm over a six year period. The efficiency of such implementation is a key business problem in IT systems of this type. Data from usage logs provides the basis for analysis of the dynamic evolution of social networks around the depository during this time. The adoption pattern follows an "s-curve" and usage exhibits something of a power law distribution, both attributable to network effects, and network position is associated with organisational performance on a number of indicators. But periodicity in usage is evident and the usage distribution displays an exponential cut-off. Further analysis provides some evidence of mathematical complexity in the periodicity. Some implications of complex patterns in social network data for research and management are discussed. The study provides a case study demonstrating the utility of the broad methodological approach.

[The use of learning computers in the general educational system: hygienic aspects].

PubMed

Teksheva, L M; El'ksnina, E V; Perminov, M A

2007-01-01

The use of learning computers (LCs) in a present-day academic process poses for hygienists and physiologists new problems, such as to evaluate the influence of LCs on schoolchildren's health and to substantiate and to develop the ways of drawing up and presenting the materials in terms of their readability and regulation of learning regimens. Analysis of the currently available LCs has established the factors contributing to the accelerated development of visual and overall fatigue, its accumulation: the brightness characteristics of electronic pages, including both the violation of the allowable brightness levels and the irregularity of intensity distribution; a significant inadequacy of type sizes; a great variety of lettering and coloring. The recent LCs for general education are the visual aggressive medium for schoolchildren, which is certain to require their hygienic evaluation on the basis of specially developed hygienic requirements for LCs.

[New nutrient medium for the cultivation and isolation of the plague microbe ChDS-37 as an element of the mobilization reserve of specialized antiepidemic teams of the Russian Inspectorate for the Protection of Consumer Rights and Human Welfare].

PubMed

Mazrukho, A B; Kaminskiĭ, D I; Lomov, Yu M; Telesmanich, N P; Rozhkov, K K; Alutin, I M; Pukhov, Yu M; Prometnoĭ, V I; Fetsaĭlova, O P; Bulakhova, O G; Firsova, I A; Smolikova, L M; Bozhko, N V; Ivanova, V S; Burlakova, O S; Verkina, L M; Trukhachev, A L; Akulova, M V

2011-04-01

A new nutrient medium has been designed to culture and isolate the plague microbe ChDS-37 on the basis of the pancreatic digest of baker's yeast. The results of laboratory tests of the designed medium, by using 10 plague microbe strains and those of approval during the tactical and special training of a specialized antiepidemic team (SAET), suggest that the medium has some advantage over reference media and creates prerequisites for being incorporated into the mobilization reserve of a SAET.

Increased expression of CaV3.2 T-type calcium channels in damaged DRG neurons contributes to neuropathic pain in rats with spared nerve injury.

PubMed

Kang, Xue-Jing; Chi, Ye-Nan; Chen, Wen; Liu, Feng-Yu; Cui, Shuang; Liao, Fei-Fei; Cai, Jie; Wan, You

2018-01-01

Ion channels are very important in the peripheral sensitization in neuropathic pain. Our present study aims to investigate the possible contribution of Ca V 3.2 T-type calcium channels in damaged dorsal root ganglion neurons in neuropathic pain. We established a neuropathic pain model of rats with spared nerve injury. In these model rats, it was easy to distinguish damaged dorsal root ganglion neurons (of tibial nerve and common peroneal nerve) from intact dorsal root ganglion neurons (of sural nerves). Our results showed that Ca V 3.2 protein expression increased in medium-sized neurons from the damaged dorsal root ganglions but not in the intact ones. With whole cell patch clamp recording technique, it was found that after-depolarizing amplitudes of the damaged medium-sized dorsal root ganglion neurons increased significantly at membrane potentials of -85 mV and -95 mV. These results indicate a functional up-regulation of Ca V 3.2 T-type calcium channels in the damaged medium-sized neurons after spared nerve injury. Behaviorally, blockade of Ca V 3.2 with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides could significantly reverse mechanical allodynia. These results suggest that Ca V 3.2 T-type calcium channels in damaged medium-sized dorsal root ganglion neurons might contribute to neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury.

Direct traumatic carotid cavernous fistula: angiographic classification and treatment strategies. Study of 172 cases.

PubMed

Chi, Cuong Tran; Nguyen, Dang; Duc, Vo Tan; Chau, Huynh Hong; Son, Vo Tan

2014-01-01

We report our experience in treatment of traumatic direct carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) via endovascular intervention. We hereof recommend an additional classification system for type A CCF and suggest respective treatment strategies. Only type A CCF patients (Barrow's classification) would be recruited for the study. Based on the angiographic characteristics of the CCF, we classified type A CCF into three subtypes including small size, medium size and large size fistula depending on whether there was presence of the anterior carotid artery (ACA) and/or middle carotid artery (MCA). Angiograms with opacification of both ACA and MCA were categorized as small size fistula. Angiograms with opacification of either ACA or MCA were categorized as medium size fistula and those without opacification of neither ACA nor MCA were classified as large size fiatula. After the confirm angiogram, endovascular embolization would be performed impromptu using detachable balloon, coils or both. All cases were followed up for complication and effect after the embolization. A total of 172 direct traumatic CCF patients were enrolled. The small size fistula was accountant for 12.8% (22 cases), medium size 35.5% (61 cases) and large size fistula accountant for 51.7% (89 cases). The successful rate of fistula occlusion under endovascular embolization was 94% with preservation of the carotid artery in 70%. For the treatment of each subtype, a total of 21/22 cases of the small size fistulas were successfully treated using coils alone. The other single case of small fistula was defaulted. Most of the medium and large size fistulas were cured using detachable balloons. When the fistula sealing could not be obtained using detachable balloon, coils were added to affirm the embolization of the cavernous sinus via venous access. There were about 2.9% of patient experienced direct carotid artery puncture and 0.6% puncture after carotid artery cut-down exposure. About 30% of cases experienced sacrifice of the parent vessels and it was associated with sizes of the fistula. Total severe complication was about 2.4% which included 1 death (0.6%) due to vagal shock; 1 transient hemiparesis post-sacrifice occlusion of the carotid artery but the patient had recovered after 3 months; 1 acute thrombus embolism and the patient was completely saved with recombinant tissue plaminogen activator (rTPA); 1 balloon dislodgement then got stuck at the anterior communicating artery but the patient was asymptomatic. Endovascular intervention as the treatment of direct traumatic CCF had high cure rate and low complication with its ability to preserve the carotid artery. It also can supply flexible accesses to the fistulous site with various alternative embolic materials. The new classification of type A CCF based on angiographic features was helpful for planning for the embolization. Coil should be considered as the first embolic material for small size fistula meanwhile detachable balloons was suggested as the first-choice embolic agent for the medium and large size fistula.

Linking human capital and enterprise sustainability in Indonesian medium-sized food manufacturing enterprises: the role of informal knowledge sharing practice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sunardi, O.

2017-12-01

Medium-sized food manufacturing enterprises in Indonesia are significant in a number of contexts, in terms of their part to the national production (GDP) and their establishment to the employment. In term of their role to national production, manufacturing sector contributes the highest GDP by 85%. In this sector, food manufacturing subsector contributes the highest GDP. Nevertheless, they faced the same common problems: quality of human capital and sustainability issues. Previous government supplementary programs have been established to expand the human capital capability amongst medium enterprises. Adequate amount of fund has been apportioned to develop human capital, though, the medium enterprises sustainability is still in question. This study proposes and examines the human capital role from informal knowledge sharing perspective. By conducting qualitative approach through interviews to four informants in Indonesian medium-sized food manufacturing enterprises, a set of hypotheses is derived from this study for future quantitative study. This study indicates that human capital traits (diverse education background, employee skills, and employee experience) could leverage the practice of informal knowledge sharing. Constructs such as mutual trust and reciprocal intention could play as mediating variables, and cultural interpretation perspective could act as moderating factor to informal knowledge sharing effectiveness. In final, informal knowledge sharing is indicated to play as moderating variable for human capital policy and practice to support enterprise sustainability.

Flow of foams in two-dimensional disordered porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dollet, Benjamin; Geraud, Baudouin; Jones, Sian A.; Meheust, Yves; Cantat, Isabelle; Institut de Physique de Rennes Team; Geosciences Rennes Team

2015-11-01

Liquid foams are a yield stress fluid with elastic properties. When a foam flow is confined by solid walls, viscous dissipation arises from the contact zones between soap films and walls, giving very peculiar friction laws. In particular, foams potentially invade narrow pores much more efficiently than Newtonian fluids, which is of great importance for enhanced oil recovery. To quantify this effect, we study experimentally flows of foam in a model two-dimensional porous medium, consisting of an assembly of circular obstacles placed randomly in a Hele-Shaw cell, and use image analysis to quantify foam flow at the local scale. We show that bubbles split as they flow through the porous medium, by a mechanism of film pinching during contact with an obstacle, yielding two daughter bubbles per split bubble. We quantify the evolution of the bubble size distribution as a function of the distance along the porous medium, the splitting probability as a function of bubble size, and the probability distribution function of the daughter bubbles. We propose an evolution equation to model this splitting phenomenon and compare it successfully to the experiments, showing how at long distance, the porous medium itself dictates the size distribution of the foam.

Longitudinal waves in carbon nanotubes in the presence of transverse magnetic field and elastic medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hu; Liu, Hua; Yang, Jialing

2017-09-01

In the present paper, the coupling effect of transverse magnetic field and elastic medium on the longitudinal wave propagation along a carbon nanotube (CNT) is studied. Based on the nonlocal elasticity theory and Hamilton's principle, a unified nonlocal rod theory which takes into account the effects of small size scale, lateral inertia and radial deformation is proposed. The existing rod theories including the classic rod theory, the Rayleigh-Love theory and Rayleigh-Bishop theory for macro solids can be treated as the special cases of the present model. A two-parameter foundation model (Pasternak-type model) is used to represent the elastic medium. The influence of transverse magnetic field, Pasternak-type elastic medium and small size scale on the longitudinal wave propagation behavior of the CNT is investigated in detail. It is shown that the influences of lateral inertia and radial deformation cannot be neglected in analyzing the longitudinal wave propagation characteristics of the CNT. The results also show that the elastic medium and the transverse magnetic field will also affect the longitudinal wave dispersion behavior of the CNT significantly. The results obtained in this paper are helpful for understanding the mechanical behaviors of nanostructures embedded in an elastic medium.

Properties of coarse particles in suspended particulate matter of the North Yellow Sea during summer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Kainan; Wang, Zhenyan; Li, Wenjian; Yan, Jun

2018-01-01

Fine particles in seawater commonly form large porous aggregates. Aggregate density and settling velocity determine the behavior of this suspended particulate matter (SPM) within the water column. However, few studies of aggregate particles over a continental shelf have been undertaken. In our case study, properties of aggregate particles, including size and composition, over the continental shelf of the North Yellow Sea were investigated. During a scientific cruise in July 2016, in situ effective particle size distributions of SPM at 10 stations were measured, while temperature and turbidity measurements and samples of water were obtained from surface, middle, and bottom layers. Dispersed and inorganic particle size distributions were determined in the laboratory. The in situ SPM was divided into (1) small particles (<32 μm), (2) medium particles (32-256 μm) and (3) large particles (>256 μm). Large particles and medium particles dominated the total volume concentrations (VCs) of in situ SPM. After dispersion, the VCs of medium particles decreased to low values (<0.1 μL/L). The VCs of large particles in the surface and middle layers also decreased markedly, although they had higher peak values (0.1-1 μL/L). This suggests that almost all in situ medium particles and some large particles were aggregated, while other large particles were single particles. Correlation analysis showed that primary particles <32 μm influenced the formation of these aggregates. Microscopic examination revealed that these aggregates consisted of both organic and inorganic fine particles, while large particles were mucus-bound organic aggregates or individual plankton. The vertical distribution of coarser particles was clearly related to water stratification. Generally, medium aggregate particles were dominant in SPM of the bottom layer. A thermocline blocked resuspension of fine material into upper layers, yielding low VCs of medium-sized aggregate particles in the surface layer. Abundant large biogenic particles were present in both surface and middle layers.

The Genetic Basis of Natural Variation in Kernel Size and Related Traits Using a Four-Way Cross Population in Maize.

PubMed

Chen, Jiafa; Zhang, Luyan; Liu, Songtao; Li, Zhimin; Huang, Rongrong; Li, Yongming; Cheng, Hongliang; Li, Xiantang; Zhou, Bo; Wu, Suowei; Chen, Wei; Wu, Jianyu; Ding, Junqiang

2016-01-01

Kernel size is an important component of grain yield in maize breeding programs. To extend the understanding on the genetic basis of kernel size traits (i.e., kernel length, kernel width and kernel thickness), we developed a set of four-way cross mapping population derived from four maize inbred lines with varied kernel sizes. In the present study, we investigated the genetic basis of natural variation in seed size and other components of maize yield (e.g., hundred kernel weight, number of rows per ear, number of kernels per row). In total, ten QTL affecting kernel size were identified, three of which (two for kernel length and one for kernel width) had stable expression in other components of maize yield. The possible genetic mechanism behind the trade-off of kernel size and yield components was discussed.

The Genetic Basis of Natural Variation in Kernel Size and Related Traits Using a Four-Way Cross Population in Maize

PubMed Central

Liu, Songtao; Li, Zhimin; Huang, Rongrong; Li, Yongming; Cheng, Hongliang; Li, Xiantang; Zhou, Bo; Wu, Suowei; Chen, Wei; Wu, Jianyu; Ding, Junqiang

2016-01-01

Kernel size is an important component of grain yield in maize breeding programs. To extend the understanding on the genetic basis of kernel size traits (i.e., kernel length, kernel width and kernel thickness), we developed a set of four-way cross mapping population derived from four maize inbred lines with varied kernel sizes. In the present study, we investigated the genetic basis of natural variation in seed size and other components of maize yield (e.g., hundred kernel weight, number of rows per ear, number of kernels per row). In total, ten QTL affecting kernel size were identified, three of which (two for kernel length and one for kernel width) had stable expression in other components of maize yield. The possible genetic mechanism behind the trade-off of kernel size and yield components was discussed. PMID:27070143

Forces exerted by a correlated fluid on embedded inclusions.

PubMed

Bitbol, Anne-Florence; Fournier, Jean-Baptiste

2011-06-01

We investigate the forces exerted on embedded inclusions by a fluid medium with long-range correlations, described by an effective scalar field theory. Such forces are the basis for the medium-mediated Casimir-like force. To study these forces beyond thermal average, it is necessary to define them in each microstate of the medium. Two different definitions of these forces are currently used in the literature. We study the assumptions underlying them. We show that only the definition that uses the stress tensor of the medium gives the sought-after force exerted by the medium on an embedded inclusion. If a second inclusion is embedded in the medium, the thermal average of this force gives the usual Casimir-like force between the two inclusions. The other definition can be used in the different physical case of an object that interacts with the medium without being embedded in it. We show in a simple example that the two definitions yield different results for the variance of the Casimir-like force.

A deployable mechanism concept for the collection of small-to-medium-size space debris

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

St-Onge, David; Sharf, Inna; Sagnières, Luc; Gosselin, Clément

2018-03-01

Current efforts in active debris removal strategies and mission planning focus on removing the largest, most massive debris. It can be argued, however, that small untrackable debris, specifically those smaller than 5 cm in size, also pose a serious threat. In this work, we propose and analyze a mission to sweep the most crowded Low Earth Orbit with a large cupola device to remove small-to-medium-size debris. The cupola consists of a deployable mechanism expanding more than 25 times its storage size to extend a membrane covering its surface. The membrane is sufficiently stiff to capture most small debris and to slow down the medium-size objects, thus accelerating their fall. An overview of the design of a belt-driven rigid-link mechanism proposed to support the collecting cupola surface is presented, based on our previous work. Because of its large size, the cupola will be subject to significant aerodynamic drag; thus, orbit maintenance analysis is carried out using the DTM-2013 atmospheric density model and it predicts feasible requirements. While in operation, the device will also be subject to numerous hyper-velocity impacts which may significantly perturb its orientation from the desired attitude for debris collection. Thus, another important feature of the proposed debris removal device is a distributed array of flywheels mounted on the cupola for reorienting and stabilizing its attitude during the mission. Analysis using a stochastic modeling framework for hyper-velocity impacts demonstrates that three-axes attitude stabilization is achievable with the flywheels array. MASTER-2009 software is employed to provide relevant data for all debris related estimates, including the debris fluxes for the baseline mission design and for assessment of its expected performance. Space debris removal is a high priority for ensuring sustainability of space and continual launch and operation of man-made space assets. This manuscript presents the first analysis of a small-to-medium size debris removal mission, albeit finding it to not be economically viable at the present time.

Size- and time-dependent growth properties of human induced pluripotent stem cells in the culture of single aggregate.

PubMed

Nath, Suman C; Horie, Masanobu; Nagamori, Eiji; Kino-Oka, Masahiro

2017-10-01

Aggregate culture of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is a promising method to obtain high number of cells for cell therapy applications. This study quantitatively evaluated the effects of initial cell number and culture time on the growth of hiPSCs in the culture of single aggregate. Small size aggregates ((1.1 ± 0.4) × 10 1 -(2.8 ± 0.5) × 10 1 cells/aggregate) showed a lower growth rate in comparison to medium size aggregates ((8.8 ± 0.8) × 10 1 -(6.8 ± 1.1) × 10 2 cells/aggregate) during early-stage of culture (24-72 h). However, when small size aggregates were cultured in conditioned medium, their growth rate increased significantly. On the other hand, large size aggregates ((1.1 ± 0.2) × 10 3 -(3.5 ± 1.1) × 10 3 cells/aggregate) showed a lower growth rate and lower expression level of proliferation marker (ki-67) in the center region of aggregate in comparison to medium size aggregate during early-stage of culture. Medium size aggregates showed the highest growth rate during early-stage of culture. Furthermore, hiPSCs proliferation was dependent on culture time because the growth rate decreased significantly during late-stage of culture (72-120 h) at which point collagen type I accumulated on the periphery of aggregate, suggesting blockage of diffusive transport of nutrients, oxygen and metabolites into and out of the aggregates. Consideration of initial cell number and culture time are important to maintain balance between autocrine factors secretion and extracellular matrix accumulation on the aggregate periphery to achieve optimal growth of hiPSCs in the culture of single aggregate. Copyright © 2017 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Assessment and analysis of 108 health promotion demonstration enterprises in Jiangsu Province, China].

PubMed

Zhang, Qiaoyun; Xu, Zhongjie; Guo, Haijian; Wang, Jianfeng; Zhao, Yuan; Zhang, Hengdong; Xie, Yan; Zhu, Baoli

2015-02-01

To investigate the current status of carrying out the workplace health promotion (WHP) in the enterprises, and to provide a basis for formulation of relevant policies. The enterprises that declared Jiangsu Provincial Health Promotion Demonstration Enterprise received on-site assessment by the expert group, including organization management and protection measures, health management, workplace, health, and cultural environment. And a questionnaire survey was performed. The data of evaluations were analyzed by SPSS 19.0. In the last four years, 108 enterprises which had achieved the standard of Health Promotion Demonstration Enterprise were mainly distributed in Southern Jiangsu, including 34 (31.48%) large-sized enterprises, 58 (53.70%) medium-sized enterprises, and 16 (14.81%) small-sized enterprises. And there were 49 (45.37%) wholly foreign-owned enterprises. There were significant differences in the scores between different economic types of enterprises (F = 2.820, P = 0.014). The most deducted points were due to unqualified bulletin boards and warning label of occupation hazards, about 78 times (72.22%); 54.55% of the indices whose deduction rates were higher than 20% were related to occupational disease prevention and control. Regions and economic types affect carrying out WHP in enterprises. The current priority is to standardize physical work environment in China. The professional technical level should be improved, and the government needs to redouble efforts to promote the WHP.

Monodispersed magnetite nanoparticles optimized for magnetic fluid hyperthermia: Implications in biological systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khandhar, Amit P.; Ferguson, R. Matthew; Krishnan, Kannan M.

2011-04-01

Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (MNPs) are suitable materials for Magnetic Fluid Hyperthermia (MFH), provided their size is carefully tailored to the applied alternating magnetic field (AMF) frequency. Since aqueous synthesis routes produce polydisperse MNPs that are not tailored for any specific AMF frequency, we have developed a comprehensive protocol for synthesizing highly monodispersed MNPs in organic solvents, specifically tailored for our field conditions (f = 376 kHz, H0 = 13.4 kA/m) and subsequently transferred them to water using a biocompatible amphiphilic polymer. These MNPs (σavg. = 0.175) show truly size-dependent heating rates, indicated by a sharp peak in the specific loss power (SLP, W/g Fe3O4) for 16 nm (diameter) particles. For broader size distributions (σavg. = 0.266), we observe a 30% drop in overall SLP. Furthermore, heating measurements in biological medium [Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (DMEM) + 10% fetal bovine serum] show a significant drop for SLP (˜30% reduction in 16 nm MNPs). Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measurements show particle hydrodynamic size increases over time once dispersed in DMEM, indicating particle agglomeration. Since the effective magnetic relaxation time of MNPs is determined by fractional contribution of the Neel (independent of hydrodynamic size) and Brownian (dependent on hydrodynamic size) components, we conclude that agglomeration in biological medium modifies the Brownian contribution and thus the net heating capacity of MNPs.

Rigorous theoretical framework for particle sizing in turbid colloids using light refraction.

PubMed

García-Valenzuela, Augusto; Barrera, Rubén G; Gutierrez-Reyes, Edahí

2008-11-24

Using a non-local effective-medium approach, we analyze the refraction of light in a colloidal medium. We discuss the theoretical grounds and all the necessary precautions to design and perform experiments to measure the effective refractive index in dilute colloids. As an application, we show that it is possible to retrieve the size of small dielectric particles in a colloid by measuring the complex effective refractive index and the volume fraction occupied by the particles.

The Potential of Distance Education and Training for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Mediterranean Countries of the European Community. A Report for the Commission of the European Communities--Task Force Human Resources, Education, Training, and Youth.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Quintino, Luisa

An evaluation was made of the training needs of the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Italy and the potential of open, distance, flexible, and multimedia learning to meet those needs. The methodology included contacts with training providers, governmental institutions, and SMEs and circulation of…

Protein crystallization aboard the Space Shuttle and the Mir space station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Delbaere, Louis T. J.; Vandonselaar, Margaret; Prasad, Lata; Quail, J. W.; Birnbaum, George I.; Delucas, Lawrence J.; Moore, Karen; Bugg, Charles E.

1993-01-01

Two different protein crystallizations, namely ,the free Fab fragment of the Je142 monoclonal antibody and the complex of Fab fragment/HPr with antigen, were performed aboard the Discovery Space Shuttle flights and the Mir space station, respectively. Medium sized crystals of the Je142 Fab fragment were obtained. The Je142 Fab fragment/Hpr complex produced two medium-sized crystals after two months aboard the Mir space station. Microgravity was found to eliminate the tendency of these crystals to form clusters.

Population-Based Resequencing of Experimentally Evolved Populations Reveals the Genetic Basis of Body Size Variation in Drosophila melanogaster

PubMed Central

Turner, Thomas L.; Stewart, Andrew D.; Fields, Andrew T.; Rice, William R.; Tarone, Aaron M.

2011-01-01

Body size is a classic quantitative trait with evolutionarily significant variation within many species. Locating the alleles responsible for this variation would help understand the maintenance of variation in body size in particular, as well as quantitative traits in general. However, successful genome-wide association of genotype and phenotype may require very large sample sizes if alleles have low population frequencies or modest effects. As a complementary approach, we propose that population-based resequencing of experimentally evolved populations allows for considerable power to map functional variation. Here, we use this technique to investigate the genetic basis of natural variation in body size in Drosophila melanogaster. Significant differentiation of hundreds of loci in replicate selection populations supports the hypothesis that the genetic basis of body size variation is very polygenic in D. melanogaster. Significantly differentiated variants are limited to single genes at some loci, allowing precise hypotheses to be formed regarding causal polymorphisms, while other significant regions are large and contain many genes. By using significantly associated polymorphisms as a priori candidates in follow-up studies, these data are expected to provide considerable power to determine the genetic basis of natural variation in body size. PMID:21437274

Myocardial performance index in female rats with myocardial infarction: relationship with ventricular function parameters by Doppler echocardiography.

PubMed

Cury, Alexandre Ferreira; Bonilha, Andre; Saraiva, Roberto; Campos, Orlando; Carvalho, Antonio Carlos C; De Paola, Angelo Amato V; Fischer, Claudio; Tucci, Paulo Ferreira; Moises, Valdir Ambrosio

2005-05-01

The aim of the study was to analyze the myocardial performance index (MPI), its relationship with the standard variables of systolic and diastolic functions, and the influence of time intervals in an experimental model of female rats with myocardial infarction (MI). Forty-one Wistar female rats were submitted to surgery to induce MI. Six weeks later, Doppler echocardiography was performed to assess infarct size (IS,%), fractional area change (FAC,%), ejection fraction biplane Simpson (EF), E/A ratio of mitral inflow, MPI and its time intervals: isovolumetric contraction (IVCT, ms) and relaxation (IVRT, ms) times, and ejection time (ET, ms); MPI = IVCT + IVRT/ET. EF and FAC were progressively lower in rats with small, medium and large-size MI ( P < .001). E/A ratio was higher only in rats with large-size MI (6.25 +/- 2.69; P < .001). MPI was not different between control rats and small-size MI (0.37 +/- 0.03 vs 0.34 +/- 0.06, P = .87), but different between large and medium-size MI (0.69 +/- 0.08 vs 0.47 +/- 0.07; P < .001) and between these two compared to small-size MI. MPI correlated with IS (r = 0.85; P < .001), EF (r = -0.86; P < .001), FAC (r = -0.77; P < .001) and E/A ratio (r = 0.77; P < .001, non-linear). IVCT was longer in large size MI compared to medium-size MI (31.87 +/- 7.99 vs 15.92 +/- 5.88; P < .001) and correlated with IS (r = 0.85; P < .001) and MPI (r = 0.92; P < .001). ET was shorter only in large-size MI (81.07 +/- 7.23; P < .001), and correlated with IS (r = -0.70; P < .001) and MPI (r = -0.85; P < .001). IVRT was shorter only in large-size compared to medium-size MI (24.40 +/- 5.38 vs 29.69 +/- 5.92; P < .037), had borderline correlation with MPI (r = 0.34; P = .0534) and no correlation with IS (r = 0.26; p = 0.144). The MPI increased with IS, correlated inversely with systolic function parameters and had a non-linear relationship with diastolic function. These changes were due to the increase of IVCT and a decrease of ET, without significant influence of IVRT.

[Stability study of paediatric extemporaneous parenteral nutrition with lipids].

PubMed

Tuan, F; Montalto, M; Pell, Ma B; Bianchi, M; Pendica, S; Traverso, Ma L

2011-01-01

Stability of extemporaneous parenteral nutrition is a critical aspect of these formulations, with impact in patient safety and quality of service. In lipid emulsions physical stability can be assessed by the increase in the number of lipid globules of size superior than 500 nm, generated by coalescence of small globules during time. To determine medium size of the lipid globules that compose the internal phase of TNA, in order to evaluate its stability and establish beyond-use date of the parenteral nutrition. To evaluate distribution profile of the lipid globules in the parenteral nutrition and compare it with this of the lipid emulsion used as raw material. Globule size assessment by dynamic light scattering in a paediatric extemporaneous parenteral nutrition formula of frequent use, stored in different periods of time and temperatures. Medium globule size of the parenteral nutrition analyzed samples did not exceed the limit recommended by literature. Medium size and distribution of the lipid globules in the original lipid emulsion did not have significative changes after the compounding of the parenteral nutrition. Obtained data allow to consider that the extemporaneous parenteral nutrition evaluated would have a beyond-use date superior than the one now in use. This research must be deepened by the study of other formulas of parenteral nutrition in order to optimize the setting of beyond-use date.

Gravitation in material media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ridgely, Charles T.

2011-03-01

When two gravitating bodies reside in a material medium, Newton's law of universal gravitation must be modified to account for the presence of the medium. A modified expression of Newton's law is known in the literature, but lacks a clear connection with existing gravitational theory. Newton's law in the presence of a homogeneous material medium is herein derived on the basis of classical, Newtonian gravitational theory and by a general relativistic use of Archimedes' principle. It is envisioned that the techniques presented herein will be most useful to graduate students and those undergraduate students having prior experience with vector analysis and potential theory.

Coupled granular/continuous medium for thermally stable perpendicular magnetic recording

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sonobe, Y.; Weller, D.; Ikeda, Y.; Takano, K.; Schabes, M. E.; Zeltzer, G.; Do, H.; Yen, B. K.; Best, M. E.

2001-10-01

We studied coupled granular/continuous (CGC) perpendicular media consisting of a continuous multilayer structure and a granular layer. The addition of Co/Pt multilayers decreased the nucleation field from 200 to -1800 Oe and increased the squareness from 0.9 to 1.0. The moment decay at room temperature was significantly reduced from -4.8% to -0.05% per decade. At elevated temperatures, strong exchange coupling between a granular layer and a continuous layer is needed for thermal stability. The exchange-coupled continuous layer reduces thermal demagnetization as it effectively increases the grain size, tightens the grain distribution, and prevents the reversal of individual grains. Magnetic Force Microscope image showed a larger magnetic cluster size for the CGC structure. Compared to the CoCr 18Pt 12 medium, the CGC medium had 2.3 dB higher output. However, the noise for the CGC medium increased with the recording density, while the noise for the CoCr 18Pt 12 medium remained constant from 4 to 15 kfc/mm. Further optimization and noise reduction are still required for future high density recording.

Dispersion Polymerization of Polystyrene Particles Using Alcohol as Reaction Medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Young-Sang; Shin, Cheol Hwan; Han, Sujin

2016-02-01

In this study, monodisperse polystyrene nanospheres were prepared by dispersion polymerization using alcohol as reaction medium to prepare colloidal clusters of the latex beads. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyltrimethylammonium chloride (MTC) were used as dispersion stabilizer and comonomer, respectively. The particle size could be controlled by adjusting the reactant compositions such as the amount of stabilizer, comonomer, and water in the reactant mixture. The size and monodispersity of the polymeric particles could be also controlled by changing the reaction medium with different alcohols other than ethanol or adjusting the polymerization temperature. The synthesized particles could be self-organized inside water-in-oil emulsion droplets by evaporation-driven self-assembly to produce colloidal clusters of the polymeric nanospheres.

