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Factors affecting transport of bacterial cells in porous media
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
This study focused on identification of factors associated with the biology, chemistry, and hydrology of the subsurface environment that control bacterial transport through that habitat. We determined that control is a complex interaction of biological factors such as cell size and hydrophobicity, geochemical factors such as ionic strength of the ground water, and hydrological factors including the presence of preferred flow paths in the porous medium.
Mills, A.L.; Herman, J.S.; Hornberger, G.M.
Chemical factors affecting fission product transport in severe LMFBR accidents
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
This study was performed as a part of a larger evaluation effort on LMFBR accident, source-term estimation. Purpose was to provide basic chemical information regarding fission product, sodium coolant, and structural material interactions required to perform estimation of fission product transport under LMFBR accident conditions. Emphasis was placed on conditions within the reactor vessel; containment vessel conditions are discussed only briefly
Physical factors affecting kinesin-based transport of synthetic nanoparticle cargo.
Recently, kinesin biomolecular motors and microtubules filaments (MTs) were used to transport metal and semiconductor nanoparticles with the long-term goal of exploiting this active transport system to dynamically assemble nanostructured materials. In some cases, however, the presence of nanoparticle cargo on MTs was shown to inhibit transport by interfering with kinesin-MT interactions. The primary objectives of this work were (1) to determine what factors affect the ability of kinesin and MTs to transport nanoparticle cargo, and (2) to establish a functional parameter space in which kinesin and MTs can support unimpeded transport of nanoparticles and materials. Of the factors evaluated, nanoparticle density on a given MT was the most significant factor affecting kinesin-based transport of nanoparticles. The density of particles was controlled by limiting the number of available linkage sites (i.e., biotinylated tubulin), and/or the relative concentration of nanoparticles in solution. Nanoparticle size was also a significant factor affecting transport, and attributed to the ability of particles nm in diameter to bind to the "underside" of the MT, and block kinesin transport. Overall, a generalized method of assembling and transporting a range of nanoparticle cargo using kinesin and MTs was established. PMID:16010927
Bachand, Marlene; Trent, Amanda M; Bunker, Bruce C; Bachand, George D
Factors affecting methanol transport in a passive DMFC employing a porous carbon plate
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
The effect of the pore structure and thickness of the porous carbon plate, PCP, as well as the gas barrier thickness on the methanol transport and the performance of a passive DMFC under the different cell voltages of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 V using different methanol concentrations was investigated. As a result of the mass transfer restrictions by employing the PCP, high methanol concentrations over 20 M could be efficiently used to produce the relatively high power density of 30 mW cm{sup -2} for more than 10 h. The DMFC was operated under limiting current conditions in all the PCPs at 0.1 and 0.2 V to more than 20 M. The main factors for controlling the methanol transport were the barrier of the gas layer with CO{sub 2}, which was formed between the anode surface and the PCP and the properties of the PCP. At the low current densities of less than 60 mA cm{sup -2}, when no CO{sub 2} bubbles are emitted, both the pore structure and thickness of the PCP did not affect the methanol transport and the current voltage relationship. At the higher current densities, CO{sub 2} bubbles were evolved through the PCP and different resistances to the methanol transport were observed depending on the PCP pore structure and thickness. The CO{sub 2} gas layer between the MEA and the PCP caused a major resistivity for the methanol transport, and its resistivity increased with its thickness increasing. By using the PCP at 0.1 V, the energy density of the passive DMFC was significantly increased, e.g., more than seven times. (author)
Abdelkareem, Mohammad Ali; Morohashi, Nobuto; Nakagawa, Nobuyoshi [Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Gunma University, 1-5-1 Tenjin, Kiryu, Gunma 375-8515 (Japan)
Exploring Factors Affecting Emergency Medical Services Staffs' Decision about Transporting Medical Patients to Medical Facilities
Transfer of patients in medical emergency situations is one of the most important missions of emergency medical service (EMS) staffs. So this study was performed to explore affecting factors in EMS staffs' decision during transporting of patients in medical situations to medical facilities. The participants in this qualitative study consisted of 18 EMS staffs working in prehospital care facilities in Tehran, Iran. Data were gathered through semistructured interviews. The data were analyzed using a content analysis approach. The data analysis revealed the following theme: �degree of perceived risk in EMS staffs and their patients.� This theme consisted of two main categories: (1) patient's condition' and (2) the context of the EMS mission'. The patent's condition category emerged from �physical health statuses,� �socioeconomic statuses,� and �cultural background� subcategories. The context of the EMS mission also emerged from two subcategories of �characteristics of the mission� and EMS staffs characteristics'. EMS system managers can consider adequate technical, informational, financial, educational, and emotional supports to facilitate the decision making of their staffs. Also, development of an effective and user-friendly checklist and scoring system was recommended for quick and easy recognition of patients' needs for transportation in a prehospital situation.
Seyedin, Hesam; Jamshidi-Orak, Roohangiz
Factors affecting transport of bacterial cells in porous media. Technical progress report
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
This study focused on identification of factors associated with the biology, chemistry, and hydrology of the subsurface environment that control bacterial transport through that habitat. We determined that control is a complex interaction of biological factors such as cell size and hydrophobicity, geochemical factors such as ionic strength of the ground water, and hydrological factors including the presence of preferred flow paths in the porous medium.
Mills, A.L.; Herman, J.S.; Hornberger, G.M.
Meteorological and climatological factors affecting transport and deposition of nitrogen compounds over the Baltic Sea
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
We studied the variation of the nitrogen deposition to the Baltic Sea with the Eulerian transport-chemistry model Hilatar. We analysed the effects of the climatological and meteorological conditions on the temporal variations of the pollution load to the sea over the period 1993-1998. The nitrogen deposition to the Baltic Sea and the concentrations at coastal stations showed strong monthly, seasonal and inter-annual variations and, apparently, no decrease with declining emissions over the period. We discuss the representativeness of coastal measurements for inferring the deposition flux to the open sea, as well as the episodicity affecting this pollution load. We also compare our results for the nitrogen deposition to the Baltic Sea with the previous estimates and discuss the implications for ecological modelling. (orig.)
