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US 0042256 W
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METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR RESOLUTION INDEPENDENT IMAGE COLLABORATION
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An image collaboration system conducts resolution independent image collaboration among a host computer and participating client computers. The subject of the image collaboration involves at least one source image. The source image is transformed into a hierarchical representation, such that each level of the hierarchical representation is sufficient to reconstruct the source image at a given resolution. The host computer displays, at a first resolution, an image based on one or more of the source images. To conduct the resolution independent image collaboration, the host computer generates a resolution independent description of the image, which describes the first display image relative to the source image, and broadcasts the resolution independent description of the image to the participating clients. In response, the participating clients generate an image from the resolution independent description of the image at the host computer at a resolution sufficient for display at the participating clients. Resolution independent image collaboration for use in a medical informatics system is also disclosed.
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patent
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W2036483312
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Ultrasonically improved galvanochemical technology for the remediation of industrial wastewater
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Two general methodologies adopted for the decontamination of industrial wastewater containing oil and metal ions are flocculation and coagulation. Both methods require the addition of chemicals and in the case of electrocoagulation the additional use of electrical power. Another methodology that was developed in Russia some years ago involves the production of Fe2O3 particles as coagulants by a galvanochemical reaction between iron and coke. Both of these materials are inexpensive and generally available in bulk. Ultrasonic processing of the particles generated in this reaction reduces the particle size of the Fe2O3 particles and provides surface cleaning making them more effective. Trials have proved their efficiency for the decontamination of wastewater made up in a laboratory and real wastewater from a carriage cleaning station on the St. Petersburg Metro. A mathematical model for the process has been developed.
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publication
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US 201113230985 A
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LOW PRESSURE STEAM TURBINE INCLUDING PIVOTABLE NOZZLE
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A low pressure steam turbine is disclosed including a rotor having: a rotor body; and a plurality of bucket stages disposed axially along the rotor body, the plurality of bucket stages including a last bucket stage; and a nozzle assembly at least partially surrounding the rotor, the nozzle assembly including a plurality of nozzle stages corresponding to the plurality of bucket stages, wherein a nozzle in a nozzle stage axially upstream of the last bucket stage is adjustable to modify a fluid flow within the last bucket stage during operation of the low pressure steam turbine.
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patent
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W786832017
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On the Design and Analysis of Incentive Mechanisms in Network Science
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Title of dissertation: ON THE DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF INCENTIVE MECHANISMS IN NETWORK SCIENCE Yang Gao, Doctor of Philosophy, 2014 Dissertation directed by: Professor K. J. Ray Liu Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering With the rapid development of communication, computing and signal processing technologies, the last decade has witnessed a proliferation of emerging networks and systems, examples of which can be found in a wide range of domains from online social networks like Facebook or Twitter to crowdsourcing sites like Amazon Mechanical Turk or Topcoder; to online question and answering (QA all the way to new paradigms of traditional systems like cooperative communication networks and smart grid. Different from tradition networks and systems where uses are mandated by fixed and predetermined rules, users in these emerging networks have the ability to make intelligent decisions and their interactions are self-enforcing. Therefore, to achieve better system-wide performance, it is important to design effective incentive mechanisms to stimulate desired user behaviors. This dissertation contributes to the study of incentive mechanisms by developing game-theoretic frameworks to formally analyze strategic user behaviors in a network and systematically design incentive mechanisms to achieve a wide range of system objectives. In this dissertation, we first consider cooperative communication networks and propose a reputation based incentive mechanism to enforce cooperation among selfinterested users. We analyze the proposed mechanism using indirect reciprocity game and theoretically demonstrate the effectiveness of reputation in cooperation stimulation. Second, we propose a contract-based mechanism to incentivize a large group of self-interested electric vehicles that have various preferences to act coordinately to provide ancillary services to the power grid. We derive the optimal contract that maximizes the system designer’s profits and propose an online learning algorithm to effectively learn the optimal contract. Third, we study the quality control problem for microtask crowdsourcing from the perspective of incentives. After analyzing two widely adopted incentive mechanisms and showing their limitations, we propose a cost-effective incentive mechanism that can be employed to obtain high quality solutions from self-interested workers and ensure the budget constraint of requesters at the same time. Finally, we consider social computing systems where the value is created by voluntary user contributions and understanding how user participate is of key importance. We develop a game-theoretic framework to formally analyze the sequential decision makings of strategic users under the presence of complex externality. It is shown that our analysis is consistent with observations made from real-word user behavior data and can be applied to guide the design of incentive mechanisms in practice. ON THE DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF INCENTIVE MECHANISMS IN NETWORK SCIENCE
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publication
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W1970142315
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The Saito–Kurokawa lifting and Darmon points
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Let $E_{/_\Q}$ be an elliptic curve of conductor $Np$ with $p\nmid N$ and let $f$ be its associated newform of weight 2. Denote by $f_\infty$ the $p$-adic Hida family passing though $f$, and by $F_\infty$ its $\Lambda$-adic Saito-Kurokawa lift. The $p$-adic family $F_\infty$ of Siegel modular forms admits a formal Fourier expansion, from which we can define a family of normalized Fourier coefficients $\{\widetilde A_T(k)\}_T$ indexed by positive definite symmetric half-integral matrices $T$ of size $2\times 2$. We relate explicitly certain global points on $E$ (coming from the theory of Stark-Heegner points) with the values of these Fourier coefficients and of their $p$-adic derivatives, evaluated at weight $k=2$.
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publication
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223680
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Direct interspecies electron transfer in advanced anaerobic digestion system for gaseous transport biofuel production
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Anaerobic digestion (AD) has been widely applied to produce biogas through complex communities of syntrophic bacteria and methanogenic archaea. However, AD can suffer from the inefficiency of biogas production, which fundamentally arises from the low efficiency of mediated interspecies electron transfer (MIET) via hydrogen between bacteria and archaea. Dr Richen Lin proposes an advanced AD-based circular economy system by introducing conductive materials (such as biocompatible graphene nanomaterial and digestate derived pyrochar) for third generation gaseous transport biofuel production from algae feedstock. The proposal will particularly explore the mechanism of efficient direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) between bacteria and methanogens in the presence of conductive materials. The biomethane production rate and total energy recovery in the proposed system are expected to be enhanced by 20-40% as compared to existing AD technology. The goal will be achieved by the following research objectives: 1) Theoretically compare the efficiencies of MIET and DIET in AD; 2) Develop optimal strategies to stimulate DIET and improve biogas production from algae; 3) Outline a future circular economy system by introducing pyrochar into AD. Dr Lin has a strong record of publications (26 peer review journal articles) in bioenergy through his PhD studies in Zhejiang University, China. He proposes a two year stay in the €35M Science Foundation Ireland funded research centre Marine and Renewable Energy Ireland (MaREI). He will be hosted in the Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork and supervised by Prof Jerry Murphy. The fellowship will incorporate a three month secondment in Gas Networks Ireland (an industrial partner in MaREI) to facilitate the integration of new technology in green gas industry. The objective of this proposal is to establish Dr Lin as a leading researcher in bioenergy and assist him in acquiring a position of professional maturity.
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project/european
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W2111962172
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Traffic-Aware and Energy-Efficient Routing Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks
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The energy of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is generally powered by limited and portable batteries. However, there are some specific scenarios where the nodes can gain energy continuously, such as the electric energy data collection, the power line monitoring and using renewable energy. Meanwhile, due to the centralized traffic pattern in WSNs, congestion occurs easily and has a negative impact on the network performance, namely, decreasing throughput and increasing energy consumption. In this paper, a solution to sufficiently maintain the energy efficiency and avoid congestion for energy-unlimited WSNs is presented. Based on the similarity between data forwarding in WSNs and water transmission in pipeline, a traffic-aware and energy-efficient routing (TER) algorithm is proposed. The TER algorithm is designed by constructing a pipeline model in terms of physical distance and traffic load. The goal of this basic approach is to force the packets to steer clear of obstacles created by congestion and eventually move toward the sink. The simulation results show that the proposed solution generates better performance in terms of the global energy consumption , timeliness and reliability as compared to the other two algorithms.
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publication
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W580220695
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Edinburgh companion to Scottish women's writing
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This book explores the richness of women's contribution to Scottish literature. By combining historical spread with a thematic structure, this volume explores the ways in which gender has shaped literary output and addresses the changing situations in which women lived and wrote. It places the work of established writers such as Margaret Oliphant, Naomi Mitchison and A.L. Kennedy in new contexts and discusses the writing of critically neglected figures such as Sileas na Ceapaich, Mary Queen of Scots, Anne Grant, Janet Hamilton, Isabella Bird, F. Marion McNeill and Denise Mina. It includes innovative scholarship from leading critics of gender and Scottish Studies, such as Sarah Dunnigan (Edinburgh), Carol Anderson (Open University), Pam Perkins (Manitoba) and Florence Boos (Iowa). It responds to current developments in the field of feminist and literary studies. It includes a guide to further reading for each chapter.
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publication
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W1506286232
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SAP and XIAP deficiency in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
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Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a multisystem inflammatory disorder due to cytokine overproduction from excessively activated lymphocytes and macrophages. HLH has been divided into two subgroups: primary HLH and secondary HLH. Primary HLH includes PRF1, UNC13D, STX11, STXBP2, RAB27A, LYST, SH2D1A and XIAP gene mutations; and secondary HLH is associated with infections, malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Among primary HLH-related genes, SH2D1A and XIAP are genetically responsible for X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP) due to signaling-lymphocytic-activation-molecule-associated protein (SAP) and XIAP deficiencies, respectively. XLP is characterized by extreme vulnerability to Epstein–Barr virus infection. The major clinical manifestations of XLP consist of HLH (60%), lymphoproliferative disorder (30%) and dysgammaglobulinemia (30%). Analysis of clinical phenotypes of XLP patients suggests that XLP predominantly shows familial HLH phenotypes, whereas some XLP patients present sporadic HLH. For many decades, clinicians and investigators have been concerned with possible XLP in young boys presenting with Epstein–Barr-virus-associated HLH. This review aims to describe the new knowledge about XLP and to draw the attention of the pediatrician to XLP, which should be differentiated from other forms of HLH.
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publication
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W1968900846
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Fablication method of an optical lens arrray using ultraviolet light and ultrasound vibration
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An optical lens array is used various field such as camera modules and liquid crystal displays. In this report, a new fabrication technique of a lens array was proposed using ultraviolet (UV)-curable resin and ultrasound vibration. The hardening characteristics of the gel were investigated. An UV-curable gel film was formed on a glass plate having four ultrasound transducers. By exciting the transducers, the lattice flexural vibration was generated on the glass plate. The acoustic radiation force was generated to the gel surface, so that the gel was statically deformed. The lens array could be formed for 20 minutes under UV-light irradiation with keeping the deformation. The quality factor of the transducer resonance was measured in order to investigate the curing of resin, and the quality factor decreased with time. It was found that the gel acts as the damper and additional mass as the lens array was formed.
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publication
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176813
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Millimetre-Wave based mobile radio access network for fifth generation integrated communications
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The mmMAGIC (Millimetre-Wave Based Mobile Radio Access Network for Fifth Generation Integrated Communications) project will develop and design new concepts for mobile radio access technology (RAT) for mm-wave band deployment. This is envisaged as a key component in the 5G multi-RAT ecosystem and will be used as a foundation for global standardization. The project will thus enable ultrafast mobile broadband services for mobile users, supporting UHD/3D streaming, immersive applications and ultra-responsive cloud services.
The consortium brings together major infrastructure vendors (Samsung, Ericsson, Alcatel-Lucent, Huawei, Intel, Nokia), major European operators (Orange, Telefonica), leading research institutes and universities (Fraunhofer HHI Institute, CEA-LETI, IMDEA Networks, Universities Aalto, Bristol, Chalmers and Dresden), measurement equipment vendors (Keysight Technologies, Rohde & Schwarz) and one SME (Qamcom). To complement its strong industry leadership and academic excellence, the project has an Advisory Board drawn from major European telecommunications regulators in Germany, France, Finland, Sweden and the UK.
A new radio interface, including novel network management functions and architecture components will be proposed, taking as guidance 5G PPP’s KPI and exploiting the use of novel adaptive and cooperative beam-forming and tracking techniques to address the specific challenges of mm-wave mobile propagation. The project will undertake extensive radio channel measurements in the 6-100 GHz range, and will develop and validate advanced channel models that will be used for rigorous validation and feasibility analysis of the proposed concepts and system, as well as for usage in regulatory and standards fora. The ambition of the project is to pave the way for a European head start in 5G standards, including 3GPP, and to secure essential IPRs to European industry, strengthening European competitiveness.
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project/european
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W2014029886
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Synthesis and electrochemical properties of spinel Li4Ti5O12−x Cl x anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
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Li4Ti5O12−x
Cl
x
(0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) compounds were synthesized successfully via high temperature solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize their structure and morphology. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and charge/discharge cycling performance tests were used to characterize their electrochemical properties. The results showed that the Li4Ti5O12−x
Cl
x
(0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) compounds were well-crystallized pure spinel phase and that the grain sizes of the samples were about 3–8 μm. The Li4Ti5O11.8Cl0.2 sample presented the best discharge capacity among all the samples and showed better reversibility and higher cyclic stability compared with pristine Li4Ti5O12. When the discharge rate was 0.5 C, the Li4Ti5O11.8Cl0.2 sample presented the superior discharge capacity of 148.7 mAh g−1, while that of the pristine Li4Ti5O12 was 129.8 mAh g−1; when the discharge rate was 2 C, the Li4Ti5O11.8Cl0.2 sample presented the discharge capacity of 120.7 mAh g−1, while that of the pristine Li4Ti5O12 was only 89.8 mAh g−1.
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publication
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W2040941600
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The effect of naked oats (<i>Avena nuda</i> L.) used in feeding gilts on their sexual activity
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Abstract. The study was carried out on 180 Polish Landrace gilts. Three gilts were selected from each of 60 litters. When their body weight had reached about 30 kg, the gilts were divided into three groups, two experimental and one control, with 60 individuals per group. The mixture fed to the experimental groups contained 40 % (D1) and 20 % (D2) naked oats of the Akt variety. Sexual activity was observed in the gilts during the first, second and third oestrus. The occurrence of the standing reflex was tested twice a day, in the morning and afternoon, and its duration was determined by timing the positive reaction to a boar, to touch and to mounting. The first oestrus occurred earliest in the experimental gilts (group D1) at an average age of 178.2 days, i.e. 8.7 days earlier than in the control group. Analysis of the 17-β-estradiol level in the blood serum of the experimental gilts showed that the feed rations containing naked oats had a beneficial effect on the secretion of this hormone.
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publication
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W2022664725
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A Dynamic Fault Tolerant Threshold based Replication Mechanism in Distributed Environment
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Abstract File replication is a well known technique in distributed systems to address the key issues such as scalability, reliability and fault tolerance. For many years, file replication in distributed environment has been researched to enhance and optimize the availability and reliability of the entire system. An effort has been made in the present work to propose a file popularity based, adaptive, on demand, reliable and comprehensive file replication approach. The proposed approach introduces a File Replication Server (FRS) that is responsible for ensuring the file availability, in order to fulfill the file request. This work proposes an active replication mechanism i.e. “Threshold Based File Replication” (TBFR) model that provides file replication, access and performance transparency to the system, thereby ensuring the replication decisions about the files. TBFR replicates the file, from one node to the other node, when the total number of request for a particular file reaches the threshold value. To verify the proposed approach, TBFR is implemented on JAVA platform. TBFR model creates file replica on the basis of file popularity. The simulation results show that during high file request scenario for a particular file, TBFR replicates hot files on other FRSs dynamically and redirects the file request in a transparent manner, thus reducing the request completion time by about 28% - 48% as compared to FTP and single FRS. The Calculus of Communicating System (CCS) for the proposed model is compiled on CWB-NC tool and observational equivalence is proved for the proposed file replication and no-replication model.
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publication
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EP 04001859 A
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System and method for communicating using a multiserver platform
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Aspects of the invention include receiving a first packet from a first of a plurality of blade servers at a first data rate and determining a second blade server that may receive the first packet. Data responsive to the received first packet may be transferred to the second blade server at a negotiated first data rate. A second packet comprising at least a portion of the first received packet may be transferred to the second blade server at the negotiated data rate. At least a portion of the first received packet may be transferred to at least the second blade server via a common bus. In another aspect of the invention, at least a third packet may be received from a network at a second data rate. Data responsive to the third packet may be transferred to at least a third blade server at a newly negotiated data rate.
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patent
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W2623785684
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Differences of Heart Rate Variability Between Happiness and Sadness Emotion States: A Pilot Study
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This pilot study investigated the differences of heart rate variability (HRV) indices between two opposite emotion states: happiness and sadness, to reveal the differences of autonomic nervous system activity under different emotional states. Forty-eight healthy volunteers were enrolled for this study. Electrocardiography (ECG) signals were recorded under both emotion states with a random measurement order (first happiness emotion measurement then sadness or reverse). RR interval (RRI) time series were extracted from ECGs and multiple HRV indices, including time-domain (MEAN, SDNN, RMSSD and PNN50), frequency-domain (LFn, HFn and LF/HF) and nonlinear indices (SampEn and FuzzyMEn) were calculated. In addition, the effects of heart rate (HR) and mean artery pressure (MAP) on the aforementioned HRV indices were analyzed for both emotion states. The results showed that experimental order had no significant effect on all HRV indices from both happiness and sadness emotions (all P > 0.05). The key result was that among all nine HRV indices, six indices were identified having significant differences between happiness and sadness emotion states: MEAN (P = 0.028), SDNN (P = 0.002), three frequency-domain indices (all P < 0.0001) and FuzzyMEn (P = 0.047), whereas RMSSD, PNN50 and SampEn had no significant differences between the two emotion states. All indices, except for SampEn, had significant positive correlations (all P < 0.01) for the two emotion states. Four time-domain indices decreased with the increase of HR (all P < 0.01), while frequency-domain and nonlinear indices demonstrated no HR-related changes for each emotional state. In addition, all indices (time-domain, frequency-domain and nonlinear) showed no MAP-related changes. It concluded that HRV indices showed significant differences between happiness and sadness emotion states and the findings could help to better understand the inherent differences of cardiovascular time series between different emotion states in clinical practice.