A Model for Understanding the Genetic Basis for Disparity in Prostate Cancer Risk

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-01

patterns were observed for association with dietary factors or life style factors such as physical activity, occupational history, sexual behavior...The resultant differentiated cells are cultured in prostate epithelial cell growth medium (PrEGM) and stromal basal medium supplemented with R...Sponding1, Noggin, EGF, 1X B27 supplement , retinoic acid and dihydrotestosterone. BOTTOM: Preliminary iPSC differentiation into definitive endoderm over

Directed Biosynthesis of Oriented Crystalline Cellulose for Advanced Composite Fibers

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-03

8 growth rate Table 2. An optimized minimal salts high conductivity growth medium (named 9 Son-Matsuoka- Fructose , SMF) based on the optimized...basis for a high -conductivity medium for Acetobacter that also contained corn steep liquor. List of Figures Figure 1. Scanning electron micrographs of...bacterial cellulose production include corn steep liquor (Matsuoka et al., 1996) apples, beer wort (Brown, 1886; Herrmann, 1928), corn syrup , kale (black

Field quantization and squeezed states generation in resonators with time-dependent parameters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dodonov, V. V.; Klimov, A. B.; Nikonov, D. E.

1992-01-01

The problem of electromagnetic field quantization is usually considered in textbooks under the assumption that the field occupies some empty box. The case when a nonuniform time-dependent dielectric medium is confined in some space region with time-dependent boundaries is studied. The basis of the subsequent consideration is the system of Maxwell's equations in linear passive time-dependent dielectric and magnetic medium without sources.

The Challenge of Implementing an ERP System in a Small and Medium Enterprise--A Teaching Case of ERP Project Management

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Xu, Hongjiang; Rondeau, Patrick J.; Mahenthiran, Sakthi

2011-01-01

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system implementation projects are notoriously risky. While large-scale ERP cases continue to be developed, relatively few new ERP cases have been published that further ERP implementation education in small to medium size firms. This case details the implementation of a new ERP system in a medium sized…

Distribution of metals in various particle-size fractions in topsoils of a small dry valley system (European Russia, forest zone)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samonova, Olga; Aseyeva, Elena

2017-04-01

A detailed study of heavy metals distribution in various soil grain-size fractions helps to increase the knowledge about the complex nature of metals' occurrence and their distribution pathways in the environment. On the basis of particle size fractionation of topsoil horizons we examined the specific behavior of heavy metals in a small erosional landform located in the humid temperate zone of the Russian Plain. The object of the study is a 400 m small U-shaped dry valley (balka in Russian) with a catchment area of 32.8 ha located in the central part of the Protva river basin, 100 km southwest of Moscow. The uppermost parts of the landform are incised in Late Pleistocene loessial loams, which cover significant portions of interfluve area in the region, while the middle and the lower parts cut through Middle Pleistocene glacial sediments. A total of 50 samples were collected from topsoil horizons of different landform geomorphic units along three cross-sections as well as along the bottom of the landform and its detrital fan. Samples were analyzed for Mn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, Zn, Pb, Ti, Zr, and Fe content. Eleven samples were chosen for physical fractionation into 5 grain-size fractions (1-0.25 mm, 0.25-0.05 mm, 0.05-0.01 mm, 0.01-0.001 mm and <0.001 mm) and further analysis for fractionized metal contents. Across the grain-size fractions the maximum Zr content was observed in the coarse silt fraction and Ti - in the medium and fine silt fraction, while other metals, such as Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Cr, Pb, and Zn revealed their highest concentrations in the clay fraction. For Fe, Mn, Co and Ni a second concentration peak was observed in the coarse and medium sand fraction. Due to probably eolian genesis and (or) transformation during weathering, the coarse silt fraction in comparison to other fractions showed a depletion of the majority of metals while the minimum concentrations of Ti, Zr and Cr were limited to the coarse and medium sand. Statistical analysis showed that the variation of metal contents depends on particle sizes: the Cv coefficients calculated for Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, Ti and Zr reach their maximum in the 1-0.25 mm fraction (for Cu and Ni exceeding 75%, for Ti, Zr being around 40%). For Zn, Cr and Pb the maximum variation (50-60%) was found in the 0.25-0.05 mm fraction. In contrast, the two studied silt fractions and also the clay showed very low variations of all metal contents (except for Mn) characteristically in the range between 6% (Cr) and 23.5% (Zn). Unlike the finer fractions, which displayed very poor geochemical differentiation across the landform's geomorphic units, the coarser (sand) fractions showed distinct spatial patterns in the elements' distribution, possibly related to migration processes, the depletion of metals in the landforms' slopes and their prevalent enrichment in the bottom unit is observed.

High School Size and White Student College Readiness: A Statewide, Multiyear Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, Robin L.; Combs, Julie P.; Slate, John R.

2014-01-01

We analyzed 5 years of Texas statewide data on high school size and college readiness in English Language Arts, math, and in both subjects for White students. Using Greeney and Slate's (2012) criteria, large-size high schools had over 1,500 students, medium-size high schools had 401 to 1,500 students, and small-size high schools had enrollments…

The neuronal structure of paramamillary nuclei in Bison bonasus: Nissl and Golgi pictures.

PubMed

Robak, A; Szteyn, S; Równiak, M

1998-01-01

The studies were carried out on the hypothalamus of bison bonasus aged 2 and 3 months. Sections were made by means of Bagiński's technique and Nissl and Klüver-Barrera methods. Four types of neurons were distinguished in the paramamillary nuclei: nucleus supramamillaris (Sm) and nucleus tuberomammillaris pars posterior (Tmp). Type I, small and medium-size, triangular or fusiform cells, which have 2-3 slender, poorly ramified dendrites; typical leptodendritic neurons. Type II, medium size neurons with quadrangular or spindle-shaped perikaryons. Most of them have 3-4 thick dendritic trunks with ramifying relatively long dendrites. These cells show stalked-appearance and possess different appendages sparsely distributed. Type III is similar to type II, but is made of medium-size to large multipolar cells having quadrangular, triangular or fusiform perikaryons and relatively short dendrites. Type IV, small and medium-size, globular cells with 2 or 3 dendritic trunks, which dichotomously subdivide into quaternary dendrites. In all types of neurons, axons emerge from the perikaryon or initial portion of a dendritic trunk. Type I was found in both studied nuclei. Types II and III constitute mainly the nucleus tuberomamillaris pars posterior. Type IV preponderate in the nucleus supramamillaris. The characteristic feature of Tmp cells, in Nissl picture was irregular contour of their somas and clumps of rough Nisls granules, which appear to lie outside the perikaryons. In Sm there were also lightly stained small rounded cells having both small amount of the cytoplasm and tigroid matter.

First example of a high-level correlated calculation of the indirect spin-spin coupling constants involving tellurium: tellurophene and divinyl telluride.

PubMed

Rusakov, Yury Yu; Krivdin, Leonid B; Østerstrøm, Freja F; Sauer, Stephan P A; Potapov, Vladimir A; Amosova, Svetlana V

2013-08-21

This paper documents the very first example of a high-level correlated calculation of spin-spin coupling constants involving tellurium taking into account relativistic effects, vibrational corrections and solvent effects for medium sized organotellurium molecules. The (125)Te-(1)H spin-spin coupling constants of tellurophene and divinyl telluride were calculated at the SOPPA and DFT levels, in good agreement with experimental data. A new full-electron basis set, av3z-J, for tellurium derived from the "relativistic" Dyall's basis set, dyall.av3z, and specifically optimized for the correlated calculations of spin-spin coupling constants involving tellurium was developed. The SOPPA method shows a much better performance compared to DFT, if relativistic effects calculated within the ZORA scheme are taken into account. Vibrational and solvent corrections are next to negligible, while conformational averaging is of prime importance in the calculation of (125)Te-(1)H spin-spin couplings. Based on the performed calculations at the SOPPA(CCSD) level, a marked stereospecificity of geminal and vicinal (125)Te-(1)H spin-spin coupling constants originating in the orientational lone pair effect of tellurium has been established, which opens a new guideline in organotellurium stereochemistry.

Scaled MP3 non-covalent interaction energies agree closely with accurate CCSD(T) benchmark data.

PubMed

Pitonák, Michal; Neogrády, Pavel; Cerný, Jirí; Grimme, Stefan; Hobza, Pavel

2009-01-12

Scaled MP3 interaction energies calculated as a sum of MP2/CBS (complete basis set limit) interaction energies and scaled third-order energy contributions obtained in small or medium size basis sets agree very closely with the estimated CCSD(T)/CBS interaction energies for the 22 H-bonded, dispersion-controlled and mixed non-covalent complexes from the S22 data set. Performance of this so-called MP2.5 (third-order scaling factor of 0.5) method has also been tested for 33 nucleic acid base pairs and two stacked conformers of porphine dimer. In all the test cases, performance of the MP2.5 method was shown to be superior to the scaled spin-component MP2 based methods, e.g. SCS-MP2, SCSN-MP2 and SCS(MI)-MP2. In particular, a very balanced treatment of hydrogen-bonded compared to stacked complexes is achieved with MP2.5. The main advantage of the approach is that it employs only a single empirical parameter and is thus biased by two rigorously defined, asymptotically correct ab-initio methods, MP2 and MP3. The method is proposed as an accurate but computationally feasible alternative to CCSD(T) for the computation of the properties of various kinds of non-covalently bound systems.

On the mechanism of pulsed laser ablation of phthalocyanine nanoparticles in an aqueous medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kogan, Boris; Malimonenko, Nicholas; Butenin, Alexander; Novoseletsky, Nicholas; Chizhikov, Sergei

2018-06-01

Laser ablation of phthalocyanine nanoparticles has potential for cancer treatment. The ablation is accompanied by the formation of microbubbles and the sublimation of nanoparticles. This was investigated in a liquid medium simulating tissue using optical-acoustic and spectral-luminescent methods. The thresholds for the appearance of microbubbles have been determined as a function of nanoparticle size. For the minimal size particles (80 nm) this threshold is equal to about 20–25 mJ cm‑2 and for the maximal size particles (230 nm) this threshold is equal to about 7 mJ cm‑2. It was estimated that the particle temperature at which bubbles arise is near 145 °С.

Preparation of non-aggregating aqueous fullerenes in highly saline solutions with a biocompatible non-ionic polymer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aich, Nirupam; Boateng, Linkel K.; Flora, Joseph R. V.; Saleh, Navid B.

2013-10-01

Size-tunable stable aqueous fullerenes were prepared with different concentrations of biocompatible block-copolymer pluronic (PA) F-127, ranging from 0.001% to 1% (w/v). Size uniformity increased with the increase in PA concentration, yielding optimum 58.8 ± 5.6 and 61.8 ± 5.6 nm nC60s and nC70s, respectively (0.10%w/v PA), as observed using a dynamic light scattering technique. Fullerene aqueous suspensions also manifested enhanced stability in saline solution, Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium (DMEM), and Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) culture medium. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to elaborate on the morphology and size specificity of fullerene clusters. Physicochemical characterizations of the suspended fullerenes were performed through UV-vis spectroscopy and electrophoretic mobility measurements. PA molecules showed size restriction by encasement, as observed via molecular dynamics simulations. Such solubilization with controllable size and non-aggregating behavior can facilitate application enhancement and mechanistic environmental and toxicological studies of size-specific fullerenes.

Lesion contrast and detection using sonoelastographic shear velocity imaging: preliminary results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoyt, Kenneth; Parker, Kevin J.

2007-03-01

This paper assesses lesion contrast and detection using sonoelastographic shear velocity imaging. Shear wave interference patterns, termed crawling waves, for a two phase medium were simulated assuming plane wave conditions. Shear velocity estimates were computed using a spatial autocorrelation algorithm that operates in the direction of shear wave propagation for a given kernel size. Contrast was determined by analyzing shear velocity estimate transition between mediums. Experimental results were obtained using heterogeneous phantoms with spherical inclusions (5 or 10 mm in diameter) characterized by elevated shear velocities. Two vibration sources were applied to opposing phantom edges and scanned (orthogonal to shear wave propagation) with an ultrasound scanner equipped for sonoelastography. Demodulated data was saved and transferred to an external computer for processing shear velocity images. Simulation results demonstrate shear velocity transition between contrasting mediums is governed by both estimator kernel size and source vibration frequency. Experimental results from phantoms further indicates that decreasing estimator kernel size produces corresponding decrease in shear velocity estimate transition between background and inclusion material albeit with an increase in estimator noise. Overall, results demonstrate the ability to generate high contrast shear velocity images using sonoelastographic techniques and detect millimeter-sized lesions.

Torque during canal instrumentation using rotary nickel-titanium files.

PubMed

Sattapan, B; Palamara, J E; Messer, H H

2000-03-01

Nickel-titanium engine-driven rotary instruments are used increasingly in endodontic practice. One frequently mentioned problem is fracture of an instrument in the root canal. Very few studies have been conducted on torsional characteristics of these instruments, and none has been done under dynamic conditions. The purposes of this study were to measure the torque generated and the apical force applied during instrumentation with a commercial engine-driven nickel-titanium file system, and to relate torque generated during simulated clinical use to torsional failure of the instruments. Ten extracted human teeth (five with small-sized and five with medium-sized straight root canals) were instrumented with Quantec Series 2000 files, and the torque and apical force generated were measured. The applied apical force was generally low, not exceeding 150 g in either small or medium canals. The torque depended on the tip size and taper of each instrument, and on canal size. Instruments with 0.05 and 0.06 taper generated the highest torque, which was greater in small than in medium canals. The torque at failure was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than torque during instrumentation, but with considerable variation in the extent of the difference.

Characterization of third-body media particles and their effect on in vitro composite wear

PubMed Central

Lawson, Nathaniel C.; Cakir, Deniz; Beck, Preston; Litaker, Mark S.; Burgess, John O.

2012-01-01

Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare four medium particles currently used for in vitro composite wear testing (glass and PMMA beads and millet and poppy seeds). Methods Particles were prepared as described in previous wear studies. Hardness of medium particles was measured with a nano-indentor, particle size was measured with a particle size analyzer, and the particle form was determined with light microscopy and image analysis software. Composite wear was measured using each type of medium and water in the Alabama wear testing device. Four dental composites were compared: a hybrid (Z100), flowable microhybrid (Estelite Flow Quick), micromatrix (Esthet-X), and nano-filled (Filtek Supreme Plus). The test ran for 100,000 cycles at 1.2Hz with 70N force by a steel antagonist. Volumetric wear was measured by non-contact profilometry. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test was used to compare both materials and media. Results Hardness values (GPa) of the particles are (glass, millet, PMMA, poppy respectively): 1.310(0.150), 0.279(.170), 0.279(0.095), and 0.226(0.146). Average particle sizes (μm) are (glass, millet, PMMA, poppy respectively): 88.35(8.24), 8.07(4.05), 28.95(8.74), and 14.08(7.20). Glass and PMMA beads were considerably more round than the seeds. During composite wear testing, glass was the only medium that produced more wear than the use of water alone. The rank ordering of the materials varied with each medium, however, the glass and PMMA bead medium allowed better discrimination between materials. Significance PMMA beads are a practical and relevant choice for composite wear testing because they demonstrate similar physical properties as seeds but reduce the variability of wear measurements. PMID:22578990

A modular finite-element model (MODFE) for areal and axisymmetric ground-water-flow problems, Part 2: Derivation of finite-element equations and comparisons with analytical solutions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cooley, Richard L.

1992-01-01

MODFE, a modular finite-element model for simulating steady- or unsteady-state, area1 or axisymmetric flow of ground water in a heterogeneous anisotropic aquifer is documented in a three-part series of reports. In this report, part 2, the finite-element equations are derived by minimizing a functional of the difference between the true and approximate hydraulic head, which produces equations that are equivalent to those obtained by either classical variational or Galerkin techniques. Spatial finite elements are triangular with linear basis functions, and temporal finite elements are one dimensional with linear basis functions. Physical processes that can be represented by the model include (1) confined flow, unconfined flow (using the Dupuit approximation), or a combination of both; (2) leakage through either rigid or elastic confining units; (3) specified recharge or discharge at points, along lines, or areally; (4) flow across specified-flow, specified-head, or head-dependent boundaries; (5) decrease of aquifer thickness to zero under extreme water-table decline and increase of aquifer thickness from zero as the water table rises; and (6) head-dependent fluxes from springs, drainage wells, leakage across riverbeds or confining units combined with aquifer dewatering, and evapotranspiration. The matrix equations produced by the finite-element method are solved by the direct symmetric-Doolittle method or the iterative modified incomplete-Cholesky conjugate-gradient method. The direct method can be efficient for small- to medium-sized problems (less than about 500 nodes), and the iterative method is generally more efficient for larger-sized problems. Comparison of finite-element solutions with analytical solutions for five example problems demonstrates that the finite-element model can yield accurate solutions to ground-water flow problems.

Use of work-life balance benefits guaranteed by law in Poland - Do size of the enterprise and gender matter?

PubMed

Merecz-Kot, Dorota; Drabek, Marcin; Stańczak, Aleksander; Andysz, Aleksandra; Jacukowicz, Aleksandra

2017-07-26

The paper is aimed at indicating the similarities and differences in use of benefits supporting work-life balance (WLB) between women and men working in Polish small/medium and large enterprises. The sample included 556 workers (311 women, 245 men), aged 20-68 years old employed on the basis of employment contracts for at least a year in Polish enterprises. The respondents completed a questionnaire on the use of benefits guaranteed by the Polish Labour Code, referring to their current workplaces. Women took maternity leaves and returned to the same work position after using childcare leaves more often than men. Men took leaves on demand more often than women. Our results also showed that in comparison to women working in smaller enterprises, those working in large enterprises were more likely to use almost all the analyzed WLB benefits - paid days off to take care of others, educational leaves, leaves on demand, maternity leaves and return to the same work position after childcare leave, reduction of business trips when pregnant or having young children and breastfeeding breaks. The size of enterprise, however, did not differentiate the take-up of benefits among the studied men. Our analysis brought unexpected results on the lack of common availability of the WLB benefits guaranteed by the law in the case of employees who worked on the basis of employment contracts. We also found that women used most of child rearing benefits guaranteed by the law more often than men, which might reflect still a traditional division of child care responsibilities in Poland. Med Pr 2017;68(5):575-581. This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.

The effects of a physical activity intervention on employees in small and medium enterprises: a mixed methods study.

PubMed

Edmunds, Sarah; Stephenson, Duncan; Clow, Angela

2013-01-01

Workplaces have potential as a setting for physical activity promotion but evidence of the effectiveness of intervention programmes in small and medium sized enterprises is limited. This paper reports the impact of an intervention which trained existing employees to promote physical activity to their colleagues. Eighty-nine previously low-active employees from 17 small and medium sized organisations participated. A mixed methods evaluation design was used. Quantitative data were collected at baseline and 6 months later using an online questionnaire. Qualitative data from a series of 6 focus groups were analysed. Repeated measures t-tests showed significant increases over time in physical activity, general health rating, satisfaction with life and positive mood states. There were significant decreases in body mass index (BMI), perceived stress, negative mood states and presenteeism. There was no change in absenteeism. Analysis of focus group data provided further insight into the impact of the intervention. Five major themes emerged: awareness of physical activity; sustaining physical activity behaviour change; improved health and well-being; enhanced social networks; and embedding physical activity in the workplace culture. This study shows it is feasible and effective to train employees in small and medium sized enterprises to support their colleagues in physical activity behaviour change.

Class Size Effects on Student Achievement: Heterogeneity across Abilities and Fields

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

De Paola, Maria; Ponzo, Michela; Scoppa, Vincenzo

2013-01-01

In this paper, we analyze class size effects on college students exploiting data from a project offering special remedial courses in mathematics and language skills to freshmen enrolled at an Italian medium-sized public university. To estimate the effects of class size, we exploit the fact that students and teachers are virtually randomly assigned…

Synthesis of calcium oxalate crystals in culture medium irradiated with non-equilibrium atmospheric-pressure plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurake, Naoyuki; Tanaka, Hiromasa; Ishikawa, Kenji; Nakamura, Kae; Kajiyama, Hiroaki; Kikkawa, Fumitaka; Mizuno, Masaaki; Yamanishi, Yoko; Hori, Masaru

2016-09-01

Octahedral particulates several tens of microns in size were synthesized in a culture medium irradiated through contact with a plume of non-equilibrium atmospheric-pressure plasma (NEAPP). The particulates were identified in the crystalline phase as calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD). The original medium contained constituents such as NaCl, d-glucose, CaCl2, and NaHCO3 but not oxalate or oxalic acid. The oxalate was clearly synthesized and crystallized in the medium as thermodynamically unstable COD crystals after the NEAPP irradiation.

Effect of increasing the level of alfalfa hay in finishing beef heifer diets on intake, sorting, and feeding behavior.

PubMed

Madruga, A; González, L A; Mainau, E; Ruíz de la Torre, J L; Rodríguez-Prado, M; Manteca, X; Ferret, A

2018-02-15

Eight rumen cannulated Simmental heifers (BW = 281.4 ± 7.28 kg) were randomly assigned to one of four experimental treatments in a 4 × 4 replicated Latin square design to ascertain the effects of increasing levels of alfalfa hay on intake, sorting, and feeding behavior in comparison to barley straw as forage source. Treatments tested were four total mixed rations with: 1) 10% barley straw (10BS) with 7.0% NDF from forage, 2) 13% alfalfa hay (13AH) and less NDF from forage (5.7%) than 10BS, 3) 16% alfalfa hay (16AH) and the same NDF from forage (7.0%) as 10BS, and 4) 19% alfalfa hay (19AH) and more NDF from forage (8.3%) than 10BS. Each experimental period consisted of 3 wk for adaptation and 1 wk for sampling. Increasing the proportion of alfalfa hay in the diet linearly increased (P < 0.05) total DMI, CP intake, water consumption, intake of long, medium and fine particle size, extent of sorting of fine particle size, and time spent rumination, but linearly decreased (P < 0.05) extent of sorting of short particle size. Intake of DM was higher in heifers fed 16AH and 19AH than in heifers fed 10BS (P < 0.001). Intake of NDF and physically effective NDF (peNDF) was greater in 13AH, 16AH, and 19AH than in 10BS (P < 0.01). The DMI of medium and short particle size was greater in 13AH, 16AH, and 19AH than in 10BS (P < 0.05), whereas DMI of long particle size was greater in 16AH and 19AH compared to 10BS (P < 0.001). Heifers fed 13AH, 16AH, and 19AH diets sorted against fine particle size and sorted for or tended to sort for short, medium, and long particle sizes. Meal length was greater in heifers fed 16AH and 19AH than 10BS (P < 0.05). Time spent eating was not affected by diet but time spent ruminating was greater in heifers fed 19AH than in 10BS (P < 0.05). Results indicate that the inclusion of alfalfa hay at 19% of incorporation caused an increase in DM, NDF, and peNDF intake, in comparison to the 10BS diet. In the same way, intake of long, medium, and short particle size was greater in this diet. Moreover, heifers fed 19AH sorted for medium particle size and tended to sort for long and short particles size, and against fine particle size. Sorting behavior and meal length increased in the 19AH diet, which leads us to think that sorting feed ingredients requires time and therefore lengthens the meal. Time spent ruminating was greater in heifers fed 19AH, thus reducing the risk of ruminal acidosis when animals are fed high concentrate diets.

Pilot application study of corridor performance indicators

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-09-16

The need for effective multimodal performance indicators (or measures) is becoming increasingly important for adequate planning in all sizes of transportation environments, including small and medium-size communities. These measures are essential for...

Combination of Cation Exchange and Quantized Ostwald Ripening for Controlling Size Distribution of Lead Chalcogenide Quantum Dots

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Changwang; Xia, Yong; Zhang, Zhiming; ...

2017-03-22

A new strategy for narrowing the size distribution of colloidal quantum dots (QDs) was developed by combining cation exchange and quantized Ostwald ripening. Medium-sized reactant CdS(e) QDs were subjected to cation exchange to form the target PbS(e) QDs, and then small reactant CdS(e) QDs were added which were converted to small PbS(e) dots via cation exchange. The small-sized ensemble of PbS(e) QDs dissolved completely rapidly and released a large amount of monomers, promoting the growth and size-focusing of the medium-sized ensemble of PbS(e) QDs. The addition of small reactant QDs can be repeated to continuously reduce the size distribution. Themore » new method was applied to synthesize PbSe and PbS QDs with extremely narrow size distributions and as a bonus they have hybrid surface passivation. In conclusion, the size distribution of prepared PbSe and PbS QDs are as low as 3.6% and 4.3%, respectively, leading to hexagonal close packing in monolayer and highly ordered three-dimensional superlattice.« less

Combination of Cation Exchange and Quantized Ostwald Ripening for Controlling Size Distribution of Lead Chalcogenide Quantum Dots

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

Zhang, Changwang; Xia, Yong; Zhang, Zhiming

A new strategy for narrowing the size distribution of colloidal quantum dots (QDs) was developed by combining cation exchange and quantized Ostwald ripening. Medium-sized reactant CdS(e) QDs were subjected to cation exchange to form the target PbS(e) QDs, and then small reactant CdS(e) QDs were added which were converted to small PbS(e) dots via cation exchange. The small-sized ensemble of PbS(e) QDs dissolved completely rapidly and released a large amount of monomers, promoting the growth and size-focusing of the medium-sized ensemble of PbS(e) QDs. The addition of small reactant QDs can be repeated to continuously reduce the size distribution. Themore » new method was applied to synthesize PbSe and PbS QDs with extremely narrow size distributions and as a bonus they have hybrid surface passivation. In conclusion, the size distribution of prepared PbSe and PbS QDs are as low as 3.6% and 4.3%, respectively, leading to hexagonal close packing in monolayer and highly ordered three-dimensional superlattice.« less

Health Science students' evaluation of courses and Instructors: the effect of response rate and class size interaction.

PubMed

Kuwaiti, Ahmed Al

2015-01-01

This study aims at investigating the effect of response rate and class size interaction on students' evaluation of instructors and the courses offered at heath science colleges in Saudi Arabia. A retrospective study design was adapted to ascertain Course Evaluation Surveys (CES) conducted at the health science colleges of the University of Dammam [UOD] in the academic year 2013-2014. Accordingly, the CES data which was downloaded from an exclusive online application 'UDQUEST' which includes 337 different courses and 15,264 surveys were utilized in this study. Two-way analysis of variance was utilized to test whether there is any significant interaction between the class size and the response rate on the students' evaluation of courses and instructors. The study showed that high response rate is required for student evaluation of instructors at Health Science colleges when the class size is small whereas a medium response rate is required for students' evaluation of courses. On the other hand, when the class size is medium, a medium or high response rate is needed for students' evaluation of both instructors and courses. The results of this study recommend that the administrators of the health science colleges to be aware of the interpretation of students' evaluations of courses and instructors. The study also suggests that the interaction between response rate and class size is a very important factor that needs to be taken into consideration while interpreting the findings of the students' evaluation of instructors and courses.

Feeding behavior and digestive physiology in sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus.

PubMed

Sun, Jiamin; Zhang, Libin; Pan, Yang; Lin, Chenggang; Wang, Fang; Kan, Rentao; Yang, Hongsheng

2015-02-01

The feeding behavior and digestive physiology of the sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus are not well understood. A better understanding may provide useful information for the development of the aquaculture of this species. In this article the tentacle locomotion, feeding rhythms, ingestion rate (IR), feces production rate (FPR) and digestive enzyme activities were studied in three size groups (small, medium and large) of sea cucumber under a 12h light/12h dark cycle. Frame-by-frame video analysis revealed that all size groups had similar feeding strategies using a grasping motion to pick up sediment particles. The tentacle insertion rates of the large size group were significantly faster than those of the small and medium-sized groups (P<0.05). Feeding activities investigated by charge coupled device cameras with infrared systems indicated that all size groups of sea cucumber were nocturnal and their feeding peaks occurred at 02:00-04:00. The medium and large-sized groups also had a second feeding peak during the day. Both IR and FPR in all groups were significantly higher at night than those during the daytime (P<0.05). Additionally, the peak activities of digestive enzymes were 2-4h earlier than the peak of feeding. Taken together, these results demonstrated that the light/dark cycle was a powerful environment factor that influenced biological rhythms of A. japonicus, which had the ability to optimize the digestive processes for a forthcoming ingestion. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chassis organism from Corynebacterium glutamicum--a top-down approach to identify and delete irrelevant gene clusters.

PubMed

Unthan, Simon; Baumgart, Meike; Radek, Andreas; Herbst, Marius; Siebert, Daniel; Brühl, Natalie; Bartsch, Anna; Bott, Michael; Wiechert, Wolfgang; Marin, Kay; Hans, Stephan; Krämer, Reinhard; Seibold, Gerd; Frunzke, Julia; Kalinowski, Jörn; Rückert, Christian; Wendisch, Volker F; Noack, Stephan

2015-02-01

For synthetic biology applications, a robust structural basis is required, which can be constructed either from scratch or in a top-down approach starting from any existing organism. In this study, we initiated the top-down construction of a chassis organism from Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13032, aiming for the relevant gene set to maintain its fast growth on defined medium. We evaluated each native gene for its essentiality considering expression levels, phylogenetic conservation, and knockout data. Based on this classification, we determined 41 gene clusters ranging from 3.7 to 49.7 kbp as target sites for deletion. 36 deletions were successful and 10 genome-reduced strains showed impaired growth rates, indicating that genes were hit, which are relevant to maintain biological fitness at wild-type level. In contrast, 26 deleted clusters were found to include exclusively irrelevant genes for growth on defined medium. A combinatory deletion of all irrelevant gene clusters would, in a prophage-free strain, decrease the size of the native genome by about 722 kbp (22%) to 2561 kbp. Finally, five combinatory deletions of irrelevant gene clusters were investigated. The study introduces the novel concept of relevant genes and demonstrates general strategies to construct a chassis suitable for biotechnological application. © 2014 The Authors. Biotechnology Journal published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-NoDerivs Licence, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non- commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.

Characterization of random scattering media and related information retrieval

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhenyu

There has been substantial interest in optical imaging in and through random media in applications as diverse as environmental sensing and tumor detection. The rich scatter environment also leads to multiple paths or channels, which may provide higher capacity for communication. Coherent light passing through random media produces an intensity speckle pattern when imaged, as a result of multiple scatter and the imaging optics. When polarized coherent light is used, the speckle pattern is sensitive to the polarization state, depending on the amount of scatter, and such measurements provide information about the random medium. This may form the basis for enhanced imaging of random media and provide information on the scatterers themselves. Second and third order correlations over laser scan frequency are shown to lead to the ensemble averaged temporal impulse response, with sensitivity to the polarization state in the more weakly scattering regime. A new intensity interferometer is introduced that provides information about two signals incident on a scattering medium. The two coherent beams, which are not necessarily overlapping, interfere in a scattering medium. A sinusoidal modulation in the second order intensity correlation with laser scan frequency is shown to be related to the relative delay of the two incident beams. An intensity spatial correlation over input position reveals that decorrelation occurs over a length comparable to the incident beam size. Such decorrelation is also related to the amount of scatter. Remarkably, with two beams incident at different angles, the intensity correlation over the scan position has a sinusoidal modulation that is related to the incidence angle difference between the two input beams. This spatial correlation over input position thus provides information about input wavevectors.