Hongisto, M.; Joffre, S.
Factors affecting metabolic cost of transport during a multi-stage running race.
The aim of this study was to investigate: (1) the role of , the fraction of (F) and the metabolic cost of transport (CoT) in determining performance during an ultra-endurance competition and (2) the effects of the race on several biomechanical and morphological parameters of the lower limbs that are likely to affect CoT. Eleven runners (aged 29-54 years) participated in an ultra-endurance competition consisting of three running stages of 25, 55 and 13 km on three consecutive days. Anthropometric characteristics, body composition, morphological properties of the gastrocnemius medialis, maximal explosive power of the lower limb and were determined before the competition. In addition, biomechanics of running and CoT were determined, before and immediately after each running stage. Performance was directly proportional to (r=0.77) and F (r=0.36), and inversely proportional to CoT (r=-0.30). Low CoT values were significantly related to high maximal power of the lower limbs (r=-0.74) and vertical stiffness (r=-0.65) and low footprint index (FPI, r=0.70), step frequency (r=0.62) and external work (r=0.60). About 50% of the increase in CoT during the stages of the competition was accounted for by changes in FPI, which represents a global evaluation of medio-lateral displacement of the foot during the whole stance phase, which in turn is associated with the myotendinous characteristics of the lower limb. Thus, lower CoT values were related to greater muscular power and lower FPI, suggesting that a better ankle stability is likely to achieve better performance in an ultra-endurance running competition. PMID:24265425
Lazzer, Stefano; Taboga, Paolo; Salvadego, Desy; Rejc, Enrico; Simunic, Bostjan; Narici, Marco V; Buglione, Antonio; Giovanelli, Nicola; Antonutto, Guglielmo; Grassi, Bruno; Pisot, Rado; di Prampero, Pietro E
Environmental and genetic factors affecting transport of imatinib by OATP1A2
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Imatinib has an oral bioavailability >90% despite being monocationic under the acidic conditions in the duodenum. In vitro, we found that imatinib is transported by the intestinal uptake carrier OATP1A2, and that this process is sensitive to pH, rosuvastatin, and genetic variants. In humans, however, imatinib absorption was not associated with OATP1A2 variants, and was unaffected by rosuvastatin. These findings highlight the importance of verifying drug-transporter interactions from in vitro ...
Eechoute, K.; Franke, Rm; Loos, Wj; Scherkenbach, La; Boere, I.; Verweij, J.; Gurney, H.; Kim, Rb; Tirona, Rg; Mathijssen, Rhj; Sparreboom, A.
Geologic and societal factors affecting the international oceanic transport of aggregate
Crushed stone and sand and gravel are the two main sources of natural aggregate, and together comprise approximately half the volume and tonnage of mined material in the United States. Natural aggregate is a bulky, heavy material without special or unique properties, and it is commonly used near its source of production to minimize haulage cost. However, remoteness is no longer an absolute disqualifier for the production of aggregate. Today interstate aggregate routinely is shipped hundreds of kilometers by rail and barge. In addition, during 1992, the United States imported 1,317,000 metric tons of aggregate from Canada and 1,531,000 metric tons from Mexico. A number of ports on the Atlantic Coast and Gulf Coast of the United States receive imports of crushed stone from foreign sources for transport to various parts of the eastern United States. These areas either lack adequate supplies of aggregate or are augmenting their supplies because they have difficulties meeting current demand. These difficulties may include poor stone quality, environmental permitting problems, or transportation. Certain societal and geologic conditions of New York City and Philadelphia along the Atlantic Coast, and Tampa and New Orleans along the Gulf Coast, are discussed to demonstrate the different combinations of issues that contribute to the economic viability of importing crushed stone. ?? 1995 Oxford University Press.
Langer, W. H.
Factors that affect mass transport from drug eluting stents into the artery wall
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available Abstract Coronary artery disease can be treated by implanting a stent into the blocked region of an artery, thus enabling blood perfusion to distal vessels. Minimally invasive procedures of this nature often result in damage to the arterial tissue culminating in the re-blocking of the vessel. In an effort to alleviate this phenomenon, known as restenosis, drug eluting stents were developed. They are similar in composition to a bare metal stent but encompass a coating with therapeutic agents designed to reduce the overly aggressive healing response that contributes to restenosis. There are many variables that can influence the effectiveness of these therapeutic drugs being transported from the stent coating to and within the artery wall, many of which have been analysed and documented by researchers. However, the physical deformation of the artery substructure due to stent expansion, and its influence on a drugs ability to diffuse evenly within the artery wall have been lacking in published work to date. The paper highlights previous approaches adopted by researchers and proposes the addition of porous artery wall deformation to increase model accuracy.
Walsh Michael T
Factors Affecting Wound Healing
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Wound healing, as a normal biological process in the human body, is achieved through four precisely and highly programmed phases: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. For a wound to heal successfully, all four phases must occur in the proper sequence and time frame. Many factors can interfere with one or more phases of this process, thus causing improper or impaired wound healing. This article reviews the recent literature on the most significant factors that affect cutane...
Guo, S.; Dipietro, L. A.