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publication
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W1509891778
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Natural radioactivity in building materials in Iran
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This work presents a comprehensive study of natural radioactivity in building materials used in Iran. For this purpose, 177 samples of five types of building material, i.e. cement, gypsum, cement blocks, gravel and brick, were gath- ered from different regions of the country and analyzed by gamma spectroscopy to quantify radioactivity concentrations using a high purity germanium (HPGe) detector and a spectroscopy system. According to the results of this investigation, cement samples had maximum values of the mean Ra-226 and Th-232 concentrations, 39.6 and 28.9 Bq/kg, respectively, while the lowest value for mean concentration of these two radionuclides were found in gypsum samples 8.1 and 2.2 Bq/kg, respectively. The highest (851.4 Bq/kg) and lowest (116.2 Bq/kg) value of K-40 mean concentration were found in brick and gypsum samples, respectively. The absorbed dose rate and the annual effective dose were also calculated from the radioactivity content of the radionuclides. The results show that the maximum values of dose rate and annual effective dose equivalent were 53.72 nGy/h and 0.37 mSv/y in brick samples. The radium equivalent activities Req calculated were below the permissible level of 370 Bq/kg for all building materials. The values of hazard indexes were below the recom- mended levels, therefore, it is concluded that the buildings constructed from such materials are safe for the inhabitants. The results of this study are consistent with the results of other investigations in different parts of the world.
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publication
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220476
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Re-Empower the body after tetraplegia.
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REBoT will move its steps towards the understanding of the interrelationships between training-induced brain reorganization and sensorimotor function after cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). The final goal is to promote a “rewiring” of the cortex (or supra-spinal circuits) to bypass pathways interrupted by SCI through a progressive adaptation of the rehabilitative intervention.
REBoT’ s concept is based on the hypothesis that practicing upper-body control of personalized physical or virtual interfaces brings about plastic changes in the sensorimotor pathways that can be exploited to design more effective and tailored assistive devices and neuro-prostheses. These, in turn, will contribute to increase the independence and therefore the quality of life after SCI.
REBoT's highly innovative approach consists in leveraging residual movements of arms and shoulders with the dual objective of (i) strengthening residual voluntary control of the upper limb, and (ii) promoting specific functional and structural changes in the nervous system.
For doing so, REBoT will use a Body Machine Interface (BMI) that allows the users to interact with various external virtual (i.e. a cursor or a virtual wheelchair) and physical devices (i.e. a planar robotic arm and a robot assistant) through movements of the arms and shoulders. The BMI will be manipulated to harness the contribution of specific muscles so as to enhance the user's residual motor abilities.
REBoT will evaluate the activity-dependent reorganization at all levels of the CNS using MRI-driven Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in combination with high-density electromyography. This novel approach has the potential to identify changes at muscular, corticospinal and cortical level with a high sensitivity and limited cost. The goal is to understand (i) what specific changes motor skill learning/re-learning induces in the CNS and (ii) how remodelling of cortical and subcortical connections map into functional recovery.
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project/european
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DE 3176561 T
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METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MIXING PULP WITH GASES
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The process of creating contact between a wood pulp having a consistency of 8-15% and a pH in the range of 8-14, and treating the pulp with the oxygen. Oxygen and pulp are intimately mixed in a mixing zone in which a number of rotating members pass through the pulp in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the pulp. The members have a major axis extending in the direction of rotation and provide a swept area through the pulp of 10,000-1,000,000 square metres per metric ton of oven dry pulp. The members have leading and trailing edges, the leading edge having a radius of curvature in the range of 0.5-15 mm. The pulp is transported to a storage tank and stored. The process for contacting wood pulp and oxygen is part of an overall treatment process which eliminates both the need for heavy capital expenditures, which can be several million dollars, and reduces the lengthy time to carry out oxygen treatment. This is largely achieved by reaction partly occurring during the contact process, as opposed to large and costly reaction vessels as used in prior art.
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patent
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W2204840769
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Integrated use of fertilizers and manures with foliar application of iron in barley (Hordeum vulgare)
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A field experiment on integrated use of fertilizers and manures with foliar application of iron in barley {Hordeum vulgare (L.)} was conducted at Jobner on loamy sand soil during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2009–10 and 2010–11. Results of the study revealed that application of 50% RDF + VC @ 2 t/ha recorded significant increase in dry matter accumulation (DMA)/metre row length (364.5 g), yield attributes viz., spike length (10 cm), number of spikes/metre row length (81.6), grains/spike (48.9) and test weight (43.0 g) as well as grain (5.48 t/ha) and straw yield (7.85 t/ha). Application of 50% RDF + VC @ 2 t/ha also recorded significantly higher total uptake of N (111.1 kg/ha), P ((20.1 kg/ha), K (28.1 kg/ha), and Fe (8,399 g/ha) by barley. Application of 0.5% FeSO4 as foliar spray at tillering + flowering stages resulted in significantly higher dry matter accumulation (342.1 g), higher yield attributes and grain (5.27 t/ha) and straw yield (7.37 t/ha) with higher total nutrient uptake. Interactive effect on grain yield was found significant between fertilizers, organic manure and foliar spray of iron. Application of 50% RDF + VC @ 2 t/ha along with foliar application of iron 0.5% FeSO4 at tillering + flowering stage gave significantly higher yield over control.
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publication
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W2016052040
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Patient-Centered Care in Acute Cardiovascular Disease
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The need for increased focus on patient-centered care delivery approaches has been highlighted by numerous national organizations and health policy established over the past few years. Shared decision-making (SDM) is an approach to engaging patients in decision-making that involves the exchange of information between two or more parties, one of which must be the patient, and results in reaching a final decision by consensus. Limited studies have shown feasibility and efficacy of implementing SDM strategies within the emergency department to facilitate translation of scientific evidence to practice while improving patient satisfaction and reducing resource utilization without increasing harm. The assessment and treatment of patients with potential acute cardiovascular conditions in the emergency setting offers a number of opportunities for further testing and implementation of SDM in the emergency care setting. Future establishment of guidelines and quality of care measures focused on assessing adequacy of patient engagement may help drive this agenda.
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publication
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639654
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Phytoplankton responses to organic contaminants: the role of cytochrome p450
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Anthropic activities result in a continuous release of Organic Contaminants (OCs) in the aquatic environment and chemical pollution may considerably affect phytoplankton that are photosynthetic microorganisms playing a major role in aquatic ecosystems. Adverse outcomes of OCs on phytoplankton are directly linked to the ability of the organism to face the toxic insult. OCs may be metabolized to less toxic compounds activating poorly understood biotransformation processes. The main objective of the PHYCOCYP project is to improve the mechanistic understanding of biotransformation processes and their role in phytoplankton tolerance to OCs. Among the numerous enzymes involved in xenobiotic biotransformation, a key role is played by Cytochrome P450 (CYPs). CYPs are found in all domains of life and were extensively studied in higher organisms. However, little information is available on the role of CYPs in OC biotransformation and tolerance in phytoplankton. The PHYCOCYP project will address this knowledge gap. Recent genomic studies highlighted the presence of multiple CYP genes in phytoplankton species and toxicological studies indicated their involvement in phytoplankton responses to OC exposure. In the proposed research, an initial screening will investigate whether CYP genes expression is conserved in different phytoplankton classes exposed to OCs with different modes of action. The involvement of CYPs in OC biotransformation and tolerance will be then assessed in a model phytoplankton specie integrating a genetic approach to physiological investigations and metabolic profiling of OC transformation products. Aquatic environment preservation and restoration is one of the main contemporary environmental challenges. Knowledge generated with PHYCOCYP project will help evaluate the potential impact of OC on key organisms of aquatic ecosystems and may serve for the implementation of biotransformation processes for OC removal and pollution remediation.
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project/european
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W2019147228
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Identifying the need for a multidisciplinary approach for early recognition of mucopolysaccharidosis VI (MPS VI)
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Mucopolysaccharidosis VI (MPS VI, Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome) is caused by deficient activity of the enzyme, N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase, resulting in impaired degradation of the glycosaminoglycan dermatan sulfate. Patients experience a range of manifestations including joint contractures, short stature, dysostosis multiplex, coarse facial features, decreased pulmonary function, cardiac abnormalities, corneal clouding and shortened life span. Recently, clinicians from institutions in the Asia-Pacific region met to discuss the occurrence and implications of delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of MPS VI in the patients they have managed. Eighteen patients (44% female) were diagnosed. The most common sign presented by the patients was bone deformities in 11 patients (65%). Delays to diagnosis occurred due to the lack of or distance to diagnostic facilities for four patients (31%), alternative diagnoses for two patients (15%), and misleading symptoms experienced by two patients (15%). Several patients experienced manifestations that were subtler than would be expected and were subsequently overlooked. Several cases highlighted the unique challenges associated with diagnosing MPS VI from the perspective of different specialties and provide insights into how these patients initially present, which may help to elucidate strategies to improve the diagnosis of MPS VI.
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publication
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2727881
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Advanced laser diagnostics for discharge plasma
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The aim of this proposal is to (1) develop state-of-the-art laser diagnostics for investigating plasma phenomena and (2) demonstrate and apply these methods in relevant conditions for plasma-discharge applications.
Plasmas are widely used in applications and research for e.g. surface and gas treatment, ignition systems and material processing. Development of application designs and approaches for modelling these complex processes have led to better optimized systems. Plasma-discharge formation is randomized and transient and these plasma-induced processes occur in volatile and harsh environments. Conventional methods for investigating plasma phenomena mainly rely on electric probe techniques, ex-situ mass spectroscopy or passive light emission analysis. Intermediate phenomena are rarely studied in-situ and little is known about intermediate states and governing processes, making plasma-discharge applications hard to assess and analyse.
Development of laser diagnostic techniques and extensive hardware development has led to rapid advances in a various other research fields the last decades. These previous efforts provide a solid foundation for development of advanced laser-based plasma diagnostics and ground-breaking investigations of stochastic discharge plasma phenomena. This proposal is arranged in a number of work packages where the PI has unique expertise for developing state-of-the-art laser diagnostics techniqes. An example is ultra-high speed videography where the PI recently invented the world’s fastest video camera. This method is uniquely tailored for plasma investigations since it can be used in spectroscopic investigations of single events.
The outcome of this project is to (I) provide experimentalist with novel diagnostic tools for studies of plasma phenomena and (II), generate experimental data that will increase understanding of plasma-induced phenomena for scientists and enginee.
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project/european
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W89643880
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[Radiation exposure and thyroid cancer].
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Thyroid cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the endocrine system. The most frequent type of thyroid malignancy is papillary carcinoma. Thyroid cancer's incidence rates have increased over the last three decades throughout the world. Numerous studies have documented that radiation exposure is a well-established risk factor for the thyroid cancer. It has been reported that exposure to external medical radiation or to external and internal radiation from atomic bomb explosions, nuclear tests or nuclear accidents leads to an increased risk for thyroid cancer. The risk of thyroid cancer is maximal during the first years of life and decreases with increasing age at exposure due to morphologic and functional heterogeneity in the thyroid tissue of children and adults. Also it has been indicated that iodine deficiency increases the risk of the thyroid cancer related to radioactive iodines in case of exposure to radioactive iodines in childhood and the stable iodine supplementation reduces this risk. Ionizing radiation produces a range of mutations in irradiated cells of the thyroid. The prevalence of RET/PTC mutations is significantly higher in papillary carcinomas from childhood patients with the precedent history of radiation.
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publication
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Q4938764
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(21611.16122020.180000044) EMPORIO IL GROTTO
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THE GROTTO? A HOTEL RESIDENCE RESTAURANT PIZZERIA IN WHICH? THERE IS ALSO A BAR AND FOOD AND? LOCATED IN LOCALITY? VILLA IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAN ROMANO IN GARFAGNANA, ALONG A COMMUNICATION ROAD. THIS PLACE? CURRENTLY A REFERENCE POINT FOR TOURISTS WHO FREQUENT THE AREA BOTH FOR ITS LOCATION AND FOR THE MANY SERVICES IT OFFERS. THE GROTTO? AN ACTIVITY? HISTORICAL THAN IN TIME? IT HAS BECOME A POINT OF REFERENCE ESPECIALLY FOR RESIDENTS WHO CAN BUY FOOD AND HYGIENE PRODUCTS HERE AND HAVE SERVICES SUCH AS HOME DELIVERY, PAYMENT OF BULLETINS ETC... DOES THE SALOTTI FAMILY MANAGE THIS ACTIVITY? IN ITS OWN RIGHT SINCE 1929 AND, OVER TIME, HAS ALWAYS INVESTED TO IMPROVE THE STRUCTURE AND ATTENTION TO THE CUSTOMER WELL AWARE THAT, IN A TERRITORY IN WHICH THE STAY? ALSO RELATED TO THE POSSIBILITY? TO BE ABLE TO HAVE ESSENTIAL SERVICES? IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN AND, IF POSSIBLE, UPGRADE THESE SERVICES. THE REALISATION OF THE EMPORIO PURSUES ITS OWN
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project/regional
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W1774346812
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A Comparative Analysis of Integrated Boost Flyback Converter using PID and Fuzzy Controller
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<div class="Section1"><p class="papertitle">This paper presents a comparative analysis of Integrated boost flyback converter for Renewable energy System. IBFC is the combination of boost converter and fly back converter. The proposed converter is simulated in open and closed loop using PID and FUZZY controller. The Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) is used reduce the rise time, settling time to almost negligible and try to remove the delay time and inverted response. The performance of IBFC with fuzzy logic controller is found better instead of PID controller. The simulation results are verified experimentally and the output of converter is free from ripples and has regulated output voltage.</p></div>
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publication
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W204009423
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Terrains of Torment
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Geomorphologic subdivision of Afghanistan includes 13 geomorphic provinces set up on the basis of the fundamental rock structures and basic bedrock lithologies. The Transpressional Plate Boundary geomorphic region of northeast and east has the four provinces of the Eastern Pamir–Hindu Kush Mountain with four sections; the Nuristan Hindu Kush Mountains with three sections, the Kabul basin with no subsidiary sections; and the Katawaz Mountains and Basins with three sections. The Accreted Terranes geomorphic region has the three provinces of the Farah Block Basin and Range with three sections; the Helmand Block with four sections; and the Helmand Basin with its six sections that reflect its considerable geomorphic diversity. The Middle Afghanistan Shear Zone geomorphic region along the central east–west axis of the country has only the geomorphic province of the Hari Rud–Ghorband, with four different sections. The North Afghanistan Platform geomorphic region has the five geomorphic provinces of the Western Pamir–Hindu Kush Mountains with its three sections; the North Afghanistan Platform Plateau with its two sections; the Tadjik Basin with three sections; the Northern Afghanistan Plateaus and Loess Hills with three sections; and the Central Afghanistan Mountains and Plateaus with four sections. All the 4 regions, 13 provinces, and 42 sections of Afghanistan are described briefly to establish new recognition of the tremendous geomorphic diversity of the country.
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publication
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US 9603873 W
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DUAL MODE GAMING DEVICE METHODS AND SYSTEMS
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An electronic game device system is switchable between an amusement mode and a gaming or gambling mode and is useful for vehicles such as airplanes or boats which move geographically from juridictions where gaming is legal to juridictions where it is not. A GPS receiver (19) can be used to automatically switch the system between the modes, dependent upon the vehicle position. An improved method of operating a touch screen on a CRT or LCD computer screen uses finger release as input registering, and also may use highlighting of a button being selected with an enlarged button area for any highlighted button. Mounting arrangements for mounting computer screens or monitors are also disclosed for mounting between a transparent table top in e.g. a lounge area, and for mounting in seatbacks of airplane or other vehicle seats.
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patent
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W2945658347
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A new techno-economic analysis of fuel cell in Photovoltaic pumping system
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Photovoltaic pumping technology is considered the most sustainable and economical application for providing water for irrigation. In this work, a new sizing algorithm of a photovoltaic pumping system, composed of photovoltaic, fuel cell, electrolyzer and hydrogen tanks, is presented. Deficiency of power supply probability and total net present cost are considered as the objectives of the optimization procedure and the decision variables are the power of the photovoltaic pannel, electrolyzer power, fuel cell power and hydrogen tank volume. We conclude that fuel cell technology is competitive with batteries. The storage of electrical energy with a hydrogen chain deserves to be tested and studied.
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publication
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W1976487573
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Steam reforming on reactive carbon nanotube membranes
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Abstract We developed the first self-heated catalytic membrane made of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and used it for steam reforming of alcohols. After exploring a variety of Ni catalyst preparation methods, we selected the most promising route and made Ni@CNT membranes. Then, we used them to produce hydrogen from methanol, ethanol and iso-propanol whilst current was passed through to deliver thermal energy required for the catalytic reaction to take place. By employing Joule heating, we were able to reach temperatures up to about 450 °C and probe the catalytic activity of the system. Despite that such self-heated metal–CNT hybrid is still in early phase of development, it has already shown promises for microscale steam reforming and many other chemical transformations that require efficient and uniform heating conditions.