Using community partners to deliver low-cost and effective emergency management and business continuity services.

PubMed

Thomas, Joan; Roggiero, Jean Paul; Silva, Brian

2010-11-01

Small to medium-sized organisations enhance their business mission as well as their communities by continuing to offer services in extreme circumstances. Developing emergency preparedness and business continuity plans that are cost-effective, comprehensive and operational for small to medium-sized organisations with limited resources requires a consistent, supportive, hands-on approach over time with professionals to create appropriate and sustainable strategies. Using a unique, multi-layered and applied approach to emergency preparedness training, organisations have successfully created plans that are effective and sustainable.

Study of sandy soil grain-size distribution on its deformation properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antropova, L. B.; Gruzin, A. V.; Gildebrandt, M. I.; Malaya, L. D.; Nikulina, V. B.

2018-04-01

As a rule, new oil and gas fields' development faces the challenges of providing construction objects with material and mineral resources, for example, medium sand soil for buildings and facilities footings of the technological infrastructure under construction. This problem solution seems to lie in a rational usage of the existing environmental resources, soils included. The study was made of a medium sand soil grain-size distribution impact on its deformation properties. Based on the performed investigations, a technique for controlling sandy soil deformation properties was developed.

"Ant" and "grasshopper" life-history strategies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Spor, Aymé; Wang, Shaoxiao; Dillmann, Christine; de Vienne, Dominique; Sicard, Delphine

2008-02-13

From the evolutionary and ecological points of view, it is essential to distinguish between the genetic and environmental components of the variability of life-history traits and of their trade-offs. Among the factors affecting this variability, the resource uptake rate deserves particular attention, because it depends on both the environment and the genetic background of the individuals. In order to unravel the bases of the life-history strategies in yeast, we grew a collection of twelve strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae from different industrial and geographical origins in three culture media differing for their glucose content. Using a population dynamics model to fit the change of population size over time, we estimated the intrinsic growth rate (r), the carrying capacity (K), the mean cell size and the glucose consumption rate per cell. The life-history traits, as well as the glucose consumption rate, displayed large genetic and plastic variability and genetic-by-environment interactions. Within each medium, growth rate and carrying capacity were not correlated, but a marked trade-off between these traits was observed over the media, with high K and low r in the glucose rich medium and low K and high r in the other media. The cell size was tightly negatively correlated to carrying capacity in all conditions. The resource consumption rate appeared to be a clear-cut determinant of both the carrying capacity and the cell size in all media, since it accounted for 37% to 84% of the variation of those traits. In a given medium, the strains that consume glucose at high rate have large cell size and low carrying capacity, while the strains that consume glucose at low rate have small cell size but high carrying capacity. These two contrasted behaviors may be metaphorically defined as "ant" and "grasshopper" strategies of resource utilization. Interestingly, a strain may be "ant" in one medium and "grasshopper" in another. These life-history strategies are discussed with regards to yeast physiology, and in an evolutionary perspective.

Flee or fight: ontogenetic changes in the behavior of cobweb spiders in encounters with spider-hunting wasps.

PubMed

Uma, Divya B; Weiss, Martha R

2012-12-01

An animal's body size plays a predominant role in shaping its interspecific interactions, and, in encounters between two predators, often determines which shall be predator and which shall be prey. Spiders are top predators of insects, yet can fall prey to mud-dauber wasps that provision their larval nests with paralyzed spiders. Here we examined predator-prey interactions between Chalybion californicum (Saussure) (Sphecidae), a mud-dauber wasp, and Parasteatoda tepidariorum C. L. Koch (Theridiidae), a cobweb spider. We examined whether a spider's size influences its response to an attacking wasp, and report a size-dependent change in spider behavior: small-sized spiders fled, whereas medium- and large-sized spiders fought in response to wasp attacks. From the wasps' perspective, we examined whether spider size influences a wasp's hunting behavior and capture success. We found that wasps commonly approached small spiders, but were much less likely to approach medium and large spiders. However, wasp capture success did not vary with spider size. We also report a strategy used by Chalybion wasps toward cobweb spiders that is consistent with an interpretation of aggressive mimicry.

Laminar film condensation along a vertical plate embedded in an anisotropic porous medium with oblique principal axes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Degan, Gérard; Sanya, Arthur; Akowanou, Christian

2016-10-01

This work analytically investigates the problem of steady film condensation along a vertical surface embedded in an anisotropic porous medium filled with a dry saturated vapor. The porous medium is anisotropic in permeability whose principal axes are oriented in a direction which is oblique to the gravity vector. On the basis of the generalized Darcy's law and within the boundary layer approximations, similar solutions have been obtained for the temperature and flow patterns in the condensate. Moreover, closed form solutions for the boundary layer thickness and heat transfer rate have been obtained in terms of the governing parameters of the problem.

The duration of time that beef cattle are fed a high-grain diet affects feed sorting behavior both before and after acute ruminal acidosis1,2.

PubMed

DeVries, T J; Schwaiger, T; Beauchemin, K A; Penner, G B

2014-04-01

The objective of this study was to determine how duration of time that cattle are fed a high-grain diet affects feed sorting, both before and after an episode of acute ruminal acidosis. Sixteen Angus heifers (261 ± 6.1 kg; BW ± SEM) were assigned to 1 of 4 blocks and fed a backgrounding (BG) diet (60% forage, DM basis). Within block, heifers were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments differing in days fed a high-grain (HG; 9% forage, DM basis, fed ad libitum) diet before a ruminal acidosis challenge: 34 d for long adapted (LA) and 8 d for short adapted (SA). Ruminal acidosis was induced by restricting feed to 50% of DMI as a proportion of BW (determined individually for each heifer) for 24 h followed by an intraruminal infusion of ground barley at 10% of DMI as a proportion of BW measured before feed restriction. Feed and orts were sampled during the BG period, the first 26 d on the HG diet (only for LA cattle), the 8-d baseline (BASE) period, on the day of the ruminal acidosis challenge (CH), and during 2 consecutive 8-d recovery periods (REC1 and REC2) for each heifer and subjected to particle size analysis: 19-mm (long), 8-mm (medium), and 1.18-mm (short) screens and a pan (fine). On the BG diet, sorting for medium particles tended to be greater (104.2 vs. 102.1%; P = 0.07) for LA heifers than SA heifers, while sorting against short particles was greater (98.2 vs. 100.0%; P = 0.05) for LA heifers. During the first 26 d on the HG diet, LA cattle sorted for (P < 0.001) long (118.8%), medium (117.8%), and short (104.1%) particles and sorted against (P < 0.001) fine particles (45.3%). This sorting pattern was consistent for LA heifers during BASE period, CH day, and recovery periods, across which SA heifers exhibited less sorting (P ≤ 0.1). Greater duration of pH < 5.5 during the BASE period was associated with greater sorting for long particles (R(2) = 0.75, P = 0.01) in LA heifers and for long (R(2) = 0.49, P = 0.05) and medium (R(2) = 0.88, P < 0.001) particles in SA heifers. Long-adapted heifers linearly increased the extent of sorting for long (P = 0.007) and medium (P < 0.001) particles and against fine particles (P = 0.05) during the days following the challenge to a greater extent than SA heifers. Overall, the results demonstrate that longer-term exposure of beef heifers to a HG diet, which caused persistent low rumen pH, influenced feed sorting of heifers, both before and after an induced bout of acute ruminal acidosis, in a manner that would help attenuate the effects of acidosis.

The web-based information system for small and medium enterprises of Tomsk region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Senchenko, P. V.; Zhukovskiy, O. I.; Gritsenko, Yu B.; Senchenko, A. P.; Gritsenko, L. M.; Kovaleva, E. V.

2017-01-01

This paper presents the web enabled automated information data support system of small and medium-sized enterprises of Tomsk region. We define the purpose and application field of the system. In addition, we build a generic architecture and find system functions.

Establishment of a medium-scale mosquito facility: tests on mass production cages for Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae).

PubMed

Zhang, Dongjing; Li, Yongjun; Sun, Qiang; Zheng, Xiaoying; Gilles, Jeremie R L; Yamada, Hanano; Wu, Zhongdao; Xi, Zhiyong; Wu, Yu

2018-03-19

Mass egg production is an important component of Aedes albopictus mosquito control programs, such as the sterile insect technique and incompatible insect technique, which requires the releases of large number of sterile males. Developing standard operating procedures and optimized cages for adult maintenance of Ae. albopictus can improve the mass rearing efficiency. Three different sex ratios of females to males with a total number of 4,000 mosquitoes were tested by evaluating the insemination rate, egg production (total number of eggs per cage), female fecundity and egg hatch rate in small cage (30 × 30 × 30 cm). Blood meals with adenosine triphosphate (ATP, 0.05 g/ml), cage structures (Big cage A: 90 × 30 × 30 cm; Big cage B: 90 × 30 × 50 cm or 90 × 50 × 30 cm) and rearing densities (12,000, 16,000 and 20,000 mosquitoes, corresponding to 0.9 cm 2 /mosquito, 0.675 cm 2 /mosquito and 0.54 cm 2 /mosquito, respectively) were also tested and evaluated on the basis of egg production, female fecundity and egg hatch rate. An adult rearing unit holding 15 of Big cage A with optimal egg production was designed to produce 10 million eggs per rearing cycle in a 1.8 m 2 space. Female to male ratios at 3:1 in small cages resulted in higher egg production but did not affect insemination rate, female fecundity and egg hatch rate. A concentration of 0.05 g/ml of ATP added to blood meals improved the blood-feeding frequency and thus increased the overall egg production per cage. Cage structures affected the egg production per cage, but not egg hatch rate. A medium rearing density at 0.675 cm 2 /mosquito (16,000 mosquitoes) resulted in higher egg production compared to both low and high densities. An adult rearing unit for Ae. albopictus on the basis of Big cage A has been developed with the capacity of producing 10 million eggs within 15 days. Our results have indicated that the adult rearing methods and adult maintenance unit are recommended for Ae. albopictus mass rearing in support of the establishment of a medium-sized mosquito factory.

Prediction of fingering in porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhi; Feyen, Jan; Elrick, David E.

1998-09-01

Immiscible displacement, involving two fluids in a porous medium, can be unstable and fingered under certain conditions. In this paper, the original linear instability criterion of Chuoke et al. [1959] is generalized, considering wettability of two immiscible fluids to the porous medium. This is then used to predict 24 specific flow and porous medium conditions for the onset of wetting front instability in the subsurface. Wetting front instability is shown to be a function of the driving fluid wettability to the medium, differences in density and viscosity of the fluids, the magnitude of the interfacial tension, and the direction of flow with respect to gravity. Scenarios of water and nonaqueous-phase liquid infiltration into the vadose zone are examined to predict preferential flow and contamination of groundwater. The mechanisms of finger formation, propagation, and persistence in the vadose zone are reviewed, and the existing equations for calculating the size, the number and velocity of fingers are simplified for field applications. The analyses indicate that fingers initiate and propagate according to spatial and temporal distribution of the dynamic breakthrough (water- or air-entry) pressures in the porous medium. The predicted finger size and velocity are in close agreement with the experimental results.

Cladding for transverse-pumped solid-state laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Byer, Robert L. (Inventor); Fan, Tso Y. (Inventor)

1989-01-01

In a transverse pumped, solid state laser, a nonabsorptive cladding surrounds a gain medium. A single tranverse mode, namely the Transverse Electromagnetic (TEM) sub 00 mode, is provided. The TEM sub 00 model has a cross sectional diameter greater than a transverse dimension of the gain medium but less than a transverse dimension of the cladding. The required size of the gain medium is minimized while a threshold for laser output is lowered.

Evaluating structures, properties and vibrational and electronic spectra of the potassium 2-isonicotinoyltrifluoroborate salt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iramain, Maximiliano A.; Davies, Lilian; Brandán, Silvia Antonia

2018-07-01

The potassium 2-isonicotinoyltrifluorborate salt has been characterized by using FT-IR, FT-Raman and UV-Visible spectroscopies while its structural properties were studied by using B3LYP/6-31G* and B3LYP/6-311++G** calculations in gas and aqueous solution phases. Four conformers with CS and C1 symmetries were found in the potential energy surfaces but only one of them presents the minimum energy. Two dimeric species of this salt were also optimized in accordance to the layered architectures suggested for trifluoroborate potassium salts in the solid phase. Here, the experimental Raman bands at 796, 748 and 676 cm-1 clearly support the presence of both dimers. On the other hand, the 2-isonicotinoyltrifluorborate anion was optimized because its presence is expected in solution. Reasonable correlations were observed between the predicted FTIR, Raman and UV-visible spectra with the corresponding experimental ones. The solvation energies for the salt in aqueous solution were predicted by using both methods. Here, it is observed that the change of furane by pyridine ring generates an increase in the solvation energies of the potassium 2-isonicotinoyltrifluorborate salt in relation to potassium 3-furoyltrifluoroborate salt. The study of the charges has revealed that there is an effect of the size of the basis set on the Mulliken charges while the AIM analyses suggest that the F⋯H and O⋯K interactions are also strongly dependent of the medium and the size of the basis sets. The bond orders for the F and K atoms evidence their higher ionic characteristics in solution with both basis sets. The NBO and AIM results clearly support the higher stability of this salt in both media. The studies by using the frontier orbitals indicate that the change of furane by pyridine ring decreases the reactivity of this salt by using 6-31G* basis set but increases when the other one is employed. Another effect of change of furane by pyridine ring is observed in the increase of the f(νCdbnd O) and f(νBF3) force constants. In addition, the force fields for the salt in both media were reported together to their complete vibrational assignments and force constants by using both levels of theory.

Anomalous dielectrophoretic behaviour of barium titanate microparticles in concentrated solutions of ampholytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flores-Rodriguez, N.; Markx, G. H.

2006-08-01

The dielectrophoretic behaviour of barium titanate (BaTiO3) particles with a mean grain size of 3 µm was studied. Suspensions of the powdered ceramic in the concentration range 0.01-1.60% (w/v) were prepared in dilute aqueous solutions of NaCl and concentrated aqueous solutions of the amphoteric molecules HEPES (N-[2-hydroxyethyl] piperazine-N'4-[2-ethanesulfonic acid] and EACA (ɛ -aminocaproic acid). When suspended in water without ampholytes, the particles showed positive dielectrophoresis (DEP) over the whole frequency range (1 kHz-20 MHz), independent of the medium conductivity or applied voltage. When amphoteric molecules were added at a final concentration of up to 0.57 M, the particles showed positive DEP at all frequencies. When the concentration of ampholytes was increased to 0.71 M, the particles showed positive DEP at frequencies up to 100 kHz and voltages lower than 12 Vpk-pk at all electrode sizes. However, at 100 kHz, when the amplitude was increased to over 12 Vpk-pk, the particles started to display negative DEP at the smallest electrode size (20 µm) and moved away from the microelectrodes, accumulating in the gap between the electrodes. At the highest voltages used (16-20 Vpk-pk), the particles were seen moving upwards and remained stably levitated above the array. For frequencies larger than 100 kHz, the particles showed positive DEP only. It is shown that such behaviour cannot be expected on the basis of the dielectric properties of barium titanate and the suspending medium, and it is suggested that this behaviour may be caused by the fact that at high amphotere concentration and voltages the electric field across the particles surpasses the dielectric strength of the BaTiO3 particles, resulting in a sudden drop in the particle's permittivity. The fact that not all particles showed negative DEP suggests a spread in the dielectric properties of barium titanate particles. Physical separation of barium titanate particles with presumably different dielectric properties was shown to be possible using a flow-through device.

Parallel Optical Random Access Memory (PORAM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alphonse, G. A.

1989-01-01

It is shown that the need to minimize component count, power and size, and to maximize packing density require a parallel optical random access memory to be designed in a two-level hierarchy: a modular level and an interconnect level. Three module designs are proposed, in the order of research and development requirements. The first uses state-of-the-art components, including individually addressed laser diode arrays, acousto-optic (AO) deflectors and magneto-optic (MO) storage medium, aimed at moderate size, moderate power, and high packing density. The next design level uses an electron-trapping (ET) medium to reduce optical power requirements. The third design uses a beam-steering grating surface emitter (GSE) array to reduce size further and minimize the number of components.

18 years' experience with high dose rate strontium-90 brachytherapy of small to medium sized posterior uveal melanoma.

PubMed

van Ginderdeuren, R; van Limbergen, E; Spileers, W

2005-10-01

To analyse local tumour control, radiation related complications, visual acuity, enucleation rate, and survival after brachytherapy of small to medium sized choroidal melanoma (CM) with a high dose rate (HDR) strontium-90 (Sr-90) applicator. From 1983 until 2000, 98 eyes with CM were treated with Sr-90 brachytherapy. The main outcome measures were actuarial rates of the patients' survival, ocular conservation rate, tumour regression, complication rates, and preservation of visual acuity. End point rates were estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. The median follow up time was 6.7 years (0.5-18.8 years). Actuarial melanoma free patient survival rate was 85% (SE 4.8%) after 18 years. Actuarial rate of ocular conservation and complete tumour regression was 90% (SE 3.8%) after 15 years. In 93% local tumour control was achieved, 88% showed a stable scar. Recurrence of the tumour on the border caused enucleation of six eyes (7%). In three cases (4%) retinal detachment was the end point. No cases of optic atrophy or of sight impairing retinopathy outside the treated area were found. Actuarial rate of preservation of visual acuity of 1/10 was 65% at 5 years and 45% at 15 years of follow up (SE 5.9% and 8.8%). Sr-90 brachytherapy is as effective as iodine or ruthenium brachytherapy for small to medium sized CM but causes fewer complications. The preservation of vision is better than with all other described radioisotopes. HDR Sr-90 brachytherapy can therefore safely be recommended for small to medium sized CM.

18 Years’ experience with high dose rate strontium-90 brachytherapy of small to medium sized posterior uveal melanoma

PubMed Central

van Ginderdeuren, R; van Limbergen, E; Spileers, W

2005-01-01

Aim: To analyse local tumour control, radiation related complications, visual acuity, enucleation rate, and survival after brachytherapy of small to medium sized choroidal melanoma (CM) with a high dose rate (HDR) strontium-90 (Sr-90) applicator. Methods: From 1983 until 2000, 98 eyes with CM were treated with Sr-90 brachytherapy. The main outcome measures were actuarial rates of the patients’ survival, ocular conservation rate, tumour regression, complication rates, and preservation of visual acuity. End point rates were estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: The median follow up time was 6.7 years (0.5–18.8 years). Actuarial melanoma free patient survival rate was 85% (SE 4.8%) after 18 years. Actuarial rate of ocular conservation and complete tumour regression was 90% (SE 3.8%) after 15 years. In 93% local tumour control was achieved, 88% showed a stable scar. Recurrence of the tumour on the border caused enucleation of six eyes (7%). In three cases (4%) retinal detachment was the end point. No cases of optic atrophy or of sight impairing retinopathy outside the treated area were found. Actuarial rate of preservation of visual acuity of 1/10 was 65% at 5 years and 45% at 15 years of follow up (SE 5.9% and 8.8%). Conclusions: Sr-90 brachytherapy is as effective as iodine or ruthenium brachytherapy for small to medium sized CM but causes fewer complications. The preservation of vision is better than with all other described radioisotopes. HDR Sr-90 brachytherapy can therefore safely be recommended for small to medium sized CM. PMID:16170122

Molecular dynamics simulations of fluid methane properties using ab initio intermolecular interaction potentials.

PubMed

Chao, Shih-Wei; Li, Arvin Huang-Te; Chao, Sheng D

2009-09-01

Intermolecular interaction energy data for the methane dimer have been calculated at a spectroscopic accuracy and employed to construct an ab initio potential energy surface (PES) for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of fluid methane properties. The full potential curves of the methane dimer at 12 symmetric conformations were calculated by the supermolecule counterpoise-corrected second-order Møller-Plesset (MP2) perturbation theory. Single-point coupled cluster with single and double and perturbative triple excitations [CCSD(T)] calculations were also carried out to calibrate the MP2 potentials. We employed Pople's medium size basis sets [up to 6-311++G(3df, 3pd)] and Dunning's correlation consistent basis sets (cc-pVXZ and aug-cc-pVXZ, X = D, T, Q). For each conformer, the intermolecular carbon-carbon separation was sampled in a step 0.1 A for a range of 3-9 A, resulting in a total of 732 configuration points calculated. The MP2 binding curves display significant anisotropy with respect to the relative orientations of the dimer. The potential curves at the complete basis set (CBS) limit were estimated using well-established analytical extrapolation schemes. A 4-site potential model with sites located at the hydrogen atoms was used to fit the ab initio potential data. This model stems from a hydrogen-hydrogen repulsion mechanism to explain the stability of the dimer structure. MD simulations using the ab initio PES show quantitative agreements on both the atom-wise radial distribution functions and the self-diffusion coefficients over a wide range of experimental conditions. Copyright 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Digital Liberal Arts at a Distance: A Consortium-Wide Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pearson, Ellen Holmes; McClurken, Jeffrey; Bailey, Claire

2016-01-01

Over the past decade, campus-based digital liberal arts projects have extended high-impact undergraduate research across disciplines and beyond the traditional print medium for the production and dissemination of knowledge. But many small- to medium-sized liberal arts colleges, and especially public liberal arts colleges, often lack the…

Effect of seawater salinity on pore-size distribution on a poly(styrene)-based HP20 resin and its adsorption of diarrhetic shellfish toxins.

PubMed

Fan, Lin; Sun, Geng; Qiu, Jiangbing; Ma, Qimin; Hess, Philipp; Li, Aifeng

2014-12-19

In the present study, okadaic acid (OA) and dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX1) were spiked into artificial seawater at low, medium and high estuarine salinities (9‰, 13.5‰ and 27‰). Passive samplers (HP20 resin) used for solid phase adsorption toxin tracking (SPATT) technology were exposed in these seawaters for 12-h periods. Adsorption curves well fitted a pseudo-secondary kinetics model. The highest initial sorption rates of both toxins occurred in the seawater of medium salinity, followed by seawater of low and high estuarine salinity. Pore volumes of micropores (<2 nm) and small mesopores (2 nm

The effect and biological mechanism of granular sludge size on performance of autotrophic nitrogen removal system.

PubMed

Ya-Juan, Xing; Jun-Yuan, Ji; Ping, Zheng; Lan, Wang; Abbas, Ghulam; Zhang, Jiqiang; Ru, Wang; Zhan-Fei, He

2018-05-31

The autotrophic process for nitrogen removal has attracted worldwide attention in the field of wastewater treatment, and the performance of this process is greatly influenced by the size of granular sludge particles present in the system. In this work, the granular sludge was divided into three groups, i.e. large size (> 1.2 mm), medium size (0.6-1.2 mm) and small size (< 0.6 mm). The medium granular sludge was observed to dominate at high volumetric nitrogen loading rates, while offering strong support for good performance. Its indispensable contribution was found to originate from improved settling velocity (0.84 ± 0.10 cm/s), high SOUR-A (specific oxygen uptake rate for ammonia oxidizing bacteria, 25.93 mg O 2 /g MLVSS/h), low SOUR-N (specific oxygen uptake rate for nitrite oxidizing bacteria, 3.39 mg O 2 /g MLVSS/h), and a reasonable microbial spatial distribution.

A comparison of long-chain triglycerides and medium-chain triglycerides on weight loss and tumour size in a cachexia model.

PubMed Central

Tisdale, M. J.; Brennan, R. A.

1988-01-01

A comparison has been made between the ability of long-chain triglycerides (LCT) and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) to prevent weight loss induced by the cachexia-inducing colon adenocarcinoma (MAC16) and to reduce tumour size. There was no difference in calorie consumption or nitrogen intake between the various groups. When compared with a normal control high carbohydrate, low fat diet, animals fed MCT showed a reduced weight loss and a marked reduction in tumour size. In contrast neither weight loss nor tumour size differed significantly from the controls in animals fed the LCT diet. An elevated plasma level of 3-hydroxybuturate was found only in the animals fed the MCT diets. Administration of LCT caused an increase in the plasma level of FFA, which was not observed in the MCT group. These results suggest that diets containing MCT would provide the best ketogenic regime to reverse the weight loss in cancer cachexia with a concomitant reduction in tumour size. PMID:3219268

Is environmental sustainability a strategic priority for logistics service providers?

PubMed

Evangelista, Pietro; Colicchia, Claudia; Creazza, Alessandro

2017-08-01

Despite an increasing number of third-party logistics service providers (3PLs) regard environmental sustainability as a key area of management, there is still great uncertainty on how 3PLs implement environmental strategies and on how they translate green efforts into practice. Through a multiple case study analysis, this paper explores the environmental strategies of a sample of medium-sized 3PLs operating in Italy and the UK, in terms of environmental organizational culture, initiatives, and influencing factors. Our analysis shows that, notwithstanding environmental sustainability is generally recognised as a strategic priority, a certain degree of diversity in the deployment of environmental strategies still exists. This paper is original since the extant literature on green strategies of 3PLs provides findings predominantly from a single country perspective and mainly investigates large/multinational organizations. It also provides indications to help managers of medium-sized 3PLs in positioning their business. This is particularly meaningful in the 3PL industry, where medium-sized organizations significantly contribute to the generated turnover and market value. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Role of medium-sized independent laboratories in control of healthcare-associated infection].

PubMed

Anzai, Eiko; Fukui, Toru

2009-05-01

In 2006, the Ministry of Health and Welfare revised the regulations regarding the Medical Service Law. The amendments stipulate that all healthcare institutions are required to implement infection control programs. However, small hospitals and clinics have no clinical microbiology laboratories, whereas medium-sized hospitals have few medical technologists and the outsourcing of microbiology tests to independent laboratories is common. The decreasing number of laboratories and recent outsourcing tendency reflect the increasing commercialization, and, with it, the escalating number of commercially operating chains. Each independent laboratory is responsible for supporting activities related to the surveillance, control, and prevention of healthcare-associated infections in the associated small and medium-sized hospitals. The people responsible for infection control in these hospitals usually do not have a background in microbiology. The evaluation of communication between independent laboratory staff and hospital personnel, and rapid turnaround time of microbiology laboratory test reports are important elements ensuring the quality of independent laboratory work. With the pressures of financial constraints in the Japanese medical insurance system, the development of a cost-effective and practical protocol for quality assurance is a real dilemma.

Vaccine Pipeline Has Grown During The Past Two Decades With More Early-Stage Trials From Small And Medium-Size Companies.

PubMed

Hwang, Thomas J; Kesselheim, Aaron S

2016-02-01

Many serious diseases lack safe and effective vaccines. Using a large commercial database, we examined trends in global vaccine research and development and found that the proportion of new vaccine candidates entering all stages of clinical development increased by 3-5 percentage points over the past two decades. Small and medium-size companies accounted for nearly twice as many new Phase I vaccine trials compared to large companies, but late-stage (Phase III) vaccine trials were dominated by large companies. There were no significant differences between vaccines and drugs in the probability of success in clinical trials or in profitability. Small and medium-size companies, including spin-outs from academic research centers, play an important role in innovative research and discovery. Our findings suggest that policy making targeted at smaller companies, such as prizes or opportunities for public-private partnerships, could support the development of new vaccines, particularly those targeting unmet medical needs and emerging public health threats. Project HOPE—The People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc.

Understanding the City Size Wage Gap*

PubMed Central

Baum-Snow, Nathaniel; Pavan, Ronni

2013-01-01

In this paper, we decompose city size wage premia into various components. We base these decompositions on an estimated on-the-job search model that incorporates latent ability, search frictions, firm-worker match quality, human capital accumulation and endogenous migration between large, medium and small cities. Counterfactual simulations of the model indicate that variation in returns to experience and differences in wage intercepts across location type are the most important mechanisms contributing to observed city size wage premia. Variation in returns to experience is more important for generating wage premia between large and small locations while differences in wage intercepts are more important for generating wage premia betwen medium and small locations. Sorting on unobserved ability within education group and differences in labor market search frictions and distributions of firm-worker match quality contribute little to observed city size wage premia. These conclusions hold for separate samples of high school and college graduates. PMID:24273347

Understanding the City Size Wage Gap.

PubMed

Baum-Snow, Nathaniel; Pavan, Ronni

2012-01-01

In this paper, we decompose city size wage premia into various components. We base these decompositions on an estimated on-the-job search model that incorporates latent ability, search frictions, firm-worker match quality, human capital accumulation and endogenous migration between large, medium and small cities. Counterfactual simulations of the model indicate that variation in returns to experience and differences in wage intercepts across location type are the most important mechanisms contributing to observed city size wage premia. Variation in returns to experience is more important for generating wage premia between large and small locations while differences in wage intercepts are more important for generating wage premia betwen medium and small locations. Sorting on unobserved ability within education group and differences in labor market search frictions and distributions of firm-worker match quality contribute little to observed city size wage premia. These conclusions hold for separate samples of high school and college graduates.

Characterizing the Size of the Encumbered Soldier

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-08-01

included in this evaluation. The eventual TP size distribution is shown in Table 1. The females were all fit into size XS IOTVs (currently the smallest...available size issued). Males were evenly distributed in each of the most common IOTV sizes ( XS , S, M, L, XL). Six TPs were placed in the size Medium...Hispanic (n=2), Asian/Pacific Islander (n=4), or Mixed Race (n=2). All but three of the TPs were IOTV Size Males Females Total XS 5 5 10 S 5 0 5

Involvement of Intermediate Sulfur Species in Biological Reduction of Elemental Sulfur under Acidic, Hydrothermal Conditions

PubMed Central

Druschel, Gregory K.