Geochemical factors affecting radionuclide transport through near and far fields at a Low-Level Waste Disposal Site
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The concentration of low-level waste (LLW) contaminants in groundwater is determined by the amount of contaminant present in the solid waste, rate of release from the waste and surrounding barriers, and a number of geochemical processes including adsorption, desorption, diffusion, precipitation, and dissolution. To accurately predict radionuclide transport through the subsurface, it is essential that the important geochemical processes affecting radionuclide transport be identified and, perhaps more importantly, accurately quantified and described in a mathematically defensible manner
An Examination of the Sensitivity of Sulfur Dioxide, Nitric Oxide, and Nitrogen Dioxide Concentrations to the Important Factors Affecting Air Quality Inside a Public Transportation Bus
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
The present study examined the sensitivity of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitric oxide (NO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations to the important factors affecting air quality inside a public transportation bus. Additionally, this study quantified the in-bus contaminant concentrations in relation to the ranked statistically significant variables. The independent variables to which the monitored contaminant concentrations are the most sensitive to ...
Akhil Kadiyala; Ashok Kumar
Factors affecting injectivity decline
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
Reservoir pressure support for a large portion of a giant field is maintained by peripheral seawater injection. The temperature of the injected seawater is significantly lower than the reservoir temperature and also lower than the previously injected water obtained from aquifers. Therefore, a decline in injectivity is expected as a result of higher water viscosity due to lower injection water temperature. This paper presents actual data collected form power water injection wells in two areas of the field, both before and after the start of seawater injection. This data has shown a significant decline in injectivity after conversion to seawater in only one area. The quality of the injected water and other related factors will be reviewed to determine the reasons for this behavior that apparently contradicts what wa expected. The paper also discusses the actual effects that cold seawater injection has on pressure falloff behavior.
Al-Hamadah, A.M.
Factors affecting microbial spoilage and shelf-life of chilled vacuum-packed lamb transported to distant markets: a review.
Vacuum-packaging and stringent control of storage temperatures enable the export of meat to distant markets, supplying a chilled product that can favourably compete with local fresh meats. To save fuel and reduce emissions, the speed of ships travelling to international markets has decreased resulting in requirement for the shelf-life of chilled lamb to be extended beyond the recognised time of 60-70 days. Growth of microorganisms and ability to cause spoilage of vacuum-packed lamb are dependent on many factors, including the type and initial concentration of spoilage bacteria, meat pH, water activity, availability of substrates, oxygen availability and, most importantly, storage time and temperature of the packaged product. This paper reviews the existing knowledge of the spoilage bacteria affecting vacuum-packed lamb, discusses the impact of these bacteria on product quality, shelf-life and spoilage, and concludes that under specified conditions the shelf-life of chilled lamb can be extended to beyond 70 days. PMID:24875594
Mills, John; Donnison, Andrea; Brightwell, Gale
An Examination of the Sensitivity of Sulfur Dioxide, Nitric Oxide, and Nitrogen Dioxide Concentrations to the Important Factors Affecting Air Quality Inside a Public Transportation Bus
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available The present study examined the sensitivity of sulfur dioxide (SO2, nitric oxide (NO, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2 concentrations to the important factors affecting air quality inside a public transportation bus. Additionally, this study quantified the in-bus contaminant concentrations in relation to the ranked statistically significant variables. The independent variables to which the monitored contaminant concentrations are the most sensitive to were determined using regression trees and the analysis of variance. A comprehensive one-year database, of the monitored contaminant concentrations and the independent factors that affect an indoor microenvironment (meteorology, monitoring periods, outdoor sources, and ventilation settings was developed to study the sensitivity of monitored in-bus contaminants. SO2 concentrations were extremely sensitive to the month, weather conditions, and heavy vehicles. NO concentrations were sensitive to the month/season, ventilation, and ambient temperature; while NO2 concentrations were additionally sensitive to the monitoring period and the ambient mixing ratio. Quantified in-bus relationships revealed NO and NO2 concentrations to be less than 0.6 ppm and 0.1 ppm, respectively. SO2 concentrations of 0.4 ppm were observed in the fall-winter months, when the lead heavy vehicles were at a minimum density of 56 per hour; < 0.4 ppm SO2 concentrations remained for the rest of the year.
Akhil Kadiyala
Psychological Factors Affecting Infertile Women
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AIM: This study was performed to determine the psychological factors affecting infertile women presenting at the infertility outpatients department. METHOD: The sample of this cross-sectional study consisted of 344 women who presented at the IVF center of a special branch hospital or a university hospital, March 2008 through September 2008, as determined by the non-random sampling method. All participating women gave their informed consent. The data were collected using the Data Form that con...
Psychological factors affecting equine performance
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Abstract For optimal individual performance within any equestrian discipline horses must be in peak physical condition and have the correct psychological state. This review discusses the psychological factors that affect the performance of the horse and, in turn, identifies areas within the competition horse industry where current behavioral research and established behavioral modification techniques could be applied to further enhance the performance of animals. In particular, the ...
McBride Sebastian D; Mills Daniel S
Factors affecting rotator cuff healing.
? Several studies have noted that increasing age is a significant factor for diminished rotator cuff healing, while biomechanical studies have suggested the reason for this may be an inferior healing environment in older patients.? Larger tears and fatty infiltration or atrophy negatively affect rotator cuff healing.? Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, double-row repairs, performing a concomitant acromioplasty, and the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) do not demonstrate an improvement in structural healing over mini-open rotator cuff repairs, single-row repairs, not performing an acromioplasty, or not using PRP.? There is conflicting evidence to support postoperative rehabilitation protocols using early motion over immobilization following rotator cuff repair. PMID:24806015
Mall, Nathan A; Tanaka, Miho J; Choi, Luke S; Paletta, George A
Factors affecting tactile spatial acuity.