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publication
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W578488647
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Advanced placement study guide, Human geography : people, place, and culture, ninth edition
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Human Geography gets general readers to think geographically across scale and across a wide range of geographical phenomena and global issues. All concepts and themes are touched on with the historical background one would expect, but also with current examples to make the reading more relevant. The content is written in such a way that it is approachable and appealing. It includes all of the important themes in a succinct and engaging narrative style that can easily be understood. From the Field boxes and opening vignettes help anyone who has not personally traveled much of the world. General readers will also find the latest data as they build their understanding of important concepts.
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publication
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W2066051693
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Adaptation strategies for MGS scalable video streaming
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An adaptive streaming framework consists of a video codec that can produce video encoded at a variety of rates, a transport protocol that supports an effective rate/congestion control mechanism, and an adaptation strategy in order to match the video source rate to the available network throughput. The main parameters of the adaptation strategy are encoder configuration, video extraction method, determination of video extraction rate, send rate control, retransmission of lost packets, decoder buffer status, and packetization method. This paper proposes optimal adaptation strategies, in terms of received video quality and used network resources, at the codec and network levels using a medium grain scalable (MGS) video codec and two transport protocols with built-in congestion control, TCP and DCCP. Key recommendations are presented to obtain the best results in adaptive video streaming using TCP or DCCP based on extensive experimental results over the Internet.
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publication
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W2413069287
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Endoscopic ultrasound-guided duodenojejunal anastomosis to treat postsurgical Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy stricture: a dream or a reality?
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anastomosis to treat postsurgical Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy stricture: a dream or a reality? Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy stricture develops in 8% to 40% of patients, and reintervention is frequently required [1,2]. Surgery remains the gold standard to treat this problem. We present the case of a 67-year-old man with recurrent cholangitis due to benign stricture of a bilioenteric anastomosis. The patient had a history of sclerosing cholangitis and left hepatectomy with Roux-en-Y bilioenteric reconstruction. In another hospital, the patient had been treated via a percutaneous trans-hepatic approach with an uncovered self-expandable metal stent (u-SEMS). Biliary lithiasis and several episodes of cholangitis recurred soon thereafter. Many attempts were made to remove the stones radiologically, but they all failed. Percutaneous internal– external drainage was then placed temporarily, and the patient was referred to our tertiary endoscopic center. A peroral endoscopic procedure with a rendezvous technique was attempted by passing a guidewire through the internal–external drainage, but it did not succeed because the anastomotic loop was too long and tortuous. Therefore, a new endoscopic approach with an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transenteric anastomosis was used. After the injection of contrast medium into the jejunal loop, an EUS-guided puncture was performed from the duodenal portion with a 19-gauge needle (ECHO-19, Cook Medical) (● Fig.1); a 0.035-guidewire was then placed into the jejunal loop, and a duodenojejunal fistula was created by pushing an 8.5-Fr cystoenterostome (XS 1341, Endoflex) on the guidewire. Finally, a 20-mm-long and 16-mm-diameter uSEMS (Nagi stent; Taewoong Medical) was left in place to allow consolidation of the endoscopic fistula (● Fig.2). After 3 days, an operative gastroscope (Pentax) was advanced through the stent to perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERC) and remove the previous uSEMS (● Fig.3). The patient was discharged after 2 days. No complications or procedure-related symptoms have been reported during 12 months of clinical follow-up. EUS-guided duodenojejunal anastomosis is a feasible endoscopic approach in selected patients [3,4]. Expert and skilled endoscopists are needed to perform the described procedure successfully.
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publication
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W2782123354
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Moderating effect of absorptive capacity on the entrepreneurial orientation of international performance of family businesses
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the moderating effect of absorptive capacity on the entrepreneurial orientation of international performance of family businesses. Design/methodology/approach The sample for this study was collected from 218 family firms associated with the Family Business Institute (IEF). This paper used a structural equation model through PLS-SEM technique to test the proposed model and for contrasting the moderating effect of absorptive capacity on the entrepreneurial orientation of international performance of family businesses. Findings The main result of this work is that international performance of family businesses is determined, to a great extent, by the entrepreneurial orientation. In addition, this effect is reinforced by the absorption capacity, exerting a positive moderating role. Practical implications If family firms want to improve their international results, they must act in the entrepreneurial orientation through the effect of absorption capacities. Originality/value The originality of this work comes from the discovery of the new moderating role of absorption capacities in family firms.
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publication
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W4221018833
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Llenar los vacíos: ampliar la protección social en Colombia
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La pandemia ha puesto de manifiesto importantes lagunas en el ámbito de la protección social, sobre todo entre los trabajadores informales. Dado que cerca del 60 % de los trabajadores tiene un empleo informal, una buena parte de los más necesitados de protección social carecen de ella. El Gobierno ha intentado llenar este vacío con prestaciones no contributivas, pero la cobertura y los niveles de las prestaciones son escasos. Por el contrario, los trabajadores formales tienen acceso a toda una serie de prestaciones de protección social, que incluyen subsidios públicos generalizados para los más acomodados. La informalidad laboral y la cobertura de la protección social están interrelacionadas, ya que las elevadas cotizaciones sociales son uno de los principales obstáculos a la creación de empleo formal. Si se garantizara una cierta cobertura de protección social básica para todos los ciudadanos, al tiempo que se reduce el costo del empleo formal, se reduciría la informalidad laboral, se aumentaría la productividad y se disminuiría la pobreza y la desigualdad, todos ellos desafíos que persisten en Colombia desde hace tiempo.
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publication
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986720
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Adaptive and maladaptive endothelial cell dynamics during blood flow-driven vascular patterning
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The formation of a functional patterned (adaptation) vascular network is essential for development, tissue growth, and organ physiology. Several human vascular disorders arise from the mis-patterning (maladaptation) of blood vessels, such as arteriovenous malformations, aneurysms, and diabetic retinopathy. Blood flow is recognized as the main inducer for vascular patterning, yet very little is known about the molecular mechanisms that vascular patterning.
C. Franco and others recently highlighted that endothelial cells polarize and migrate against the blood flow direction. Yet, how this behavior contributes to the overall process of vascular patterning is completely unknown. This project aims to study the dynamics of endothelial cells in vascular patterning during development, homeostasis, and disease. Taking advantage of a unique new transgenic mouse line reporting endothelial cell polarity in vivo, I will investigate endothelial cell behavior in vivo, including endothelial cell polarity, collective and individual migration and cell rearrangements, using 2-photon microscopy. I will extend this analysis to understand the involvement of endothelial flow-dependent polarity in formation and development of arteriovenous malformations. Finally, I will perform an in vivo functional screen to identify novel regulators of endothelial flow-dependent polarity, using a combination of automated image analysis and hemodynamics modelling.
This integrative approach, based on high-resolution imaging and unique experimental models, will provide a unifying model defining the cellular and molecular principles involved in adaptive and maladaptive endothelial cell dynamics during blood flow-driven vascular patterning. Given the physiological relevance of vascular patterning in health and disease, this research plan will set the basis for the development of novel clinical therapies targeting vascular disorders.
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project/european
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220521
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Coherent optical control of multi-functional nano-scale hybrid units
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In the physics and chemistry of materials science, an intense focus of forefront research is the search for ever-smaller and ever-faster building blocks for information and communication technology (ICT) applications. The realization of next-generation devices, in ICT fields such as spintronics, spin-orbitronics and plasmonics, will depend decisively on our ability to generate new functionalities that can be actively controlled on the shortest length and time scales.
The groundbreaking idea of hyControl is to develop a conceptually new class of active ICT nano-scale materials by building functionality into the nano-scale object that naturally forms when an organic molecule is hybridized on a metallic surface: a nano-scale hybrid unit (NHyU). NHyUs will be realized by depositing selected organic molecules onto three classes of inorganic systems: transition metals; spin-textured materials such as Rashba systems and topological insulators; and magneto-plasmonic nano-structures. By tuning optical excitation to specific resonances, we will control the hybridization strength with ultrashort laser pulses, and thereby induce a coherent response in the spin, orbit, and/or electron degrees of freedom of the NHyU. Thereby we will achieve coherent control - at the molecular scale - of technologically important parameters, such as magnetization, plasmonic resonances, and spin texture. This hyControl concept will be implemented using a novel experimental method, spin- and phase-resolved orbital mapping, that is capable of resolving the transient spin-dependent electronic structure of precisely those valence band electrons which mediate the hybridization in a single NHyU.
While inspired by the latest achievements in molecular spintronics, hyControl will open the way to new technologies in various ICT applications, three of which - spintronics, spin-orbitronics, and plasmonics - have been selected to demonstrate the ability and versatility of optically controlled NHyUs.
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project/european
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US 83524192 A
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Fence wall construction with decorative facing
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Fence walls comprising flanged supporting posts spaced on centers and uniform lightweight panels doubly slotted at their ends fitting between adjacent posts and engaging such flanges. The engaged post flanges are substantially concealed from view. At least one face of such panels is grooved horizontally so as to accommodate facing brick or other decorative material. Any ungrooved face of the panels may be covered with stucco or like cementitious material, preferably containing elastomeric and lightweight bulking ingredients, as well as desired coloring.
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patent
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W4224250553
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The role of patient-reported outcome measures in the continuum of cancer clinical care: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline
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•This ESMO Guideline provides key recommendations on the role of PROMs during the care of patients with cancer.•It covers the use of PROMs in patients with cancer from the start of active treatment during follow-up to the end of life.•Recommendations are based on available scientific evidence and the authors’ collective expert consensus.•Authorship includes a multidisciplinary group of experts from Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. IntroductionPatients with cancer frequently experience symptoms related to their disease or treatment-related toxicities. Symptom management through optimal supportive care is a foundation of quality care. While objective toxicities and laboratory results are amenable to reporting by health care personnel, subjective experiences such as symptoms are best reported by patients themselves.1Di Maio M. Basch E. Bryce J. et al.Patient-reported outcomes in the evaluation of toxicity of anticancer treatments.Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 2016; 13: 319-325Crossref PubMed Scopus (128) Google Scholar Traditionally, patients are relied upon to discuss symptoms and side-effects with the clinical team during hospital and clinic visits, when contacting their health care team between visits via telephone or, more recently, electronic messaging.Prior research indicates that health care providers often under-detect symptoms or underestimate their severity.2Laugsand E.A. Sprangers M.A.G. Bjordal K. et al.Health care providers underestimate symptom intensities of cancer patients: a multicenter European study.Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2010; 8: 104Crossref PubMed Scopus (189) Google Scholar, 3Basch E. Iasonos A. McDonough T. et al.Patient versus clinician symptom reporting using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events: results of a questionnaire-based study.Lancet Oncol. 2006; 7: 903-909Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (415) Google Scholar, 4Basch E. The missing voice of patients in drug-safety reporting.N Engl J Med. 2010; 362: 865-869Crossref PubMed Scopus (414) Google Scholar, 5Marino D. Baratelli C. Guida G. et al.Impact of adoption of patient-reported outcomes in clinical practice on the accuracy of symptom reporting in medical records of cancer patients.Recenti Prog Med. 2020; 111: 740-748Google Scholar, 6Greimel E.R. Bjelic-Radisic V. Pfisterer J. et al.Toxicity and quality of life outcomes in ovarian cancer patients participating in randomized controlled trials.Support Care Cancer. 2010; 19: 1421-1427Crossref Scopus (20) Google Scholar This is especially true when side-effects or symptoms are not life-threatening4Basch E. The missing voice of patients in drug-safety reporting.N Engl J Med. 2010; 362: 865-869Crossref PubMed Scopus (414) Google Scholar although impacting quality of life (QoL). Prior publications demonstrate a lack of concordance between symptom recognition by clinicians and patient self-reporting.3Basch E. Iasonos A. McDonough T. et al.Patient versus clinician symptom reporting using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events: results of a questionnaire-based study.Lancet Oncol. 2006; 7: 903-909Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (415) Google Scholar,7Strömgren A.S. Groenvold M. Sorensen A. et al.Symptom recognition in advanced cancer. A comparison of nursing records against patient self-rating.Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2001; 45: 1080-1085Crossref PubMed Scopus (0) Google Scholar, 8Coombes R.C. Bliss J. Hall E. et al.Under-reporting of symptoms in patients with early breast cancer who have received tamoxifen treatment for 2–3 years.Proc Am Soc Clin Oncol. 2003; 22: 48Google Scholar, 9Di Maio M. Gallo C. Leighl N.B. et al.Symptomatic toxicities experienced during anticancer treatment: agreement between patient and physician reporting in three randomized trials.J Clin Oncol. 2015; 33: 910-915Crossref PubMed Scopus (262) Google Scholar For instance, in one large clinical trial patients rated several tamoxifen-related symptoms (hot flushes, weight gain, night sweats, sleeping difficulties and loss of libido) as severe, but concordance of these with clinicians’ recordings at any severity was less than expected by chance.8Coombes R.C. Bliss J. Hall E. et al.Under-reporting of symptoms in patients with early breast cancer who have received tamoxifen treatment for 2–3 years.Proc Am Soc Clin Oncol. 2003; 22: 48Google Scholar Likewise, in 1090 patients with breast or lung cancer included in three randomised trials, the reporting of significant chemotherapy (ChT)-related toxicity (all symptoms analysed), e.g. diarrhoea, nausea, anorexia were under-reported by clinicians in terms of incidence and severity.9Di Maio M. Gallo C. Leighl N.B. et al.Symptomatic toxicities experienced during anticancer treatment: agreement between patient and physician reporting in three randomized trials.J Clin Oncol. 2015; 33: 910-915Crossref PubMed Scopus (262) Google Scholar Suboptimal symptom detection by clinicians can potentially lead to delayed or suboptimal management and may affect adherence to therapies, symptom control, patient QoL and survival.Reasons for discrepancies between reports by clinicians and patients may include a failure to ask questions systematically, time constraints of busy clinic visits and attribution bias (focusing only on expected or serious adverse events rather than symptoms the patient may be experiencing).10Fellowes D. Fallowfield L.J. Saunders C.M. et al.Tolerability of hormone therapies for breast cancer: how informative are documented symptom profiles in medical notes for ‘well-tolerated’ treatments?.Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2001; 66: 73-81Crossref PubMed Scopus (0) Google Scholar Additionally, patients may feel hesitant to mention certain symptoms or worry that treatment might be stopped if they express complaints.11Dai Y. Cook O.Y. Yeganeh L. et al.Patient-reported barriers and facilitators to seeking and accessing support in gynecologic and breast cancer survivors with sexual problems: a systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies.J Sex Med. 2020; 17: 1326-1358Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (19) Google Scholar Patients also report difficulty remembering symptoms experienced between clinic visits.12Beaver C. Magnan M. Managing chemotherapy side effects: achieving reliable and equitable outcomes.Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2016; 20: 589-591Crossref Scopus (17) Google Scholar,13Coolbrandt A. Van den Heede K. Vanhove E. et al.Immediate versus delayed self-reporting of symptoms and side effects during chemotherapy: does timing matter?.Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2011; 15: 130-136Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (38) Google ScholarSymptom monitoring via patient-reported outcomes (PROs) offers an evidence-based approach to detecting symptoms which can provide critical information to clinicians, thereby improving clinical management. PROs are defined as ‘any report of the status of a patient’s health condition that comes directly from the patient without interpretation of the patient’s response by a clinician or anyone else’.14U.S. Department of Health Human Services F.D.A. Center for Drug Evaluation Research, U.S. Department of Health Human Services F.D.A. Center for Biologics Evaluation Research, U.S. Department of Health Human Services F.D.A. Center for Devices Radiological HealthGuidance for industry: patient-reported outcome measures: use in medical product development to support labeling claims: draft guidance.Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2006; 4: 79Crossref Scopus (984) Google Scholar Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are tools and/or instruments used to report PROs, usually questionnaires (although they can include standardised interview schedules), to assess elements of their experience such as symptom burden, functional status and psychological and emotional well-being.15Warrington L. Absolom K. Conner M. et al.Electronic systems for patients to report and manage side effects of cancer treatment: systematic review.J Med Internet Res. 2019; 21: e10875Crossref PubMed Scopus (58) Google Scholar In clinical practice, PROMs can be used to foster communication between patients and clinicians, assist in the detection and management of treatment toxicities and disease progression or recurrence and facilitate optimal delivery of supportive care.1Di Maio M. Basch E. Bryce J. et al.Patient-reported outcomes in the evaluation of toxicity of anticancer treatments.Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 2016; 13: 319-325Crossref PubMed Scopus (128) Google Scholar,16Yang L.Y. Manhas D.S. Howard A.F. et al.Patient-reported outcome use in oncology: a systematic review of the impact on patient-clinician communication.Support Care Cancer. 2017; 26: 41-60Crossref Scopus (89) Google ScholarThe opportunity to use PROMs completed by patients and received by nurses and/or doctors enables timely and systematic assessment of clinical trends of symptoms and side-effects.17Marandino L. Necchi A. Aglietta M. et al.COVID-19 emergency and the need to speed up the adoption of electronic patient-reported outcomes in cancer clinical practice.JCO Oncol Pract. 2020; 16: 295-298Crossref PubMed Scopus (25) Google Scholar The use of electronic systems for administering PROMs to patients with cancer and communicating this information back to their clinicians has been shown to improve symptom control, physical function, QoL, adherence to treatment, reduction in emergency room and hospital admissions and survival.18Basch E. Deal A.M. Kris M.G. et al.Symptom monitoring with patient-reported outcomes during routine cancer treatment: a randomized controlled trial.J Clin Oncol. 2016; 34: 557-565Crossref PubMed Scopus (1110) Google Scholar, 19Basch E. Deal A.M. Dueck A.C. et al.Overall survival results of a trial assessing patient-reported outcomes for symptom monitoring during routine cancer treatment.JAMA. 2017; 318: 197-198Crossref PubMed Scopus (937) Google Scholar, 20Basch E. Schrag D. Jansen J. et al.Digital symptom monitoring with patient-reported outcomes in community oncology practices: A U.S. national cluster randomized trial.J Clin Oncol. 2021; 39: 349527Crossref Google Scholar, 21Barbera L. Sutradhar R. Seow H. et al.Impact of standardized Edmonton symptom assessment system use on emergency department visits and hospitalization: results of a population-based retrospective matched cohort analysis.JCO Oncol Pract. 2020; 16: e958-e965Crossref Scopus (21) Google Scholar, 22Barbera L. Sutradhar R. Seow H. et al.The impact of routine Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) use on overall survival in cancer patients: Results of a population-based retrospective matched cohort analysis.Cancer Med. 2020; 9: 7107-7115Crossref Scopus (19) Google ScholarUse of PROMs in patients undergoing active cancer treatmentClinical scenariosFor patients receiving curative therapy (e.g. definitive, adjuvant or neoadjuvant), the treatment goal is to eradicate the disease. In such patients, combined modality therapy is common, and patients often receive intensive treatments that produce considerable toxicity. These include organ-preserving regimens, such as definitive radiotherapy (RT) combined with radio-sensitising ChT (as in the treatment of head and neck, anal, lung and cervical cancers), adjuvant therapy following radical surgery (as in breast, colon and lung cancers) or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy preceding radical surgery (as in oesophageal and rectal cancer). The morbidity of each treatment is often magnified because of overlapping toxicity. In this setting, however, clinicians and patients may be willing to tolerate the intensity and severity of symptoms in hopes of achieving a cure. Using PROMs to describe the severity and type of symptoms can help identify symptoms that would benefit from supportive interventions, determine the recovery time needed to return to usual activities and prepare future patients for what to expect during and after treatment. Automated advice feedback to the patient can facilitate self-management at home, particularly for milder symptoms detected by PROMs.23Absolom K. Warrington L. Hudson E. et al.Phase III randomized controlled trial of eRAPID: eHealth intervention during chemotherapy.J Clin Oncol. 2021; 39: 734-747Crossref PubMed Scopus (49) Google ScholarPatients receiving RT with curative or palliative intent can experience acute toxicities, depending on the dose and schedule of treatment. These primarily occur in the field of treatment and can be severe. Fatigue can be a debilitating symptom during the later phases of RT treatments. PROMs could be used to monitor physical functioning and ability to complete usual activities in this setting and to anticipate and intervene in patients who may be deteriorating during the treatment and/or immediately following treatment.In the setting of advanced or metastatic disease, measurement of PROs is valuable for detecting symptoms and functional impairment associated with both disease and treatment. In these patients, for whom palliation is the primary goal of any intervention, regular assessment of PROs is central to informing clinical supportive management. Increasingly, patients with cancer are receiving systemic treatment over an extended period. These therapies include maintenance ChT or biological agents, endocrine therapies, targeted therapies, immunotherapy and a combination of these. When treatments are expected to last for many months or even years, side-effects that impact QoL, even at a low level, are more likely to result in non-adherence. Regular measurement of PROs permits early identification of the difficulties patients are experiencing and offers opportunities to discuss modified dosing and supportive care.PROMs that monitor symptoms and physical functioning can also address post-treatment and survivorship concerns. Some persisting symptoms such as pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive difficulties, distress, depression and sexual issues are important to measure in the post-treatment period.Evidence supporting the adoption of PROMs in clinical practiceProspective trials and population-based studies have demonstrated improved outcomes when electronic PROMs are implemented for monitoring patients during routine cancer treatment with systemic therapies, including improvements in physical function, symptom control, health-related QoL, hospitalisations, overall survival (OS), patient satisfaction and cost-effectiveness15Warrington L. Absolom K. Conner M. et al.Electronic systems for patients to report and manage side effects of cancer treatment: systematic review.J Med Internet Res. 2019; 21: e10875Crossref PubMed Scopus (58) Google Scholar,18Basch E. Deal A.M. Kris M.G. et al.Symptom monitoring with patient-reported outcomes during routine cancer treatment: a randomized controlled trial.J Clin Oncol. 2016; 34: 557-565Crossref PubMed Scopus (1110) Google Scholar, 19Basch E. Deal A.M. Dueck A.C. et al.Overall survival results of a trial assessing patient-reported outcomes for symptom monitoring during routine cancer treatment.JAMA. 2017; 318: 197-198Crossref PubMed Scopus (937) Google Scholar, 20Basch E. Schrag D. Jansen J. et al.Digital symptom monitoring with patient-reported outcomes in community oncology practices: A U.S. national cluster randomized trial.J Clin Oncol. 2021; 39: 349527Crossref Google Scholar, 21Barbera L. Sutradhar R. Seow H. et al.Impact of standardized Edmonton symptom assessment system use on emergency department visits and hospitalization: results of a population-based retrospective matched cohort analysis.JCO Oncol Pract. 2020; 16: e958-e965Crossref Scopus (21) Google Scholar, 22Barbera L. Sutradhar R. Seow H. et al.The impact of routine Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) use on overall survival in cancer patients: Results of a population-based retrospective matched cohort analysis.Cancer Med. 2020; 9: 7107-7115Crossref Scopus (19) Google Scholar, 23Absolom K. Warrington L. Hudson E. et al.Phase III randomized controlled trial of eRAPID: eHealth intervention during chemotherapy.J Clin Oncol. 2021; 39: 734-747Crossref PubMed Scopus (49) Google Scholar, 24Kotronoulas G. Kearney N. Maguire R. et al.What is the value of the routine use of patient-reported outcome measures toward improvement of patient outcomes, processes of care, and health service outcomes in cancer care? A systematic review of controlled trials.J Clin Oncol. 2014; 32: 1480-1501Crossref PubMed Google Scholar, 25Lizée T. Basch E. Trémolières P. et al.Cost-effectiveness of web-based patient-reported outcome surveillance in patients with lung cancer.J Thorac Oncol. 2019; 14: 1012-1020Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Google Scholar, 26Nixon N.A. Spackman E. Clement F. et al.Cost-effectiveness of symptom monitoring with patient-reported outcomes during routine cancer treatment.J Cancer Policy. 2018; 15: 32-36Crossref Google Scholar (Figure 1). Common features of the electronic PROM systems used in these studies include the availability of PRO questions via the web, handheld devices and/or automated telephone systems, inclusion of questions for common cross-cutting PROs from prior research (e.g. pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, dyspnoea, insomnia, depression and physical function), electronic prompts and reminders to self-report via email, text or automated telephone, use of validated symptom questions based on prior research and automated alerts to clinicians for severe or worsening symptoms. Multiple academic and commercial systems are available that include these features.A 2014 systematic review of controlled trials evaluated whether the inclusion of PROMs in routine clinical practice was associated with improvements in patient outcomes, processes of care and health service outcomes during active cancer treatment.24Kotronoulas G. Kearney N. Maguire R. et al.What is the value of the routine use of patient-reported outcome measures toward improvement of patient outcomes, processes of care, and health service outcomes in cancer care? A systematic review of controlled trials.J Clin Oncol. 2014; 32: 1480-1501Crossref PubMed Google Scholar Studies were heterogeneous in terms of settings and methods: some used paper-based tools in the clinic, whereas others used electronic tools at home. In some studies, the use of PROMs was associated with improved symptom control, increased supportive care measures and patient satisfaction, although with limited statistically significant findings and predominantly small-to-moderate effect sizes.Subsequently, several randomised controlled trials (RCTs) tested remote monitoring by electronic PROM web applications in patients undergoing active cancer treatment of different types of cancer18Basch E. Deal A.M. Kris M.G. et al.Symptom monitoring with patient-reported outcomes during routine cancer treatment: a randomized controlled trial.J Clin Oncol. 2016; 34: 557-565Crossref PubMed Scopus (1110) Google Scholar, 19Basch E. Deal A.M. Dueck A.C. et al.Overall survival results of a trial assessing patient-reported outcomes for symptom monitoring during routine cancer treatment.JAMA. 2017; 318: 197-198Crossref PubMed Scopus (937) Google Scholar, 20Basch E. Schrag D. Jansen J. et al.Digital symptom monitoring with patient-reported outcomes in community oncology practices: A U.S. national cluster randomized trial.J Clin Oncol. 2021; 39: 349527Crossref Google Scholar,23Absolom K. Warrington L. Hudson E. et al.Phase III randomized controlled trial of eRAPID: eHealth intervention during chemotherapy.J Clin Oncol. 2021; 39: 734-747Crossref PubMed Scopus (49) Google Scholar,27Berry D.L. Hong F. Halpenny B. et al.Electronic self-report assessment for cancer and self-care support: results of a multicenter randomized trial.J Clin Oncol. 2014; 32: 199-205Crossref PubMed Scopus (118) Google Scholar, 28Strasser F. Blum D. von Moos R. et al.The effect of real-time electronic monitoring of patient-reported symptoms and clinical syndromes in outpatient workflow of medical oncologists: E-MO AIC, a multicenter cluster-randomized phase III study (SAKK 95/06).Ann Oncol. 2016; 27: 324-332Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (0) Google Scholar, 29Mir O. Ferrua M. Fourcade A. et al.Intervention combining nurse navigators (NNs) and a mobile application versus standard of care (SOC) in cancer patients (pts) treated with oral anticancer agents (OAA): Results of CapRI, a single-center, randomized phase III trial.J Clin Oncol. 2020; 38: 2000Crossref Google Scholar, 30Mooney K. Iacob E. Wilson C.M. et al.Randomized trial of remote cancer symptom monitoring during COVID-19: impact on symptoms, QoL, and unplanned health care utilization.J Clin Oncol. 2021; 39: 12000Crossref Google Scholar (see Table 1 for details on the questionnaires and software used within each trial).Table 1Most relevant randomised studies of remote monitoring by ePRO web application in patients undergoing active cancer treatment (any type of cancer)aSee Supplementary Table S1, available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annonc.2022.04.007 for relevant references and information on electronic medical record systems that have been used for symptom monitoring during usual care.Author, yearNumber of patientsSettingQuestionnaires usedSoftwareMulticentric trialImproved outcomeBerry L, 201427Berry D.L. Hong F. Halpenny B. et al.Electronic self-report assessment for cancer and self-care support: results of a multicenter randomized trial.J Clin Oncol. 2014; 32: 199-205Crossref PubMed Scopus (118) Google Scholar752Patients with cancer, any stage (about 1/3 metastatic), starting a new therapeutic regimeSDS-15ESRA-CYesSymptom controlStrasser F, 201628Strasser F. Blum D. von Moos R. et al.The effect of real-time electronic monitoring of patient-reported symptoms and clinical syndromes in outpatient workflow of medical oncologists: E-MO AIC, a multicenter cluster-randomized phase III study (SAKK 95/06).Ann Oncol. 2016; 27: 324-332Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (0) Google Scholar264Patients with advanced cancer, receiving ChTESASE-MOSAIC, (generating a LoMoS)YesSymptom controlBasch E, 201618Basch E. Deal A.M. Kris M.G. et al.Symptom monitoring with patient-reported outcomes during routine cancer treatment: a randomized controlled trial.J Clin Oncol. 2016; 34: 557-565Crossref PubMed Scopus (1110) Google Scholar,19Basch E. Deal A.M. Dueck A.C. et al.Overall survival results of a trial assessing patient-reported outcomes for symptom monitoring during routine cancer treatment.JAMA. 2017; 318: 197-198Crossref PubMed Scopus (937) Google Scholar766Patients with metastatic cancer, initiating ChTNCI-CTCAESTARNoQoL/OS/reduced emergency useMir O, 202029Mir O. Ferrua M. Fourcade A. et al.Intervention combining nurse navigators (NNs) and a mobile application versus standard of care (SOC) in cancer patients (pts) treated with oral anticancer agents (OAA): Results of CapRI, a single-center, randomized phase III trial.J Clin Oncol. 2020; 38: 2000Crossref Google Scholar609Patients with advanced cancer, receiving oral treatment (except hormonal therapy)PRO-CTCAECAPRI RPMSNoDose intensity/reduction in hospitalisationAbsolom K, 202123Absolom K. Warrington L. Hudson E. et al.Phase III randomized controlled trial of eRAPID: eHealth intervention during chemotherapy.J Clin Oncol. 2021; 39: 734-747Crossref PubMed Scopus (49) Google Scholar508Patients with cancer, all stages (62.4% primary or local), initiating systemic treatment (ChT with or without targeted therapies)NCI-CTCAEeRAPIDNoQoL/symptom controlMooney K, 202130Mooney K. Iacob E. Wilson C.M. et al.Randomized trial of remote cancer symptom monitoring during COVID-19: impact on symptoms, QoL, and unplanned health care utilization.J Clin Oncol. 2021; 39: 12000Crossref Google Scholar252Patients with cancer, any stage, receiving ChT and/or RTMDASI and NIH PROMISSCHNoQoL/symptom control/reduction in unplanned health care episodesBasch E, 202120Basch E. Schrag D. Jansen J. et al.Digital symptom monitoring with patient-reported outcomes in community oncology practices: A U.S. national cluster randomized trial.J Clin Oncol. 2021; 39: 349527Crossref Google Scholar1191Patients with advanced cancer, receiving systemic therapyPRO-CTCAEPRO-TECT digital ePRO systemYesQoL/symptom control/physical functionCAPRI RPMS, Cancerologie Parcours Région Ile de France Remote Patient Monitoring Systems; ChT, chemotherapy; E-MOSAIC, electronic monitoring of symptoms and syndromes associated with cancer; ePRO, electronic patient-reported outcome; eRAPID, electronic patient self-reporting of adverse-events: patient information and advice; ESAS, Edmonton Symptom Assessment System; ESRA-C Electronic Self-Report Assessment-Cancer; LoMoS, longitudinal monitoring sheet; MDASI, MD Anderson Symptom Inventory; NCI-CTCAE, National Cancer Institute-Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events; NIH PROMIS, National Institute of Health Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System; OS, overall survival; PRO-CTCAE, Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events; QoL, quality of life; RT, radiotherapy; SCH, Symptom Care at Home; SDS, Symptom Distress Scale; STAR, Symptom Tracking and Reporting.a See Supplementary Table S1, available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annonc.2022.04.007 for relevant references and information on electronic medical record systems that have been used for symptom monitoring during usual care. Open table in a new tab In the seminal trial conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 766 patients receiving routine outpatient ChT for advanced solid tumours were randomised to either receive usual care (consisting of symptom monitoring at clinicians’ discretion) or to report 12 common symptoms via a remote system at home or on tablets or computers in the hospital waiting room.18Basch E. Deal A.M. Kris M.G. et al.Symptom monitoring with patient-reported outcomes during routine cancer treatment: a randomized controlled trial.J Clin Oncol. 2016; 34: 557-565Crossref PubMed Scopus (1110) Google Scholar Self-reporting was conducted via the web-based interface STAR (Symptom Tracking and Reporting), and included questions adapted for patient use from the National Cancer Institute’s Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), pertaining to 12 common symptoms experienced during ChT, graded on a five-point scale from 0 (not present) to 4 (disabling). STAR did not allow skipped questions or free-text responses. Nurses received e-mail alerts when participants reported severe or worsening symptoms, and treating physicians received symptom printouts at visits. Symptom monitoring was associated with significantly improved QoL, reduction in emergency room admissions and hospitalisations. In addition, analysis of OS found a significant prolongation of life with the use of the reporting system.19Basch E. Deal A.M. Dueck A.C. et al.Overall survival results of a trial assessing patient-reported outcomes for symptom monitoring during routine cancer treatment.JAMA. 2017; 318: 197-198Crossref PubMed Scopus (937) Google ScholarThe PRO-TECT cluster randomised trial, conducted at 52 United States community oncology practice centres, compared digital symptom monitoring with PROMs (treatment arm) with usual care (control) in 1191 patients with metastatic cancer receiving active treatment.20Basch E. Schrag D. Jansen J. et al.Digital symptom monitoring with patient-reported outcomes in community oncology practices: A U.S. national cluster randomized trial.J Clin Oncol. 2021; 39: 349527Crossref Google Scholar Patients in the treatment arm were invited to complete a weekly survey via the web or an automated telephone system for up to 1 year, which included items from the PRO version of the CTCAE about common symptoms, as well as performance status, financial toxicity and falls. The digital PRO-TECT electronic PRO (ePRO) system used in the study was built by the University of North Carolina’s PROs Core. Severe or worsening symptoms triggered electronic alerts to care team nurses and reports showing the trend of symptoms over time were available to oncologists at visits. Mean changes from baseline were significantly better with digital monitoring for physical function, symptom control and health-related QoL. Clinically meaningful benefits were experienced by 13.8% more patients with digital monitoring versus control in physical function, 16.1% in symptom control and 13.4% in QoL. Additional outcomes such as effects on hospitalisations and survival have not yet been reported.Although RCTs represent the highest level of evidence supporting the efficacy of PROM implementation, important evidence comes also from real-world data and non-randomised studies. A population-based, retrospective, matched cohort analysis examined the effect of the exposure to the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) on patient survival, rates of emergency visits and hospitalisations. The ESAS is a validated instrument to measure symptoms among ambulatory cancer patients, the use of which has been standardised in the Ontario cancer practice network.21Barbera L. Sutradhar R. Seow H. et al.Impact of standardized Edmonton symptom assessment system use on emergency department visits and hospitalization: results of a population-based retrospective matched cohort analysis.JCO Oncol Pract. 2020; 16: e958-e965Crossref Scopus (21) Google Scholar,22Barbera L. Sutradhar R. Seow H. et al.The impact of routine Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) use on overall survival in cancer patients: Results of a population-based retrospective matched cohort analysis.Cancer Med. 2020; 9: 7107-7115Crossref Scopus (19) Google Scholar The analysis, conducted in 128 893 pairs of patients with cancer between 2007 and 2015, showed improved survival and reduced rates of emergency vis
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W95742950
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Predictive value of SYNTAX score in risk stratification of patients undergoing unprotected left main coronary artery angioplasty.