2013-01-01

The thermoacidophile and obligate elemental sulfur (S80)-reducing anaerobe Acidilobus sulfurireducens 18D70 does not associate with bulk solid-phase sulfur during S80-dependent batch culture growth. Cyclic voltammetry indicated the production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as well as polysulfides after 1 day of batch growth of the organism at pH 3.0 and 81°C. The production of polysulfide is likely due to the abiotic reaction between S80 and the biologically produced H2S, as evinced by a rapid cessation of polysulfide formation when the growth temperature was decreased, inhibiting the biological production of sulfide. After an additional 5 days of growth, nanoparticulate S80 was detected in the cultivation medium, a result of the hydrolysis of polysulfides in acidic medium. To examine whether soluble polysulfides and/or nanoparticulate S80 can serve as terminal electron acceptors (TEA) supporting the growth of A. sulfurireducens, total sulfide concentration and cell density were monitored in batch cultures with S80 provided as a solid phase in the medium or with S80 sequestered in dialysis tubing. The rates of sulfide production in 7-day-old cultures with S80 sequestered in dialysis tubing with pore sizes of 12 to 14 kDa and 6 to 8 kDa were 55% and 22%, respectively, of that of cultures with S80 provided as a solid phase in the medium. These results indicate that the TEA existed in a range of particle sizes that affected its ability to diffuse through dialysis tubing of different pore sizes. Dynamic light scattering revealed that S80 particles generated through polysulfide rapidly grew in size, a rate which was influenced by the pH of the medium and the presence of organic carbon. Thus, S80 particles formed through abiological hydrolysis of polysulfide under acidic conditions appeared to serve as a growth-promoting TEA for A. sulfurireducens. PMID:23335768

Parametric study of thermal storage containing rocks or fluid filled cans for solar heating and cooling, phase 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saha, H.

1981-01-01

The test data and an analysis of the heat transfer characteristics of a solar thermal energy storage bed utilizing water filled cans and standard bricks as energy storage medium are presented. This experimental investigation was initiated to find a usable heat intensive solar thermal storage device other than rock storage and water tank. Four different sizes of soup cans were stacked in a chamber in three different arrangements-vertical, horizontal, and random. Air is used as transfer medium for charging and discharge modes at three different mass flow rates and inlet air temperature respectively. These results are analyzed and compared, which show that a vertical stacking and medium size cans with Length/Diameter (L/D) ratio close to one have better average characteristics of heat transfer and pressure drop.

Spontaneous emission in the presence of a realistically sized cylindrical waveguide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dung, Ho Trung

2016-02-01

Various quantities characterizing the spontaneous emission process of a dipole emitter including the emission rate and the emission pattern can be expressed in terms of the Green tensor of the surrounding environment. By expanding the Green tensor around some analytically known background one as a Born series, and truncating it under appropriate conditions, complicated boundaries can be tackled with ease. However, when the emitter is embedded in the medium, even the calculation of the first-order term in the Born series is problematic because of the presence of a singularity. We show how to eliminate this singularity for a medium of arbitrary size and shape by expanding around the bulk medium rather than vacuum. In the highly symmetric configuration of an emitter located on the axis of a realistically sized cylinder, it is shown that the singularity can be removed by changing the integral variables and then the order of integration. Using both methods, we investigate the spontaneous emission rate of an initially excited two-level dipole emitter, embedded in a realistically sized cylinder, which can be a common optical fiber in the long-length limit and a disk in the short-length limit. The spatial distribution of the emitted light is calculated using the Born-expansion approach, and local-field corrections to the spontaneous emission rate are briefly discussed.

Thermodynamics of firms' growth

PubMed Central

Zambrano, Eduardo; Hernando, Alberto; Hernando, Ricardo; Plastino, Angelo

2015-01-01

The distribution of firms' growth and firms' sizes is a topic under intense scrutiny. In this paper, we show that a thermodynamic model based on the maximum entropy principle, with dynamical prior information, can be constructed that adequately describes the dynamics and distribution of firms' growth. Our theoretical framework is tested against a comprehensive database of Spanish firms, which covers, to a very large extent, Spain's economic activity, with a total of 1 155 142 firms evolving along a full decade. We show that the empirical exponent of Pareto's law, a rule often observed in the rank distribution of large-size firms, is explained by the capacity of economic system for creating/destroying firms, and that can be used to measure the health of a capitalist-based economy. Indeed, our model predicts that when the exponent is larger than 1, creation of firms is favoured; when it is smaller than 1, destruction of firms is favoured instead; and when it equals 1 (matching Zipf's law), the system is in a full macroeconomic equilibrium, entailing ‘free’ creation and/or destruction of firms. For medium and smaller firm sizes, the dynamical regime changes, the whole distribution can no longer be fitted to a single simple analytical form and numerical prediction is required. Our model constitutes the basis for a full predictive framework regarding the economic evolution of an ensemble of firms. Such a structure can be potentially used to develop simulations and test hypothetical scenarios, such as economic crisis or the response to specific policy measures. PMID:26510828

Thermodynamics of firms' growth.

PubMed

Zambrano, Eduardo; Hernando, Alberto; Fernández Bariviera, Aurelio; Hernando, Ricardo; Plastino, Angelo

2015-11-06

The distribution of firms' growth and firms' sizes is a topic under intense scrutiny. In this paper, we show that a thermodynamic model based on the maximum entropy principle, with dynamical prior information, can be constructed that adequately describes the dynamics and distribution of firms' growth. Our theoretical framework is tested against a comprehensive database of Spanish firms, which covers, to a very large extent, Spain's economic activity, with a total of 1,155,142 firms evolving along a full decade. We show that the empirical exponent of Pareto's law, a rule often observed in the rank distribution of large-size firms, is explained by the capacity of economic system for creating/destroying firms, and that can be used to measure the health of a capitalist-based economy. Indeed, our model predicts that when the exponent is larger than 1, creation of firms is favoured; when it is smaller than 1, destruction of firms is favoured instead; and when it equals 1 (matching Zipf's law), the system is in a full macroeconomic equilibrium, entailing 'free' creation and/or destruction of firms. For medium and smaller firm sizes, the dynamical regime changes, the whole distribution can no longer be fitted to a single simple analytical form and numerical prediction is required. Our model constitutes the basis for a full predictive framework regarding the economic evolution of an ensemble of firms. Such a structure can be potentially used to develop simulations and test hypothetical scenarios, such as economic crisis or the response to specific policy measures. © 2015 The Authors.

Morphology Tuning of Strontium Tungstate Nanoparticles

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

Joseph, S.; George, T.; George, K. C.

2007-08-22

Strontium tungstate nanocrystals in two different morphologies are successfully synthesized by controlled precipitation in aqueous and in poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) medium. Structural characterizations are carried out by XRD and SEM. The average particle size calculated for the SrWO4 prepared in the two different solvents ranges 20-24 nm. The SEM pictures show that the surface morphologies of the SrWO4 nanoparticles in aqueous medium resemble mushroom and the SrWO4 nanoparticles in PVA medium resemble cauliflower. Investigations on the room temperature luminescent properties of the strontium tungstate nanoparticles prepared in aqueous and PVA medium shows strong emissions around 425 nm.

Entropy and the driving force for the filling of carbon nanotubes with water.

PubMed

Pascal, Tod A; Goddard, William A; Jung, Yousung

2011-07-19

The spontaneous filling of hydrophobic carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by water observed both experimentally and from simulations is counterintuitive because confinement is generally expected to decrease both entropy and bonding, and remains largely unexplained. Here we report the entropy, enthalpy, and free energy extracted from molecular dynamics simulations of water confined in CNTs from 0.8 to 2.7-nm diameters. We find for all sizes that water inside the CNTs is more stable than in the bulk, but the nature of the favorable confinement of water changes dramatically with CNT diameter. Thus we find (i) an entropy (both rotational and translational) stabilized, vapor-like phase of water for small CNTs (0.8-1.0 nm), (ii) an enthalpy stabilized, ice-like phase for medium-sized CNTs (1.1-1.2 nm), and (iii) a bulk-like liquid phase for tubes larger than 1.4 nm, stabilized by the increased translational entropy as the waters sample a larger configurational space. Simulations with structureless coarse-grained water models further reveal that the observed free energies and sequence of transitions arise from the tetrahedral structure of liquid water. These results offer a broad theoretical basis for understanding water transport through CNTs and other nanostructures important in nanofluidics, nanofiltrations, and desalination.

Entropy and the driving force for the filling of carbon nanotubes with water

PubMed Central

Pascal, Tod A.; Goddard, William A.; Jung, Yousung

2011-01-01

The spontaneous filling of hydrophobic carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by water observed both experimentally and from simulations is counterintuitive because confinement is generally expected to decrease both entropy and bonding, and remains largely unexplained. Here we report the entropy, enthalpy, and free energy extracted from molecular dynamics simulations of water confined in CNTs from 0.8 to 2.7-nm diameters. We find for all sizes that water inside the CNTs is more stable than in the bulk, but the nature of the favorable confinement of water changes dramatically with CNT diameter. Thus we find (i) an entropy (both rotational and translational) stabilized, vapor-like phase of water for small CNTs (0.8–1.0 nm), (ii) an enthalpy stabilized, ice-like phase for medium-sized CNTs (1.1–1.2 nm), and (iii) a bulk-like liquid phase for tubes larger than 1.4 nm, stabilized by the increased translational entropy as the waters sample a larger configurational space. Simulations with structureless coarse-grained water models further reveal that the observed free energies and sequence of transitions arise from the tetrahedral structure of liquid water. These results offer a broad theoretical basis for understanding water transport through CNTs and other nanostructures important in nanofluidics, nanofiltrations, and desalination. PMID:21709268

Examining Cultural Capital and Student Achievement: Results of a Meta-Analytic Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tan, Cheng Yong

2017-01-01

This meta-analysis summarized the relationships between cultural capital and student achievement (155 effect sizes involving 685,393 K-12 students) published in education journals between 1981 and 2015. Results showed a small-to-medium overall mean effect size, and larger individual effect sizes for parental education and parental expectations…

A novel method for fabrication of size-controlled metallic nanoparticles by laser ablation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choudhury, Kaushik; Singh, R. K.; Ranjan, Mukesh; Kumar, Ajai; Srivastava, Atul

2017-12-01

Time resolved experimental investigation of laser produced plasma-induced shockwaves has been carried out in the presence of confining walls placed along the lateral directions using a Mach Zehnder interferometer in air ambient. Copper was used as target material. The primary and the reflected shock waves and their effects on the evolution of medium density and the plasma density have been studied. The reflected shock wave has been seen to be affecting the shape and density of the plasma plume in the confined geometry. The same experiments were performed with water and isopropyl alcohol as the ambient liquids and the produced nanoparticles were characterised for size and size distribution. Significant differences in the size and size distribution are seen in case of the nanoparticles produced from the ablation of the targets with and without confining boundary. The observed trend has been attributed to the presence of confining boundary and the way it affects the thermalisation time of the plasma plume. The experiments also show the effect of medium density on the mean size of the copper nanoparticles produced.

Coronary artery calcium: a multi-institutional, multimanufacturer international standard for quantification at cardiac CT.

PubMed

McCollough, Cynthia H; Ulzheimer, Stefan; Halliburton, Sandra S; Shanneik, Kaiss; White, Richard D; Kalender, Willi A

2007-05-01

To develop a consensus standard for quantification of coronary artery calcium (CAC). A standard for CAC quantification was developed by a multi-institutional, multimanufacturer international consortium of cardiac radiologists, medical physicists, and industry representatives. This report specifically describes the standardization of scan acquisition and reconstruction parameters, the use of patient size-specific tube current values to achieve a prescribed image noise, and the use of the calcium mass score to eliminate scanner- and patient size-based variations. An anthropomorphic phantom containing calibration inserts and additional phantom rings were used to simulate small, medium-size, and large patients. The three phantoms were scanned by using the recommended protocols for various computed tomography (CT) systems to determine the calibration factors that relate measured CT numbers to calcium hydroxyapatite density and to determine the tube current values that yield comparable noise values. Calculation of the calcium mass score was standardized, and the variance in Agatston, volume, and mass scores was compared among CT systems. Use of the recommended scanning parameters resulted in similar noise for small, medium-size, and large phantoms with all multi-detector row CT scanners. Volume scores had greater interscanner variance than did Agatston and calcium mass scores. Use of a fixed calcium hydroxyapatite density threshold (100 mg/cm(3)), as compared with use of a fixed CT number threshold (130 HU), reduced interscanner variability in Agatston and calcium mass scores. With use of a density segmentation threshold, the calcium mass score had the smallest variance as a function of patient size. Standardized quantification of CAC yielded comparable image noise, spatial resolution, and mass scores among different patient sizes and different CT systems and facilitated reduced radiation dose for small and medium-size patients.

Colony Size Affects the Efficacy of Bait Containing Chlorfluazuron Against the Fungus-Growing Termite Macrotermes gilvus (Blattodea: Termitidae).

PubMed

Lee, Ching-Chen; Neoh, Kok-Boon; Lee, Chow-Yang

2014-12-01

The efficacy of chitin synthesis inhibitors (CSIs) against fungus-growing termites is known to vary. In this study, 0.1% chlorfluazuron (CFZ) cellulose bait was tested against medium and large field colonies of Macrotermes gilvus (Hagen). The termite mounds were dissected to determine the health of the colony. Individual termites (i.e., workers and larvae) and fungus combs were subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to detect the presence of CFZ. In this study, 540.0 ± 25.8 g (or equivalent to 540.0 ± 25.8 mg active ingredient) and 680.0 ± 49.0 g (680.0 ± 49.0 mg active ingredient) of bait matrix were removed by the medium- and large-sized colonies, respectively, after baiting. All treated medium-sized colonies were moribund. The dead termites were scattered in the mound, larvae were absent, population size had decreased by 90%, and the queens appeared unhealthy. In contrast, no or limited effects were found in large-sized colonies. Only trace amounts of CFZ were detected in workers, larvae, and fungus combs, and the population of large-sized colonies had declined by only up to 40%. This might be owing to the presence of large amount of basidiomycete fungus and a drastic decrease of CFZ content per unit fungus comb (a main food source of larvae) in the large-sized colonies, and hence reduced the toxic effect and longer time is required to accumulate the lethal dose in larvae. Nevertheless, we do not deny the possibility of CSI bait eliminating or suppressing the higher termite if the test colonies could pick up adequate lethal dose by installing more bait stations and prolonging the baiting period. © 2014 Entomological Society of America.

Effects of serum on cytotoxicity of nano- and micro-sized ZnO particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsiao, I.-Lun; Huang, Yuh-Jeen

2013-09-01

Although an increasing number of in vitro studies are being published regarding the cytotoxicity of nanomaterials, the components of the media for toxicity assays have often varied according to the needs of the scientists. Our aim for this study was to evaluate the influence of serum—in this case, fetal bovine serum—in a cell culture medium on the toxicity of nano-sized (50-70 nm) and micro-sized (<1 μm) ZnO on human lung epithelial cells (A549). The nano- and micro-sized ZnO both exhibited their highest toxicity when exposed to serum-free media, in contrast to exposure in media containing 5 or 10 % serum. This mainly comes not only from the fact that ZnO particles in the serum-free media have a higher dosage-per-cell ratio, which results from large aggregates of particles, rapid sedimentation, absence of protein protection, and lower cell growth rate, but also that extracellular Zn2+ release contributes to cytotoxicity. Although more extracellular Zn2+ release was observed in serum-containing media, it did not contribute to nano-ZnO cytotoxicity. Furthermore, non-dissolved particles underwent size-dependent particle agglomeration, resulting in size-dependent toxicity in both serum-containing and serum-free media. A low correlation between cytotoxicity and inflammation endpoints in the serum-free medium suggested that some signaling pathways were changed or induced. Since cell growth, transcription behavior for protein production, and physicochemical properties of ZnO particles all were altered in serum-free media, we recommend the use of a serum-containing medium when evaluating the cytotoxicity of NPs.

Size-induced axial band structure and directional flow of a ternary-size granular material in a 3-D horizontal rotating drum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Shiliang; Sun, Yuhao; Ma, Honghe; Chew, Jia Wei

2018-05-01

Differences in the material property of the granular material induce segregation which inevitably influences both natural and industrial processes. To understand the dynamical segregation behavior, the band structure, and also the spatial redistribution of particles induced by the size differences of the particles, a ternary-size granular mixture in a three-dimensional rotating drum operating in the rolling flow regime is numerically simulated using the discrete element method. The results demonstrate that (i) the axial bands of the medium particles are spatially sandwiched in between those of the large and small ones; (ii) the total mass in the active and passive regions is a global parameter independent of segregation; (iii) nearly one-third of all the particles are in the active region, with the small particles having the highest mass fraction; (iv) the axial bands initially appear near the end wall, then become wider and purer in the particular species with time as more axial bands form toward the axial center; and (v) the medium particle type exhibits segregation later and has the narrowest axial bandwidth and least purity in the bands. Compared to the binary-size system, the presence of the medium particle type slightly increases the total mass in the active region, leads to larger mass fractions of the small and large particle types in the active region, and enhances the axial segregation in the system. The results obtained in the current work provide valuable insights regarding size segregation, and band structure and formation in the rotating drum with polydisperse particles.

Utilization of group theory in studies of molecular clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ocak, Mahir E.

The structure of the molecular symmetry group of molecular clusters was analyzed and it is shown that the molecular symmetry group of a molecular cluster can be written as direct products and semidirect products of its subgroups. Symmetry adaptation of basis functions in direct product groups and semidirect product groups was considered in general and the sequential symmetry adaptation procedure which is already known for direct product groups was extended to the case of semidirect product groups. By using the sequential symmetry adaptation procedure a new method for calculating the VRT spectra of molecular clusters which is named as Monomer Basis Representation (MBR) method is developed. In the MBR method, calculations starts with a single monomer with the purpose of obtaining an optimized basis for that monomer as a linear combination of some primitive basis functions. Then, an optimized basis for each identical monomer is generated from the optimized basis of this monomer. By using the optimized bases of the monomers, a basis is generated generated for the solution of the full problem, and the VRT spectra of the cluster is obtained by using this basis. Since an optimized basis is used for each monomer which has a much smaller size than the primitive basis from which the optimized bases are generated, the MBR method leads to an exponential optimization in the size of the basis that is required for the calculations. Application of the MBR method has been illustrated by calculating the VRT spectra of water dimer by using the SAPT-5st potential surface of Groenenboom et al. The rest of the calculations are in good agreement with both the original calculations of Groenenboom et al. and also with the experimental results. Comparing the size of the optimized basis with the size of the primitive basis, it can be said that the method works efficiently. Because of its efficiency, the MBR method can be used for studies of clusters bigger than dimers. Thus, MBR method can be used for studying the many-body terms and for deriving accurate potential surfaces.

A 10-step safety management framework for construction small and medium-sized enterprises.

PubMed

Gunduz, Murat; Laitinen, Heikki

2017-09-01

It is of great importance to develop an occupational health and safety management system (OHS MS) to form a systemized approach to improve health and safety. It is a known fact that thousands of accidents and injuries occur in the construction industry. Most of these accidents occur in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This article provides a 10-step user-friendly OHS MS for the construction industry. A quantitative OHS MS indexing method is also introduced in the article. The practical application of the system to real SMEs and its promising results are also presented.

Efficient and accurate local approximations to coupled-electron pair approaches: An attempt to revive the pair natural orbital method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neese, Frank; Wennmohs, Frank; Hansen, Andreas

2009-03-01

Coupled-electron pair approximations (CEPAs) and coupled-pair functionals (CPFs) have been popular in the 1970s and 1980s and have yielded excellent results for small molecules. Recently, interest in CEPA and CPF methods has been renewed. It has been shown that these methods lead to competitive thermochemical, kinetic, and structural predictions. They greatly surpass second order Møller-Plesset and popular density functional theory based approaches in accuracy and are intermediate in quality between CCSD and CCSD(T) in extended benchmark studies. In this work an efficient production level implementation of the closed shell CEPA and CPF methods is reported that can be applied to medium sized molecules in the range of 50-100 atoms and up to about 2000 basis functions. The internal space is spanned by localized internal orbitals. The external space is greatly compressed through the method of pair natural orbitals (PNOs) that was also introduced by the pioneers of the CEPA approaches. Our implementation also makes extended use of density fitting (or resolution of the identity) techniques in order to speed up the laborious integral transformations. The method is called local pair natural orbital CEPA (LPNO-CEPA) (LPNO-CPF). The implementation is centered around the concepts of electron pairs and matrix operations. Altogether three cutoff parameters are introduced that control the size of the significant pair list, the average number of PNOs per electron pair, and the number of contributing basis functions per PNO. With the conservatively chosen default values of these thresholds, the method recovers about 99.8% of the canonical correlation energy. This translates to absolute deviations from the canonical result of only a few kcal mol-1. Extended numerical test calculations demonstrate that LPNO-CEPA (LPNO-CPF) has essentially the same accuracy as parent CEPA (CPF) methods for thermochemistry, kinetics, weak interactions, and potential energy surfaces but is up to 500 times faster. The method performs best in conjunction with large and flexible basis sets. These results open the way for large-scale chemical applications.

Efficient and accurate local approximations to coupled-electron pair approaches: An attempt to revive the pair natural orbital method.

PubMed

Neese, Frank; Wennmohs, Frank; Hansen, Andreas

2009-03-21

Coupled-electron pair approximations (CEPAs) and coupled-pair functionals (CPFs) have been popular in the 1970s and 1980s and have yielded excellent results for small molecules. Recently, interest in CEPA and CPF methods has been renewed. It has been shown that these methods lead to competitive thermochemical, kinetic, and structural predictions. They greatly surpass second order Moller-Plesset and popular density functional theory based approaches in accuracy and are intermediate in quality between CCSD and CCSD(T) in extended benchmark studies. In this work an efficient production level implementation of the closed shell CEPA and CPF methods is reported that can be applied to medium sized molecules in the range of 50-100 atoms and up to about 2000 basis functions. The internal space is spanned by localized internal orbitals. The external space is greatly compressed through the method of pair natural orbitals (PNOs) that was also introduced by the pioneers of the CEPA approaches. Our implementation also makes extended use of density fitting (or resolution of the identity) techniques in order to speed up the laborious integral transformations. The method is called local pair natural orbital CEPA (LPNO-CEPA) (LPNO-CPF). The implementation is centered around the concepts of electron pairs and matrix operations. Altogether three cutoff parameters are introduced that control the size of the significant pair list, the average number of PNOs per electron pair, and the number of contributing basis functions per PNO. With the conservatively chosen default values of these thresholds, the method recovers about 99.8% of the canonical correlation energy. This translates to absolute deviations from the canonical result of only a few kcal mol(-1). Extended numerical test calculations demonstrate that LPNO-CEPA (LPNO-CPF) has essentially the same accuracy as parent CEPA (CPF) methods for thermochemistry, kinetics, weak interactions, and potential energy surfaces but is up to 500 times faster. The method performs best in conjunction with large and flexible basis sets. These results open the way for large-scale chemical applications.

Effects of group-size-floor space allowance during the nursery phase of production on growth, physiology, and hematology in replacement gilts.

PubMed

Callahan, S R; Cross, A J; DeDecker, A E; Lindemann, M D; Estienne, M J

2017-01-01

The objective was to determine effects of nursery group-size-floor space allowance on growth, physiology, and hematology of replacement gilts. A 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments was used wherein gilts classified as large, medium, or small ( = 2537; BW = 5.6 ± 0.6 kg) from 13 groups of weaned pigs were placed in pens of 14, 11, or 8 pigs resulting in floor space allowances of 0.15, 0.19, or 0.27 m/pig, respectively. Pigs were weighed on d 0 (weaning) and d 46 (exit from nursery). The ADG was affected by group-size-floor space allowance × pig size ( = 0.04). Large- and medium-size gilts allowed the most floor space had greater ( < 0.05) ADG than similar size gilts allowed the least floor space but for small size gilts there was no effect ( > 0.05) of group size-floor space allowance. Mortality in the nursery was not affected ( > 0.05) by treatment, size, or treatment × size and overall was approximately 2.1%. Complete blood counts and blood chemistry analyses were performed on samples collected at d 6 and 43 from a subsample of gilts ( = 18/group-size-floor space allowance) within a single group. The concentration ( < 0.01) and percentage ( = 0.03) of reticulocytes was the least and red blood cell distribution width the greatest ( < 0.01) in gilts allowed 0.15 m floor space (effects of treatment). Blood calcium was affected by treatment ( = 0.02) and concentrations for gilts allowed the greatest and intermediate amounts of floor space were greater ( < 0.05) than for gilts allowed the least floor space. Serum concentrations of cortisol were not affected by treatment × day ( = 0.27). Cortisol concentrations increased from d 6 to d 43 in all groups and were affected by day ( < 0.01) but not treatment ( = 0.53). Greater space allowance achieved by placing fewer pigs per pen in the nursery affected blood parameters and resulted in large- and medium-size replacement gilts displaying increased ADG. Further study will determine if these effects influence lifetime reproductive capacity and sow longevity.

Theoretical and Experimental Photoelectron Spectroscopy Characterization of the Ground State of Thymine Cation.

PubMed

Majdi, Youssef; Hochlaf, Majdi; Pan, Yi; Lau, Kai-Chung; Poisson, Lionel; Garcia, Gustavo A; Nahon, Laurent; Al-Mogren, Muneerah Mogren; Schwell, Martin

2015-06-11

We report on the vibronic structure of the ground state X̃(2)A″ of the thymine cation, which has been measured using a threshold photoelectron photoion coincidence technique and vacuum ultraviolet synchrotron radiation. The threshold photoelectron spectrum, recorded over ∼0.7 eV above the ionization potential (i.e., covering the whole ground state of the cation) shows rich vibrational structure that has been assigned with the help of calculated anharmonic modes of the ground electronic cation state at the PBE0/aug-cc-pVDZ level of theory. The adiabatic ionization energy has been experimentally determined as AIE = 8.913 ± 0.005 eV, in very good agreement with previous high resolution results. The corresponding theoretical value of AIE = 8.917 eV has been calculated in this work with the explicitly correlated method/basis set (R)CCSD(T)-F12/cc-pVTZ-F12, which validates the theoretical approach and benchmarks its accuracy for future studies of medium-sized biological molecules.

Application of ATAD technology for digesting sewage sludge in small towns: Operation and costs.

PubMed

Martín, M A; Gutiérrez, M C; Dios, M; Siles, J A; Chica, A F

2018-06-01

In an economic context marked by increasing energy costs and stricter legislation regarding the landfill disposal of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) sewage sludge, and where biomethanization is difficult to implement in small WWTPs, an efficient alternative is required to manage this polluting waste. This study shows that autothermal thermophilic aerobic digestion (ATAD) is a feasible technique for treating sewage sludge in small- and medium-sized towns. The experiments were carried out at pilot scale on a cyclical basis and in continuous mode for nine months. The main results showed an optimal hydraulic retention time of 7 days, which led to an organic matter removal of 34%. The sanitized sludge meets the microbial quality standards for agronomic application set out in the proposed European sewage sludge directive. An economic assessment for the operation of ATAD technology was carried out, showing a treatment cost of €6.5/ton for dewatered sludge. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Definition of acceptance criteria for the ITER divertor plasma-facing components through systematic experimental analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Escourbiac, F.; Richou, M.; Guigon, R.; Constans, S.; Durocher, A.; Merola, M.; Schlosser, J.; Riccardi, B.; Grosman, A.

2009-12-01

Experience has shown that a critical part of the high-heat flux (HHF) plasma-facing component (PFC) is the armour to heat sink bond. An experimental study was performed in order to define acceptance criteria with regards to thermal hydraulics and fatigue performance of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) divertor PFCs. This study, which includes the manufacturing of samples with calibrated artificial defects relevant to the divertor design, is reported in this paper. In particular, it was concluded that defects detectable with non-destructive examination (NDE) techniques appeared to be acceptable during HHF experiments relevant to heat fluxes expected in the ITER divertor. On the basis of these results, a set of acceptance criteria was proposed and applied to the European vertical target medium-size qualification prototype: 98% of the inspected carbon fibre composite (CFC) monoblocks and 100% of tungsten (W) monoblock and flat tiles elements (i.e. 80% of the full units) were declared acceptable.

Effects of age and body mass index on breast characteristics: A cluster analysis.

PubMed

Coltman, Celeste E; Steele, Julie R; McGhee, Deirdre E

2018-05-24

Limited research has quantified variation in the characteristics of the breasts among women and determined how these breast characteristics are influenced by age and body mass. The aim of this study was to classify the breasts of women in the community into different categories based on comprehensive and objective measurements of the characteristics of their breasts and torsos, and to determine the effect of age and body mass index (BMI) on the prevalence of these breast categories. Four breast characteristic clusters were identified (X-Large, Very-ptotic & Splayed; Large, Ptotic & Splayed; Medium & Mildly-ptotic; and Small & Non-ptotic), with age and BMI shown to significantly affect the breast characteristic clusters. These results highlight the difference in breast characteristics exhibited among women and how these clusters are affected by age and BMI. The breast characteristic clusters identified in this study could be used as a basis for future bra designs and sizing systems in order to improve bra fit for women.

Neurospora crassa tox-1 Gene Encodes a pH- and Temperature-Tolerant Mini-Cellulase.

PubMed

Xiao, Yue; Zhang, Qiongsi; Luo, Yiquan; Zhang, Ying; Luo, Xi; Wang, Yuchuan; Cao, Weiguo; Pinto, Vito De; Liu, Qiuyun; Li, Gang

2016-06-15

Cellulases that endure extreme conditions are essential in various industrial sectors. This study reports a mini-cellulase gene tox-1 from Neurospora crassa. The gene tox-1 was cloned in Escherichia coli after chimerization with the YebF gene and substitutions of certain isoleucine and valine with leucine residues. The yeast transformants could grow on rice straw-agar medium. The 44-amino acid peptide and its two mutant variants displayed potent cellulase activities in Congo Red assay and enzymatic assays. Conservative replacements with leucine have substantially increased the stabilities and half-lives of the peptides at alkaline pH and low and high temperatures and also the tolerance to organic solvents and surfactants, on the basis of activities toward cellose. The small size of the mini-cellulase would allow for commercially viable automatic chemical peptide synthesis. This work suggests that conservative leucine replacements may serve as a general strategy in the engineering of more robust enzymes with special features with little loss of activities.

A comparative study between spiral-filter press and belt press implemented in a cloudy apple juice production process.

PubMed

De Paepe, Domien; Coudijzer, Katleen; Noten, Bart; Valkenborg, Dirk; Servaes, Kelly; De Loose, Marc; Diels, Ludo; Voorspoels, Stefan; Van Droogenbroeck, Bart

2015-04-15

In this study, advantages and disadvantages of the innovative, low-oxygen spiral-filter press system were studied in comparison with the belt press, commonly applied in small and medium size enterprises for the production of cloudy apple juice. On the basis of equivalent throughput, a higher juice yield could be achieved with spiral-filter press. Also a more turbid juice with a higher content of suspended solids could be produced. The avoidance of enzymatic browning during juice extraction led to an attractive yellowish juice with an elevated phenolic content. Moreover, it was found that juice produced with spiral-filter press demonstrates a higher retention of phenolic compounds during the downstream processing steps and storage. The results demonstrates the advantage of the use of a spiral-filter press in comparison with belt press in the production of a high quality cloudy apple juice rich in phenolic compounds, without the use of oxidation inhibiting additives. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High-quality unsaturated zone hydraulic property data for hydrologic applications

USGS Publications Warehouse

Perkins, Kimberlie; Nimmo, John R.