Tactile spatial acuity on the fingerpad was measured using a grating orientation task. In this task, subjects are required to identify the orientation of square-wave gratings placed on the skin. Previous studies have shown that performance varies as a function of the width of the grooves in the gratings. In the present study, both groove width and the overall size and configuration of the contactors were varied. Sensitivity improved with wider grooves and with larger contactors. Additional measurements showed that the improved sensitivity is not the result of the increase in total area contacted, but rather is due to two other factors associated with larger contactors. One is the greater linear extent of the larger contactors. The other appears to be due to the reduction in the interference produced by the outer edge of the contactor. Specifically, as the contactor increases in size, the distance between the outer edge and the center portion of the grooves also increases. It was also shown that subjects are more sensitive to a single, continuous groove as compared with two grooves of the same total length but spatially discontinuous. Similarly, subjects are more sensitive to a contactor with a continuous groove than to a contactor in which just the end points of the groove are presented. The results are generally consistent with the results of peripheral, neurophysiological recordings. The results are discussed in terms of the way in which both spatial and intensive factors may affect sensitivity to grating orientation. PMID:9583575
Craig, J C; Kisner, J M
Institutional issues affecting transportation of nuclear materials
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The institutional issues affecting transportation of nuclear materials in the United States represent significant barriers to meeting future needs in the transport of radioactive waste materials to their ultimate repository. While technological problems which must be overcome to perform such movements seem to be within the state-of-the-art, the timely resolution of these institutional issues seems less assured. However, the definition of these issues, as attempted in this paper, together with systematic analysis of cause and possible solutions are the essential elements of the Transportation Technology Center's Institutional Issues Program
An evaluation of the policy and techno-economic factors affecting the potential for biogas upgrading for transport fuel use in the UK
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Gaseous biofuels including biomethane, which has been shown to be more environmentally beneficial than liquid biofuels, should contribute to meeting the challenging UK targets set for the supplying of biofuels to the road transport fuel market. Under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligations the financial incentives for the supply of biofuels have been volatile, e.g. 2008/2009 saw Renewable Transport Fuel Certificate values fall to zero. Any shortfall from the maximum value has significant implications for all biofuels. It is demonstrated that biomethane can be produced at a cost which is competitive with liquid biofuels and fossil fuels within the UK. Technologies such as water scrubbing, pressure swing adsorption and physical and chemical absorption are available to upgrade biogas generated by anaerobic digestion of organic wastes to transport fuel quality, and technologies such as membrane separation and cryogenic distillation are being modified for such an application. The manufacture and sale of biomethane as a transport fuel is also financially competitive with Combined Heat and Power. One limiting factor may be the additional cost of purchasing and maintaining biomethane fuelled vehicles. Support in this area could lead to the rapid expansion of biomethane transport fuel infrastructure and bring significant long term environmental and economic advantages. - Research highlights: ? A technical summary of commercially available biogas upgrading technologies is made. ? An assessment of energetic, environmental and economic performance is included. ? Proposed financial subsidies for biomethane transport fuel are investigated. ? Biomethane can be financially competitive with liquid biofuels. ? The enhanced environmental performance of biomethane should be reflected by the level of subsidy.
Factors Affecting Outflow Facility Calculations
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Outflow facility (C), a ratio of outflow rate (F) to relevant pressure, is an important indication of outflow resistance in the ocular drainage pathway. The higher the C, the lower the outflow resistance. According to the classic Goldmann equation, C=F/(IOP-Pe)(IOP, intraocular pressure; Pe, episcleral venous pressure). Since anterior chamber (AC) perfusions directly measure outflow and are less affected by scleral creep and rigidity or changes in uveal blood content than repeated tonography ...
Tian, Baohe; Hu, Yujie; Gabelt, B�ann T.; Kaufman, Paul L.
Factors Affecting Nontraditional Vocational Enrollments.
This study identifies the internal and external factors which differentiate women who enter male-traditional vocational training programs from those who enter female-traditional programs. Data were collected from 470 women enrolled in California vocational training programs. The sample was stratified on both social class and type of vocational�
Houser, Betsy Bosak; Garvey, Chris
Factors Affecting Performance of AODV
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
In Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) it is hard for a route to sustain for a longer period of time due to the mobility of nodes. High mobility of nodes results in active route failure and re-route discoveries. Such frequent route discoveries result in decreased network performance. In this study we have analyzed in detail the affect of different node mobility parameters on the performance of AODV (Ad hoc on Demand Distance Vector) Routing Protocol. Simulation results are provided at the end.
Hussain, S. A.; Mahmood, K.; Garcia, E.
Affecting factors in language learning
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In my thesis I intend to deal with personality and individual differences, language aptitude, family background, self-motivation and motivation, anxiety and creativity, and the difference between learning our mother language and the second language. An analysis will be taken through a questionnaire answered by language learners in my writing. These factors I think can lead us to the better understanding of language learning and that way help to become more successful in language t...
Orsza?gh, Vikto?ria
Factors affecting forage stand establishment
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Full Text Available Significant advances have been made in our knowledge of forage seed physiology, technology, and stand establishment practices; however, stand establishment continues to be one of the most common production problems affecting forage crops in the USA. There is a need for research on stand establishment of forage crops under abiotic and biotic stress. Although the forage seed industry produces and markets seed of high quality, new methods of assessing seed vigor are needed and their use should be expanded in the industry to enable matching seed lot performance to specific environmental conditions where performance can be maximized. Seed treatment and seed coating are used in the forage seed industry, and studies have shown they are of benefit in some environments. There is an increase in no-tillage seeding of forage crops, but improvements in the no-tillage planting equipment are needed to make them better suited to small seeds. Other recent developments in seeding techniques include broadcasting seed with dry granular and fluid fertilizers, which improves the efficiency of the seeding operation.
Sulc R.M.
The Arabidopsis thaliana RNA editing factor SLO2, which affects the mitochondrial electron transport chain, participates in multiple stress and hormone responses.