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The SYNTAX score is a useful tool to evaluate percutaneous coronary intervention risk regarding the number, complexity, and location of lesions. Despite its proven value in the prognosis of three-vessel disease, there are few data about its usefulness in other selected subsets of patients. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the SYNTAX score in a population of patients who underwent unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) angioplasty in our hospital.This was a single-center study that included 118 patients (79.7% male; mean age, 66 ± 12 years) who underwent ULMCA angioplasty between March 1999 and December 2008. Multivariate Cox logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relation of SYNTAX score to the incidence of cardiovascular death and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) - an endpoint comprised of cardiovascular death, non-fatal acute myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization.At 30 days, there were 5 cardiovascular deaths (4.2%). In the mean follow-up of 32 ± 24 months, there were 17 cardiovascular deaths (14.4%) and 30 MACE (25.4%). At 30 days, SYNTAX score had no predictive value, but at long-term follow-up, it significantly predicted the occurrence of cardiovascular death (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.069; 95% CI, 1.030-1.109; P<.0001) and MACE (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.044; 95% CI, 1.013-1.076; P=.005), even after adjustment for potential confounders. Area under the curve for the occurrence of cardiovascular death and MACE was 0.75 (P=.0006) and 0.63 (P=.032), respectively.In this population of patients undergoing ULMCA angioplasty, SYNTAX score was demonstrated to be a valuable tool to predict long-term cardiovascular mortality.
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W2213095554
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ANALYSES STATISTIQUE ET GEOSTATISTIQUE DE LA FRACTURATION EXTRAITE DE L’IMAGERIE ASAR ENVISAT DU SUD-EST DE LA CÔTE D’IVOIRE
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The fracturing contributes incontestably to the formation of aquifer in crystalline and cristallophyllien bedrock. Its characterization is therefore inescapable for a better knowledge of fractured aquifers. The aim of this study is to characterize the fracturing of the southeast of Cote d'Ivoire through statistical and geostatistical methods from ASAR ENVISAT pictures. This fracturing map constitutes the important numerical support from which statistical and geostatistical processing are made. Fractures statistical analysis showed some heterogeneity of the fracturing.It also proved that most abundant fractures oriented (N120-130, N110-120, N150-160) are longest. The lengths of fractures are better adjusted to the power law while spacings of fractures are satisfactorily adjusted to the exponential law. Geostatistical analysis showed that the variograms of fracturing are better adjusted to exponential model. Global fracturing variogram and N-S family fracturing variogram are structured. They are characterized by a reach, a sill and a nugget effect. The fracturing density in accumulated lengths is therefore similar to a regionalized variable. The major fracturing variogram shows a pure nugget effect. The nugget effect is due to the combined result of micro-regionalization and measurement error.
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W4309204940
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Hänsel und Gretel auf Lanzarote: Neujahr von Juli Zeh
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In diesem Beitrag geht es um die Märchenelemente in Zehs Bestseller-Roman, insbesondere in der zentralen “Geschichte in der Geschichte”, nämlich der Erinnerung des Protagonisten Henning an seine frühe Kindheit, als er und seine jüngere Schwester von ihren Eltern allein im Sommerhaus auf Lanzarote zurückgelassen wurden. Der Sommerurlaub des mittlerweile Erwachsenen am selben Ort wird so zu einer Reise ins Unterbewusste, welche bis zu einem gewissen Grad seine psychologischen Probleme löst. Die zahlreichen Parallelen zum Märchen “Hänsel und Gretel” der Gebrüder Grimm, die so von der Autorin nicht intendiert sind, werden aufgedeckt und ihre Funktion im Kontext des Romans dargestellt, um so zu einer psychologischen Interpretation des Romans zu gelangen.
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170258
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Sustainable modular architectural system
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SMAS - Sustainable Modular Architectural System aims at market for modular buildings in the field of Construction Industry with innovative technological solutions and energy efficient product
SMAS is the industrialization and commercialization fallout of PR.I.M.E3 - Procedures & Innovation for Modular buildings Energy-Efficient and Eco-friendly - a 3-year pre-industrialization research project, co-funded by Italian Ministry of Environment. SMAS module unit has a floor area 50 m2; the varying combination of modules allows for different architectural solutions by type and sizeto the realization of Eco Villages. Main object of this proposal is to industrialize the whole process.
Environmental benefits: reduction of 80% of net energy demand and relevant carbon emissions compared to traditional structures. The primary energy demand for winter heating and DHW allows to place the SMAS building module in energy class A +, providing an energy intensity equal to 6.93 kWh / m2 per year.
SMAS integrates the following innovative subsystems components:
- bearing structure - patented – using recycled and recyclable Metal alloy profile; recycled / recyclable
- thermal insulation- patented- made of recycled industry-waste materials
- H-NAC (Hybrid-Natural Air Conditioning) Wall – patent pending – including controlled natural ventilation and passive cooling techniques;
- waste water cycle – recovery of thermal energy by grey water reuse;
- home management automation
The greater speed and simplicity of structure realisation in place due to both the totally dry assemble of the various elements of modular building and the ability to pre-assemble it by prefabricated structures, makes the system particularly suitable in case of emergency related to natural disasters or refugees migration
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project/european
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W4220738092
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Análisis multi-temporal de los cambios geomorfológicos y de la cubierta vegetal en un cauce extenso de gravas: el río Cinca, Aragón (España)
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El curso medio-bajo del río Cinca ha sufrido importantes cambios en los últimos 90 años, tanto en la geomorfología de su cauce como en la vegetación que ocupa su Territorio Fluvial. En este estudio se han analizado los cambios observados entre las fotografías aéreas de nueve fechas distintas, desde 1927 a 2018, mediante fotointerpretación. Paralelamente, se ha analizado la hidrología, la extracción de gravas, la introducción de defensas y las roturaciones –entendidas como la puesta en cultivo por primera vez de tierras eriales o montes descuajados– como factores de influencia sobre el sistema fluvial. Los resultados obtenidos evidencian una gran reducción de la superficie ocupada por el canal activo en beneficio de la vegetación riparia y de otras cubiertas antropizadas. El cauce se ha simplificado, viéndose reducida su superficie activa y pasando de tener un patrón trenzado a otro divagante. Asimismo, la movilidad reciente es muy reducida y la lámina de agua ocupa la mayor parte del canal activo. En resumen, la reducción de la dinámica del amplio cauce de gravas del Cinca supone una notable pérdida de patrimonio natural en el marco hidrogeomorfológico de la Península Ibérica.
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W2169877594
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Research of Partial Destructive based Selective Disassembly Sequence Planning
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In the process of recycling EOL (end of life) products, disassembly is an important stage. Moreover, there are several targets for disassembly: reuse, remanufacturing and material recycling. In order to improve the efficiency of disassembly, only the component which need to be reused or remanufactured need to be disassembled with nondestructive method. The rest components which recycled for material can be disassembled with partial destructive method. Namely, partial destructive disassembly is more practical than total disassembly within recycling process for EOL products. In this paper, the generally used partial destructive disassembly methods are analyzed. And several rules are defined for reconstructing the hybrid graph of EOL product. And then, an extended Floyd algorithm is proposed for searching optimized disassembly sequence. With this algorithm, the material properties of parts, connection properties between parts or components are taking into account. By ranking the cost of several possible disassembly path, the optimal disassembly sequence is obtained for target component. At last, a soybean milk machine is used as a study case to verify the former approach.
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W2353806659
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Synthesis and Properties of Novel Rare Earth Luminescent Materials Sr(3-x)MgSi3O(10):Tbx(3+)
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Novel rare earth luminescent materials Sr3-xMgSi3O10∶ Tb3x +were synthesized by gel-combustion method in activated carbon weak reductive environment. The formation process,phase structure,composition and luminescent properties of the as-synthesized phosphors were investigated by TG-DTA,infrared spectroscopy,X-ray powder diffraction,Energy Dispersive Spectrometer and Fluorescence spectrophotometer. The results show that Sr3-xMgSi3O10∶ Tb3+ phosphors possess the similar tetragonal crystal structure with Sr2MgSi2O7. The excitation spectrum of Sr3-xMgSi3O10∶ Tb3x +has a broad band from 200 nm to 300 nm,and the main peak is at 249 nm. The emission spectrum is composed of a series of peaks,located respectively at 491 nm,544 nm,586 nm,624 nm. These emission peaks are ascribed to Tb3+ transition from 5D4 to 7FJ( J =6,5,4,3). The main emission peak is at 544 nm due to the transition of 5D4→7F5,which results in a yellow-green emitting. In addition,it is found that the reductive temperature and the concentration of doped Tb3+ have great effects on the luminescent intensity of the sample,and the mechanism of concentration quenching was discussed.
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896012
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Advanced intelligence and close-loop control for crystallisation of api’s (active pharmaceutical ingredients)
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The project aims to address key challenges of the pharmaceutical industry related to the consistent supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) which are formed through crystallisation processes. Over 80% of the worlds API’s have crystallisation steps. The current method of determining process performance is a combination of off-line analysis of the quality attributes of the API crystals after the crystallisation process is complete. This methodology does not control the manufacturing process and leads to a variable quality product, variable yields and a large proportion of rework batches, costing the API industry in excess of €10B/year. SmartCrys is an integrated solution for API processing issues of (1) in-line PAT Analysers to measure the critical quality attributes of the crystals, (2) Manufacturing Intelligence to interpret the data and decide whether process adjustments are required, (3) Process Automation which enable the automatic adjustment of the process to take place and (4) Data Analytics which enable visibility of all process data in real-time. SmartCrys enables rapid process development and subsequently self-adjustment of crystallization processes in real time, targeting an addressable market for SmartCrys of €20B. Through engagement with its customer base (8 of the top 10 Pharma companies worldwide) and the regulators, Innopharma have identified a technological gap in in-line process control among API manufacturers. SmartCrys will consolidate Innopharma’s position as one of the world’s leaders in Advanced Analytical Technologies within the pharmaceutical sector, and provide an opportunity to increase company turnover from €8M to €23M over the next 5 years and to grow staff from 45 to 65. It will also contribute to the continued competitiveness of the European API crystallization sector and help retain thousands of high-tech API manufacturing jobs within Europe.
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project/european
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W2105696380
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Dynamical derivation of Eyring equation and the second-order kinetic law
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Elementary gas-phase reactions of the bimolecular type A + B → Products are characterized by the second-order kinetic law , where [A] and [B] are the concentrations of A and B species, t is the time, and k is the rate constant, usually estimated by means of Eyring equation. Here, we show that its dynamical derivation, as such, is not consistent with the second-order law. This contradiction is however removed by introducing a correlation between what we call potentially reactive pairs. A new presentation of the dynamical derivation of Eyring equation is finally proposed on the basis of the previous findings. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 110:2355–2359, 2010
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W2035221004
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Early Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Diagnosis, Prognosis and Treatment.
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In the publication of his small book on Early Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Dr. John B. Hawes, 2d, of Boston, has filled a longfelt want. As Dr. Richard C. Cabot writes in the preface of this work- There are plenty of large authoritative books about tuberculosis. There are plenty of small books which are not Doctor Hawes has written a book which is small and yet authoritative. In fifty-eight pages Doctor Hawes takes up the subject in a systematic concise manner, devoting a chapter each to the important facts of the family history, past history, work and habits, present illness, physical -examination, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. There are also important chapters on Adventitious Signs not Due to Pulmonary Disease; on Conditions which may Stimulate Tuberculosis; and on special methods of diagnosis and treatment such as the X-ray, tuberculin, and artificial pneumothorax. More might be added of the value of artificial pneumothorax in. early cases which are characterized by hemoptysis or by high fever or by both. A novel feature of this book is the appendix, which fills forty-eight pages, and which, by means of illustrative cases, photographs and X-ray plates of identical cases, etc., brings out many of the important points discussed in the first part of the book. If every physician would follow the advice given by Doctor Hawes, there would be many less cases of advanced pulmonary tuberculosis; this is particularly true in the case of children when the involvement of the bronchial glands should be recognized before the infection invades the lung tissue. Certainly there is no more important factor in the health of any community than the detection of early cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. Rae W. Whidden, M.D.
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publication
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221588
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A technology marketplace for hospitality compliance services that integrates with public sector authorities and relieves the burden of regulation for businesses
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The EU attaches the highest political priority to Better Regulation or ‘Smart Regulation’ which envisages a whole-of-government approach to the policy cycle extending from design to evaluation and revision. The annual cost of regulation to business is conservatively estimated to 3.5% of EU GDP. For the hospitality industry, the burden of regulation is proportionately greater owing to the high distribution of SME’s and increasing public safety and environmental control that drives a 4% increase in compliance costs year on year. Trade bodies frequently cite regulations as unfair and anti-competitive.
SwiftComply has developed an innovative and exciting new approach to delivering and monitoring hospitality compliance. Our solution creates a marketplace between food service businesses and compliance service providers. SwiftComply provides oversight of all transactions to regulators, allowing a real-time understanding of compliance activity and enabling them to focus on areas of non-performance. This is an efficient, business friendly and cost effective approach to reducing the burden of regulation and has worldwide application for food safety, building control, fire and environmental regulations.
SwiftComply has demonstrated the marketplace in the area of fat, oil and grease compliance in Dublin, Ireland and has commenced pilots in 3 US cities. This Project has the objective of scaling up, refining and demonstrating our solution to meet the strong customer demand identified during Phase 1 market analysis.
SwiftComply has raised private sector seed funding of €1.3m and will use H2020 funding to maximise speed to market and competitive advantage in Europe. SwiftComply has worldwide application and the potential to reach an annualised turnover of €63m, deliver a 86% gross profit margin, create over 600 jobs and digitise 4.5m pieces of paper by 2023. Successful completion of this Project will lead directly to a Series A fundraising round and full market exploitation.
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project/european
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2715456
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Self-Assembling plant-based hydrogels induced by redox enzymes
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Celignis is an SME service provider focused on the compositional analysis of biomass for advanced biofuels and biorefinery applications. We are also active in several research projects related to the analysis, pre-treatment, and valorisation of biomass. Celignis is now expanding its horizons to develop innovative solutions for the production of biobased products, such as hydrogels from plant biomass. SAPHIRE “Self-Assembling Plant-based Hydrogels Induced by Redox Enzymes” is a novel process designed to produce environmentally-friendly, 100% plant-based hydrogels for food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. Hydrogels from natural polymers, especially polysaccharides, are non-toxic and biodegradable, unlike synthetic hydrogels. The SAPHIRE process converts polysaccharides from underutilised agricultural residues to high-quality biobased hydrogels that can substitute for synthetic petroleum-based non-biodegradable hydrogels. The production of hydrogels from plant cell wall components using specially-designed enzyme cocktails is the key innovation of the SAPHIRE process.
Celignis aims to grow as an actor in the biobased products industry by implementing the disruptive innovating SAPHIRE technology. However, while the laboratory infrastructure and many of the key multidisciplinary skills required for advancing the concept exist at Celignis, the innovation project needs additional research and development, particularly in the area of enzymes and plant cell wall modifications. An Innovation Associate, recruited through the Horizon 2020 INNOSUP programme, will complement the interdisciplinary innovation team of Celignis and fast-track the research to realise the potential of SAPHIRE. The Innovation Associate will benefit from integrating in Celignis’s dynamic and creative entrepreneurship environment and from training programs designed for personal and professional skills development and for setting a clear path to the scale-up and commercialisation of research.
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project/european
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AU 2018/102219 A
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Methods for a stage performance
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Abstract Disclosed are methods that create the perception for an audience that an actor is being transported from one location to another during a stage performance. Also disclosed are methods for entrance onto/exit from a stage platform by an actor, or entrance onto/exit from a stage backdrop by a precision image that represents an actor. The disclosed methods involve interaction of an actor with an object/prop or image of an object/prop, and/or involve interaction of an image of an actor with an object/prop or image of an object/prop during a stage performance. WO 2019/106543 PCT/IB2018/059372 --2 1-0
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patent
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W2156820996
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Intimate partner violence against women during pregnancy in Tripura: a hospital based study
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Background: Intimate partner violence is increasing day by day and has become a matter of public health concern. Methods: To estimate the prevalence of intimate partner violence during pregnancy, to find out the pattern of violence and its determinants, a hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1005 women admitted in the maternity wards of Agartala Government Medical College and Mohanpur Community Health Centre using multistage sampling and structured interview schedule during 20 th November 2009 to 19 th November 2010. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis were used. Results: Mean age of the study women was 23.21 (± 4.229). Prevalence of physical assault during pregnancy was 23.8 %, verbal abuse 40.6 %, forced intercourse 21.2 %. Violence was faced by 43.2 % women before pregnancy, and in 29.5 % cases, it continued during pregnancy also. 37.815 % violence occurred without any reason; 34.873 % due to financial matters, 12.605 % due to family affairs, 6.302 % for not giving birth to son, 8.403 % due to household work and suspicion of infidelity. Violence was more prevalent among Christian, daily labours (n = 31, 75.6%) , illiterate and rural women. Women faced more violence from addicted husbands (n = 239, 26.3%) and in families where decision makers were illiterate (n = 201, 47.2%) . Conclusions: Improving literacy, eliminating addiction and marriage of women with men of lesser age difference may help in minimizing intimate partner violence in Tripura.