2009-01-01

In hydrologic studies, especially those using dynamic unsaturated zone moisture modeling, calculations based on property transfer models informed by hydraulic property databases are often used in lieu of measured data from the site of interest. Reliance on database-informed predicted values has become increasingly common with the use of neural networks. High-quality data are needed for databases used in this way and for theoretical and property transfer model development and testing. Hydraulic properties predicted on the basis of existing databases may be adequate in some applications but not others. An obvious problem occurs when the available database has few or no data for samples that are closely related to the medium of interest. The data set presented in this paper includes saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, water retention, particle-size distributions, and bulk properties. All samples are minimally disturbed, all measurements were performed using the same state of the art techniques and the environments represented are diverse.

Incidence of sleep pattern disturbance (SPD) in a hemodialysis sample.

PubMed

Strangio, D; Locking-Cusolito, H

1999-01-01

Personal experience suggests that sleep pattern disturbance (SPD) is a serious problem for the patients we serve. The purpose of this study was to identify the scope of sleep problems among all willing patients in a medium-sized hemodialysis unit in a university teaching centre. This descriptive study examined SPD through the use of a sleep diary that subjects were asked to complete each morning for a week. Subjects were asked to describe sleep latency, sleep quantity, number of arousals, whether they awoke feeling rested, factors that interfered with sleep the night before, and sleep inducers employed the night before. They were also asked to record their dialysis schedule. Each subject's chart was reviewed with respect to medications and evidence of other medical problems that interfered with sleep. Findings were benchmarked with results from the literature. Information regarding facilitators and barriers to sleep has provided some basis for an interdisciplinary plan of care to address this distressing problem.

A comparison of Frequency Domain Multiple Access (FDMA) and Time Domain Multiple Access (TDMA) approaches to satellite service for low data rate Earth stations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stevens, G.

1983-01-01

A technological and economic assessment is made of providing low data rate service to small earth stations by satellite at Ka-band. Various Frequency Domain Multiple Access (FDMA) and Time Domain Multiple Access (TDMA) scenarios are examined and compared on the basis of cost to the end user. Very small stations (1 to 2 meters in diameter) are found not to be viable alternatives to available terrestrial services. However, medium size (3 to 5 meters) earth stations appear to be very competitive if a minimum throughput of about 1.5 Mbs is maintained. This constrains the use of such terminals to large users and shared use by smaller users. No advantage was found to the use of FDMA. TDMA had a slight advantage from a total system viewpoint and a very significant advantage in the space segment (about 1/3 the required payload weight for an equivalent capacity).

Generation of higher odd harmonics in a defective photonic crystal

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

Ramanujam, N. R., E-mail: wilsonpra@yahoo.co.in; Wilson, K. S. Joseph

2015-06-24

A photonic crystal (AB){sup 2}(DB)(AB){sup 2} with high refractive index medium as silicon and low refractive medium as air is considered. Using the transfer matrix method, the transmission properties as a function of wavelength with photonic band gaps has been obtained. We are able to demonstrate the generation of third, fifth, seventh and ninth harmonics in the present work. We show that if the air medium is removed in the defect, the defect modes are generated but not harmonics. It can be designed to have a frequency conversion, and have a potential for becoming the basis for the next generationmore » of optical devices.« less

ESR and PALS detection of the dynamic crossover in the supercooled liquid states of short and medium-sized n-alkanes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bartoš, J.; Zgardzinska, B.; Švajdlenková, H.; Lukešová, M.; Zaleski, R.

2018-05-01

A joint study of the spin probe TEMPO dynamics by ESR and the annihilation rate of ortho-positronium by PALS in four short-and medium-sized n-alkanes is presented. In addition to the usually observed changes in both the reorientation dynamics and size of free volumes at the temperature of melting, Tm, and solid-solid phase transition, Tss, an additional coincidence between the characteristic ESR and PALS temperatures TX1fast ≅ Tb1sol < Tm, Tss was found. The phenomenological analysis of the viscosity data of n-alkanes using the power law equation indicates a presence of locally disordered regions in which the dynamic change occurs at the crossover temperature TX ≅ TX1fast ≅ Tb1sol.

Prolonged swimming performance of northern squawfish

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mesa, Matthew G.; Olson, Todd M.

1993-01-01

We determined the prolonged swimming performance of two size-classes of northern squawfish Ptychocheilus oregonensis at 12 and 18°C. The percentage of fish fatigued was positively related to water velocity and best described by an exponential model. At 12°C, the velocity at which 50% of the fish fatigued (FV50) was estimated to be 2.91 fork lengths per second (FL/s; 100 cm/s) for medium-sized fish (30–39 cm) and 2.45 FL/s (104 cm/s) for large fish (40–49 cm). At 18°C, estimated FV50 was 3.12 FL/s (107 cm/s) for medium fish and 2.65 FL/s (112 cm/s) for large fish. Rate of change in percent fatigue was affected by fish size and water temperature. Large fish fatigued at a higher rate than medium-sized fish; all fish fatigued faster at 12 than at 18°C. The mean times to fatigue at velocities of 102–115 cm/s ranged from 14 to 28 min and were not affected by fish size or water temperature. Our results indicate that water velocities from 100 to 130 cm/s may exclude or reduce predation by northern squawfish around juvenile salmonid bypass outfalls at Columbia River dams, at least during certain times of the year. We recommend that construction or modification of juvenile salmonid bypass facilities place the outfall in an area of high water velocity and distant from eddies, submerged cover, and littoral areas.

Bauhinia variegata L.

Treesearch

K.F Connor

2002-01-01

Bauhinia variegata is a small to medium-sized evergreen or deciduous tree that reaches 1.8 to 7.6 m in height and up to 20.3 cm in diameter. The species grows well on soils of medium fertility that are either droughty or moist; it is not tolerate of nutrient-poor sites. Although reproduction is abundant, B. variegata spreads...

EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND PORE SIZE ON THE HYDRAULIC PROPERTIES AND FLOW OF A HYDROCARBON OIL IN THE SUBSURFACE

EPA Science Inventory

Capillary pressure relationships in a porous medium determine the distribution of immiscible fluids under static conditions and can largely influence the movement of the fluids when the system is not at equilibrium. Theory predicts that for a given porous medium, the effect of di...

Reflections on CD-ROM: Bridging the Gap between Technology and Purpose.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saviers, Shannon Smith

1987-01-01

Provides a technological overview of CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), an optically-based medium for data storage offering large storage capacity, computer-based delivery system, read-only medium, and economic mass production. CD-ROM database attributes appropriate for information delivery are also reviewed, including large database size,…

In vitro clonal multiplication of an apple rootstock by culture of shoot apices and axillary buds.

PubMed

Kaushal, N; Modgil, M; Thakur, M; Sharma, D R

2005-06-01

In vitro clonal multiplication of apple rootstock MM 111 using axillary buds and shoot apices were carried out. Vegetative axillary buds of the size of 0.2-2.0 cm and shoot apices measuring 4 mm in length were initiated to shoot proliferation on MS medium supplemented with BA (0.5 - 1.0 mgl(-1)), GA3(0.5 mgl(-1)), with or without IBA(0.05 - 0.1 mgl(-1)). Small size explants showed less phenol exudation and less contamination. Following establishment phase, the small shoots emerged from explants were subcultured on MS medium supplemented with different combinations and concentrations of growth regulators. BA (1.0 mgl(-1)) and GA3 (0.5 mgl(-1)) combination showed highest multiplication rate (1:5), andcl also produced longer shoots. Two step rooting was done by transferring microcuttings to auxin free solid medium after root initiation in dark on 1/2 strength MS liquid medium containing IBA (0.5 mgl(-1) ). Rooted plantlets were transferred to peat containing paper cups and resulting plants of MM 111 acclimated successfully for transfer to field.

Long-Term Use of Benzodiazepines and Nonbenzodiazepine Hypnotics, 1999-2014.

PubMed

Kaufmann, Christopher N; Spira, Adam P; Depp, Colin A; Mojtabai, Ramin

2018-02-01

Clinical guidelines suggest that benzodiazepines (BZDs) and non-BZD hypnotics (NBHs) be used on a short-term basis. The authors examined trends in long-term BZD and NBH use from 1999 to 2014. Data included 82,091 respondents in the 1999-2014 waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). NHANES recorded medications used in the past 30 days on the basis of prescription bottles, and participants reported use duration. BZD and NBH use were categorized as short, medium, and long term, and time trends in use were assessed. BZD and NBH use increased from 1999 to 2014, driven by increases in medium- and long-term use, even after adjustment for age and race-ethnicity. In most years, only a fifth of current BZD or NBH users reported short-term use. Long-term BZD and NBH use has grown independent of U.S. demographic shifts. Monitoring of use is needed to prevent adverse outcomes.

Eigenmodes of Multilayer Slit Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovalenko, A. N.

2017-12-01

We generalize the high-efficiency numerical-analytical method of calculating the eigenmodes of a microstrip line, which was proposed in [1], to multilayer slit structures. The obtained relationships make it possible to allow for the multilayer nature of the medium on the basis of solving the electrodynamic problem for a two-layer structure. The algebraic models of a single line and coupled slit lines in a multilayer dielectric medium are constructed. The matrix elements of the system of linear algebraic equations, which is used to determine the expansion coefficients of the electric field inside the slits in a Chebyshev basis, are converted to rapidly convergent series. The constructed models allow one to use computer simulation to obtain numerical results with high speed and accuracy, regardless of the number of dielectric layers. The presented results of a numerical study of the method convergence confirm high efficiency of the method.

Monitoring of bisphenols in canned tuna from Italian markets.

PubMed

Fattore, Margherita; Russo, Giacomo; Barbato, Francesco; Grumetto, Lucia; Albrizio, Stefania

2015-09-01

Monitoring of food contamination from bisphenols is a necessary process for the consumers' risk assessment. A method for the quali-quantitative analysis of Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol B (BPB), Bisphenol A Diglycidyl Ether (BADGE), and Bisphenol F Diglycidyl Ether (BFDGE), by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (LC-FD), was performed and validated for their determination in 33 samples of tuna fish, canned in either oil or aqueous medium. Samples were collected in Italian markets. Tuna and the correspondent preservation medium were analyzed separately. Detected levels of bisphenols ranged from 19.1 to 187.0 ng/g in tuna matrix and from 6.3 to 66.9 ng/mL in oil medium. No bisphenols were found in aqueous medium. At least one of the analytes was found in 83% of the tuna samples in oil medium, whereas tuna samples in aqueous medium showed BPA alone in 67% of samples. 21% of the oil medium samples resulted positive for at least one bisphenol. On the basis of measured concentrations and general daily ingestion rate of canned tuna fish, the probable daily intake of BPA for Italian population was calculated. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Body size in early life and risk of breast cancer.

PubMed

Shawon, Md Shajedur Rahman; Eriksson, Mikael; Li, Jingmei

2017-07-21

Body size in early life is inversely associated with adult breast cancer (BC) risk, but it is unclear whether the associations differ by tumor characteristics. In a pooled analysis of two Swedish population-based studies consisting of 6731 invasive BC cases and 28,705 age-matched cancer-free controls, we examined the associations between body size in early life and BC risk. Self-reported body sizes at ages 7 and 18 years were collected by a validated nine-level pictogram (aggregated into three categories: small, medium and large). Odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated from multivariable logistic regression models in case-control analyses, adjusting for study, age at diagnosis, age at menarche, number of children, hormone replacement therapy, and family history of BC. Body size change between ages 7 and 18 were also examined in relation to BC risk. Case-only analyses were performed to test whether the associations differed by tumor characteristics. Medium or large body size at age 7 and 18 was associated with a statistically significant decreased BC risk compared to small body size (pooled OR (95% CI): comparing large to small, 0.78 (0.70-0.86), P trend <0.001 and 0.72 (0.64-0.80), P trend <0.001, respectively). The majority of the women (~85%) did not change body size categories between age 7 and 18 . Women who remained medium or large between ages 7 and 18 had significantly decreased BC risk compared to those who remained small. A reduction in body size between ages 7 and 18 was also found to be inversely associated with BC risk (0.90 (0.81-1.00)). No significant association was found between body size at age 7 and tumor characteristics. Body size at age 18 was found to be inversely associated with tumor size (P trend  = 0.006), but not estrogen receptor status and lymph node involvement. For all analyses, the overall inferences did not change appreciably after further adjustment for adult body mass index. Our data provide further support for a strong and independent inverse relationship between early life body size and BC risk. The association between body size at age 18 and tumor size could be mediated by mammographic density.

The Future of Small- and Medium-Sized Communities in the Prairie Region.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wellar, Barry S., Ed.

Four papers are featured. The first is a statistical overview and analysis of past, present and future happenings to small communities in the Region; it focuses on two indicators: (1) population growth or declining community class size and, (2) the changing distribution of commercial outlets by community class size. The other three papers report…

Toward Policy-Relevant Benchmarks for Interpreting Effect Sizes: Combining Effects with Costs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, Douglas N.

2009-01-01

The common reporting of effect sizes has been an important advance in education research in recent years. However, the benchmarks used to interpret the size of these effects--as small, medium, and large--do little to inform educational administration and policy making because they do not account for program costs. The author proposes an approach…

The Effect of Time, Roasting Temperature, and Grind Size on Caffeine and Chlorogenic Acid Concentrations in Cold Brew Coffee.

PubMed

Fuller, Megan; Rao, Niny Z

2017-12-21

The extraction kinetics and equilibrium concentrations of caffeine and 3-chlorogenic acid (3-CGA) in cold brew coffee were investigated by brewing four coffee samples (dark roast/medium grind, dark roast/coarse grind, medium roast/medium grind, medium roast/coarse grind) using cold and hot methods. 3-CGA and caffeine were found at higher concentrations in cold brew coffee made with medium roast coffees, rather than dark roast. The grind size did not impact 3-CGA and caffeine concentrations of cold brew samples significantly, indicating that the rate determining step in extraction for these compounds did not depend on surface area. Caffeine concentrations in cold brew coarse grind samples were substantially higher than their hot brew counterparts. 3-CGA concentrations and pH were comparable between cold and hot brews. This work suggests that the difference in acidity of cold brew coffee is likely not due to 3-CGA or caffeine concentrations considering that most acids in coffee are highly soluble and extract quickly. It was determined that caffeine and 3-CGA concentrations reached equilibrium according to first order kinetics between 6 and 7 hours in all cold brew samples instead of 10 to 24 hours outlined in typical cold brew methods.

The isolation of salmonellas from British pork sausages and sausage meat.

PubMed Central

Roberts, D.; Boag, K.; Hall, M. L.; Shipp, C. R.

1975-01-01

Between 1969 and 1974, 1467 packets (3309 samples) of pork sausages and sausage meat produced by two large and two medium sized manufacturers and several local butchers were examined for the presence of salmonellas. Of these, 435 packets (786 samples) were found to contain salmonellas, but there was a wide variation in the isolation rates according to the producer. The salmonella incidence in samples from several small and two medium sized producers was low (0-11%) while the results from the two large producers investigated showed a striking difference, the rate of salmonella contamination in the product of one was low (about 2%) and in that of the other consistently high (40-60%). A comparison of liquid enrichment media, incubation temperatures and selective agar media was also carried out to determine the most efficient combination for the isolation of salmonellas from minced meat products. The results showed that (a) incubation of enrichment cultures at 43 degrees C. yielded a consistently greater number of salmonella isolations that at 37 degrees C., regardless of plating medium, (b) tetrathionate broth A (Rolfe) was superior to selenite broth as en enrichment medium at both 37 and 43 degrees C. and (c) brilliant green agar gave better results than deoxycholate citrate sucrose agar and bismuth sulphite agar as a selective medium. PMID:1100710

The isolation of salmonellas from British pork sausages and sausage meat.

PubMed

Roberts, D; Boag, K; Hall, M L; Shipp, C R

1975-10-01

Between 1969 and 1974, 1467 packets (3309 samples) of pork sausages and sausage meat produced by two large and two medium sized manufacturers and several local butchers were examined for the presence of salmonellas. Of these, 435 packets (786 samples) were found to contain salmonellas, but there was a wide variation in the isolation rates according to the producer. The salmonella incidence in samples from several small and two medium sized producers was low (0-11%) while the results from the two large producers investigated showed a striking difference, the rate of salmonella contamination in the product of one was low (about 2%) and in that of the other consistently high (40-60%). A comparison of liquid enrichment media, incubation temperatures and selective agar media was also carried out to determine the most efficient combination for the isolation of salmonellas from minced meat products. The results showed that (a) incubation of enrichment cultures at 43 degrees C. yielded a consistently greater number of salmonella isolations that at 37 degrees C., regardless of plating medium, (b) tetrathionate broth A (Rolfe) was superior to selenite broth as en enrichment medium at both 37 and 43 degrees C. and (c) brilliant green agar gave better results than deoxycholate citrate sucrose agar and bismuth sulphite agar as a selective medium.

Accuracy of software-assisted detection of tumour feeders in transcatheter hepatic chemoembolization using three target definition protocols.

PubMed

Iwazawa, J; Ohue, S; Hashimoto, N; Mitani, T

2014-02-01

To compare the accuracy of computer software analysis using three different target-definition protocols to detect tumour feeder vessels for transarterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma. C-arm computed tomography (CT) data were analysed for 81 tumours from 57 patients who had undergone chemoembolization using software-assisted detection of tumour feeders. Small, medium, and large-sized targets were manually defined for each tumour. The tumour feeder was verified when the target tumour was enhanced on selective C-arm CT of the investigated vessel during chemoembolization. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the three protocols were evaluated and compared. One hundred and eight feeder vessels supplying 81 lesions were detected. The sensitivity of the small, medium, and large target protocols was 79.8%, 91.7%, and 96.3%, respectively; specificity was 95%, 88%, and 50%, respectively; and accuracy was 87.5%, 89.9%, and 74%, respectively. The sensitivity was significantly higher for the medium (p = 0.003) and large (p < 0.001) target protocols than for the small target protocol. The specificity and accuracy were higher for the small (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) and medium (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) target protocols than for the large target protocol. The overall accuracy of software-assisted automated feeder analysis in transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma is affected by the target definition size. A large target definition increases sensitivity and decreases specificity in detecting tumour feeders. A target size equivalent to the tumour size most accurately predicts tumour feeders. Copyright © 2013 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation with Multiple Electrodes for Medium-Sized Hepatocellular Carcinomas

PubMed Central

Lee, Jung; Yoon, Jung-Hwan; Lee, Jae Young; Kim, Se Hyung; Lee, Jeong Eun; Han, Joon Koo; Choi, Byung Ihn

2012-01-01

Objective To prospectively evaluate the safety and short-term therapeutic efficacy of switching monopolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with multiple electrodes to treat medium-sized (3.1-5.0 cm), hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). Materials and Methods In this prospective study, 30 patients with single medium-sized HCCs (mean, 3.5 cm; range, 3.1-4.4 cm) were enrolled. The patients were treated under ultrasonographic guidance by percutaneous switching monopolar RFA with a multichannel RF generator and two or three internally cooled electrodes. Contrast-enhanced CT scans were obtained immediately after RFA, and the diameters and volume of the ablation zones were then measured. Follow-up CT scans were performed at the first month after ablation and every three months thereafter. Technical effectiveness, local progression and remote recurrence of HCCs were determined. Results There were no major immediate or periprocedural complications. However, there was one bile duct stricture during the follow-up period. Technical effectiveness was achieved in 29 of 30 patients (97%). The total ablation time of the procedures was 25.4 ± 8.9 minutes. The mean ablation volume was 73.8 ± 56.4 cm3 and the minimum diameter was 4.1 ± 7.3 cm. During the follow-up period (mean, 12.5 months), local tumor progression occurred in three of 29 patients (10%) with technical effectiveness, while new HCCs were detected in six of 29 patients (21%). Conclusion Switching monopolar RFA with multiple electrodes in order to achieve a sufficient ablation volume is safe and efficient. This method also showed relatively successful therapeutic effectiveness on short-term follow up for the treatment of medium-sized HCCs. PMID:22247634

Farm Safety Practices and Farm Size in New South Wales.

PubMed

Bailey, Jannine; Dutton, Tegan; Payne, Kristy; Wilson, Ross; Brew, Bronwyn K

2017-01-01

There is some evidence to suggest that safety on small-area farms may not be high priority due to economic constraints and lack of knowledge. This has important ramifications for injury and economic burden. The objective of this research was to conduct a pilot study to investigate whether small- to medium-area farms implement fewer safety practices than large-area farms. Farmers were recruited from farm safety training days, field days, and produce stores in rural New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Small- and medium-area farms less than 500 ha (1235 acres) in size were aggregated for analysis and compared with large-area farms (≥500 ha) for survey items, including safety equipment owned and used, safety practices protecting children, barriers to improving safety, and causes of injury. Overall, small/medium-area farms were found to own less safety equipment and to employ less safety practices than large-area farms. In particular, fewer tractors were fitted with rollover protection structures, there was less signage, less hearing protection, and fewer machinery guides. Injury rates were slightly less for small/medium-area farms, particularly involving vehicles. Small- and medium-area farmers were more likely to report lack of skills as barriers to making safety improvements. This pilot study found some evidence that small/medium-area farms implement fewer safety practices than large-area farms. A larger study is warranted to investigate this further, with particular focus on barriers and ways to overcome them. This could have important ramifications for government policies supporting struggling farmers on small/medium-area farms.

PHOTONICS AND NANOTECHNOLOGY Microscopic theory of optical properties of composite media with chaotically distributed nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shalin, A. S.

2010-12-01

The boundary problem of light reflection and transmission by a film with chaotically distributed nanoinclusions is considered. Based on the proposed microscopic approach, analytic expressions are derived for distributions inside and outside the nanocomposite medium. Good agreement of the results with exact calculations and (at low concentrations of nanoparticles) with the integral Maxwell-Garnett effective-medium theory is demonstrated. It is shown that at high nanoparticle concentrations, averaging the dielectric constant in volume as is done within the framework of the effective-medium theory yields overestimated values of the optical film density compared to the values yielded by the proposed microscopic approach. We also studied the dependence of the reflectivity of a system of gold nanoparticles on their size, the size dependence of the plasmon resonance position along the wavelength scale, and demonstrated a good agreement with experimental data.

Electron beam fabrication of a microfluidic device for studying submicron-scale bacteria

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Controlled restriction of cellular movement using microfluidics allows one to study individual cells to gain insight into aspects of their physiology and behaviour. For example, the use of micron-sized growth channels that confine individual Escherichia coli has yielded novel insights into cell growth and death. To extend this approach to other species of bacteria, many of whom have dimensions in the sub-micron range, or to a larger range of growth conditions, a readily-fabricated device containing sub-micron features is required. Results Here we detail the fabrication of a versatile device with growth channels whose widths range from 0.3 μm to 0.8 μm. The device is fabricated using electron beam lithography, which provides excellent control over the shape and size of different growth channels and facilitates the rapid-prototyping of new designs. Features are successfully transferred first into silicon, and subsequently into the polydimethylsiloxane that forms the basis of the working microfluidic device. We demonstrate that the growth of sub-micron scale bacteria such as Lactococcus lactis or Escherichia coli cultured in minimal medium can be followed in such a device over several generations. Conclusions We have presented a detailed protocol based on electron beam fabrication together with specific dry etching procedures for the fabrication of a microfluidic device suited to study submicron-sized bacteria. We have demonstrated that both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria can be successfully loaded and imaged over a number of generations in this device. Similar devices could potentially be used to study other submicron-sized organisms under conditions in which the height and shape of the growth channels are crucial to the experimental design. PMID:23575419

Ultrasound Assessment of Abdominal Muscle Thickness in Postpartum vs Nulliparous Women.

PubMed

Weis, Carol Ann; Triano, John J; Barrett, Jon; Campbell, Michelle D; Croy, Martine; Roeder, Jessica

2015-06-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect size in measurable change of abdominal musculature morphology using ultrasonography in postpartum women within 1 month of a healthy, vaginal delivery. One hundred fifty-six participants were recruited for this study. B-mode ultrasound imaging was used to measure abdominal muscle thickness on 80 nulliparous women and 76 mothers who had delivered within the past 4 weeks. Measures were taken for the upper and lower rectus abdominus, external and internal obliques, and transversus abdominus at rest. Statistically significant differences were found in the thickness of the rectus abdominus muscle at both sites; upper (P < .0001) and lower (P < .0001) as well as the internal oblique (P < .0001). All 3 muscles were thinner in postpartum participants (8.29 ± 1.83 mm, 8.89 ± 2.29 mm, and 7.06 ± 1.82 mm, respectively) within the first month of delivery than in controls (10.82 ± 1.93 mm, 11.13 ± 2.38 mm, and 8.36 ± 1.87 mm, respectively). Large effect sizes were found for the influence of pregnancy on the rectus muscle segments (1.35 for the upper rectus abdominus and 1.00 for the lower rectus abdominus) and a medium effect size for the internal oblique (0.71). No significant differences were observed in the remaining 2 muscles. This study showed that there are differences in morphology of the abdominal muscles in pregnant women vs nonpregnant controls. The large effect sizes reported may provide the basis for future studies examining relationships between morphology, functional change, and back pain during pregnancy. Copyright © 2015 National University of Health Sciences. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Near Hartree-Fock quality GTO basis sets for the second-row atoms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Partridge, Harry

1987-01-01

Energy optimized, near Hartree-Fock quality Gaussian basis sets ranging in size from (17s12p) to (20s15p) are presented for the ground states of the second-row atoms for Na(2P), Na(+), Na(-), Mg(3P), P(-), S(-), and Cl(-). In addition, optimized supplementary functions are given for the ground state basis sets to describe the negative ions, and the excited Na(2P) and Mg(3P) atomic states. The ratios of successive orbital exponents describing the inner part of the 1s and 2p orbitals are found to be nearly independent of both nuclear charge and basis set size. This provides a method of obtaining good starting estimates for other basis set optimizations.

Prevention of occupational injuries: Evidence for effective good practices in foundries.

PubMed

Porru, Stefano; Calza, Stefano; Arici, Cecilia

2017-02-01

Occupational injuries are a relevant research and practical issue. However, intervention studies evaluating the effectiveness of workplace injury prevention programs are seldom performed. The effectiveness of a multifaceted intervention aimed at reducing occupational injury rates (incidence/employment-based=IR, frequency/hours-based=FR, severity=SR) was evaluated between 2008 and 2013 in 29 Italian foundries (22 ferrous; 7 non-ferrous; 3,460 male blue collar workers/year) of varying sizes. Each foundry established an internal multidisciplinary prevention team for risk assessment, monitoring and prevention of occupational injuries, involving employers, occupational physicians, safety personnel, workers' representatives, supervisors. Targets of intervention were workers, equipment, organization, workplace, job tasks. An interrupted time series (ITS) design was applied. 4,604 occupational injuries and 83,156 lost workdays were registered between 2003 and 2013. Statistical analysis showed, after intervention, a reduction of all injury rates (-26% IR, -15% FR, -18% SR) in ferrous foundries and of SR (-4%) in non-ferrous foundries. A significant (p=0.021) 'step-effect' was shown for IR in ferrous foundries, independent of secular trends (p<0.001). Sector-specific benchmarks for all injury rates were developed separately for ferrous and non-ferrous foundries. Strengths of the study were: ITS design, according to standardized quality criteria (i.e., at least three data points before and three data points after intervention; clearly defined intervention point); pragmatic approach, with good external validity; promotion of effective good practices. Main limitations were the non-randomized nature and a medium length post-intervention period. In conclusion, a multifaceted, pragmatic and accountable intervention is effective in reducing the burden of occupational injuries in small-, medium- and large-sized foundries. Practical Applications: The study poses the basis for feasible good practice guidelines to be implemented to prevent occupational injuries, by means of sector-specific numerical benchmarks, with potentially relevant impacts on workers, companies, occupational health professionals and society at large. Copyright © 2016 National Safety Council and Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Highly efficient implementation of pseudospectral time-dependent density-functional theory for the calculation of excitation energies of large molecules.

PubMed

Cao, Yixiang; Hughes, Thomas; Giesen, Dave; Halls, Mathew D; Goldberg, Alexander; Vadicherla, Tati Reddy; Sastry, Madhavi; Patel, Bhargav; Sherman, Woody; Weisman, Andrew L; Friesner, Richard A

2016-06-15

We have developed and implemented pseudospectral time-dependent density-functional theory (TDDFT) in the quantum mechanics package Jaguar to calculate restricted singlet and restricted triplet, as well as unrestricted excitation energies with either full linear response (FLR) or the Tamm-Dancoff approximation (TDA) with the pseudospectral length scales, pseudospectral atomic corrections, and pseudospectral multigrid strategy included in the implementations to improve the chemical accuracy and to speed the pseudospectral calculations. The calculations based on pseudospectral time-dependent density-functional theory with full linear response (PS-FLR-TDDFT) and within the Tamm-Dancoff approximation (PS-TDA-TDDFT) for G2 set molecules using B3LYP/6-31G*(*) show mean and maximum absolute deviations of 0.0015 eV and 0.0081 eV, 0.0007 eV and 0.0064 eV, 0.0004 eV and 0.0022 eV for restricted singlet excitation energies, restricted triplet excitation energies, and unrestricted excitation energies, respectively; compared with the results calculated from the conventional spectral method. The application of PS-FLR-TDDFT to OLED molecules and organic dyes, as well as the comparisons for results calculated from PS-FLR-TDDFT and best estimations demonstrate that the accuracy of both PS-FLR-TDDFT and PS-TDA-TDDFT. Calculations for a set of medium-sized molecules, including Cn fullerenes and nanotubes, using the B3LYP functional and 6-31G(**) basis set show PS-TDA-TDDFT provides 19- to 34-fold speedups for Cn fullerenes with 450-1470 basis functions, 11- to 32-fold speedups for nanotubes with 660-3180 basis functions, and 9- to 16-fold speedups for organic molecules with 540-1340 basis functions compared to fully analytic calculations without sacrificing chemical accuracy. The calculations on a set of larger molecules, including the antibiotic drug Ramoplanin, the 46-residue crambin protein, fullerenes up to C540 and nanotubes up to 14×(6,6), using the B3LYP functional and 6-31G(**) basis set with up to 8100 basis functions show that PS-FLR-TDDFT CPU time scales as N(2.05) with the number of basis functions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comparative Genomics of the Cucurbitaceae

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The genome size for watermelon, melon, cucumber, and pumpkin is 425, 454, 367, and 502 Mbp, respectively, and considered medium size as compared with most other crops. Whole-genome duplication is common in angiosperm plants. Research has revealed a paleohexaploidy (') event in the common ancestor of...