Recently, we reported that the novel mitochondrial RNA editing factor SLO2 is essential for mitochondrial electron transport, and vital for plant growth through regulation of carbon and energy metabolism. Here, we show that mutation in SLO2 causes hypersensitivity to ABA and insensitivity to ethylene, suggesting a link with stress responses. Indeed, slo2 mutants are hypersensitive to salt and osmotic stress during the germination stage, while adult plants show increased drought and salt tolerance. Moreover, slo2 mutants are more susceptible to Botrytis cinerea infection. An increased expression of nuclear-encoded stress-responsive genes, as well as mitochondrial-encoded NAD genes of complex I and genes of the alternative respiratory pathway, was observed in slo2 mutants, further enhanced by ABA treatment. In addition, H2O2 accumulation and altered amino acid levels were recorded in slo2 mutants. We conclude that SLO2 is required for plant sensitivity to ABA, ethylene, biotic, and abiotic stress. Although two stress-related RNA editing factors were reported very recently, this study demonstrates a unique role of SLO2, and further supports a link between mitochondrial RNA editing events and stress response. PMID:23990142
Zhu, Qiang; Dugardeyn, Jasper; Zhang, Chunyi; M�hlenbock, Per; Eastmond, Peter J; Valcke, Roland; De Coninck, Barbara; Oden, Sevgi; Karampelias, Michael; Cammue, Bruno P A; Prinsen, Els; Van Der Straeten, Dominique
Examining the Factors Affecting Student Dropout
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Full Text Available This study examined the factors affecting student dropouts in an online certificate program. In this research, a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was used. Online Course Dropout Survey was developed and used to determine which factors affect student attrition from the program. The dropout survey was sent by e-mail to 98 students who had dropped the program. Twenty-six students returned the survey. The findings show that the most important factor affecting student retention is finding sufficient time to study. Having personal problems and affordability of the program took second and third place.
Fethi Ahmet INAN
Identification and functional characterization of extracellular signals affecting the expression of astroglial glutamate transporters
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The aim of the present study was to identify extracellular factors which affect the expression of glial glutamate transporters. Previous studies revealed that glial glutamate transporters expression increases in the presence of neurons and that this effect is mimicked by the activation of cAMP-dependent signaling pathways. Therefore PACAP, the most potent activator of cAMP presently known, was considered as a neuronal factor which might affect glial glutamate transport. It was observed that n...
Figiel, Maciej
Selected legal and regulatory concerns affecting domestic energy transportation systems
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
This report provides assessments of eight legal and regulatory concerns that may affect energy material transportation in the US during the rest of the century: state authority to regulate nuclear materials transport, divestiture of petroleum pipelines from major integrated oil companies, problems affecting the natural gas transportation system, capabilities of energy transportation systems during emergencies, Federal coal pipeline legislation, ability of Federal agencies to anticipate railroad difficulties, abandonment of uneconomic railroad lines, and impact of the Panama Canal treaty upon US energy transportation
Fluorescein. Physiochemical factors affecting its fluorescence.
Fluorescein's property of fluorescence is reviewed. Of the many factors which affect its fluorescence, concentration is probably the most important and it best explains why leaking aqueous turns fluorescein bright green during Seidel's test. The intensity and pattern of fluorescein staining of corneal lesions is probably due to the concentration and distribution of fluorescein in the cornea. The concentration of fluorescein achieved in the retinal blood vessels during fluorescein angiography affects its fluorescence. PMID:7046118
Romanchuk, K G
Factors Affecting Profitability of Layer Hens Enterprises
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Problem statement: Layer hen enterprises suffer from low profitability or losses in many of developing countries all over the world. Jordan is not an acceptance. Approach: This study aimed at investigating the influence of ten main factors affecting the profitability of layer hen producers. The investigated factors include price of purchased pullet, feed price, cost of labor, cost of veterinary service and medicine, building and machinery depreciation, repairs and maintenance an...
Ebraheem Altahat; Ali AL-Sharafat; Mohammad Altarawneh
Primary Factors Affecting Safety of Control System
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Full Text Available Aim of the paper is to point out some of the factors that affect safety of control system. Already in initial stages of the control system life-cycle it is necessary to analyze the effect of each of these factors on safety of a designed control system. Following this analysis, it is possible to propose appropriate measures for achieving specified safety goals.
Michal Foltan
Affecting Factors in Second Language Learning
The present study investigated the influence of sex, handedness, level in second language (L2) and Faculty choice on the performance of phonological, syntactical and semantic tasks in L2. Level in L2 and sex were the most affecting factors. Subjects who achieved higher scores on L2 tasks had strong second language aptitude skills since they were�
Andreou, G.; Vlachos, F.; Andreou, E.
Factors Affecting Faculty Web Portal Usability
The study investigated the factors that might significantly affect web portal usability. Results of the study were intended to serve as inputs for faculty web portal development of the University of the East-Manila. Descriptive statistics utilized questionnaire data from 82 faculty members. The data showed that most of the respondents were�
Bringula, Rex P.; Basa, Roselle S.
Factors Affecting Thickening in Liquid Solids Separation.
The general objective of the research program was to investigate the factors affecting the thickening of various types of liquid-solids suspensions by gravity sedimentation of interest in sewage treatment. The more specific aims of the program were as fol...