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W2028119065
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Self-quenchable biofunctional nanoparticles of heparin–folate-photosensitizer conjugates for photodynamic therapy
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Abstract Novel amphiphilic polysaccharide/PS conjugates synthesized by chemical conjugation of heparin with a hydrophobic photosensitizer (PS), pheophorbide a (PhA), and a targeting ligand, folate, were investigated for their potential application in photodynamic therapy (PDT). The anticoagulant activity of heparin-PhA (HP) and folate–heparin–PhA (FHP) conjugates was significantly decreased compared to that of heparin, thereby potentially reducing the hemorrhagic side effects. The critical self-quenching concentrations of the conjugates were decreased as the content of PhA rose. HP and FHP conjugates formed nano-sized particles in aqueous medium through a self-assembling process, and the nanoparticles were 130–170 nm in size, with a unimodal pattern of size distribution. Photoactivity of HP and FHP nanoparticles was evaluated by measuring the generation of singlet oxygen in DMF and PBS. The nanoparticles displayed a self-photoquenching effect in PBS, while the generation of singlet oxygen dramatically increased in DMF. HP and FHP nanoparticles exhibited marked phototoxicity on HeLa cells and were minimally dark-toxic without light treatment.
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publication
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W1038111736
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Chalcogenides for solar applications
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In its “Strategic Research Agenda for Photovoltaic Solar Energy Technology”[1], the European Union has set a target for solar generated electricity to become competitive with conventional electricity generation by 2020–2030. Second generation thin-film chalcogenide materials are among the most promising candidates for large-scale PV manufacturing and are quickly becoming commercial products. These materials offer stable and efficient (above 10%) photovoltaic modules fabricated by scalable thin-film technologies and cell efficiencies above 20 % (CIGS). CIGSe thin films were deposited by RF magnetron sputtering at room temperature from a single quaternary target on various substrates producing stoichiometric films. Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films were fabricated using a novel two stage process incorporating RF magnetron sputtering from a single target and then annealed in a rapid thermal processor without any toxic gases or reactive sulphur. GaLaS thin films were deposited by a patented high throughput PVD MBE System. The effect of the annealing temperature on the sulphur in the films was investigated. The XRD phase analysis confirms the preference of GLS to oxidise to form a more stable compound. The films were also analysed by ellipsometry, EDX and Raman. CuSbS2 thin films were fabricated using two techniques. Firstly, using an atmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposition system. CuSbSx was successfully deposited on soda lime substrates at a very fast rate of around 35 µm in 1 hour. For RF sputtering two and single stage depositions were carried out. By two stages, the films were annealed at various temperatures (250° to 325°) and times (5 to 60 min). The annealing was done without any toxic gases or reactive sulphur. Single phase CuSbS2 films with good adhesion, good crystallinity and with no apparent sulphur loss can be achieved. By a single stage process, CuSbS2 crystals were made in situ by depositing at 200° and 250°. The grain sizes were measured by SEM imaging, and grains above 1 µm can be fabricated. The effect of etching with bromine and HCl was also investigated. The cells made showed a high current density using CuSbSx films (up to 1-2 mA/cm2).
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publication
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W2141270601
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Comparative methods for PET image segmentation in pharyngolaryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
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Several methods have been proposed for the segmentation of ¹⁸F-FDG uptake in PET. In this study, we assessed the performance of four categories of ¹⁸F-FDG PET image segmentation techniques in pharyngolaryngeal squamous cell carcinoma using clinical studies where the surgical specimen served as the benchmark.Nine PET image segmentation techniques were compared including: five thresholding methods; the level set technique (active contour); the stochastic expectation-maximization approach; fuzzy clustering-based segmentation (FCM); and a variant of FCM, the spatial wavelet-based algorithm (FCM-SW) which incorporates spatial information during the segmentation process, thus allowing the handling of uptake in heterogeneous lesions. These algorithms were evaluated using clinical studies in which the segmentation results were compared to the 3-D biological tumour volume (BTV) defined by histology in PET images of seven patients with T3-T4 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent a total laryngectomy. The macroscopic tumour specimens were collected "en bloc", frozen and cut into 1.7- to 2-mm thick slices, then digitized for use as reference.The clinical results suggested that four of the thresholding methods and expectation-maximization overestimated the average tumour volume, while a contrast-oriented thresholding method, the level set technique and the FCM-SW algorithm underestimated it, with the FCM-SW algorithm providing relatively the highest accuracy in terms of volume determination (-5.9 ± 11.9%) and overlap index. The mean overlap index varied between 0.27 and 0.54 for the different image segmentation techniques. The FCM-SW segmentation technique showed the best compromise in terms of 3-D overlap index and statistical analysis results with values of 0.54 (0.26-0.72) for the overlap index.The BTVs delineated using the FCM-SW segmentation technique were seemingly the most accurate and approximated closely the 3-D BTVs defined using the surgical specimens. Adaptive thresholding techniques need to be calibrated for each PET scanner and acquisition/processing protocol, and should not be used without optimization.
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publication
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EP 2008059215 W
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DISTANCE METER AND DISTANCE MEASURING SYSTEM
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The invention relates to a distance meter (1), especially a laser distance meter, comprising means for continuously measuring a distance between a reference point (7) of the distance meter (1) and an interspaced element (5, 16). The invention is characterized by means (21) for signaling a direction of adjustment in which the distance meter (1) has to be adjusted in relation to the interspaced element (5, 16) and/or the interspaced element (5, 16) in relation to the distance meter (1) to adjust a definable distance between the reference point (7) of the distance meter (1) and the interspaced element (5, 16). The invention also relates to a distance measuring system.
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patent
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223897
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Biophysical mechanisms of long-range transcriptional regulation
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In mammals, transcriptional control of many genes relies on cis-regulatory elements such as enhancers, which are often located tens to hundreds of kilobases away from their cognate promoters. Functional interactions between distal regulatory elements and target promoters require mutual physical proximity, which is linked to the three-dimensional structure of the chromatin fiber. Chromosome conformation capture studies revealed that chromosomes are partitioned into Topologically Associating Domains (TADs), sub-megabase domains of preferential physical interactions of the chromatin fiber. Genetic evidence showed that TAD boundaries restrict the genomic range of enhancer-promoter communication, and that interactions between regulatory sequences within TADs are further fine-tuned by smaller-scale structures. However, the mechanistic details of how physical interactions translate into transcriptional outputs are totally unknown. Here we propose to explore the biophysical mechanisms that link chromosome conformation and long-range transcriptional regulation using molecular biology, genetic engineering, single-cell experiments and physical modeling. We will measure chromosomal interactions in single cells and in time using a novel method that relies on an enzymatic process in vivo. Genetic engineering will be used to establish a cell system that allows quantitative measurement of how enhancer-promoter interactions relate to transcription at the population and single-cell levels, and to test the effects of perturbations without confounding effects. Finally, we will develop physical models of promoter operation in the presence of distal enhancers, which will be used to interpret the experimental data and formulate new testable predictions. With this integrated approach we aim at providing an entirely new layer of description of the general principles underlying transcriptional control, which could establish new paradigms for research in epigenetics and gene regulation.
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project/european
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W1577606083
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Nursing Perspectives on Person- and People-Centered Integrated Care for All
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Person-centeredness resides at the heart of nursing and nurses also place people at the centre of their activities to achieve a healthier society. The commitment of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) to deliver person- and people-centered care is evident in the ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses [1], ICN policy papers and is translated into various guidelines, programmes and research. Person- and people-centered healthcare requires not only commitment of individual nurses and other healthcare workers but also changes in healthcare systems including service delivery systems and other structures. It is necessary to take a whole government approach where person- and people-centered healthcare is considered by all ministries including non-health sectors. Active involvement of care recipients, nurses and other healthcare professionals in healthcare design and decision making is essential to achieve person- and people-centered healthcare.
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publication
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W2002655027
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Time series geophysical monitoring of permanganate injections and in situ chemical oxidation of PCE, OU1 area, Savage Superfund Site, Milford, NH, USA
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In situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) treatment with sodium permanganate, an electrically conductive oxidant, provides a strong electrical signal for tracking of injectate transport using time series geophysical surveys including direct current (DC) resistivity and electromagnetic (EM) methods. Effective remediation is dependent upon placing the oxidant in close contact with the contaminated aquifer. Therefore, monitoring tools that provide enhanced tracking capability of the injectate offer considerable benefit to guide subsequent ISCO injections. Time-series geophysical surveys were performed at a superfund site in New Hampshire, USA over a one-year period to identify temporal changes in the bulk electrical conductivity of a tetrachloroethylene (PCE; also called tetrachloroethene) contaminated, glacially deposited aquifer due to the injection of sodium permanganate. The ISCO treatment involved a series of pulse injections of sodium permanganate from multiple injection wells within a contained area of the aquifer. After the initial injection, the permanganate was allowed to disperse under ambient groundwater velocities. Time series geophysical surveys identified the downward sinking and pooling of the sodium permanganate atop of the underlying till or bedrock surface caused by density-driven flow, and the limited horizontal spread of the sodium permanganate in the shallow parts of the aquifer during this injection period. When coupled with conventional monitoring, the surveys allowed for an assessment of ISCO treatment effectiveness in targeting the PCE plume and helped target areas for subsequent treatment.
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publication
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W2560258580
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The Role of Department Supports on Doctoral Completion and Time-to-Degree
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This study examined department supports that influence doctoral completion and time-to-degree among 5,001 doctoral programs at 212 universities in the United States. Multiple regression models were used to determine the relationships between financial support and academic support and doctoral retention and how these relationships vary across STEM and non-STEM fields. Analyzing the American National Research Council’s data, we found that a department’s financial support significantly predict doctoral completion and time-to-degree. However, no overarching relationship was found between department academic support and doctoral completion and time-to-degree. These findings provide a better understanding of how department supports are associated with doctoral student success. The article concludes with implications for theory, practice, and future research.
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publication
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Q3367446
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Fehst AVANTGARDE INTERIORS — Innovazione e competitività nella produzione di componenti avanzati in polimero con superfici decorative funzionali
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Fehst AVANTGARDE INTERIORS porrà Fehst a un livello di competitività e innovazione che le consentirà di gestire con successo una nuova nicchia del mercato dell'industria automobilistica, ossia quella dei Sistemi Estone Funzionali.
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project/regional
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W4381572355
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Francs-Maçons Arméniens et la Costitution de l’Arménie ottomane, Constantinople 1863 de Onnik Jamgocyan
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Les Francs-Maçons Arméniens et la Costitution de l’Arménie ottomane, Constantinople 1863 de Onnik Jamgocyan. París: Les Editions du Bosphore, 2017. 279 páginas. ISBN: 9782956039402.
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publication
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W2062424974
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Fluoxetine effects on sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) locomotor activity
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Fluoxetine (FLX), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is among the top 100 drugs prescribed annually in the United States and the United Kingdom and is one of many pharmaceutical products that have been detected in global surface waters. Our study used sublethal concentrations to assess the impact of FLX exposure on sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) locomotor behavior. Exposures lasted for 56 hours, and fish were recorded for locomotor behavior assessment at six timepoints between 1-56 h post-dose. Behavior was recorded to quantify locomotor activity using line crossing counts. Animals treated with 300 μg L(-1) FLX exhibited reduced locomotor activity at 1, 25, 32, 49 and 56 h post-dose. An EC(25) value of 2 μg L(-1) (lower and upper 95 % confidence limits at 1.3, 43 μg L(-1), respectively) was determined for locomotor activity at 32 h of exposure. Changes in locomotor activity due to FLX exposure may have implications for the ecological response of populations to other natural and anthropogenic stressors.
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publication
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184458
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Multipoint optical devices for minimally invasive neural circuits interface
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A primary goal of experimental neuroscience is to dissect the neural microcircuitry underlying brain function, ultimately to link specific neural circuits to behavior. There is widespread agreement that innovative new research tools are required to better understand the incredible structural and functional complexity of the brain. To this aim, optical techniques based on genetically encoded neural activity indicators and actuators have represented a revolution for experimental neuroscience, allowing genetic targeting of specific classes of neurons and brain circuits. However, for optical approaches to reach their full potential, we need new generations of devices better able to interface with the extreme complexity and diversity of brain topology and connectivity.
This project aspires to develop innovative technologies for multipoint optical neural interfacing with the mammalian brain in vivo. The limitations of the current state-of-the-art will be surmounted by developing a radically new approach for modal multiplexing and de-multiplexing of light into a single, thin, minimally invasive tapered optical fiber serving as a carrier for multipoint signals to and from the brain. This will be achieved through nano- and micro-structuring of the taper edge, capitalizing on the photonic properties of the tapered waveguide to precisely control light delivery and collection in vivo. This general approach will propel the development of innovative new nano- and micro-photonic devices for studying the living brain.
The main objectives of the proposals are: 1) Development of minimally invasive technologies for versatile, user-defined optogenetic control over deep brain regions; 2) Development of fully integrated high signal-to- noise-ratio optrodes; 3) Development of minimally invasive technologies for multi-point in vivo all-optical “electrophysiology” through a single waveguide; 4) Development of new optical methodologies for dissecting brain circuitry at small and large scale
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project/european
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W2000793813
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Para além da filiação religiosa: religião, religiosidade e o panorama religioso em Ribeirão das Neves-MG, Brasil - DOI: 10.5752/P.2175-5841.2011v9n23p715
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Para alem da filiacao religiosa: religiao, religiosidade e o panorama religioso em Ribeirao das Neves-MG, Brasil (Beyond the religious affiliation: religion, religiosity and the religious panorama in Ribeirao das Neves- MG, Brazil) DOI: 10.5752/P.2175-5841.2011v9n23p715 Conhecer o panorama religioso no nivel nacional e ao longo do tempo pode ser considerado um privilegio do Brasil, cujos censos demograficos coletam informacoes a este respeito pelo menos desde 1940. No entanto, a literatura sugere que a filiacao religiosa nao e suficiente para entender o papel da religiao na vida dos individuos. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste artigo e mostrar, atraves do exemplo de Ribeirao das Neves, MG-Brasil, a importância da religiosidade no panorama religioso. O estudo combina dados do Censo Demografico de 2000 com informacoes sobre estudantes do Ensino Medio da rede publica estadual coletados pela Pesquisa Jovem, levando em consideracao nao apenas a filiacao religiosa, mas tambem a frequencia as cerimonias e da frequencia com que se reza/ora fora das cerimonias religiosas. Os resultados do Censo 2000 sugerem que o municipio de Ribeirao das Neves e distinto de Minas Gerais e do Brasil no que tange a filiacao religiosa. A inclusao da frequencia as cerimonias e de medida de religiosidade no âmbito domestico desvenda outros aspectos relativos a religiao, sugerindo que ir alem da filiacao religiosa pode ajudar a compreender melhor a complexidade do panorama religioso. Palavras-chave : Religiao. Religiosidade. Ensino Medio. Juventude. Ribeirao das Neves, Brasil Abstract Knowledge of the religious landscape over time and at the national level could be considered a privilege of Brazil. Brazilian demographic censuses have collected information related to religion since 1940. However, the literature suggests that religious affiliation is not sufficient for understanding the role of religion in the lives of individuals. Thus, the objective of this article is to show the importance of religiosity in the religious landscape, using the example of Ribeirao das Neves, Minas Gerais. The study combines data from the Demographic Census of 2000 with information about high school students in the state-run, public school system collected by the Pesquisa Jovem (Youth Survey). The study takes into consideration not only religious affiliation, but also attendance at worship services and the frequency with which individuals pray outside of worship services. The results of the 2000 Census suggest that the municipality of Ribeirao das Neves is distinct from Minas Gerais and Brazil in relation to religious affiliation. The inclusion of attendance at worship ceremonies and a measurement of religiosity in the home reveal other aspects related to religion, suggesting that going beyond religious affiliation may help to better understand the complexity of the religious panorama. Key words : Religion. Religiosity. High School. Youth. Ribeirao das Neves, Brazil
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publication
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W2064049529
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Multiparticle processes and tamed ultraviolet divergences
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New approach to computing the amplitudes of multi-particle processes in renormalizable quantum field theories is presented. Its major feature is a separation of the renormalization from the computation. Within the suggested approach new computational rules are formulated. According to the new rules, the amplitudes under computation are expressed as a sum of effective Feynman amplitudes whose vertexes are the complete amplitudes of the processes involving not more than four particles, and the lines are the complete two-point functions. The new rules include prescriptions for computing the combinatorial factors by each amplitude. It is demonstrated that due to these prescriptions the combinatorial factors by the amplitudes that are divergent in the ultraviolet in four space-time dimensions vanish. Because of this, the computations within the new approach do not involve the ultraviolet renormalization. It is observed that the combinatorics of the new rules determines the dimension of the space-time.
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publication
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215763
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High efficient particulate free gasoline engines
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The UPGRADE project aims to support the transition to a high efficient, cleaner and affordable powertrain technology systems, based on Spark Ignited GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) approach, suitable for future Light Duty applications. The project also includes a deep analysis of the phenomenon of the formation of the nanoparticles in relationship to the engine design and its operating conditions and, with regard to the after-treatment solutions, the study and development of new Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) technologies.
To increase the engine efficiency under Real Driving conditions, the following steps will be carried out:
- address stoichiometric combustion approach on the “small” size engine and lean-burn combustion approach on the “medium” size one
- study and develop the best combinations of technologies, including advanced VVA/VVT capabilities, advanced boosting system (including electrically assisted booster operations), EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) and thermal management systems
- Explore and implement advanced fuel injection (direct) and ignition system supported by new dedicated control strategies that will be integrated in the ECU (Engine Control Unit) software.