76 FR 39406 - DHS Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-06

... at least one individual who is familiar with the data concerns of small to medium enterprises; and 3... certain circumstances, DHS may share this information on a case-by-case basis as required by law or as...

SU-F-T-369: Validation of Monte-Carlo Beam Model for a Range of Small Fields in Heterogeneous Medium - A Measurement Based Study

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

Karthikeyan, N; Bharathiya University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu; Ganesh, KM

Purpose: To validate the Monaco montecorlo beam model for a range of small field in the heterogeneous medium. Methods: A in-house phantom with three different medium of Foam, PMMA and derlin resembling the densities of lung, soft tissue, and bone was used for the study. The field sizes of 8, 16, 24, 32 and 48mm were studied for the validation of montecarlo algorithm using 0.01cc volume ionchamber and gafchromic films. The 6MV photon beam from Elekta Beam modulator was used with 100cm SAD setup. The outputs were measured at the depth of 5, 10 and 20mm in every second mediummore » with 3cm buildup of first medium for the interface of lung-bone, lung-soft tissue, soft tissue-bone, bone-lung and soft tissue-lung. Similarly, the 2D dose analysis with gamma criteria of 2%2mm were done at the same depths using gafchromic film. For all the measurements 10.4×10.4cm were taken as reference to which the other field sizes were compared. Monaco TPSv.3.20 was used to calculate the dose distribution for all the simulated measurement setups. Results: The average maximum difference among the field sizes of 8, 16, 24, 32 and 48mm at the depth of 5mm in second medium with the interface of lung-bone, lung-soft tissue, soft tissue-bone, bone-lung and soft tissue-lung were observed as 1.29±0.14%, 0.49±0.16%, 0.87±0.23%, 0.92±0.11%, 1.01±0.19% respectively. The minimum and maximum variation of dose among different materials for the smallest field size of 8mm were observed as 0.23% and 1.67% respectively. The 2D analysis showed the average gamma passing of 98.9±0.5%. The calculated two-tailed P-value were showed insignificance with values of 0.562 and 0.452 for both ionchamber and film measurements. Conclusion: The accuracy of dose calculation for the small fields in Monaco Montecarlo TPS algorithm was validated in different inhomogeneous medium and found the results were well correlated with measurement data.« less

The Missing Link: Workplace Education in Small Business.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chisman, Forrest P.

An 18-month, 3-phase study examined formal employer-sponsored basic skills instruction in small- and medium-sized firms. Data were gathered through the following methods: in-depth case studies of 72 small and medium firms in 5 states, a series of linked national surveys of 11,000 randomly selected firms, follow-up telephone surveys of 4,317 of…

JPRS Report, Science & Technology, Europe, Economic Competitiveness.

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-08-09

in the form of proportional subsidies for research contracts concluded with large companies. For contracts concluded with small - and medium ...special programs to help small - and medium -sized enterprises (SME’s) that carry out research work , and to foster the growth of an innovative SME base...process of being developed. MEDIA DUEMILA: In the past, the EEC relied on

76 FR 80993 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-27

... option of obtaining several cabinet sizes and power densities. The co-located customer may obtain a half cabinet, a low density cabinet, a medium density cabinet, a medium-high density cabinet and a high density...-location customer may obtain more power by choosing a combination of lower power density cabinets. However...

76 FR 80995 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-27

... cabinet sizes and power densities. The co-located customer may obtain a half cabinet, a low density cabinet, a medium density cabinet, a medium-high density cabinet and a high density cabinet. Each cabinet... obtain more power by choosing a combination of lower power density cabinets. However, the Exchange is...

The Impact of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems on Small and Medium Enterprises

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buleje, Miguel A.

2014-01-01

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are considered the price of entry in today's business environment, and the number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) retiring legacy systems in favor of ERP systems is increasing exponentially. However, there is a lack of knowledge and awareness of ERP systems and their potential benefit and…

Development of a large-scale isolation chamber system for the safe and humane care of medium-sized laboratory animals harboring infectious diseases*

PubMed Central

Pan, Xin; Qi, Jian-cheng; Long, Ming; Liang, Hao; Chen, Xiao; Li, Han; Li, Guang-bo; Zheng, Hao

2010-01-01

The close phylogenetic relationship between humans and non-human primates makes non-human primates an irreplaceable model for the study of human infectious diseases. In this study, we describe the development of a large-scale automatic multi-functional isolation chamber for use with medium-sized laboratory animals carrying infectious diseases. The isolation chamber, including the transfer chain, disinfection chain, negative air pressure isolation system, animal welfare system, and the automated system, is designed to meet all biological safety standards. To create an internal chamber environment that is completely isolated from the exterior, variable frequency drive blowers are used in the air-intake and air-exhaust system, precisely controlling the filtered air flow and providing an air-barrier protection. A double door transfer port is used to transfer material between the interior of the isolation chamber and the outside. A peracetic acid sterilizer and its associated pipeline allow for complete disinfection of the isolation chamber. All of the isolation chamber parameters can be automatically controlled by a programmable computerized menu, allowing for work with different animals in different-sized cages depending on the research project. The large-scale multi-functional isolation chamber provides a useful and safe system for working with infectious medium-sized laboratory animals in high-level bio-safety laboratories. PMID:20872984

A Meta-Analysis on Antecedents and Outcomes of Detachment from Work.

PubMed

Wendsche, Johannes; Lohmann-Haislah, Andrea

2016-01-01

Detachment from work has been proposed as an important non-work experience helping employees to recover from work demands. This meta-analysis (86 publications, k = 91 independent study samples, N = 38,124 employees) examined core antecedents and outcomes of detachment in employee samples. With regard to outcomes, results indicated average positive correlations between detachment and self-reported mental (i.e., less exhaustion, higher life satisfaction, more well-being, better sleep) and physical (i.e., lower physical discomfort) health, state well-being (i.e., less fatigue, higher positive affect, more intensive state of recovery), and task performance (small to medium sized effects). However, average relationships between detachment and physiological stress indicators and work motivation were not significant while associations with contextual performance and creativity were significant, but negative. Concerning work characteristics, as expected, job demands were negatively related and job resources were positively related to detachment (small sized effects). Further, analyses revealed that person characteristics such as negative affectivity/neuroticism (small sized effect) and heavy work investment (medium sized effect) were negatively related to detachment whereas detachment and demographic variables (i.e., age and gender) were not related. Moreover, we found a medium sized average negative relationship between engagement in work-related activities during non-work time and detachment. For most of the examined relationships heterogeneity of effect sizes was moderate to high. We identified study design, samples' gender distribution, and affective valence of work-related thoughts as moderators for some of these aforementioned relationships. The results of this meta-analysis point to detachment as a non-work (recovery) experience that is influenced by work-related and personal characteristics which in turn is relevant for a range of employee outcomes.

A Meta-Analysis on Antecedents and Outcomes of Detachment from Work

PubMed Central

Wendsche, Johannes; Lohmann-Haislah, Andrea

2017-01-01

Detachment from work has been proposed as an important non-work experience helping employees to recover from work demands. This meta-analysis (86 publications, k = 91 independent study samples, N = 38,124 employees) examined core antecedents and outcomes of detachment in employee samples. With regard to outcomes, results indicated average positive correlations between detachment and self-reported mental (i.e., less exhaustion, higher life satisfaction, more well-being, better sleep) and physical (i.e., lower physical discomfort) health, state well-being (i.e., less fatigue, higher positive affect, more intensive state of recovery), and task performance (small to medium sized effects). However, average relationships between detachment and physiological stress indicators and work motivation were not significant while associations with contextual performance and creativity were significant, but negative. Concerning work characteristics, as expected, job demands were negatively related and job resources were positively related to detachment (small sized effects). Further, analyses revealed that person characteristics such as negative affectivity/neuroticism (small sized effect) and heavy work investment (medium sized effect) were negatively related to detachment whereas detachment and demographic variables (i.e., age and gender) were not related. Moreover, we found a medium sized average negative relationship between engagement in work-related activities during non-work time and detachment. For most of the examined relationships heterogeneity of effect sizes was moderate to high. We identified study design, samples' gender distribution, and affective valence of work-related thoughts as moderators for some of these aforementioned relationships. The results of this meta-analysis point to detachment as a non-work (recovery) experience that is influenced by work-related and personal characteristics which in turn is relevant for a range of employee outcomes. PMID:28133454

Facile high-yield synthesis of polyaniline nanosticks with intrinsic stability and electrical conductivity.

PubMed

Li, Xin-Gui; Li, Ang; Huang, Mei-Rong

2008-01-01

Chemical oxidative polymerization at 15 degrees C was used for the simple and productive synthesis of polyaniline (PAN) nanosticks. The effect of polymerization media on the yield, size, stability, and electrical conductivity of the PAN nanosticks was studied by changing the concentration and nature of the acid medium and oxidant and by introducing organic solvent. Molecular and supramolecular structure, size, and size distribution of the PAN nanosticks were characterized by UV/Vis and IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, laser particle-size analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. Introduction of organic solvent is advantageous for enhancing the yield of PAN nanosticks but disadvantageous for formation of PAN nanosticks with small size and high conductivity. The concentration and nature of the acid medium have a major influence on the polymerization yield and conductivity of the nanosized PAN. The average diameter and length of PAN nanosticks produced with 2 M HNO(3) and 0.5 M H(2)SO(4) as acid media are about 40 and 300 nm, respectively. The PAN nanosticks obtained in an optimal medium (i.e., 2 M HNO(3)) exhibit the highest conductivity of 2.23 S cm(-1) and the highest yield of 80.7 %. A mechanism of formation of nanosticks instead of nanoparticles is proposed. Nanocomposite films of the PAN nanosticks with poly(vinyl alcohol) show a low percolation threshold of 0.2 wt %, at which the film retains almost the same transparency and strength as pure poly(vinyl alcohol) but 262 000 times the conductivity of pure poly(vinyl alcohol) film. The present synthesis of PAN nanosticks requires no external stabilizer and provides a facile and direct route for fabrication of PAN nanosticks with high yield, controllable size, intrinsic self-stability, strong redispersibility, high purity, and optimizable conductivity.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Infrared Astrophysics with Spitzer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allamandola, L. J.; Hudgins, D. M.

2004-01-01

PAH spectral features are now being used as new probes of the ISM. PAH ionization states reflect the ionization balance of the medium while PAH size and structure reflect the energetic and chemical history of the medium. This paper will focus on recent applications of the NASA Ames PAH IR spectral Database to interpret astronomical observations made by the Spitzer Space telescope and other space based infrared instruments. Examples will be given showing how changes in the spectral characteristics of different objects reveal interstellar PAH characteristics such as structure, size and composition, as well as provide insight into the chemical history and physical nature of the emission zones.

Particle Size Influence on the Effective Permeability of Composite Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiang, Tai; Zhong, Ru-Neng; Yao, Bin; Qin, Shao-Jing; Zheng, Qin-Hong

2018-05-01

The energy method, which estimates the effective permeability of composite material is proposed. We approximate the effective static magnetic permeability by energy method and Maxwell-Garnett method for spherical particles dispersing system. Considering the effect of the interface layer between the medium and the particle, we study the nanoparticles embedded in a medium exactly. The interface layer property plays a significant factor for the effective permeability of the composite material in which nano-sized particles embedded. Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of Yunnan province under Grant No. 2014FB141 and National Natural Science Foundation under Grant No. 1121403 of China

Bioleaching of copper oxide ore by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shabani, M. A.; Irannajad, M.; Azadmehr, A. R.; Meshkini, M.

2013-12-01

Bioleaching is an environmentally friendly method for extraction of metal from ores. In this study, bioleaching of copper oxide ore by Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a heterotrophic bacterium that can produce various organic acids in an appropriate culture medium, and these acids can operate as leaching agents. The parameters, such as particle size, glucose percentage in the culture medium, bioleaching time, and solid/liquid ratio were optimized. Optimum bioleaching conditions were found as follows: particle size of 150-177 μm, glucose percentage of 6%, bioleaching time of 8 d, and solid/liquid ratio of 1:80. Under these conditions, 53% of copper was extracted.

Optimization of calcium phosphate fine ceramic powders preparation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sezanova, K.; Tepavitcharova, S.; Rabadjieva, D.; Gergulova, R.; Ilieva, R.

2013-12-01

The effect of biomimetic synthesis method, reaction medium and further precursor treatments on the chemical and phase composition, crystal size and morphology of calcium phosphates was examined. Nanosized calcium phosphate precursors were biomimetically precipitated by the method of continuous precipitation in three types of reaction media at pH 8: (i) SBF as an inorganic electrolyte system; (ii) organic (glycerine) modified SBF (volume ratio of 1:1); (iii) polymer (10 g/l xanthan gum or 10 g/l guar gum) modified SBF (volume ratio of 1:1). After maturation (24 h) the samples were lyophilized, calcinated at 300°C for 3 hours, and washed with water, followed by new gelation, lyophilization and step-wise (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000°C, each for 3 hours) sintering. The reaction medium influenced the chemical composition and particle size but not the morphology of the calcium phosphate powders. In all studied cases bi-phase calcium phosphate fine powders with well-shaped spherical grains, consisting of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HA) with a Ca/P ratio of 1.3 - 1.6 were obtained. The SBF modifiers decreased the particle size of the product in the sequence guar gum ˜ xanthan gum < glycerin < SBF medium.

Constraints of body size and swimming velocity on the ability of juvenile rainbow trout to endure periods without food

USGS Publications Warehouse

Simpkins, D.G.; Hubert, W.A.; Martinez Del Rio, C.; Rule, D.C.

2004-01-01

The hypothesis that body size and swimming velocity affect proximate body composition, wet mass and size-selective mortality of fasted fish was evaluated using small (107 mm mean total length, LT) and medium (168 mm mean LT) juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss that were sedentary or swimming (c. 1 or 2 body lengths-1) and fasted for 147 days. The initial amount of energy reserves in the bodies of fish varied with L T. Initially having less lipid mass and relatively higher mass-specific metabolic rates caused small rainbow trout that were sedentary to die of starvation sooner and more frequently than medium-length fish that were sedentary. Swimming at 2 body length s-1 slightly increased the rate of lipid catabolism relative to 1 body length s-1, but did not increase the occurrence of mortality among medium fish. Death from starvation occurred when fish had <3.2% lipid remaining in their bodies. Juvenile rainbow trout endured long periods without food, but their ability to resist death from starvation was limited by their length and initial lipid reserves. ?? 2004 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Numerical Modeling of Electromagnetic Radiation Within a Particulate Medium.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noe Dobrea, E. Z.

2017-12-01

Numerical modeling of electromagnetic radiation with a particulate medium. Understanding the effect of particulate media and coatings on electromagnetic radiation is key to understanding the effects of multiple scattering on the spectra of geologic materials. Multiple radiative transfer theories have been developed that provide a good approximation to these effects [1,2]. However, approximations regarding particle size, distribution, shape, and other parameters need to be made and in some cases, the theory is limited to specific geometries [2]. In this work, we seek to develop an numerical radiative transfer algorithm to simulate the passage of light through a particulate medium. The code allows arbitrary particle size distributions (uniform, bimodal, trimodal, composition dependent), compositions, and viewing geometries, as well as arbitrary coating thicknesses and compositions. Here, we report on the the status of our model and present comparisons of model predictions with the spectra of well-characterize minerals and mixtures. Future work will include particle size-dependent effects of diffraction as well as particle emittance due to fluorescence and Raman excitation. [1] Hapke, B. (2012). Theory of reflectance and emittance spectroscopy. Cambridge University Press, 2nd edition, 528 p. [2] Shkuratov et al. (1999) Icarus 137

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

Spier, C.E.; Little, D.E.; Trim, S.C.

We investigated activity patterns of 17 elementary school students aged 10-12, and 19 high school students aged 13-17, in suburban Los Angeles during the oxidant pollution season. Individuals' relationships between ventilation rate (VR) and heart rate (HR) were calibrated' in supervised outdoor walking/jogging. Log VR was consistently proportional to HR; although calibrations' were limited by a restricted range of exercise, and possibly by artifact due to mouthpiece breathing, which may cause overestimation of VR at rest. Each subject then recorded activities in diaries, and recorded HR once per minute by wearing Heart Watches, over 3 days (Saturday-Monday). For each activitymore » the subject estimated a breathing rate--slow (slow walking), medium (fast walking), or fast (running). VR ranges for each breathing rate and activity type were estimated from HR recordings. High-school students' diaries showed their aggregate distribution of waking hours as 68% slow inside, 8% slow outside, 10% medium inside, 9% medium outside, 1.5% fast inside, 1.5% fast outside. Elementary students' distribution was 47% slow inside, 15% slow outside, 20% medium inside, 12% medium outside, 2.5% fast inside, 3.5% fast outside. Sleep occupied 38% of high-school students' and 40% of elementary students' time; HR were generally lower in sleep than in slow waking activity. High school students' mean VR estimates were 13 L/min for slow breathing, 18 for medium, and 23 for fast; elementary students' were 14 slow, 18 medium, and 19 fast. VR distributions were approximately lognormal. Maximum estimated VR were approximately 70 L/min in elementary and approximately 100 L/min in high school students. Compared to adults studied similarly, students reported more medium or fast breathing, and had equal or higher VR estimates during slow and medium breathing despite their smaller size. These results suggest that, relative to body size, young people inhale larger doses of outdoor air pollutants than adults.« less

The IPEA dilemma in CASPT2† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Original data (Table S1) and additional comments for the literature survey; note on symmetry (Table S2), geometries (Table S3), data (Tables S4–S6) and comments (Section S2) for calculations on di-/triatomic molecules; results (Tables S7–S25) and comments (Section S3) for calculations on the organic molecular data set. See DOI: 10.1039/c6sc03759c Click here for additional data file.

PubMed Central

Zobel, J. Patrick

2017-01-01

Multi-configurational second order perturbation theory (CASPT2) has become a very popular method for describing excited-state properties since its development in 1990. To account for systematic errors found in the calculation of dissociation energies, an empirical correction applied to the zeroth-order Hamiltonian, called the IPEA shift, was introduced in 2004. The errors were attributed to an unbalanced description of open-shell versus closed-shell electronic states and is believed to also lead to an underestimation of excitation energies. Here we show that the use of the IPEA shift is not justified and the IPEA should not be used to calculate excited states, at least for organic chromophores. This conclusion is the result of three extensive analyses. Firstly, we survey the literature for excitation energies of organic molecules that have been calculated with the unmodified CASPT2 method. We find that the excitation energies of 356 reference values are negligibly underestimated by 0.02 eV. This value is an order of magnitude smaller than the expected error based on the calculation of dissociation energies. Secondly, we perform benchmark full configuration interaction calculations on 137 states of 13 di- and triatomic molecules and compare the results with CASPT2. Also in this case, the excited states are underestimated by only 0.05 eV. Finally, we perform CASPT2 calculations with different IPEA shift values on 309 excited states of 28 organic small and medium-sized organic chromophores. We demonstrate that the size of the IPEA correction scales with the amount of dynamical correlation energy (and thus with the size of the system), and gets immoderate already for the molecules considered here, leading to an overestimation of the excitation energies. It is also found that the IPEA correction strongly depends on the size of the basis set. The dependency on both the size of the system and of the basis set, contradicts the idea of a universal IPEA shift which is able to compensate for systematic CASPT2 errors in the calculation of excited states. PMID:28572908

Effect of varying total mixed ration particle size on rumen digesta and fecal particle size and digestibility in lactating dairy cows.

PubMed

Maulfair, D D; Fustini, M; Heinrichs, A J

2011-07-01

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of feeding rations of different particle sizes on rumen digesta and fecal matter particle size. Four rumen-cannulated, multiparous, Holstein cows (104±15 d in milk) were randomly assigned to treatments in a 4×4 Latin square design. The diets consisted of 29.4% corn silage, 22.9% ground corn, 17.6% alfalfa haylage, and 11.8% dry grass hay [20% of forage dry matter (DM)] on a DM basis. Dry grass hay was chopped to 4 different lengths to vary the total mixed ration (TMR) particle size. Geometric mean particle sizes of the rations were 4.46, 5.10, 5.32, and 5.84 mm for short, medium, long, and extra long diets, respectively. The ration affected rumen digesta particle size for particles ≥3.35 mm, and had no effect on distribution of particles <3.35 mm. All rumen digesta particle size fractions varied by time after feeding, with soluble particle fractions increasing immediately after feeding and 0.15, 0.6, and 1.18-mm particle size fractions decreasing slightly after feeding. Particle fractions >1.18 mm had ration by time interactions. Fecal neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and indigestible NDF concentrations decreased with increasing TMR particle size. Fecal particle size expressed as total geometric mean particle length followed this same tendency. Fecal particle size, expressed as retained geometric mean particle length, averaged 1.13 mm with more than 36% of particles being larger than 1.18 mm. All fecal nutrient concentrations measured were significantly affected by time after feeding, with NDF and indigestible NDF increasing after feeding and peaking at about 12h later and then decreasing to preprandial levels. Starch concentrations were determined to have the opposite effect. Additionally, apparent digestibility of diet nutrients was analyzed and DM digestibility tended to decrease with increasing TMR particle size, whereas other nutrient digestibilities were not different among rations. These results show that the critical size for increased resistance to rumen escape is larger than 1.18 mm and this critical size is constant throughout the day. This study also concludes that, when using average quality grass hay to provide the range of particle sizes fed, DM digestibility tends to decrease with increasing ration particle size. Copyright © 2011 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Modelling CLPX IOP3 Radiometric Data by Means of the Dense Media Theory: Preliminary Results for the LSOS Test Site

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tedesco, Marco; Kim, Edward J.; Cline, Don; Graf, Tobias; Koike, Toshio; Armstrong, Richard; Brodzik, Mary Jo; Hardy, Janet

2003-01-01

The capabilities of the Dense Media Radiative Transfer model using the Quasi Crystalline Approximation with Coherent Potential (QCA-CP) to reproduce measured radiometric data were tested using the University of Tokyo Ground Based Microwave Radiometer (GBMR-7) during the third Intensive Observation Period (IOP3) of the NASA Cold-land Processes Field Experiment (CLPX). The data were collected at the Local-Scale Observation Site (LSOS), a 0.8-ha study site consisting of two open meadows separated by trees. Intensive measurements were also made of snow depth and temperature, density, and grain size profiles. A DMRT model is needed to describe radiative transfer in a medium such as snow because the assumption of independent scattering used in classical radiative transfer theory (CRT) is not valid. Validation of the DMRT approach requires a relationship between measured snow grain size and the DMRT approximation of snow grain radius as spherical particles with a mean radius of the log-normal particle-size distribution. This relationship is very important for a better understanding of snow modelling and for practical applications. DMRT simulations were compared with observations of microwave brightnesses at 18.7, 36.5 and 89-GHz (V and H polarizations) collected on February-1 9-25, 2003. Observation angles ranged from 30\\deg to 70\\deg. Model inputs included measured snow parameters except mean grain size. The average snow temperature, fractional volume and depth were held constant, together with the ice and soil permittivities. The minimum and maximum measured mean grain sizes were used to test the capabilities of the DMRT to reproduce the brightnesses as upper and lower limits. The sensitivity to the largest and smallest measured grain size in the three classes of minimum, medium and maximum observed grain sizes was also investigated. DMRT particle sizes yielding a best-fit to the experimental data for each date were computed. Results show that the measured brightnesses fall within the range of simulated brightnesses using the smallest and largest measured grain size values. The DMRT best-fit radii are comparable to the average radii for the medium observed grain sizes.

Measurement of Dynamic Viscoelasticity of Full-Size Wood Composite Panels Using a Vibration Testing Method

Treesearch

Cheng Guan; Houjiang Zhang; John F. Hunt; Lujing Zhou; Dan Feng

2016-01-01

The dynamic viscoelasticity of full-size wood composite panels (WCPs) under the free-free vibrational state were determined by a vibration testing method. Vibration detection tests were performed on 194 pieces of three types of full-size WCPs (particleboard, medium density fiberboard, and plywood (PW)). The dynamic viscoelasticity from smaller specimens cut from the...

Effect of kernel size and mill type on protein, milling yield, and baking quality of hard red spring wheat

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Optimization of flour yield and quality is important in the milling industry. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of kernel size and mill type on flour yield and end-use quality. A hard red spring wheat composite sample was segregated, based on kernel size, into large, medium, ...

Bridging the gaps: An overview of wood across time and space in diverse rivers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wohl, Ellen

2017-02-01

Nearly 50 years of research focused on large wood (LW) in rivers provide a basis for understanding how wood enters rivers; how wood decays, breaks, and is transported downstream; and how at least temporarily stable wood influences channel geometry, fluxes of water, sediment, and organic matter, and the abundance and diversity of aquatic and riparian organisms. Field-based studies have led to qualitative conceptual models and to numerical stimulations of river processes involving wood. Numerous important gaps remain, however, in our understanding of wood dynamics. The majority of research on wood in rivers focuses on small- to medium-sized rivers, defined using the ratio of wood piece size to channel width as channels narrower than the locally typical wood-piece length (small) and slightly narrower than the longer wood pieces present (medium). Although diverse geographic regions and biomes are represented by one or a few studies in each region, the majority of research comes from perennial rivers draining temperate conifer forests. Regional syntheses most commonly focus on the Pacific Northwest region of North America where most of these studies originate. Consequently, significant gaps in our understanding include lack of knowledge of wood-related processes in large rivers, dryland rivers, and rivers of the high and low latitudes. Using a wood budget as an organizing framework, this paper identifies other gaps related to wood recruitment, transport, storage, and how beavers influence LW dynamics. With respect to wood recruitment, we lack information on the relative importance of mass tree mortality and transport of buried or surficial downed wood from the floodplain into the channel in diverse settings. Knowledge gaps related to wood transport include transport distances of LW and thresholds for LW mobility in small to medium rivers. With respect to wood storage, we have limited data on longitudinal trends in LW loads within unaltered large and great rivers and on fluctuations in LW load over time intervals greater than a few years. Other knowledge gaps relate to physical and ecological effects of wood, including the magnitude of flow resistance caused by LW; patterns of wood-related sediment storage for diverse river sizes and channel geometry; quantification of channel-floodplain-LW interactions; and potential threshold effects of LW in relation to physical processes and biotic communities. Finally, knowledge gaps are related to management of large wood and river corridors, including understanding the consequences of enormous historical reductions in LW load in rivers through the forested portions of the temperate zone; and how to effectively reintroduce and manage existing LW in river corridors, which includes enhancing public understanding of the importance of LW. Addressing these knowledge gaps requires more case studies from diverse rivers, as well as more syntheses and metadata analyses.

Initiating Molecular Growth in the Interstellar Medium via Dimeric Complexes of Observed Ions and Molecules

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bera, Partha P.; Head-Gordon, Martin; Lee, Timothy J.

2011-01-01

A feasible initiation step for particle growth in the interstellar medium (ISM) is simulated by means of ab quantum chemistry methods. The systems studied are dimer ions formed by pairing nitrogen containing small molecules known to exist in the ISM with ions of unsaturated hydrocarbons or vice versa. Complexation energies, structures of ensuing complexes and electronic excitation spectra of the encounter complexes are estimated using various quantum chemistry methods. Moller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2, Z-averaged perturbation theory (ZAP2), coupled cluster singles and doubles with perturbative triples corrections (CCSD(T)), and density functional theory (DFT) methods (B3LYP) were employed along with the correlation consistent cc-pVTZ and aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets. Two types of complexes are predicted. One type of complex has electrostatic binding with moderate (7-20 kcal per mol) binding energies, that are nonetheless significantly stronger than typical van der Waals interactions between molecules of this size. The other type of complex develops strong covalent bonds between the fragments. Cyclic isomers of the nitrogen containing complexes are produced very easily by ion-molecule reactions. Some of these complexes show intense ultraviolet visible spectra for electronic transitions with large oscillator strengths at the B3LYP, omegaB97, and equations of motion coupled cluster (EOM-CCSD) levels. The open shell nitrogen containing carbonaceous complexes especially exhibit a large oscillator strength electronic transition in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

AZD2171 in Treating Patients With Recurrent or Stage IV Melanoma

ClinicalTrials.gov

2015-06-01

Acral Lentiginous Malignant Melanoma; Ciliary Body and Choroid Melanoma, Medium/Large Size; Ciliary Body and Choroid Melanoma, Small Size; Extraocular Extension Melanoma; Intraocular Melanoma; Iris Melanoma; Lentigo Maligna Malignant Melanoma; Recurrent Melanoma; Stage, Intraocular Melanoma; Stage IV Melanoma; Superficial Spreading Malignant Melanoma

Adjuvant Sunitinib or Valproic Acid in High-Risk Patients With Uveal Melanoma

ClinicalTrials.gov

2017-10-25

Ciliary Body and Choroid Melanoma, Medium/Large Size; Ciliary Body and Choroid Melanoma, Small Size; Iris Melanoma; Stage I Intraocular Melanoma; Stage IIA Intraocular Melanoma; Stage IIB Intraocular Melanoma; Stage IIIA Intraocular Melanoma; Stage IIIB Intraocular Melanoma; Stage IIIC Intraocular Melanoma

An Analysis of Business Intelligence Maturity, Enterprise Size, and Environmental Factors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker, Karen M.

2017-01-01

Business intelligence (BI) maturity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is significantly behind larger companies that utilize BI solutions. Successful data oriented business environments require knowledge and insight to understand organizational capabilities. This quantitative correlational study assessed the relationship between…

How well do the theory of reasoned action and theory of planned behaviour predict intentions and attendance at screening programmes? A meta-analysis.

PubMed

Cooke, Richard; French, David P

2008-01-01

Meta-analysis was used to quantify how well the Theories of Reasoned Action and Planned Behaviour have predicted intentions to attend screening programmes and actual attendance behaviour. Systematic literature searches identified 33 studies that were included in the review. Across the studies as a whole, attitudes had a large-sized relationship with intention, while subjective norms and perceived behavioural control (PBC) possessed medium-sized relationships with intention. Intention had a medium-sized relationship with attendance, whereas the PBC-attendance relationship was small sized. Due to heterogeneity in results between studies, moderator analyses were conducted. The moderator variables were (a) type of screening test, (b) location of recruitment, (c) screening cost and (d) invitation to screen. All moderators affected theory of planned behaviour relationships. Suggestions for future research emerging from these results include targeting attitudes to promote intention to screen, a greater use of implementation intentions in screening information and examining the credibility of different screening providers.

Freeze-cast alumina pore networks: Effects of freezing conditions and dispersion medium

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

Miller, S. M.; Xiao, X.; Faber, K. T.