G. J. Schroepfer N. R. Ziemke
Space Weather affects on Air Transportation
In Europe, legislation requires the airline industry to monitor the occupational exposure of aircrew to cosmic radiation. However, there are other significant impacts of space weather phenomena on the technological systems used for day-to-day operations which need to be considered by the airlines. These were highlighted by the disruption caused to the industry by the period of significant solar activity in late October and early November 2003. Next generation aircraft will utilize increasingly complex avionics as well as expanding the performance envelopes. These and future generation platforms will require the development of a new air-space management infrastructure with improved position accuracy (for route navigation and landing in bad weather) and reduced separation minima in order to cope with the expected growth in air travel. Similarly, greater reliance will be placed upon satellites for command, control, communication and information (C3I) of the operation. However, to maximize effectiveness of this globally interoperable C3I and ensure seamless fusion of all components for a safe operation will require a greater understanding of the space weather affects, their risks with increasing technology, and the inclusion of space weather information into the operation. This paper will review space weather effects on air transport and the increasing risks for future operations cause by them. We will examine how well the effects can be predicted, some of the tools that can be used and the practicalities of using such predictions in an operational scenario. Initial results from the SOARS ESA Space Weather Pilot Project will also be discussed,
Jones, J. B. L.; Bentley, R. D.; Dyer, C.; Shaw, A.
Factors Affecting Informal Economy of Rural Turkey
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
In this study, the informal economy in the rural areas of Turkey has been measured and factors affecting the informal economy have been analyzed. The informal economy has been discussed with regards to three main issues, namely unpaid household labor force usage, own consumption of crop and animal products and informal sales. Although the household labor force is mainly used in farms for agricultural and off-farm activities, the rate of idle labor has been found to be highly significant. It h...
Sertac Gonenc; Harun Tanrivermis
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Although literature review supported the concept that customer loyalty, brand equity and perceived risk are significant factors to affect customer involvement, very limited studies have extensively examined the relationship among those variables. This research applied quantitative study to comprehensively explore the relationship between customer loyalty, brand equity, perceived risk and customer involvement for consumers. The population for this research was identified as consumers having th...
Yu-Jia Hu
Gallbladder polyps: Factors affecting surgical decision
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AIM: To determine the factors affecting the decision to perform surgery, and the efficiency of ultrasonography (USG) in detecting gallbladder polyps (GP). METHODS: Data for 138 patients who underwent cholecystectomy between 1996 and 2012 in our clinic with a diagnosis of GP were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, clinical presentation, principal symptoms, ultrasonographic and histopathological findings were evaluated. Patients were evaluated in individual groups according to the age ...
Pinar Sarkut; Sadik Kilicturgay; Ali Ozer; Ersin Ozturk; Tuncay Yilmazlar
SALL4, a Stem Cell Factor, Affects the Side Population by Regulation of the ATP-Binding Cassette Drug Transport Genes
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Our previous work shows that the stem cell factor SALL4 plays a central role in embryonic and leukemic stem cells. In this study, we report that SALL4 expression was higher in drug resistant primary acute myeloid leukemic patients than those from drug-responsive cases. In addition, while overexpression of SALL4 led to drug resistance in cell lines, cells with decreased SALL4 expression were more sensitive to drug treatments than the parental cells. This led to our investigation of the implica...
Jeong, Ha-won; Cui, Wei; Yang, Youyang; Lu, Jiayun; He, Jie; Li, Ailing; Song, David; Guo, Ye; Liu, Bee H.; Chai, Li
Factors affecting the transport of beta-amino acids in rat renal brush-border membrane vesicles. The role of external chloride.
The effect of a variety of ions and other solutes on the accumulation of the beta-amino acid, taurine, was examined in rat renal brush-border membrane vesicles. Initial taurine uptake (15 and 30 s) is sodium-dependent with a typical overshoot. This Na+ effect was confirmed by exchange diffusion and gramicidin inhibition of taurine uptake. External K+ or Li+ do not increase taurine accumulation more than Na+-free mannitol, except that the combination of external K+ and Na+ in the presence of nigericin enhances uptake. Of all anions tested, including more permeant (SCN- and NO3-) or less permeant (SO4(2-)), chloride supported taurine accumulation to a significantly greater degree. Preloading vesicles with choline chloride reduced taurine uptake, suggesting that external Cl- stimulates uptake. Since this choline effect could be related to volume change, due to the slow diffusion of choline into vesicles, brush-border membrane vesicles were pre-incubated with LiCl, LiNO3 and LiSO4. Internal LiCl, regardless of the final Na+ anion mixture, reduced initial rate (15 and 60 s) and peak (360 s) taurine uptake. Internal LiNO3 or LiSO4 with external NaCl resulted in similar or higher values of uptake at 15, 60 and 360 s, indicating a role for external Cl- in taurine uptake in addition to Na+ effect. Although uptake by vesicles is greatest at pH 8.0 and inhibited at acidic pH values (pH less than 7.0), an externally directed H+ gradient does not influence uptake. Similarly, amiloride, an inhibitor of the Na+/H+ antiporter, had no influence on taurine accumulation over a wide variety of concentrations or at low Na+ concentrations. Taurine uptake is blocked only by other beta-amino acids and in a competitive fashion. D-Glucose and p-aminohippurate at high concentrations (greater than 10(-3) M) reduce taurine uptake, possibly by competing for sodium ions, although gramicidin added in the presence of D-glucose inhibits taurine uptake even further. These studies more clearly define the nature of the renal beta-amino acid transport system in brush-border vesicles and indicate a role for external Cl- in this uptake system. PMID:2578809
Chesney, R W; Gusowski, N; Dabbagh, S; Theissen, M; Padilla, M; Diehl, A
From Perceptions to Practice: Factors Affecting Recast
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Full Text Available This review study was motivated by a debate about the role of recast in L2 learning. Recast is the most frequent type of feedback but probably the least effective one. While some researchers have criticized it as inefficient, others have supported it as an unobtrusive type of feedback especially useful during interactive activities. This review of studies on recast helps pinpoint the factors contributing to the effectiveness of recast. In this regard, two factors were found to have a determining role; saliency and learners� proficiency level. Saliency concerns the noticeability of recast by learners. Different factors affect saliency including shortness of recast, added-stress on the erroneous part, number of corrections, and the focus of recast. On the other hand, the results of studies confirm the role of proficiency. In other words, proficient learners are more likely to notice their errors using recast even when it is insalient.