In order to demonstrate the call overall targets (15% improvement on CO2 emissions based on the WLTP cycle and compliancy with post Euro 6 RDE standards) the project will see the realization of two full demonstrator vehicles: one B-segment vehicle, equipped with the small downsized stoichiometric engine, and one D/E vehicle equipped with the medium size lean-burn engine. The vehicle will be fully calibrated and assessed by independent testing, according to on road test procedures, using the available best representative PEMS (Portable Emission Measurement System) technology and considering also PN measurement below 23 nm diameter.
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project/european
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interreg_722
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COESIMA - Coopération Européenne de Sites Majeurs d'Accuei
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Pilgrimages have been a unique cornerstone in the creation of European cultures as a result of the exchanges generated by the 2,500 pilgrimage sites that have existed on the European continent. Today, most of these sites have disappeared because they have not been able to keep up with developments in society nor have they adapted to new visitor expectations. It is now necessary to take into account new social aspects and new spiritual and cultural practices in order to guarantee and diversify the activity of such sites, attracting a broader public. Overall objective / Objectif général In the framework of the European network of the seven Major Visitor Sites, COESIMA aims to improve organisation and to adapt and diversify activities to improve the economic and social development of such locations. Analysis of tourism flows by means of the same visitor frequency studies should make it possible to ascertain the motivation, the loyalty and the expectations of pilgrims from Europe and from the rest of the world. Accessibility studies will define any adaptations required for the handicapped. Actions to promote cultural value should involve the protection and restoration of outstanding constructions. The lead partner’s experience in cross-border cooperation (INTERREG II AND III A) and the topics covered in this framework should form a basis for continued, coherent action in inter-regional cooperation as presented in COESIMA. Expected results / Résultats attendus COESIMA creates a permanent network of the major European visitor sites so that know-how can be acquired, shared, developed and disseminated. The themed studies that form the pilot action of this project should lead to the definition of options for structural alterations or events to be set up in each site to improve organisation and utilisation. Such elements are necessary to make the locations more attractive and to diversify them in order to promote sustainable development. Common promotion will increase themed stays in the COESIMA towns for international visitors. It will be backed by actions to improve the quality of reception based on a joint charter set up by the “major visitor sites” to promote visitor loyalty.
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project/regional
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W1986518917
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Microstructural factors determining mechanical properties of laser-welded Ti–4.5Al–2.5Cr–1.2Fe–0.1C alloy for use in next-generation aircraft
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The complex microstructure of a high hot-workable α + β-type titanium alloy, Ti–4.5Al–2.5Cr–1.2Fe–0.1C with a continuously varying α phase in terms of its size, distribution, morphology, and crystal orientation from the welded zone to the matrix, including a trace amount of welding defect, was investigated by several microstructural and crystallographical analysis techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction to elucidate the crucial factors determining its mechanical properties such as tensile properties and fatigue etc. The alloy was processed with laser welding to prepare parts for use in next-generation aircraft. The tensile properties of welded samples exhibit a strength–ductility balance similar to that of non-welded sample. All the failures in these samples occur at their matrices because the hardness values of welded zone on the cross section perpendicular to loading direction of the welded samples are higher than that on the same plane of non-welded sample, which is related to crystal texture of α phase. However, the fatigue strengths of welded samples are lower than that of non-welded sample. Such the decrease in fatigue strength of welded samples is caused by the presence of pores formed during welding.
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publication
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Q4295982
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Sistema de apoyo intergeneracional a la innovación social
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La crisis económica y financiera hace diez años dejó atrás retos socioeconómicos y demográficos muy importantes. En particular, el persistente aumento del desempleo que resulta en la pobreza y la exclusión social requiere soluciones urgentes y sostenibles. Los desempleados más jóvenes y mayores no cualificados (más de 50 años) se refieren principalmente a mujeres y hombres. Todas las regiones asociadas tienen este «nuevo» grupo desfavorecido — desempleados de larga duración. La innovación social puede ofrecer respuestas, pero hay una falta de experiencia y experiencia en el desarrollo empresarial y el apoyo en los sectores público y privado. También hay una falta de financiación. Por lo tanto, el objetivo es desarrollar y aplicar conjuntamente un sistema de servicios a medida y apoyar el desarrollo empresarial con el fin de promover la integración de los grupos desfavorecidos en el mercado laboral a través de la innovación social y las nuevas empresas sociales. Las empresas serán el resultado de capacitaciones especialmente desarrolladas. El programa contará con triángulos regionales básicos formados por actores clave de apoyo a expertos, organizaciones asistenciales y del tercer sector, expertos en innovación social y emprendimiento e iniciativas de financiación público/privada. Los triángulos constituirán un triángulo común general que permitirá un enfoque supranacional para combatir el desempleo intergeneracional y la exclusión social. Con el fin de alcanzar el objetivo del proyecto, se pondrán en marcha acciones piloto para probar y validar el programa de apoyo y la estrategia subyacente. Esto conducirá a la creación de programas sostenibles en las seis regiones cubiertas por el programa piloto. El proyecto reunirá a jóvenes y mayores (50+) ciudadanos desempleados para que estas dos generaciones puedan aprender unos de otros intercambiando experiencias, eliminando las habilidades y competencias que faltan. Además, los actores clave en el triángulo reg. aprenderán unos de otros, y el proceso dinámico de creación de capacidades tendrá lugar a lo largo del proyecto en diferentes niveles. Habrá un proyecto educativo en todos los aspectos en SITU.
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project/regional
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W2900766284
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Ecuador QIQ Study 1998
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As part of an ongoing initiative to identify efficient, reliable methods of monitoring quality of care in family planning programs, the Quick Investigation of Quality (QIQ) was developed and field-tested in multiple countries in 1998-99. The current analysis examines the comparability of results between observations and exit interviews on selected indicators using data from three countries (Ecuador, Uganda, and Zimbabwe). These two instruments differ somewhat in the type of information collected, yet there is considerable overlap. For example, observation is better at measuring accuracy of information during counseling and technical competence of the provider, whereas exit interviews provide the client's perspective on the services received. However, the two converge when clients report on the providers' actions during counseling and clinical examination. The researchers compared frequencies on selected indicators available from both instruments and calculated Kappa coefficients for agreement after linking data from observation and exit interviews for the same client. Although levels would vary across countries for a given indicator, within a country results were consistent between instruments. Agreement was good to excellent on many of the indicators. These data provide evidence that the QIQ is a reliable means of monitoring QC in family planning programs. Moreover, a number of the QC indicators can be obtained from either data collection method, raising the question of whether full implementation of both instruments is always needed. Although some programs may opt for one instrument over the other due to resource constraints, the combination provides a fuller assessment of QC.
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publication
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CA 2671981 A
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DC POWER SYSTEM
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There is provided a system that includes a power feed that distributes a direct current (DC) voltage in a building. The DC voltage is in a range of about 300 - 600 volts DC. The system also includes a motor, and a motor drive. The motor drive receives the DC voltage via the power feed, and from the DC voltage, derives an output that drives the motor.
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patent
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888993
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Responsive theranostic nanosystems for advanced cancer treatment
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REACT aims to dramatically impact the targeted release of diagnostic agents and drugs with nanomedicines that respond to biological cues or changing pathophysiological conditions, thus enabling ultrasensitive diagnosis and exquisite therapy selectivity. Nanomedicine research against cancer focuses on the local targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics to enhance drug efficacy and reduce side effects. Despite all the efforts in the design of chemotherapeutic agents as nanomedicines, hardly any improvement has been translated into benefits for patients’ survival. There is an urgent need for improved carrier systems able to deliver high doses of diagnostic agents and anti-cancer drugs to the tumor. Stimuli responsive carriers are promising candidates since the release of the cargo can be triggered locally in the tumor environment. Currently, there exists an unparalleled effort to identify genes, proteins and metabolites implicated in human disease and utilize systems biology and mathematical approaches in order to develop new prognostic tools for the treatment of cancer and develop more targeted therapies for patients. As an expert in drug delivery systems, the PI intends to bring all these efforts and advances into the design of stimuli responsive organic-inorganic hybrid nanoparticles that can adapt their response to the biological milieu. The novel engineered delivery systems will consist of an inorganic porous matrix surface-modified with tumor-specific molecules with the ability to sense changes in the environmental conditions and react by providing a proportional release. These nanosystems can potentially be employed for early in vitro diagnosis through effective screening of deadly tumors, such as neuroblastoma and glioblastoma. Moreover, through the sustained delivery of the nanosystems from injectable gels that can be locally implanted in patients at risk of developing a tumor, a clinically relevant tool for in vivo diagnosis and targeted therapy can be achieved.
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project/european
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W2067178723
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High-resolution satellite scene classification using a sparse coding based multiple feature combination
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This article presents a new method for high-resolution satellite scene classification. Specifically, we make three main contributions: (1) we introduce the sparse coding method for satellite scene classification; (2) we present local ternary pattern histogram Fourier (LTP-HF) features, an improved rotation invariant texture descriptor based on LTPs; (3) we effectively combine a set of diverse and complementary features to further improve the performance. A two-stage linear support vector machine (SVM) classifier is designed for this purpose. In the first stage, the SVM is used to generate probability images with a scale invariant feature transform (SIFT), LTP-HF and colour histogram features, respectively. The generated probability images with different features are fused in the second stage in order to obtain the final classification results. Experimental results show that the suggested classification method achieves very promising performance.
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publication
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W2083330121
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Mixing and entrainment in the near field of turbulent round jets
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Results from experiments on the near field of a turbulent circular pipe jet at Reynolds numbers between 3,000 and 30,000 are compared to analytical models derived from assuming a perfect balance between axial and radial flow rates. This assumption is proved to be valid on average by taking measurements on both longitudinal and transverse planes and by direct evaluation of axial and radial flow rates. The experimental campaign is carried out by performing measurements by means of high-speed particle image velocimetry. The analytical models describe approximately the behavior of measured average radial velocities and entrainment rates with indications of a significant Reynolds number dependence which disappears for values larger than 10,000. This behavior is also confirmed by velocity rms and integral scale results.
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publication
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W994987314
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Multispectral fluorescence imaging for odorant discrimination and visualization
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Abstract A concept based on multispectral fluorescence imaging was proposed in this paper for the discrimination and visualization of odorants. Fluorescent dyes with different excitation/emission spectra were mixed into agarose gel to prepare a multiple probe sensing film. Odorants remained in environment were recorded on the sensing film via a process called odorant exposure. The odorant-induced fluorescence change of the film under various excitation lights was captured by a CCD camera to obtain multispectral images. It was demonstrated that the use of multiple fluorescence probes provided discrete emission bands, which increased the dimensions of vector space of the multispectral images. Complicated interactions between probes and probes, probes and odorants resulted in the diversiform fluorescence change patterns of the images. Combined with principal component analysis (PCA), different odorants could be discriminated and clustered in the principal component spaces in association with their molecular structures. A hand-shape odorant mark with region-segmented components was visualized with high spatial resolution. Additionally, the technique also succeeded in the visualized demonstration of an airflow containing mixed odorants. Compared with the existing gas and odor sensing technologies, the multispectral fluorescence imaging can be used not only to discriminate different odorants, but also to visualize their time-averaged spatial distribution in environment. Due to its novelty and high information acquisition ability, it can be expected as a new and powerful tool in odor sensing.
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publication
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GB 2012052574 W
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ROTARY PISTON INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
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A rotary internal combustion engine of the Wankel type having a housing with a two lobed epitrochoidal inner peripheral surface, a shaft journalled in end housings and a rotor eccentrically mounted on the shaft and geared to rotate at one third the speed of said shaft whereby working chambers are formed between the flanks of the rotor and the housings which vary in volume as the rotor rotates. The rotor is cooled by a fully closed circuit system wherein pressurised gasses are circulated by a centrifugal fan which is directly mounted on the main eccentric shaft, and circulates the gases through a heat exchanger which is integrated into the cool sector of the rotor housing, all components being enclosed within the pressurised system and only one drive shaft using a single high pressure shaft seal assembly emerges from this system.
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patent
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W2014582675
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Preparation, characterization and in vitro antiviral activity evaluation of foscarnet-chitosan nanoparticles
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A new nanoparticulate system for foscarnet delivery was prepared and evaluated. Nanoparticles were obtained by ionotropic gelation of chitosan induced by foscarnet itself, acting as an ionotropic agent in a manner similar to tripolyphosphate anion. A Doehlert design allowed finding the suitable experimental conditions. Nanoparticles were between 200 and 300nm in diameter (around 450nm after redispersion). Nanoparticle size increased after 5h, but no size increase was observed after 48h when nanoparticles were crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. Zeta potential values of noncrosslinked and crosslinked nanoparticles were between 20 and 25mV, while drug loading of noncrosslinked nanoparticles was about 40% w/w (55% w/w for crosslinked nanoparticles). Nanoparticle yield was around 25% w/w. Crosslinked nanoparticles showed a controlled drug release. Foscarnet released from nanoparticles maintained the antiviral activity of the free drug when tested in vitro against lung fibroblasts (HELF) cells infected with HCMV strain AD-169. Moreover, nanoparticles showed no toxicity on non-infected HELF cells. These nanoparticles may represent a delivery system that could improve the therapeutic effect of foscarnet.
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publication
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221357
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Assessing compounds targeting dna replication licensing complexes as anti-tumor agents
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Cancer is a major clinical, societal and economic burden worldwide and development of novel anti-cancer therapies constitutes a major investment of public and private funds. Despite intense research over decades however, which has led to a much improved understanding of cancer biology, cancer treatment remains a challenge. This is to a large extent due to the genetic heterogeneity of cancer and the ability of cancer cells to escape treatment by constantly undergoing further genetic alterations. During our ERC funded work, we have shown that aberrations in the DNA replication licensing pathway may contribute to the genome plasticity of cancer cells, and appear a common feature of cancer cells. They may however also constitute an Achilles foot, as cancer cells appear more dependent on negative regulators of the licensing system for survival. Cancer cells may therefore be more sensitive than normal cells to compounds targeting this control (inhibition of untimely licensing). We have identified compounds which target the DNA replication licensing inhibitor Geminin. The proposed PoC study will enable us to:
- assess the efficacy and specificity of the identified compounds in cells and preclinical models and study their mechanism of action.
- investigate the potential use of these compounds for studying cell cycle processes.
- assess whether the functional imaging approaches developed under the mother ERC project, which quantify protein-protein interactions within living cells, may constitute a powerful tool for in-cell analysis of novel lead compounds.
The project thus aims to characterize, protect and commercialize novel putative anti-tumor agents as well as the in-cell methods developed for their characterization.
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project/european
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interreg_3898
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Integrated and Sustainable Development of Small European Wine Areas in Border Regions
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Smaller European wine areas in border regions, such as the regions participating in the operation “VINUM EST - Integrated and Sustainable Development of Small European Wine Areas in Border Regions", share a range of limitations to development. These include limited resources for investment and innovation, and limited access to national or European markets as well as an underdeveloped service sector. As border regions the partners also share particular challenges such as limited geographical accessibility. Overall objective / Objectif général The operation aims to strengthen development of small European wine areas in border regions through know-how exchange and transfer. Partners place specific emphasis on the transfer of experiences and know-how from old EU Member States to new EU countries and on integrated approaches to development. These range from wine and food production to tourism, gastronomy and cultural aspects. A second focus is on environmental sustainability through the production of organic food and the protection of landscapes and native grapes and yeast. Expected results / Résultats attendus The operation improves the participating regions’ development potentials and their environmental situation. It leads to higher quality standards in wine production, improved marketing of local products and an increase in organic farming. Improved development policies reflect more sustainable approaches and integrate tourism as an important development goal. Activities include actions to improve wine quality such as wine certification and coordinated area marketing. Based on a number of meetings, conferences and training sessions, partners involve stakeholders in the project and elaborate local innovation plans as well as promotional activities. Partners also develop and publish guidelines on "Integrated and Sustainable Development in Small European wine Areas" to transfer results to non participating regions
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project/regional
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W1991259120
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Analysis of three-dimensional natural convection of nanofluids by BEM
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Abstract In this paper we analyse flow and heat transfer characteristics of nanofluids in natural convection flows in closed cavities. We consider two test cases: natural convection in a three-dimensional differentially heated cavity, and flow around a hotstrip located in two positions within a cavity. Simulations were performed for Rayleigh number values ranging from 10 3 to 10 6 . Performance of three types of water based nanofluids was compared with pure water and air. Stable suspensions of Cu, Al 2 O 3 and TiO 2 solid nanoparticles in water were considered for different volume fractions ranging up to 20%. We present and compare heat flux for all cases and analyse heat transfer enhancement attributed to nanofluids in terms of their enhanced thermal properties and changed flow characteristics. Results show that, using nanofluids, the largest heat transfer enhancements can be achieved in conduction dominated flows as well as that nanofluids increase the three-dimensional character of the flow field. We additionally examine the relationship between vorticity, vorticity flux and heat transfer for flow of nanofluids. The simulations were performed using a three-dimensional boundary element method based flow solver, which has been adapted for the simulation of nanofluids. The numerical algorithm is based on the combination of single domain and subdomain boundary element method, which are used to solve the velocity–vorticity formulation of Navier–Stokes equations. In the paper we present the adaptation of the solver for simulation of nanofluids. Additionally, we developed a dynamic solver accuracy algorithm, which was used to speed up the simulations.