Alumina ceramics were freeze-cast from water- and camphene-based slurries under varying freezing conditions and examined using X-ray computed tomography (XCT). Pore network characteristics, i.e., porosity, pore size, geometric surface area, and tortuosity, were measured from XCT reconstructions and the data were used to develop a model to predict feature size from processing conditions. Classical solidification theory was used to examine relationships between pore size, temperature gradients, and freezing front velocity. Freezing front velocity was subsequently predicted from casting conditions via the two-phase Stefan problem. Resulting models for water-based samples agreed with solidification-based theories predicting lamellar spacing of binary eutectic alloys,more » and models for camphene-based samples concurred with those for dendritic growth. Relationships between freezing conditions and geometric surface area were also modeled by considering the inverse relationship between pore size and surface area. Tortuosity was determined to be dependent primarily on the type of dispersion medium. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.« less

Aerosol mobility size spectrometer

DOEpatents

Wang, Jian; Kulkarni, Pramod

2007-11-20

A device for measuring aerosol size distribution within a sample containing aerosol particles. The device generally includes a spectrometer housing defining an interior chamber and a camera for recording aerosol size streams exiting the chamber. The housing includes an inlet for introducing a flow medium into the chamber in a flow direction, an aerosol injection port adjacent the inlet for introducing a charged aerosol sample into the chamber, a separation section for applying an electric field to the aerosol sample across the flow direction and an outlet opposite the inlet. In the separation section, the aerosol sample becomes entrained in the flow medium and the aerosol particles within the aerosol sample are separated by size into a plurality of aerosol flow streams under the influence of the electric field. The camera is disposed adjacent the housing outlet for optically detecting a relative position of at least one aerosol flow stream exiting the outlet and for optically detecting the number of aerosol particles within the at least one aerosol flow stream.

Analysis of Fractional Flow for Transient Two-Phase Flow in Fractal Porous Medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Ting; Duan, Yonggang; Fang, Quantang; Dai, Xiaolu; Wu, Jinsui

2016-03-01

Prediction of fractional flow in fractal porous medium is important for reservoir engineering and chemical engineering as well as hydrology. A physical conceptual fractional flow model of transient two-phase flow is developed in fractal porous medium based on the fractal characteristics of pore-size distribution and on the approximation that porous medium consist of a bundle of tortuous capillaries. The analytical expression for fractional flow for wetting phase is presented, and the proposed expression is the function of structural parameters (such as tortuosity fractal dimension, pore fractal dimension, maximum and minimum diameters of capillaries) and fluid properties (such as contact angle, viscosity and interfacial tension) in fractal porous medium. The sensitive parameters that influence fractional flow and its derivative are formulated, and their impacts on fractional flow are discussed.

Community size as a factor in health partnerships in community parks and recreation, 2007.

PubMed

Payne, Laura L; Zimmermann, Jo An M; Mowen, Andrew J; Orsega-Smith, Elizabeth; Godbey, Geoffrey C

2013-07-25

Although partnerships between park and recreation agencies and health agencies are prevalent, little research has examined partnership characteristics and effectiveness among communities of different sizes. The objective of this study was to determine whether park and recreation leaders' perceptions of partnership characteristics, effectiveness, and outcomes vary by community size. A web-based survey was completed in 2007 by 1,217 National Recreation and Park Association members. Community size was divided into 4 categories: very small, small, medium, and large. Questions measured agencies' recognition of the need for partnerships, their level of experience, and the effectiveness and outcomes of partnerships. Larger communities were significantly more likely to recognize the need for and have more experience with partnerships than smaller communities. Very small and large communities partnered significantly more often with senior services, nonprofit health promotion agencies, and public health agencies than did small and medium ones. Large and small communities were significantly more likely than very small and medium communities to agree that their decision making in partnerships is inclusive and that they have clearly defined goals and objectives. Large communities were significantly more likely than very small communities to report that their partnership helped leverage resources, make policy changes, meet their mission statement, and link to funding opportunities. Community size shapes partnership practices, effectiveness, and outcomes. Very small communities are disadvantaged in developing and managing health partnerships. Increasing education, training, and funding opportunities for small and rural park and recreation agencies may enable them to more effectively partner with organizations to address community health concerns.

Effect of the Initial Vortex Size on Intensity Change in the WRF-ROMS Coupled Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Xiaohui; Chan, Johnny C. L.

2017-12-01

Numerous studies have demonstrated that the tropical cyclone (TC) induced sea surface temperature (SST) cooling strongly depends on the preexisting oceanic condition and TC characteristics. However, very few focused on the correlation of SST cooling and the subsequent intensity with TC size. Therefore, a series of idealized numerical experiments are conducted using the Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with the Regional Ocean Model System (ROMS) model to understand how the vortex size is related to SST cooling and subsequent intensity changes of a stationary TC-like vortex. In the uncoupled experiments, the radius of maximum wind (RMW) and size (radius of gale-force wind (R17)) both depend on the initial size within the 72 h simulation. The initially small vortex is smaller than the medium and large vortices throughout its life cycle and is the weakest. In other words, thermodynamic processes do not contribute as much to the R17 change as the dynamic processes proposed (e.g., angular momentum transport) in previous studies. In the coupled experiments, the area-averaged SST cooling induced by medium and large TCs within the inner-core region is comparable due to the similar surface winds and thus mixing in the ocean. Although a stronger SST cooling averaged within a larger region outside the inner-core is induced by the larger TC, the intensity of the larger TC is more intense. This is because that the enthalpy flux in the inner-core region is higher in the larger TC than that in the medium and small TCs.

Community Size as a Factor in Health Partnerships in Community Parks and Recreation, 2007

PubMed Central

Zimmermann, Jo An M.; Mowen, Andrew J.; Orsega-Smith, Elizabeth; Godbey, Geoffrey C.

2013-01-01

Introduction Although partnerships between park and recreation agencies and health agencies are prevalent, little research has examined partnership characteristics and effectiveness among communities of different sizes. The objective of this study was to determine whether park and recreation leaders’ perceptions of partnership characteristics, effectiveness, and outcomes vary by community size. Methods A web-based survey was completed in 2007 by 1,217 National Recreation and Park Association members. Community size was divided into 4 categories: very small, small, medium, and large. Questions measured agencies’ recognition of the need for partnerships, their level of experience, and the effectiveness and outcomes of partnerships. Results Larger communities were significantly more likely to recognize the need for and have more experience with partnerships than smaller communities. Very small and large communities partnered significantly more often with senior services, nonprofit health promotion agencies, and public health agencies than did small and medium ones. Large and small communities were significantly more likely than very small and medium communities to agree that their decision making in partnerships is inclusive and that they have clearly defined goals and objectives. Large communities were significantly more likely than very small communities to report that their partnership helped leverage resources, make policy changes, meet their mission statement, and link to funding opportunities. Conclusion Community size shapes partnership practices, effectiveness, and outcomes. Very small communities are disadvantaged in developing and managing health partnerships. Increasing education, training, and funding opportunities for small and rural park and recreation agencies may enable them to more effectively partner with organizations to address community health concerns. PMID:23886043

Application of Artificial Neural Networks and Singular-Spectral Analysis in Forecasting the Daily Traffic in the Moscow Metro

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanov, Victor; Osetrov, Evgenii

2018-02-01

In this paper, we investigate the possibility of applying various approaches to solving the problem of medium-term forecasting of daily passenger traffic volumes in the Moscow metro (MM): 1) on the basis of artificial neural networks (ANN); 2) using the singular-spectral analysis implemented in the package "Caterpillar"-SSA; 3) sharing the ANN and the "Caterpillar"-SSA approach. We demonstrate that the developed methods and algorithms allow us to conduct medium-term forecasting of passenger traffic in the MM with reasonable accuracy.

Effect of drug particle size in ultrasound compacted tablets. Continuum percolation model approach.

PubMed

Millán, Mónica; Caraballo, Isidoro

2006-03-09

The main objective of this work is to study the influence of the drug particle size on the pharmaceutical availability of ultrasound compacted tablets. Inert matrix systems containing different drug particle sizes were prepared using both, an ultrasound-assisted press and a traditional eccentric machine. Potassium chloride was used as drug model and Eudragit RS-PM as matrix forming excipient. The excipient particle size was kept constant. The cross-sectional microphotographs of ultrasound tablets show the existence of a quasi-continuum medium. Keeping constant the drug load, US-tablets showed very similar release rates, whereas for traditional tablets, an increase in the particle size resulted in a clear decrease in the release rate. In these tablets, the excipient forms an almost continuum medium. In an infinite theoretical system of these characteristics, the size of the drug particles will not modify the percolation threshold. The percolation of the excipient in this system can be assimilated to a continuum percolation model. In accordance with the proposed model, a lower influence of the drug particle size on the drug release rate was obtained for the US-tablets in comparison with traditional tablets. This fact can be indicative of the similarity of the drug percolation thresholds in these systems.

Heavy quark energy loss in nuclear medium

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

Zhang, Benr-Wei; Wang, Enke; Wang, Xin-Nian

2003-09-16

Multiple scattering, modified fragmentation functions and radiative energy loss of a heavy quark propagating in a nuclear medium are investigated in perturbative QCD. Because of the quark mass dependence of the gluon formation time, the medium size dependence of heavy quark energy loss is found to change from a linear to a quadratic form when the initial energy and momentum scale are increased relative to the quark mass. The radiative energy loss is also significantly suppressed relative to a light quark due to the suppression of collinear gluon emission by a heavy quark.

Frequency Tunable Wire Lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hu, Qing (Inventor)

2013-01-01

The present invention provides frequency tunable solid-state radiation-generating devices, such as lasers and amplifiers, whose active medium has a size in at least one transverse dimension (e.g., its width) that is much smaller than the wavelength of radiation generated and/or amplified within the active medium. In such devices, a fraction of radiation travels as an evanescent propagating mode outside the active medium. It has been discovered that in such devices the radiation frequency can be tuned by the interaction of a tuning mechanism with the propagating evanescent mode.

Three-dimensional video imaging of drainage and imbibition processes in model porous medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Prerna; Aswathi, P.; Sane, Anit; Ghosh, Shankar; Bhattacharya, Sabyasachi

2011-03-01

We report experimental results where we have performed three dimensional video imaging of the displacement of an oil phase by an aqueous phase and vice versa in a model porous medium. The stability of the oil water interface was studied as a function of their viscosity ratios, the wettability of the porous medium and the variation in the pore size distribution. Our experiments captures the pore scale information of the displacement process and its role in determining the long time structure of the interface.

Experimental Study on Ultrafine Particle Removal Performance of Portable Air Cleaners with Different Filters in an Office Room

PubMed Central

Ma, Huan; Shen, Henggen; Shui, Tiantian; Li, Qing; Zhou, Liuke

2016-01-01

Size- and time-dependent aerodynamic behaviors of indoor particles, including PM1.0, were evaluated in a school office in order to test the performance of air-cleaning devices using different filters. In-situ real-time measurements were taken using an optical particle counter. The filtration characteristics of filter media, including single-pass efficiency, volume and effectiveness, were evaluated and analyzed. The electret filter (EE) medium shows better initial removal efficiency than the high efficiency (HE) medium in the 0.3–3.5 μm particle size range, while under the same face velocity, the filtration resistance of the HE medium is several times higher than that of the EE medium. During service life testing, the efficiency of the EE medium decreased to 60% with a total purifying air flow of 25 × 104 m3/m2. The resistance curve rose slightly before the efficiency reached the bottom, and then increased almost exponentially. The single-pass efficiency of portable air cleaner (PAC) with the pre-filter (PR) or the active carbon granule filter (CF) was relatively poor. While PAC with the pre-filter and the high efficiency filter (PR&HE) showed maximum single-pass efficiency for PM1.0 (88.6%), PAC with the HE was the most effective at removing PM1.0. The enhancement of PR with HE and electret filters augmented the single-pass efficiency, but lessened the airflow rate and effectiveness. Combined with PR, the decay constant of large-sized particles could be greater than for PACs without PR. Without regard to the lifetime, the electret filters performed better with respect to resource saving and purification improvement. A most penetrating particle size range (MPPS: 0.4–0.65 μm) exists in both HE and electret filters; the MPPS tends to become larger after HE and electret filters are combined with PR. These results serve to provide a better understanding of the indoor particle removal performance of PACs when combined with different kinds of filters in school office buildings. PMID:26742055

Replacement of proteoglycans in embryonic chick cartilage in organ culture after treatment with testicular hyaluronidase

PubMed Central

Hardingham, T. E.; Fitton-Jackson, Sylvia; Muir, Helen

1972-01-01

Explants of cartilage from tibiae of 11–12 days chick embryos were grown in organ culture. To one group hyaluronidase was added to the medium during the first 2 days of culture; the treated tissue was then cultured in medium without enzyme for a further 4 days. Control explants grown in hyaluronidase-free medium for 6 days grew rapidly in size and the total hexosamine content more than doubled during this time. After exposure to hyaluronidase, much of the hexosamine was lost from treated cartilage and appeared in the culture medium, but it was mostly replaced in the tissue during the subsequent recovery period. Analysis of cartilage and medium showed that net synthesis of hexosamine increased greatly in treated cartilage. The proteoglycans were extracted by two procedures from control and treated cartilage after 2, 4 and 6 days in culture. The hydrodynamic sizes of the purified proteoglycans were compared by gel chromatography and the composition of the gel-chromatographic fractions was determined. The proteoglycans from controls did not change during culture, but after exposure to hyaluronidase the proteoglycans from treated cartilage were of much smaller size and lower chondroitin sulphate content. During recovery, even though new proteoglycans were formed, they were nevertheless of smaller size and lower chondroitin sulphate content than control proteoglycans. They gradually became more like control proteoglycans during recovery from treatment, but even after 4 days they were not yet the same. After 2 days of treatment with the enzyme, the chondroitin sulphate in the cartilage was of shorter chain length than in controls but during recovery after 4 and 6 days in culture, the chain lengths in control and treated cartilage were similar. It is concluded that the proteoglycans formed in embryo cartilage in response to their depletion by enzyme treatment contained fewer chondroitin sulphate chains attached to the protein moiety of proteoglycans. This may have resulted from a failure under stress to glycosylate the protein moiety to the usual extent; alternatively the synthesis of normal proteoglycans of low chondroitin sulphate content may have increased, thus changing the proteoglycan population. PMID:4265022

A general approach to medium ring alkynes by using metathesis of cobalt hexacarbonyl containing dienes.

PubMed

Young, David G J; Burlison, Joseph A; Peters, Ulf

2003-05-02

The assembly of medium sized rings (7-9) was achieved by using the metathesis of dienes linked by a cobalt hexacarbonyl complexed alkyne with either Grubbs' or Schrock's catalysts. The products of metathesis were subjected to transformations involving the dicobalt hexacarbonyl complexes, for example, decomplexation to liberate cyclic alkynes or Pauson-Khand reaction.

Employers' Attitudes on Hiring Workers with Intellectual Disabilities in Small and Medium Enterprises: An Italian Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zappella, Emanuela

2015-01-01

Employers play a significant role in the process of hiring workers with intellectual disability. Through an in-depth interview, this research aims to investigate the attitudes of 30 representatives of small and medium-sized Italian companies involved in a process of recruitment. The data were analyzed using a phenomenological approach. The results…

The Use of Financial Management Practices by Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises: A Perspective from South Africa

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brijlal, Pradeep; Enow, Samuel; Isaacs, Eslyn B. H.

2014-01-01

This paper reports on an investigation of financial management practices used by small, medium-sized and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa. It was found that more than half the SMMEs examined use external accounting staff to prepare accounting reports and more than 60% rely on external accounting staff to interpret and use accounting…

Liquefaction of lignocellulosic biomass: solvent, process parameter, and recycle oil screening.

PubMed

van Rossum, Guus; Zhao, Wei; Castellvi Barnes, Maria; Lange, Jean-Paul; Kersten, Sascha R A

2014-01-01

The liquefaction of lignocellulosic biomass is studied for the production of liquid (transportation) fuels. The process concept uses a product recycle as a liquefaction medium and produces a bio-oil that can be co-processed in a conventional oil refinery. This all is done at medium temperature (≈ 300 °C) and pressure (≈ 60 bar). Solvent-screening experiments showed that oxygenated solvents are preferred as they allow high oil (up to 93% on carbon basis) and low solid yields (≈ 1-2% on carbon basis) and thereby outperform the liquefaction of biomass in compressed water and biomass pyrolysis. The following solvent ranking was obtained: guaiacol>hexanoic acid ≫ n-undecane. The use of wet biomass results in higher oil yields than dry biomass. However, it also results in a higher operating pressure, which would make the process more expensive. Refill experiments were also performed to evaluate the possibility to recycle the oil as the liquefaction medium. The recycled oil appeared to be very effective to liquefy the biomass and even surpassed the start-up solvent guaiacol, but became increasingly heavy and more viscous after each refill and eventually showed a molecular weight distribution that resembles that of refinery vacuum residue. Copyright © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Wave propagation in a strongly heterogeneous elastic porous medium: Homogenization of Biot medium with double porosities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rohan, Eduard; Naili, Salah; Nguyen, Vu-Hieu

2016-08-01

We study wave propagation in an elastic porous medium saturated with a compressible Newtonian fluid. The porous network is interconnected whereby the pores are characterized by two very different characteristic sizes. At the mesoscopic scale, the medium is described using the Biot model, characterized by a high contrast in the hydraulic permeability and anisotropic elasticity, whereas the contrast in the Biot coupling coefficient is only moderate. Fluid motion is governed by the Darcy flow model extended by inertia terms and by the mass conservation equation. The homogenization method based on the asymptotic analysis is used to obtain a macroscopic model. To respect the high contrast in the material properties, they are scaled by the small parameter, which is involved in the asymptotic analysis and characterized by the size of the heterogeneities. Using the estimates of wavelengths in the double-porosity networks, it is shown that the macroscopic descriptions depend on the contrast in the static permeability associated with pores and micropores and on the frequency. Moreover, the microflow in the double porosity is responsible for fading memory effects via the macroscopic poroviscoelastic constitutive law. xml:lang="fr"

UPDATE ON NEUROPHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENTS FOR ALCOHOLISM: SCIENTIFIC BASIS AND CLINICAL FINDINGS

PubMed Central

JOHNSON, BANKOLE A.

2008-01-01

The past decade has seen an expansion of research and knowledge on pharmacotherapy for the treatment of alcohol dependence. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved medications naltrexone and acamprosate have shown mixed results in clinical trials. Oral naltrexone and naltrexone depot formulations have generally demonstrated efficacy at treating alcohol dependence, but their treatment effect size is small, and more research is needed to compare the effects of different doses on drinking outcome. Acamprosate has demonstrated efficacy for treating alcohol dependence in European trials, but with a small effect size. In U.S. trials, acamprosate has not proved to be efficacious. Research continues to explore which types of alcohol-dependent individual would benefit the most from treatment with naltrexone or acamprosate. The combination of the two medications demonstrated efficacy for treating alcohol dependence in one European study but not in a multi-site U.S. study. Another FDA-approved medication, disulfiram, is an aversive agent that does not diminish craving for alcohol. Disulfiram is most effective when given to those who are highly compliant or who are receiving their medication under supervision. Of the non-approved medications, topiramate is among the most promising, with a medium effect size in clinical trials. Another promising medication, baclofen, has shown efficacy in small trials. Serotonergic agents such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and the serotonin-3 receptor antagonist, ondansetron, appear to be efficacious only among certain genetic subtypes of alcoholic. As neuroscientific research progresses, other promising medications, as well as medication combinations, for treating alcohol dependence continue to be explored. PMID:17880925

Structure and ionic diffusion of alkaline-earth ions in mixed cation glasses A 2O–2MO–4SiO 2 with molecular dynamics simulations

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

Konstantinou, Konstantinos; Sushko, Petr; Duffy, Dorothy M.

2015-05-15

A series of mixed cation silicate glasses of the composition A2O – 2MO – 4SiO2, with A=Li,Na,K and M=Ca,Sr,Ba has been investigated by means of molecular dynamics simulations in order to understand the effect of the nature of the cations on the mobility of the alkaline-earth ions within the glass network. The size of the alkaline-earth cation was found to affect the inter-atomic distances, the coordination number distributions and the bond angle distributions , whereas the medium-range order was almost unaffected by the type of the cation. All the alkaline-earth cations contribute to lower vibrational frequencies but it is observedmore » that that there is a shift to smaller frequencies and the vibrational density of states distribution gets narrower as the size of the alkaline-earth increases. The results from our modeling for the ionic diffusion of the alkaline-earth cations are in a qualitative agreement with the experimental observations in that there is a distinct correlation between the activation energy for diffusion of alkaline earth-ions and the cation radii ratio. An asymmetrical linear behavior in the diffusion activation energy with increasing size difference is observed. The results can be described on the basis of a theoretical model that relates the diffusion activation energy to the electrostatic interactions of the cations with the oxygens and the elastic deformation of the silicate network.« less

[Occupational accidents in Barcelona (Spain), from 1992 to 1993].

PubMed

Sampaio, R F; Martin, M; Artazcoz, L; Moncada, S

1998-08-01

The statistics related to labor accidents as with any other notification system ought to be the basis for programs and policies with a view to the adoption of preventive measures. In order to establish preventive norms, however, the health system needs data from researchers focussing on the dynamics of and the pitfalls revealed by specific events. Within this context the main objective of this study is to proceed with an in-depth analysis of the labor accidents verified in Barcelona (Spain) using for this purpose a descriptive statistics model to test variables such as type of accident, economic sector, economic enterprise and type of labor contract. The data source utilized was the notification system for labor accidents with grave consequences such as death of the victim registered in Barcelona during the period 1992-1993. Labor accidents registered for male workers numbered 848. A log-linear model was applied to this data base. The results show a positive association between traumatic accidents with the construction, traffic and services sectors. A positive association was also found between traumatic accidents and the size of the company concerved the small ones being the worse type in terms of worker's injuries. Regarding the nontraumatic accidents, the study showed a positive correlation between large-sized enterprises and type of temporary worker and the civil construction sector as compared to workers with long term work contracts within industry and services. There was some evidence, also, of a positive association between small and medium sized companies and temporary work and the occurrence of work accidents.

Boric acid-enhanced embedding medium for cryomicrotomy.

PubMed

Lim, Jin Ik; Park, Hun-Kuk

2012-05-01

A polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based resin is commonly used as a cryoembedding medium for the histological analysis of frozen tissue sections. However, it is not easy to obtain sufficient numbers of satisfactory reproducible sections owing to the differences between the mechanical properties of the medium and embedded tissue and the low cohesive force of the medium. We describe a modified PVA-based cryoembedding medium, composed of PVA (10wt% and 15wt%) with the addition of boric acid (from 0 to 5wt%), that can improve the sectioning properties and efficiency of frozen tissue for histological analysis. The amount of load under the same compressive displacement as well as cohesive force increased with increasing boric acid and PVA contents. 15wt% PVA and 3wt% boric acid was determined as an optimal composition for cryoembedding material based on the sectioning efficiency measured by the numbers of unimpaired sectioned slices and the amount of load under the same compressive displacement test. On the basis of the results of routine hematoxylin and eosin staining of cryosections of tissue embedded in a medium with 3wt% boric acid and PVA, it was concluded that the modified PVA cryoembedding medium can improve the efficiency of cryosectioning for subsequent histological or histochemical analysis of various tissues. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Laboratory production of human prolactin from CHO cells adapted to serum-free suspension culture.

PubMed

Arthuso, Fernanda Santos; Bartolini, Paolo; Soares, Carlos Roberto Jorge

2012-08-01

Human prolactin (hPRL) is a polypeptide with 199 amino acids and a molecular mass of 23 kDa. Previously, a eukaryotic hPRL expression vector was used to transfect Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells: this work describes a fast and practical laboratory adaptation of these transfected cells, in ~40 days, to grow in suspension in serum-free medium. High cell densities of up to 4.0 × 10(6) cell/ml were obtained from spinner flask cultures and a stable and continuous production process was developed for at least 30 days. Two harvesting strategies were set up, 50 or 100 % of the total conditioned medium being collected daily and replaced by fresh culture medium. The volumetric productivity was 5-7 μg hPRL/ml, as determined directly in the collected medium via reversed-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC). A two-step process based on a cationic exchanger followed by size exclusion chromatography was applied to obtain purified hPRL from conditioned medium. Two hPRL isoforms, non-glycosylated and glycosylated, could also be separated by high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) and, when analyzed by RP-HPLC, HPSEC, Western blotting, and bioassay, were found to be comparable to the World Health Organization International Reference Reagent of hPRL. These results are useful for the practical scale-up to the pilot and industrial scale of a bioprocess based on CHO cell culture.

Optimization of critical medium components using response surface methodology for phenazine-1-carboxylic acid production by Pseudomonas sp. M-18Q.

PubMed

Yuan, Li-Li; Li, Ya-Qian; Wang, Yi; Zhang, Xue-Hong; Xu, Yu-Quan

2008-03-01

The optimal flask-shaking batch fermentation medium for phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) production by Pseudomonas sp. M-18Q, a qscR chromosomal inactivated mutant of the strain M18 was studied using statistical experimental design and analysis. The Plackett-Burman design (PBD) was used to evaluate the effects of eight medium components on the production of PCA, which showed that glucose and soytone were the most significant ingredients (P<0.05). The steepest ascent experiment was adopted to determine the optimal region of the medium composition. The optimum composition of the fermentation medium for maximum PCA yield, as determined on the basis of a five-level two-factor central composite design (CCD), was obtained by response surface methodology (RSM). The high correlation between the predicted and observed values indicated the validity of the model. A maximum PCA yield of 1240 mg/l was obtained at 17.81 g/l glucose and 11.47 g/l soytone, and the production was increased by 65.3% compared with that using the original medium, which was at 750 mg/l.

SU-F-T-365: Clinical Commissioning of the Monaco Treatment Planning System for the Novalis Tx to Deliver VMAT, SRS and SBRT Treatments

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

Adnani, N

Purpose: To commission the Monaco Treatment Planning System for the Novalis Tx machine. Methods: The commissioning of Monte-Carlo (MC), Collapsed Cone (CC) and electron Monte-Carlo (eMC) beam models was performed through a series of measurements and calculations in medium and in water. In medium measurements relied Octavius 4D QA system with the 1000 SRS detector array for field sizes less than 4 cm × 4 cm and the 1500 detector array for larger field sizes. Heterogeneity corrections were validated using a custom built phantom. Prior to clinical implementation, an end to end testing of a Prostate and H&N VMAT plansmore » was performed. Results: Using a 0.5% uncertainty and 2 mm grid sizes, Tables I and II summarize the MC validation at 6 MV and 18 MV in both medium and water. Tables III and IV show similar comparisons for CC. Using the custom heterogeneity phantom setup of Figure 1 and IGRT guidance summarized in Figure 2, Table V lists the percent pass rate for a 2%, 2 mm gamma criteria at 6 and 18 MV for both MC and CC. The relationship between MC calculations settings of uncertainty and grid size and the gamma passing rate for a prostate and H&N case is shown in Table VI. Table VII lists the results of the eMC calculations compared to measured data for clinically available applicators and Table VIII for small field cutouts. Conclusion: MU calculations using MC are highly sensitive to uncertainty and grid size settings. The difference can be of the order of several per cents. MC is superior to CC for small fields and when using heterogeneity corrections, regardless of field size, making it more suitable for SRS, SBRT and VMAT deliveries. eMC showed good agreement with measurements down to 2 cm − 2 cm field size.« less

Farm-Size Structure and Off-Farm Income and Employment Generation in the North Central Region.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heady, Earl O.; Sonka, Steven T.

The relationship between size of farm and the welfare of farm and nonfarm society was examined in terms of total income in the farm sector, the number and size of farms, income per farm, secondary income generation, and consumer food costs using four alternative farm structures: large farm (gross farm sales of at least $40,000); medium farm (gross…

PROGRESS ON THE STUDY OF BETA TREATMENT OF URANIUM, AUGUST 1, 1961-NOVEMBER 30, 1961

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

Russell, R.B.; Wolff, A.K.

Variables affecting the texture and grain size of uranium during beta treatment are summarized. The effects of composition (ingot versus dingot), prior delta condition, prior texture, pre-quenching air delay, rod or tube size, quenching medium and applied stress on grain size, distontion, and G/sub 3/ gradients in the final beta-treated shapes are described. (N.W.R.)

Relations between conspecific density and effects of ultraviolet-b radiation on tadpole size in the striped marsh frog.

PubMed

Mitchell, Toby; Alton, Lesley A; White, Craig R; Franklin, Craig E

2012-12-01

Global increases in ultraviolet-B radiation (UVBR) associated with stratospheric ozone depletion are potentially contributing to the decline of numerous amphibian species around the world. Exposure to UVBR alone reduces survival and induces a range of sublethal effects in embryonic and larval amphibians. When additional environmental stressors are present, UVBR can have compounding negative effects. Thus, examination of the effects of UVBR in the absence of other stressors may substantially underestimate its potential to affect amphibians in natural habitats. We examined the independent and interactive effects of increased UVBR and high conspecific density would have embryonic and larval striped marsh frogs (Limnodynastes peronii). We exposed individuals to a factorial combination of low and high UVBR levels and low, medium, and high densities of striped marsh frog tadpoles. The response variables were time to hatching, hatching success, posthatch survival, burst-swimming performance of tadpoles (maximum instantaneous swim speed following an escape response), and size and morphology of tadpoles. Consistent with results of previous studies, we found that exposure to UVBR alone increased the time to hatching of embryos and reduced the burst-swimming performance and size of tadpoles. Similarly, increasing conspecific density increased the time to hatching of embryos and reduced the size of tadpoles, but had no effect on burst-swimming performance. The negative effect of UVBR on tadpole size was not apparent at high densities of tadpoles. This result suggests that tadpoles living at higher densities may invest relatively less energy in growth and thus have more energy to repair UVBR-induced damage. Lower densities of conspecifics increased the negative effects of UVBR on developing amphibians. Thus, low-density populations, which may include declining populations, may be particularly susceptible to the detrimental effects of increased UVBR and thus may be driven toward extinction faster than might be expected on the basis of results from single-factor studies. ©2012 Society for Conservation Biology.

40 CFR 62.14410 - Are there different emission limits for different locations and sizes of HMIWI?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) APPROVAL AND PROMULGATION OF STATE PLANS FOR DESIGNATED FACILITIES AND POLLUTANTS Federal Plan Requirements for Hospital/Medical/Infectious Waste... rural, small, medium, and large HMIWI. To determine the size category of your HMIWI, consult the...