Sajjad Sepehrinia
Ionizing radiation affects active ileal electrolyte transport
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Exposure to ionizing radiation has pronounced effects on gastrointestinal physiology eliciting the fluid and electrolyte loss of the gastrointestinal syndrome. This study reports on the effect of whole-body cobalt-60 exposure on active electrolyte transport by rabbit ileum in an effort to quantify these changes and to define the mechanism by which electrolyte transport is altered. The short-circuit current (lsc), a measure of active electrolyte transport, was determined for ileal segments isolated from rabbits radiated with 5 to 100 Gy and compared to those from sham irradiated control 1 to 96 hours after exposure. One hour after exposure there was no apparent effect of radiation. However by 24 hours, there was a significant increase in lsc of segments from animals exposed to doses of 7.5 Gy and greater. The lsc remained elevated during the 96 hours for 10 and 12 Gy whereas at 7.5 Gy it returned to control values by 72 hours. The response of the tissue to a secretagogue, theophylline, was reduced 72 hours post-irradiation. By 96 hours after exposure, the response to an actively transported amino acid, alanine, was also reduced. These results indicate that radiation-induced fluid and electrolyte loss is not simply a consequence of denudiation of the intestine but due in part to alterations in cellular transport processes
Variables Affecting Two Electron Transport System Assays
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Several methodological variables were critical in two commonly used electron transport activity assays. The dehydrogenase assay based on triphenyl formazan production exhibited a nonlinear relationship between formazan production (dehydrogenase activity) and sediment dilution, and linear formazan production occurred for 1 h in sediment slurries. Activity decreased with increased time of sediment storage at 4�C. Extraction efficiencies of formazan from sediment varied with alcohol type; metha...
Burton, G. Allen; Lanza, Guy R.
Factors affecting microencapsulation of drugs in liposomes.
Liposomes have been used as carriers for drugs, toxins, enzymes, proteins/peptides and other bioactive materials there are several liposomal formulations that are being investigated in preclinical and clinical trials. Achieving high encapsulation as well as retention of the encapsulated drug is very important in developing liposomes as drug carriers. A high drug-to-lipid ratio is likely to reduce the cost of formulations and also the risk of lipid-induced toxicity following their injection. Comparison of the encapsulation efficiency of the drug in liposomes with the therapeutic dose indicates whether, in principle, liposomes can be used as a delivery system for that drug. The optimization of the liposomal encapsulation of a drug is usually based on trial and error, rather than on a thorough investigation of the factors affecting it. To obtain optimum encapsulation of a drug into a liposomal preparation, parameters influencing both the liposome and the drug need to be carefully considered during the early stages of development. In this review, factors that affect encapsulation of drugs in liposomes such as liposome size and type, charge on the liposome surface, bilayer rigidity, method of preparation, remote loading, addition of ion pairing, and complexing agents and characteristics of the drug to be encapsulated are discussed. PMID:7650588
Kulkarni, S B; Betageri, G V; Singh, M
Factors Affecting Electricity Demand in Jordan
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Full Text Available 1 The paper examines the relationship between electricity demand and climate/non-climate related factors using statistical regression analysis. 2 It focuses on the environmental, demographic, policy (energy pricing and technological factors as the main factors affecting the consumption pattern in Jordan. 3 The paper also presents the variations occurred in the electricity demand over the period 1994-2008. The variations that are observed during the period of study are: Shifting of the peak load occurrence from evening to morning period, Modification in the annual daily load curve especially in winter season, Variation in relationship between space temperature and demand especially in winter, and dramatic increase in electric generation after year 2003. The shift in peak load from evening to morning period is mainly due to technological factor as a result of wide use of the air conditions in houses, services and government offices for cooling in summer instead of ordinary air fans. The variations in consumption pattern between 2000 and 2007 are mainly associated with economic, social and demographic factors. The high demand at lower space temperature is governed by introducing new appliances for heating in winter as a result of low electricity pricing comparing with gasoline price. The dramatic increase in electric generation after 2003 is probably due to demographic factors as a result of high growth of population after the Gulf war II. 4 The correlation between the daily maximum loads in morning and evening periods with the differential temperature (?T above 20?C threshold in summer and below 15?C threshold in winter, shows pronounced changes in 2007 compared with year 2000. The regression tests show that a decrease of 1?C below 15?C threshold in winter 1 increases the morning demand by only 2 MW/?C in 2000 and 16.7 MW/?C in 2007, 2 decreases the evening peak by ?2.6 MW/1?C in 2000 and increases the evening peak by 22.9 MW/1?C in 2007. Results show that the demographic, technological, environmental and national energy pricing factors play a vital rule in consumption pattern in Jordan. Moreover, the paper reveals that planners and decision makers should be careful when applying new tariff in the developing countries such as Jordan.