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publication
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W2188602420
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Colour behaviour of the blazar PKS 0735+178 in 1994-2004 (Research Note)
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Context. The properties of variable sources responsible for blazar activity are still under discussion. Some conclusions can be drawn from analyzing monitoring observations. Aims. The results of multicolour monitoring observations of the blazar PKS 0735+178 are used to study the colour behaviour of the variable source responsible for the blazar activity in 1994−2004. Methods. The method of “flux-flux” diagrams is used to find the SED of the variable source. Results. The SED of the variable source was unchanged on timescales of years and is represented well by a power-law. High observed polarization and power-law spectrum point to the synchrotron nature of the variable source. The achromatic variability can then be explained by variations in the Doppler boosting due to ∼10 ◦ -variations in the angle between the line of sight and the velocity direction of the radiating source. Conclusions. There is no doubt about the synchrotron nature of the variable source. The most probable reason for this variability is the change in the Doppler boosting.
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publication
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W1491457759
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SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHERS' PROCLIVITIES TO TEACH WORLD HISTORY IN THE NEW K TO 12 - JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM IN THE PHILIPPINES
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According to George Lucas, “The one way the world hasn’t changed: Teaching is the most important job.” This supports the profession’s nobility—that without it there could be no other professionals around. This qualitative study assessed the social studies teachers’ proclivities to teach world history, by (1) analyzing their learning styles and their likelihood to teach using the brain quadrants; (2) describing the actual demonstration based on selected lessons in each unit of work, and (3) generating themes based on their values, expressions, impressions and written commitments. The study employed a typical case analysis of a selected cluster of Social Studies teachers, among the five city divisions in Cebu, who attended the Grade 9 Mass Training for Social Studies in summer, 2014. A researchermade- questionnaire, designed according to the Ned Hermann’s Brain Quadrants, was administered before the start of the training. Narratives on their challenging moments during the five-day training-workshop were generated, clustered and analyzed. Actual observations on their attendance, participation in break-out and plenary sessions and teaching demonstrations were also observed. Significant insights, expressions, impressions, and personal commitments were recorded. Their proclivities to teach world history before and during the training were consistent with their behavior and performance as shown in the actual planning and teaching demonstration on the KPUP Model of Teaching. Receptiveness, cautious assessment, holistic teaching, dynamic synergy, candidness, sincerity, and honest commitments were useful themes that consequently generated the values of self-regulation, extraversion, agreeableness and openness (Mirhashemi & Goodarzi, 2014) for the successful implementation of the K to 12. At the outset, not one of the groups in the cluster showed a perfect whole brain propensity to teach world history—a challenge that they needed to address right after the training.
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publication
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interreg_1324
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Fisheries in the AdriatIc Region ‐ a Shared Ecosystem Approach
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The FAIRSEA project aims at enhancing transnational capacity and cooperation in the field of an ecosystem approach to fisheries in the Adriatic region by exchanging knowledge and sharing good practices among partners. The complementary expertise of the partners is shared, interlinked and integrated, considering also challenges and opportunities identified by stakeholders. The efforts are embedded in a spatially explicit management platform that will allow to share expertise, create a common pool of knowledge, boost the operational application of the ecosystem approach to fisheries, enhance the competence in complex system dynamics, and foster a consensus on the state of the environment and fisheries in the region. The process developed in FAIRSEA will provide an opportunity to describe best practices and define guidelines for a sustainable fishery management.
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project/regional
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AU 2016/357735 A
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Methods for treating multiple sclerosis using pyrimidine and pyridine compounds with BTK inhibitory activity
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The present invention provides methods of treating MS using pyrimidine and pyridine compounds which are inhibitors of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK).
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patent
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W297909767
|
What Else Does Your Biometric Data Reveal? A Survey on Soft Biometrics
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Recent research has explored the possibility of extracting ancillary information from primary biometric traits viz., face, fingerprints, hand geometry, and iris. This ancillary information includes personal attributes, such as gender, age, ethnicity, hair color, height, weight, and so on. Such attributes are known as soft biometrics and have applications in surveillance and indexing biometric databases. These attributes can be used in a fusion framework to improve the matching accuracy of a primary biometric system (e.g., fusing face with gender information), or can be used to generate qualitative descriptions of an individual (e.g., young Asian female with dark eyes and brown hair). The latter is particularly useful in bridging the semantic gap between human and machine descriptions of the biometric data. In this paper, we provide an overview of soft biometrics and discuss some of the techniques that have been proposed to extract them from the image and the video data. We also introduce a taxonomy for organizing and classifying soft biometric attributes, and enumerate the strengths and limitations of these attributes in the context of an operational biometric system. Finally, we discuss open research problems in this field. This survey is intended for researchers and practitioners in the field of biometrics.
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publication
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W4383504474
|
PERCEPÇÃO DE AUXILIARES DE ENFERMAGEM ACERCA DA PRÁTICA PROFISSIONAL DAS UNIDADES BÁSICAS DE SAÚDE DO MUNICÍPIO DE GANDU(BA)
|
O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a percepção de auxiliaresde enfermagem sobre a prática profissional, no município de Gandú/BA.2003. Estudo de corte transversal, com a população de 14 auxiliaresde enfermagem, cujas variáveis foram, idade, sexo e percepção sobre aprática profissional. Os auxiliares percebem que a prática profissionalbasea-se em experiências adquiridas com o tempo, com as pessoas e coma intuição, destacando a experiência acumulada; é possível ser um bomprofissional sem buscar maiores informações; realizaram o curso doPROFAE por imposição dos decretos que regulamentam o exercício profissional,por influencia de superiores e que visualizavam o mesmo como umapossibilidade de redimensionar a vida pessoal e profissional, dentro deum contexto de reconstrução social e político do Sistema Único de SaúdeConclui-se que esses profissionais necessitam de cursos de capacitaçãocom vistas a prepará-los em suas diversas competências profissionais deforma crítica e reflexiva como atores sociais capazes de transformar aprópria realidade.
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publication
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221826
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Solaris energy tobacco for the creation of a european sustainable biojet fuel value chain
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The EU aviation plans to use 2 Mt/y of biojet fuel by 2020. IATA set a strict requirement to use only biojet fuel meeting SRB sustainability standards, while Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), the only viable way to produce biojet is still largely relying on food crops (mainly palm oil, not sustainable for deforestation). HVO producers are all eager to find sustainable and viable feedstock alternative in Europe. We estimate a Total Addressable Market of 2 Mt/y in 2020 to be covered with sustainable feedstock in Europe.
Solaris is a patented variety of tobacco plant specifically targeted as feedstock for second generation biofuel: nicotine free, non GMO, producing oil-containing seeds, no food competing, globally available and cultivable in Europe. Solaris allows the highest oil productivity of all oil producing crops, only second to palm: double than rapeseed and jatropha. It is cultivable in Europe, which has strong tobacco cultivation experience, while other second generation crops are not. It is fully sustainable: certified since 2012 by 2BSvs and since 2015 by the RSB. Solaris biojet can reach 83% CO2 reduction compared to fossil jet fuel.
Sunchem is running a pilot cultivation in South Africa in collaboration with Boeing, South African Airlines and SkyNRG (KLM group), but now wants to implement an integrated value chain in Europe, through an industrially viable agronomic process, certified and optimized value chain, validation of pilot cultivation in Italy (5 hectares). After demonstration the industrial feasibility and economical viability the first market launch will be done in collaboration with ENI, Alitalia and Boeing Italia.
Sunchem wants to become a global supply leader in the biofuel market, entering in the B2B market, and targeting revenues in Italy after 5 years from the launch of 90M€ with an EBIDTA of 7.7M€ (8.5%). Cumulated profit after 5 years will amount to 12,3 M€, which is 7.5 times the investment required.
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project/european
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W321639749
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Recent advances in rare-earth elements modification of inorganic semiconductor-based photocatalysts for efficient solar energy conversion: A review
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Abstract This review focused on rare-earth elements containing inorganic semiconductor photocatalysts for efficient solar energy conversion. We also summarized the recent progress in the modification of the transition metal oxides and mixed oxides with rare earth ions. In the first section, we surveyed a variety of rare-earth elements modified TiO2 photocatalysts. Attributed to the modification with rare-earth elements, phase transformation of TiO2 from anatase to rutile was inhibited. Furthermore, the light-absorbing property of the TiO2 modified with rare-earth elements was also enhanced. In the second section, we summarized the effects of rare-earth elements on the modification of transition metal mixed oxides. It was believed that the corner-shared octahedral units in the form of networks, chains and slabs within the mixed oxide lattice were essential for the enhancement of the photocatalytic activity. In the last section, the strategy for the design of NIR or IR response upconversion composite photocatalysts was also discussed.
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publication
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218682
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Providing quality of experience through automated testing of devices
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We are adapting InnSpect to be able to test connected devices and the next generation of IoT equipment such as smart
home (fridge, washing machine, air conditioning and home security. This new product is called InnSpect IoT. InnSpect IoT is
a Quality of Experience solution, based on the InnSpect product that provides automated testing with a graphical user
interface (used for final quality testing at the factory for the produced equipment), that replicates user interactions on Set-Top
Boxes, mobile devices, and IoT devices.
Our overall objective of for the later Phase II project is to scale-up the breakthrough InnSpect testing solution to be able to
test connected IoT devices as well, i.e. to finalize the InnSpect IoT product and to bring it to market. The expected outcome
of the Phase II project is a miniaturized, scaled-up and marketable InnSpect IoT product that can be marketed right after the
project ends.
The specific objectives of Phase I Feasibility include: Technological Feasibility Study, Market Assessment, Business Model
Assessment, Risk Assessment, IP Assessment, Work Plan for Phase II, Business Plan
InnSpect IoT answers to the market gap of a simple automated testing solution capable of performing cross device testing
that anyone can manage. When we worked on InnSpect, we learned a lot from the major failures and benefits of the different
automated testing solutions already established on the market, which has allowed us to create a solution better prepared to
follow new market trends. The InnSpect architecture was developed with scalability and flexibility in mind. Time to market is
of the essence, and being able to put the first flag is key, InnSpect is well prepared in terms of structure and with the right
amount of resources.
At InnoWave, we see InnSpect IoT as the next logical step for our business as it offers major growth potential for us. We will
start sales in Portugal, then expand to all of Europe and eventually beyond that
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project/european
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interreg_177
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MOBIL
|
"This project is part of the plan ALPIMED": The project ALPIMED MOBIL aims to promote sustainable mobility in the cross-border area between the Provinces of Cuneo and Imperia and the Department of the Maritime Alps, aimed at the inhabitants, workers making daily trips and occasional tourists. The project seeks to study the flows related to different types of mobility (bike, pedestrian, motorized and public transport-related) in order to promote the use of the Cuneo/Ventimiglia/Nice rail line, by promoting a change in habits that involve communication campaigns and the creation of multi-modal centers, allowing connections with low-impact means of transport (bikes and electric shuttles, vehicle charging stations near railway stations.
This PITER wants to co-build models of intervention on its territory in order to facilitate the emergence of a development schema at cross-border scale. The Plan wants to identify leviers and favourable conditions to local economic development of peripheric territories of mountain and rural, promoting in the same time territory advantages and exchanges. This plan will act on the following leviers: a better management of natural resources and a particular attention to climate change; valorisation of natural patrimony thorough eco-tourism; maintaining of a cross-border mobility and utilisation of innovation and access to information technologies to enforce the local economic.
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project/regional
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W1969936825
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Optimal post-warranty maintenance policy with repair time threshold for minimal repair
|
Abstract In this paper, we consider a renewable minimal repair–replacement warranty policy and propose an optimal maintenance model after the warranty is expired. Such model adopts the repair time threshold during the warranty period and follows with a certain type of system maintenance policy during the post-warranty period. As for the criteria for optimality, we utilize the expected cost rate per unit time during the life cycle of the system, which has been frequently used in many existing maintenance models. Based on the cost structure defined for each failure of the system, we formulate the expected cost rate during the life cycle of the system, assuming that a renewable minimal repair–replacement warranty policy with the repair time threshold is provided to the user during the warranty period. Once the warranty is expired, the maintenance of the system is the user's sole responsibility. The life cycle of the system is defined on the perspective of the user and the expected cost rate per unit time is derived in this context. We obtain the optimal maintenance policy during the maintenance period following the expiration of the warranty period by minimizing such a cost rate. Numerical examples using actual failure data are presented to exemplify the applicability of the methodologies proposed in this paper.
|
publication
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219033
|
Intelligent control of energy storage for smart buildings and grids
|
The ICE project will demonstrate that energy regulation services can be provided to the smart grid in a technically reliable and financially lucrative fashion by utilizing a combination of smart commercial buildings and commercial batteries. The key to out-competing traditional solutions with such a service is the provision of energy storage at low capital and operational costs, which the ICE solution does via a novel hybrid storage concept that mixes the inexpensive virtual storage capacity, but slow response, of smart commercial buildings, with fast, but expensive, electrical battery systems. The ERC project BuildNet has developed advanced algorithms to manage such a hybrid system that drastically reduces the required capex-intensive battery system compared to alternative solutions. ICE will take the first step towards commercialization of this concept via a production-ready demonstration of all components of the solution, and a detailed analysis of the resulting deployment and operational costs.
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project/european
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Q4578886
|
Development of new types of multifunctional pans for gastronomic operations
|
The project includes research and development in the field of multifunction devices for the HORECA segment. The aim of the project is to develop 8 prototypes of so-called multifunctional gas and electric tanks for use in professional gastronomic operations.
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project/regional
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172245
|
Landscape of epigenetic control in early and late germ line development
|
Germ cells have unique role in development. They are the only cells required for the transmission of genetic material from generation to generation in sexually reproducing organisms. This makes them pivotal for the survival of species and ultimately for the propagation of life. Although germ cells undergo extensive cellular differentiation during gametogenesis, they are protected from somatic reprogramming. This requires precise control of transcriptional programs, misregulation of which leads to infertility and developmental defects. Moreover, germ cell-like properties acquired ectopically promote tumor formation. My aim is to understand how germ cell identity is controlled in vertebrates, using zebrafish as a genetic model. My hypothesis is that epigenetic control of gene expression is regulated in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of germ cells. In the nucleus, Polycomb Group (PcG) proteins regulate transcription by establishing repressive chromatin modifications. In the germ cytoplasm, translational regulation by Argonaute proteins, involved in RNA silencing pathways, is pivotal for maintaining germ cell identity. However, the events that facilitate cross-talk between the nucleus and germ cytoplasm are not known. Here, I propose to combine high-end developmental biology techniques with state-of-the art genomic technologies to investigate the cooperation between the PcG complex and Argonaute proteins during germ line development. I believe that the crossing point between my scientific interest (events outside the nucleus) and the expertise of my supervisor (regulation in the nucleus), creates a very solid background for this proposal. It will further develop my interdisciplinary skills and enhance my creative potential by allowing me to look at the regulation of germ cell identity from different angles. I am confident, that this proposal is the perfect stepping stone in becoming an independent scientist and an expert in the field of epigenetic gene regulation.
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project/european
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W631099035
|
Remembering the Revolution: memory, history, and nation making from independence to the Civil War
|
In today's United States, the legacy of the American Revolution looms large. From presidential speeches to bestselling biographies, from conservative politics to school pageants, everybody knows something about the Revolution. Yet what was a messy, protracted, divisive, and destructive war has calcified into a glorified founding moment of the American nation. Disparate events with equally diverse participants have been reduced to a few key scenes and characters, presided over by well-meaning and wise old men. Recollections of the Revolution did not always take today's form. In this lively collection of essays, historians and literary scholars consider how the first three generations of American citizens interpreted their nation's origins. The volume introduces readers to a host of individuals and groups both well known and obscure, from Molly Pitcher and forgotten father John Dickinson to African American Baptists in Georgia and antebellum pacifists. They show how the memory of the Revolution became politicised early in the nation's history, as different interests sought to harness its meaning for their own ends. No single faction succeeded, and at the outbreak of the Civil War the American people remained divided over how to remember the Revolution.
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publication
|
US 0303013 W
|
JOJOBA PRODUCT FOR REDUCING WEIGHT, BLOOD LIPID LEVELS AND FOR THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF CANCER
|
A method of orally administering jojoba for fat reduction, blood lipid reduction, and cancer prevention and treatment in humans is disclosed. The method incorporates a sufficient quantity of jojoba, defatted jojoba meal, jojoba extract, defatted jojoba meal extract, naturally derived or synthesized simmondsin, or any naturally derived or synthesized simmondsin derivative or analogue, including aglycon, or any mixture thereof into an individual's diet in the form of a food, dietary supplement, or drug to provide simmondsin component in an amount greater than 0.01% of one's total daily diet by weight, or 0.05 gram/day. The dosage amount and duration of the administration can vary to achieve and maintain one's desired body composition and blood lipid levels. The dosage and duration of administration are increased for cancer prevention and treatment.
|
patent
|
W2678839329
|
Blowout Surge due to Interaction between a Solar Filament and Coronal Loops
|
We present an observation of the interaction between a filament and the outer spine-like loops that produces a blowout surge within one footpoint of large-scale coronal loops on 2015 February 6. Based the observation of the AIA 304 and 94 angstrom, the activated filament is initially embedded below a dome of a fan-spine configuration. Due to the ascending motion, the erupting filament reconnects with the outer spine-like field. We note that the material in the filament blows out along the outer spine-like field to form the surge with a wider spire, and a two-ribbon flare appears at the site of the filament eruption. In this process, small bright blobs appear at the interaction region and stream up along the outer spine-like field and down along the eastern fan-like field. As a result, a leg of the filament becomes radial and the material in it erupts, while another leg forms the new closed loops. Our results confirm that the successive reconnection occurring between the erupting filament and the coronal loops may lead to a strong thermal/magnetic pressure imbalance, resulting in a blowout surge.
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publication
|
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