An Empirical Study about the Effect of Cultural Problematic on Organizational Learning in Alliances.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rodriguez, Sonia Dasi; Perez, Juan Francisco Martinez; del Val, Manuela Pardo

2003-01-01

A study of 19 small and medium-sized Spanish companies that established international cooperation agreements during 1997-1998 demonstrated that organizational cultures, company size, and national cultures significantly influence the learning that occurs. Negative influences include different work attitudes, languages, and communication systems. A…

A survey of manufacturers of solar thermal energy systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levine, N.; Slonski, M. L.

1982-01-01

Sixty-seven firms that had received funding for development of solar thermal energy systems (STES) were surveyed. The effect of the solar thermal technology systems program in accelerating (STES) were assessed. The 54 firms still developing STES were grouped into a production typology comparing the three major technologies with three basic functions. It was discovered that large and small firms were developing primarily central receiver systems, but also typically worked on more than one technology. Most medium-sized firms worked only on distributed systems. Federal support of STES was perceived as necessary to allow producers to take otherwise unacceptable risks. Approximately half of the respondents would drop out of STES if support were terminated, including a disproportionate number of medium-sized firms. A differentiated view of the technology, taking into account differing firm sizes and the various stages of technology development, was suggested for policy and planning purposes.

A survey of manufacturers of solar thermal energy systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levine, N.; Slonski, M. L.

1982-08-01

Sixty-seven firms that had received funding for development of solar thermal energy systems (STES) were surveyed. The effect of the solar thermal technology systems program in accelerating (STES) were assessed. The 54 firms still developing STES were grouped into a production typology comparing the three major technologies with three basic functions. It was discovered that large and small firms were developing primarily central receiver systems, but also typically worked on more than one technology. Most medium-sized firms worked only on distributed systems. Federal support of STES was perceived as necessary to allow producers to take otherwise unacceptable risks. Approximately half of the respondents would drop out of STES if support were terminated, including a disproportionate number of medium-sized firms. A differentiated view of the technology, taking into account differing firm sizes and the various stages of technology development, was suggested for policy and planning purposes.

Finite-size effects on the radiative energy loss of a fast parton in hot and dense strongly interacting matter

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

Caron-Huot, Simon; Gale, Charles

2010-12-15

We consider finite-size effects on the radiative energy loss of a fast parton moving in a finite-temperature, strongly interacting medium, using the light-cone path integral formalism put forward by B. G. Zakharov [JETP Lett. 63, 952 (1996); 65, 615 (1997)]. We present a convenient reformulation of the problem that makes possible its exact numerical analysis. This is done by introducing the concept of a radiation rate in the presence of finite-size effects. This effectively extends the finite-temperature approach of Arnold, Moore, and Yaffe [J. High Energy Phys. 11 (2001) 057; 12 (2001) 009; 06 (2001) 030] (AMY) to include interferencemore » between vacuum and medium radiation. We compare results with those obtained in the regime considered by AMY, with those obtained at leading order in an opacity expansion, and with those obtained deep in the Landau-Pomeranchuk-Migdal regime.« less

NectarCAM, a camera for the medium sized telescopes of the Cherenkov telescope array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glicenstein, J.-F.; Shayduk, M.

2017-01-01

NectarCAM is a camera proposed for the medium-sized telescopes of the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) which covers the core energy range of 100 GeV to 30 TeV. It has a modular design and is based on the NECTAr chip, at the heart of which is a GHz sampling Switched Capacitor Array and 12-bit Analog to Digital converter. The camera will be equipped with 265 7-photomultiplier modules, covering a field of view of 8 degrees. Each module includes photomultiplier bases, high voltage supply, pre-amplifier, trigger, readout and Ethernet transceiver. The recorded events last between a few nanoseconds and tens of nanoseconds. The expected performance of the camera are discussed. Prototypes of NectarCAM components have been built to validate the design. Preliminary results of a 19-module mini-camera are presented, as well as future plans for building and testing a full size camera.

Effect of Pore Size and Pore Connectivity on Unidirectional Capillary Penetration Kinetics in 3-D Porous Media using Direct Numerical Simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, An; Palakurthi, Nikhil; Konangi, Santosh; Comer, Ken; Jog, Milind

2017-11-01

The physics of capillary flow is used widely in multiple fields. Lucas-Washburn equation is developed by using a single pore-sized capillary tube with continuous pore connection. Although this equation has been extended to describe the penetration kinetics into porous medium, multiple studies have indicated L-W does not accurately predict flow patterns in real porous media. In this study, the penetration kinetics including the effect of pore size and pore connectivity will be closely examined since they are expected to be the key factors effecting the penetration process. The Liquid wicking process is studied from a converging and diverging capillary tube to the complex virtual 3-D porous structures with Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) using the Volume-Of-Fluid (VOF) method within the OpenFOAM CFD Solver. Additionally Porous Medium properties such as Permeability (k) , Tortuosity (τ) will be also analyzed.

Influence of inocula and grains on sclerotia biomass and carotenoid yield of Penicillium sp. PT95 during solid-state fermentation.

PubMed

Han, Jian-Rong; Yuan, Jing-Ming

2003-10-01

Various inocula and grains were evaluated for carotenoid production by solid-state fermentation using Penicillium sp. PT95. Millet medium was more effective in both sclerotia growth and carotenoid production than other grain media. An inoculum in the form of sclerotia yielded higher sclerotia biomass compared to either a spore inoculum or a mycelial pellet inoculum. Adding wheat bran to grain medium favored the formation of sclerotia. However, neither the inoculum type nor addition of wheat bran resulted in a significant change in the carotenoid content of sclerotia. Among grain media supplemented with wheat bran (wheat bran:grain =1:4 w/w, dry basis), a medium consisting of rice and wheat bran gave the highest sclerotia biomass (15.10 g/100 g grain), a medium consisting of buckwheat and wheat bran gave the highest content of carotenoid in sclerotia (0.826 mg/g dry sclerotia), and a medium consisting of millet and wheat bran gave the highest carotenoid yield (11.457 mg/100 g grain).

Consecutive Short-Scan CT for Geological Structure Analog Models with Large Size on In-Situ Stage.

PubMed

Yang, Min; Zhang, Wen; Wu, Xiaojun; Wei, Dongtao; Zhao, Yixin; Zhao, Gang; Han, Xu; Zhang, Shunli

2016-01-01

For the analysis of interior geometry and property changes of a large-sized analog model during a loading or other medium (water or oil) injection process with a non-destructive way, a consecutive X-ray computed tomography (XCT) short-scan method is developed to realize an in-situ tomography imaging. With this method, the X-ray tube and detector rotate 270° around the center of the guide rail synchronously by switching positive and negative directions alternately on the way of translation until all the needed cross-sectional slices are obtained. Compared with traditional industrial XCTs, this method well solves the winding problems of high voltage cables and oil cooling service pipes during the course of rotation, also promotes the convenience of the installation of high voltage generator and cooling system. Furthermore, hardware costs are also significantly decreased. This kind of scanner has higher spatial resolution and penetrating ability than medical XCTs. To obtain an effective sinogram which matches rotation angles accurately, a structural similarity based method is applied to elimination of invalid projection data which do not contribute to the image reconstruction. Finally, on the basis of geometrical symmetry property of fan-beam CT scanning, a whole sinogram filling a full 360° range is produced and a standard filtered back-projection (FBP) algorithm is performed to reconstruct artifacts-free images.

Fish cell lines as a tool for the ecotoxicity assessment and ranking of engineered nanomaterials.

PubMed

Bermejo-Nogales, A; Fernández-Cruz, M L; Navas, J M

2017-11-01

Risk assessment of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) is being hindered by the sheer production volume of these materials. In this regard, the grouping and ranking of ENMs appears as a promising strategy. Here we sought to evaluate the usefulness of in vitro systems based on fish cell lines for ranking a set of ENMs on the basis of their cytotoxicity. We used the topminnow (Poeciliopsis lucida) liver cell line (PLHC-1) and the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fibroblast-like gonadal cell line (RTG-2). ENMs were obtained from the EU Joint Research Centre repository. The size frequency distribution of ENM suspensions in cell culture media was characterized. Cytotoxicity was evaluated after 24 h of exposure. PLHC-1 cells exhibited higher sensitivity to the ENMs than RTG-2 cells. ZnO-NM was found to exert toxicity mainly by altering lysosome function and metabolic activity, while multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) caused plasma membrane disruption at high concentrations. The hazard ranking for toxicity (ZnO-NM > MWCNT ≥ CeO 2 -NM = SiO 2 -NM) was inversely related to the ranking in size detected in culture medium. Our findings reveal the suitability of fish cell lines for establishing hazard rankings of ENMs in the framework of integrated approaches to testing and assessment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Rheological changes induced by clast fragmentation in debris flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caballero, Lizeth; Sarocchi, Damiano; Soto, Enrique; Borselli, Lorenzo

2014-09-01

On the basis of rotating drum analogue experiments, we describe a fragmentation process acting within debris flows during transport and its influence on rheologic behavior. Our hypothesis is based on a detailed textural analysis including granulometry, clast morphology, and rheologic properties of the fluid matrix. Results of the experiments point out that breakage of certain granulometric classes produces fine particles like fine sand and silt. The population growth of fine clasts with time leads to an increase in yield strength and viscosity that progressively modifies the rheologic behavior. From a textural point of view, this is reflected in a bimodal granulometric distribution. Up to now this characteristic has been explained as the effect of bulking and/or sedimentation processes during transport. Our experimental results show that the type of fragmentation depends on particle size and is the consequence of strong clast-clast interaction and clast-fluid interactions. Coarse particles develop small fractures which cause the loss of sharp edges and asperities. Medium-sized particles develop through-going fractures that cause them to break apart. The latter process explains why intermediate granulometric classes progressively diminish with time in debris flows. Analogue experiments enable us to study the efficacy of clast fragmentation in modifying the textural character and flow behavior of debris flows without the influence of external factors such as erosion and sedimentation. The obtained results constitute the base of a new approach for modeling debris flow dynamics.

What affects the innovation performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the biotechnology industry? An empirical study on Korean biotech SMEs.

PubMed

Kang, Kyung-Nam; Lee, Yoon-Sik

2008-10-01

Research-intensive small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in the advancement of the biotechnology industry. This paper explored the impacts of internal and contextual variables on innovative activity in Korea and compared the results of this analysis with previous studies of other countries. Our analysis of 149 Korean biotech SMEs showed that the ratio of R&D expenditure to sales, the ratio of R&D employees to total employees, CEO characteristics, governmental support and international networking are positively correlated with a firm's innovation performance. The results may help decision makers to better foster SMEs in the Korean biotechnology industry.

Driving an Industry: Medium and Heavy Duty Fuel Cell Electric Truck Component Sizing

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

Kast, James; Marcinkoski, Jason; Vijayagopal, Ram

Medium and heavy duty (MD and HD respectively) vehicles are responsible for 26 percent of the total U.S. transportation petroleum consumption [1]. Hydrogen fuel cells have demonstrated value as part of a portfolio of strategies for reducing petroleum use and emissions from MD and HD vehicles. [2] [3], but their performance and range capabilities, and associated component sizing remain less clear when compared to other powertrains. This paper examines the suitability of converting a representative sample of MD and HD diesel trucks into Fuel Cell Electric Trucks (FCETs), while ensuring the same truck performance, in terms of range, payload, acceleration,more » speed, gradeability and fuel economy.« less

Optimizing the selection of small-town wastewater treatment processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Jianping; Zhang, Siqi

2018-04-01

Municipal wastewater treatment is energy-intensive. This high energy consumption causes high sewage treatment plant operating costs and increases the energy burden. To mitigate the adverse impacts of China’s development, sewage treatment plants should adopt effective energy-saving technologies. Artificial fortified natural water treatment and use of activated sludge and biofilm are all suitable technologies for small-town sewage treatment. This study features an analysis of the characteristics of small and medium-sized township sewage, an overview of current technologies, and a discussion of recent progress in sewage treatment. Based on this, an analysis of existing problems in municipal wastewater treatment is presented, and countermeasures to improve sewage treatment in small and medium-sized towns are proposed.

Genetic basis for body size variation between an anadromous and two derived lacustrine populations of threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus in southwest Alaska

PubMed Central

Bowles, Ella; Johnston, Rebecca A.; Vanderzwan, Stevi L.; Rogers, Sean M.

2016-01-01

Abstract Body size is a highly variable trait among geographically separated populations. Size-assortative reproductive isolation has been linked to recent adaptive radiations of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) into freshwater, but the genetic basis of the commonly found size difference between anadromous and derived lacustrine sticklebacks has not been tested. We studied the genetic basis of size differences between recently diverging stickleback lineages in southwest Alaska using a common environment experiment. We crossed stickleback within one anadromous (Naknek River) and one lake (Pringle Lake) population and between the anadromous and two lake populations (Pringle and JoJo Lakes), and raised them in a salinity of 4–6 ppt. The F1 anadromous and freshwater forms differed significantly in size, whereas hybrids were intermediate or exhibited dominance toward the anadromous form. Additionally, the size of freshwater F1s differed from their wild counterparts, with within-population F1s from Pringle Lake growing larger than their wild counterparts, while there was no size difference between lab-raised and wild anadromous fish. Sexual dimorphism was always present in anadromous fish, but not in freshwater, and not always in the hybrid crosses. These results, along with parallel changes among anadromous and freshwater forms in other regions, suggest that this heritable trait is both plastic and may be under divergent and/or sexual selection. PMID:29491893

Genetic basis for body size variation between an anadromous and two derived lacustrine populations of threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus in southwest Alaska.

PubMed

Bowles, Ella; Johnston, Rebecca A; Vanderzwan, Stevi L; Rogers, Sean M

2016-02-01

Body size is a highly variable trait among geographically separated populations. Size-assortative reproductive isolation has been linked to recent adaptive radiations of threespine stickleback ( Gasterosteus aculeatus ) into freshwater, but the genetic basis of the commonly found size difference between anadromous and derived lacustrine sticklebacks has not been tested. We studied the genetic basis of size differences between recently diverging stickleback lineages in southwest Alaska using a common environment experiment. We crossed stickleback within one anadromous (Naknek River) and one lake (Pringle Lake) population and between the anadromous and two lake populations (Pringle and JoJo Lakes), and raised them in a salinity of 4-6 ppt. The F1 anadromous and freshwater forms differed significantly in size, whereas hybrids were intermediate or exhibited dominance toward the anadromous form. Additionally, the size of freshwater F1s differed from their wild counterparts, with within-population F1s from Pringle Lake growing larger than their wild counterparts, while there was no size difference between lab-raised and wild anadromous fish. Sexual dimorphism was always present in anadromous fish, but not in freshwater, and not always in the hybrid crosses. These results, along with parallel changes among anadromous and freshwater forms in other regions, suggest that this heritable trait is both plastic and may be under divergent and/or sexual selection.

Food photography. I: The perception of food portion size from photographs.

PubMed

Nelson, M; Atkinson, M; Darbyshire, S

1994-11-01

Fifty-one male and female volunteers aged 18-90 years from a wide variety of social and occupational backgrounds completed 7284 assessments of portion size in relation to food photographs. Subjects were shown six portion sizes (two small, two medium and two large) for each of six foods, and asked to compare the amount on the plate in front of them to (a) a series of eight photographs showing weights of portions from the 5th to the 95th centile of portion size (British Adult Dietary Survey), or (b) a single photograph of the average (median) portion size. Photographs were prepared either in colour or in black and white, and in two different sizes. The order of presentation of foods; use of black and white or colour; the size of photographs; and presentation of eight or average photographs were each randomized independently. On average, the mean differences between the portion size presented and the estimate of portion size using the photographs varied from -8 to +6 g (-4 to +5%) for the series of eight photographs, and from -34 to -1 g (-23 to +9%) for the single average photograph. Large portion sizes tended to be underestimated more than medium or small portion sizes, especially when using the average photograph (from -79 to -14 g, -37 to -13%). Being female, 65 years and over, or retired, or seeing photographs in colour, were all associated with small but statistically significant overestimations of portion size. Having a body mass index > or = 30 kg/m2 was associated with an 8% underestimate of portion size. We conclude that use of a series of eight photographs is associated with relatively small errors in portion size perception, whereas use of an average photograph is consistently associated with substantial underestimation across a variety of foods.

Current information technology needs of small to medium sized apparel manufacturers and contractors

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

Wimple, C., LLNL

1998-04-01

This report documents recent efforts of the American Textile Partnership (AMTEX{sup TM}) Demand Activated Manufacturing Architecture (DAMA) Project to identify opportunities for cost effective enhanced information technology use by small to medium sized apparel manufacturers and contractors. Background on the AMTEX/DAMA project and objectives for the specific DAMA Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) effort are discussed in this section. The approach used to gather information about current opportunities or needs is outlined in Section 2 Approach, and relevant findings are identified and a brief analysis of the information gathered is presented in Section 3 Findings. Recommendations based on the analysis,more » are offered in Section 4 Recommendations, and plans are suggested for DAMA follow-on in Section 5 Future Plans. Trip reports for each of the companies visited are contained in Appendix E - Company Trip Reports. These individual reports contain the data upon which the analysis presented in Section 3 Findings is based.« less

Homogenization via the strong-permittivity-fluctuation theory with nonzero depolarization volume

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mackay, Tom G.

2004-08-01

The depolarization dyadic provides the scattering response of a single inclusion particle embedded within a homogenous background medium. These dyadics play a central role in formalisms used to estimate the effective constitutive parameters of homogenized composite mediums (HCMs). Conventionally, the inclusion particle is taken to be vanishingly small; this allows the pointwise singularity of the dyadic Green function associated with the background medium to be employed as the depolarization dyadic. A more accurate approach is pursued in this communication by taking into account the nonzero spatial extent of inclusion particles. Depolarization dyadics corresponding to inclusion particles of nonzero volume are incorporated within the strong-permittivity-fluctuation theory (SPFT). The linear dimensions of inclusion particles are assumed to be small relative to the electromagnetic wavelength(s) and the SPFT correlation length. The influence of the size of inclusion particles upon SPFT estimates of the HCM constitutive parameters is investigated for anisotropic dielectric HCMs.In particular, the interplay between correlation length and inclusion size is explored.

Meta-Analysis of the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA) to Understanding Health Behaviors.

PubMed

McEachan, Rosemary; Taylor, Natalie; Harrison, Reema; Lawton, Rebecca; Gardner, Peter; Conner, Mark

2016-08-01

Reasoned action approach (RAA) includes subcomponents of attitude (experiential/instrumental), perceived norm (injunctive/descriptive), and perceived behavioral control (capacity/autonomy) to predict intention and behavior. To provide a meta-analysis of the RAA for health behaviors focusing on comparing the pairs of RAA subcomponents and differences between health protection and health-risk behaviors. The present research reports a meta-analysis of correlational tests of RAA subcomponents, examination of moderators, and combined effects of subcomponents on intention and behavior. Regressions were used to predict intention and behavior based on data from studies measuring all variables. Capacity and experiential attitude had large, and other constructs had small-medium-sized correlations with intention; all constructs except autonomy were significant independent predictors of intention in regressions. Intention, capacity, and experiential attitude had medium-large, and other constructs had small-medium-sized correlations with behavior; intention, capacity, experiential attitude, and descriptive norm were significant independent predictors of behavior in regressions. The RAA subcomponents have utility in predicting and understanding health behaviors.

Ballistic-diffusive approximation for the thermal dynamics of metallic nanoparticles in nanocomposite materials

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

Shirdel-Havar, A. H., E-mail: Amir.hushang.shirdel@gmail.com; Masoudian Saadabad, R.

2015-03-21

Based on ballistic-diffusive approximation, a method is presented to model heat transfer in nanocomposites containing metal nanoparticles. This method provides analytical expression for the temperature dynamics of metallic nanoparticles embedded in a dielectric medium. In this study, nanoparticles are considered as spherical shells, so that Boltzmann equation is solved using ballistic-diffusive approximation to calculate the electron and lattice thermal dynamics in gold nanoparticles, while thermal exchange between the particles is taken into account. The model was used to investigate the influence of particle size and metal concentration of the medium on the electron and lattice thermal dynamics. It is shownmore » that these two parameters are crucial in determining the nanocomposite thermal behavior. Our results showed that the heat transfer rate from nanoparticles to the matrix decreases as the nanoparticle size increases. On the other hand, increasing the metal concentration of the medium can also decrease the heat transfer rate.« less

Nucleon properties in the Polyakov quark-meson model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yingying; Hu, Jinniu; Mao, Hong

2018-05-01

We study the nucleon as a nontopological soliton in a quark medium as well as in a nucleon medium in terms of the Polyakov quark-meson (PQM) model with two flavors at finite temperature and density. The constituent quark masses evolving with the temperature at various baryon chemical potentials are calculated and the equations of motion are solved according to the proper boundary conditions. The PQM model predicts an increasing size of the nucleon and a reduction of the nucleon mass in both hot environment. However, the phase structure is different from each other in quark and nucleon mediums. There is a crossover in the low-density region and a first-order phase transition in the high-density region in quark medium, whereas there exists a crossover characterized by the overlap of the nucleons in nucleon medium.

COMPUTING THE DUST DISTRIBUTION IN THE BOW SHOCK OF A FAST-MOVING, EVOLVED STAR

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

Van Marle, A. J.; Meliani, Z.; Keppens, R.

2011-06-20

We study the hydrodynamical behavior occurring in the turbulent interaction zone of a fast-moving red supergiant star, where the circumstellar and interstellar material collide. In this wind-interstellar-medium collision, the familiar bow shock, contact discontinuity, and wind termination shock morphology form, with localized instability development. Our model includes a detailed treatment of dust grains in the stellar wind and takes into account the drag forces between dust and gas. The dust is treated as pressureless gas components binned per grain size, for which we use 10 representative grain size bins. Our simulations allow us to deduce how dust grains of varyingmore » sizes become distributed throughout the circumstellar medium. We show that smaller dust grains (radius <0.045 {mu}m) tend to be strongly bound to the gas and therefore follow the gas density distribution closely, with intricate fine structure due to essentially hydrodynamical instabilities at the wind-related contact discontinuity. Larger grains which are more resistant to drag forces are shown to have their own unique dust distribution, with progressive deviations from the gas morphology. Specifically, small dust grains stay entirely within the zone bound by shocked wind material. The large grains are capable of leaving the shocked wind layer and can penetrate into the shocked or even unshocked interstellar medium. Depending on how the number of dust grains varies with grain size, this should leave a clear imprint in infrared observations of bow shocks of red supergiants and other evolved stars.« less

The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for Chinese people: A meta-analysis.

PubMed

Ng, Ting Kin; Wong, Daniel Fu Keung

2018-07-01

Over the past decade, cognitive behavioral therapy has been applied to an increasingly wider range of disorders and problems in Chinese societies. However, no meta-analysis has been conducted to synthesize the studies on cognitive behavioral therapy for Chinese clients. The purpose of this meta-analytic study was to examine the overall efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for Chinese people. A literature search was conducted using electronic databases, including Web of Science, PsycINFO and PubMed. Pooled mean effect sizes were calculated using the random-effects model. The literature search identified 55 studies with 6763 Chinese participants. The overall short-term effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on the primary outcome was medium in size. Effect sizes were medium for anxiety, depression/well-being and caregiving stress and small for psychotic symptoms and addictive behaviors. The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on process variables, dysfunctional thoughts and coping, were in the small range. The overall longer-term effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on the primary outcome was medium in size. Moderator analyses showed that the short-term effect was stronger for culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy than for unadapted cognitive behavioral therapy. Type of primary outcome, type of control group, recruitment method, study design, the format of delivery and region were found to moderate the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy. The findings of this study provide evidence for the overall efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for Chinese people and the benefit of cultural adaptation of cognitive behavioral therapy to Chinese culture.

Improvement in the productivity of xylooligosaccharides from waste medium after mushroom cultivation by hydrothermal treatment with suitable pretreatment.

PubMed

Sato, Nobuaki; Shinji, Kazunori; Mizuno, Masahiro; Nozaki, Kouichi; Suzuki, Masayuki; Makishima, Satoshi; Shiroishi, Masahiro; Onoda, Takeru; Takahashi, Fumihiro; Kanda, Takahisa; Amano, Yoshihiko

2010-08-01

The effective xylooligosaccharides (XOs) production from the waste medium after mushroom cultivation (WM) was investigated. The WM contains rich nutrients (protein, etc.) which induce Maillard reaction with reducing sugars under hydrothermal conditions. To improve the productivity of XOs, the suitable pretreatment combined with washing and grinding was investigated, and subsequently hydrothermal treatment was demonstrated with batch type and continuous flow type reactor. The washing pretreatment with hot water of 60 degrees C was effective to remove nutrients from the WM, and it led to prevent brownish discoloration on the hydrothermal treatment. On the basis of experimental data, industrial XOs production processes consisting of the pretreatment, hydrothermal treatment and purification step was designed. During the designed process, 2.3 kg-dry of the purified XOs was produced from 30 kg-wet of the WM (15% yield as dry basis weight). Theoretical yield of XOs attained to 48% as xylan weight in the WM. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stone-Ice Bodies as Possible Incubators of a Primary Life

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Busarev, V. V.

2014-10-01

Widespread in the interstellar medium three-atomic molecules of HCN and H2O and derivative formamid (NH2COH) are the basis for the origin of life. It is shown that irradiation of formamid by protons in the presence of terrestrial mineral and meteoritic catalysts in conditions compatible with terrestrial leads to simultaneous synthesis of a wide range of compounds (amino acids, heterocycles, alcohols, amides, sugars, etc.) having potential to develop as genetics (based on RNA and DNA), and metabolism underlying terrestrial life forms [1, 2]. However, the intended path of extraterrestrial origin of life in the open interstellar medium could not reach its logical end. The subsequent stages of the assumed biological synthesis needed protection from the harsh cosmic factors and presence of liquid water, catalysts, etc. (e.g., [3]). Such conditions could be realized only on planetary bodies and/or in their interiors. On the basis of observations and calculations, the author sug! gested that the objects were in the early Solar system. Such could be stone-ice bodies.

Impact of wave action on the structure of material on the beach in Calypsobyen (Spitsbergen)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mędrek, Karolina; Herman, Agnieszka; Moskalik, Mateusz; Rodzik, Jan; Zagórski, Piotr

2015-04-01

The research was conducted during the XXVI Polar Expedition of Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin on Spitsbergen. It involved recording water wave action in the Bellsund Strait, and taking daily photographs of the beach on its shore in Calypsobyen. The base of polar expeditions of UMCS, Calypsobyen, is located on the coast of Calypsostranda, developed by raised marine terraces. Weakly resistant Tertiary sandstones occur in the substrate, covered with glacigenic sediments and marine gravels. No skerries are encountered along this section of the accumulation coast. The shore is dominated by gravel deposits. The bottom slopes gently. The recording of wave action was performed from 8 July to 27 August 2014 by means of a pressure based MIDAS WTR Wave and Tide Recorder set at a depth of 10 m at a distance of about 1 km from the shore. The obtained data provided the basis for the calculation of the significant wave height, and the corresponding mean wave period . These parameters reflect wave energy and wave level, having a considerable impact on the dynamics of coastal processes and the type and grain size of sediments accumulated on the beach. Material consisting of medium gravel and seaweed appeared on the beach at high values of significant wave height and when the corresponding mean wave period showed average values. The contribution of fine, gravel-sandy material grew with an increase in mean period and a decrease in significant wave height. At maximum values of mean period and low values of significant wave height, the beach was dominated by well-sorted fine-grained gravel. The lowest mean periods resulted in the least degree of sorting of the sediment (from very coarse sand to medium gravel). The analysis of data from the wave and tide recorder set and their comparison with photographs of the beach suggest that wave action, and particularly wave energy manifested in significant wave height, has a considerable impact on the type and grain size of material occurring on the shore of the fjord. The mean period is mainly responsible for sorting out the sediment, and the size of gravels is associated with significant wave height. Project of National Science Centre no. DEC-2013/09/B/ST10/04141

The Influence of Container Type and Potting Medium on Growth of Black Walnut Seedlings

Treesearch

David T. Funk; Paul L Roth; C. K. Celmer

1980-01-01

Container size and shape, potting medium, and genotype interacted to influence the growth of black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) seedlings. Larger containers tended to produce larger trees. In tall, narrow, vent-pipe containers, different, proportions of peat and sand in potting media had no effect on total weight; a higher proportion of peat than of very fine sand in...

Impact of the Local Public Hospital Reform on the Efficiency of Medium-Sized Hospitals in Japan: An Improved Slacks-Based Measure Data Envelopment Analysis Approach.

PubMed

Zhang, Xing; Tone, Kaoru; Lu, Yingzhe

2018-04-01

To assess the change in efficiency and total factor productivity (TFP) of the local public hospitals in Japan after the local public hospital reform launched in late 2007, which was aimed at improving the financial capability and operational efficiency of hospitals. Secondary data were collected from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on 213 eligible medium-sized hospitals, each operating 100-400 beds from FY2006 to FY2011. The improved slacks-based measure nonoriented data envelopment analysis models (Quasi-Max SBM nonoriented DEA models) were used to estimate dynamic efficiency score and Malmquist Index. The dynamic efficiency measure indicated an efficiency gain in the first several years of the reform and then was followed by a decrease. Malmquist Index analysis showed a significant decline in the TFP between 2006 and 2011. The financial improvement of medium-sized hospitals was not associated with enhancement of efficiency. Hospital efficiency was not significantly different among ownership structure and law-application system groups, but it was significantly affected by hospital location. The results indicate a need for region-tailored health care policies and for a more comprehensive reform to overcome the systemic constraints that might contribute to the decline of the TFP. © Health Research and Educational Trust.

SMEs, IT, and the Third Space: Colonization and Creativity in the Theatre Industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kendall, Julie E.; Kendall, Kenneth E.

We examine how small and medium-sized, professional, nonprofit performing arts theatres in the US can improve the strategic use of information technology (IT), as well as other aspects of theatre management for large, commercial theatre productions in the West End of London and on Broadway in New York City. In this article we use the epistemology of the third space developed by Bhabha (1994) and extended by Frenkel (2008). Although both authors were discussing knowledge transfer, we use their conceptualizations to characterize and explore more deeply the transfer process of culture (and thereby useful practices and worthwhile lessons) from small and medium-sized professional, nonprofit theaters to large-scale commercial theatres. We include a discussion of Nonaka’s (1991) concept of ba, and how it relates to the third space. We specifically employ the metaphor of the third space developed by Bhabha (1994) to critique and understand the verbal and nonverbal cultural transmissions between small and large theatres. One of our contributions is to use the conceptualization and metaphor of the third space to understand the complex exchanges and relationships between small to medium-sized nonprofit professional theatres and large commercial theatres, and to identify what large commercial productions can learn from nonprofit theatres from these exchanges.