Mohammad Awad Momani
Environmental factors affecting radon exhalation from a sandy soil
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The "2"2"2Rn transport from soil into atmosphere was analyzed to elucidate the behavior of radioactive gas including H-3 and C-14 in surface environment. To investigate the effect of various environmental factors on "2"2"2Rn exhalation from a sandy soil, measurements of "2"2"2Rn exhalation rate were continuously carried out with a closed chamber method in Tokai site, JAERI. From the correlation analysis between the "2"2"2Rn exhalation rate and environmental factors, it was indicated that volumetric water content from soil surface to about 20 cm depth affects dominantly the "2"2"2Rn exhalation. The negative correlation relationship between the rate and atmospheric pressure change was also recognized only under drying conditions. The rate increased with increase of temperature difference between atmosphere and soil. Further consideration on transport mechanisms by temperature gradient may be necessary to discuss gas transport at soil-atmosphere interface. The basic information on gas transport in soil and on gas exhalation and deposition behavior at soil-atmosphere interface was provided by this research dealing with radioactive noble gas "2"2"2Rn. (author)
Factors Affecting Profitability of Layer Hens Enterprises
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Full Text Available Problem statement: Layer hen enterprises suffer from low profitability or losses in many of developing countries all over the world. Jordan is not an acceptance. Approach: This study aimed at investigating the influence of ten main factors affecting the profitability of layer hen producers. The investigated factors include price of purchased pullet, feed price, cost of labor, cost of veterinary service and medicine, building and machinery depreciation, repairs and maintenance and miscellaneous costs, length of production cycle, feed conversion ratio, mortality rate, egg sale price and laying percentage. Results: The study used a multiple regression profit model to estimate the effect of the above mentioned factors on profit per kg egg produced. The direction and quantity of relationship between profit per kg egg and variables affecting profit were investigated. Data from 40 operating and randomly selected egg production enterprises in the country was collected. Data was obtained directly from the producers during April to mid August 2010. Semi structured interviews were conducted with a pre-tested questionnaire. The data obtained via interview surveys were processed to calculate profit per kg egg and other relevant information for inclusion in a profit function model. Fifteen eggs are registered to be 1 kg in the study. Cost and income items used to calculate profit in the study. The results of the study revealed that the feed price was found to be the factor which has the highest negative impact on the profitability showing the coefficient-3.01. The egg sale price was with high positive impact on profitability showing the coefficient 2.633. Conclusion/Recommendations: From the results of the study it could be concluded that higher prices of purchased or breeding pullet, higher feed price, higher cost of labor, higher cost of veterinary service and medicine, higher other costs including building and machinery depreciation, repairs and maintenance and miscellaneous costs, higher feed quantity to be converted to eggs and higher mortality rate are associated with lower profitability of laying hen enterprises, while higher length of production cycle, higher egg sale price and higher laying percentage are associated with higher profitability. Critical limits indicated for various cost components should be used as a guideline to adjust budget in commercial egg operation thereby, ensuring higher net profit per bird.
Ebraheem Altahat
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Full Text Available Although literature review supported the concept that customer loyalty, brand equity and perceived risk are significant factors to affect customer involvement, very limited studies have extensively examined the relationship among those variables. This research applied quantitative study to comprehensively explore the relationship between customer loyalty, brand equity, perceived risk and customer involvement for consumers. The population for this research was identified as consumers having the shopping experience for digital camera. The findings supported the hypothesis that customer loyalty, brand equity and perceived risk have significant and positive relationship to customer involvement. The findings identified the predictors of customer loyalty, brand equity and perceived risk on the customer involvement and generated the recommendations for corporate operations and future scholar studies.
Yu-Jia Hu
Factors affecting passive monitoring of radon
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
In recent years, increasing cancer has been expressed as a possible health hazards associated with long-term exposures to a large population at a low level of radon in the environment. Because radon is ubiquitous nuclide, nation-wide monitoring is necessary to determine lung cancer risk. For such purpose, passive sampling methods with track etch detector or charcoal adsorption collector may have the advantage in lower cost and convenience. The charcoal adsorption collector is considered in this study. Various factors may significantly affect the charcoal adsorption mechanism on its practical application. Moisture effects are discussed here as having major impact on radon collection by charcoal. Set of equations are presented in this report to describe adsorption of radon including moisture effects. (author) 61 refs
Factors Affecting Informal Economy of Rural Turkey
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Full Text Available In this study, the informal economy in the rural areas of Turkey has been measured and factors affecting the informal economy have been analyzed. The informal economy has been discussed with regards to three main issues, namely unpaid household labor force usage, own consumption of crop and animal products and informal sales. Although the household labor force is mainly used in farms for agricultural and off-farm activities, the rate of idle labor has been found to be highly significant. It has been found that milk has the largest share of animal produce values consumed by the household, while particularly processed milk products are sold informally and that the consumption and sales values of animal produce processed in the households are required to be added to the unrecorded value calculation. Consumption of crops varies depending on the type of product. The own consumption ratio of crops is affected by the size of the enterprise, the number of individuals in the households and particularly the access to the markets of the enterprises in each region. An average informal value of 6,400.04 USD has been calculated per household, which is higher than the farm income, accounting for 4/5 of total household income. This can be attributed to the fact that the farms are generally small family enterprises with limited market-access opportunities.
Sertac Gonenc
Factors Affecting Sugarcane Production in Pakistan
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Full Text Available This study was undertaken to identify the factors affecting sugarcane production in Pakistan. Data were collected from 387 sugarcane growers from Sindh, Punjab and NWFP province. Data were collected during the period 2007-08. The study reveals that the costs of inputs of sugarcane i.e. urea, DAP, FYM, land preparation, seed and its application, weeding and cost of irrigation were the important factors which influenced on the returns of sugarcane growers. The effectiveness was examined by using the Cobb-Douglas production function; MVP and allocative efficiency were calculated. The coefficient of multiple determinations R2 was 0.9249, which indicated that 92% variation in the cost of inputs was explained by all explanatory variables and the adjusted R2 was 92%. The F-value was 666.94 and was highly significant at 5% level of significance, indicating that the regression model was well fitted. The high prices of inputs, low price of output, delay in payments and lack of scientific knowledge were the major problems in sugarcane production. In order to enhance the productivity of sugarcane in the country, government should solve the identified problems to increase the income of sugarcane growers.
Adnan Nazir
Research of Factors Affecting Pension Funds Efficiency
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Full Text Available Currently Lithuania has an old-age pension system of three pillars.Unfortunately, when making an investment decision, too few factors are used that affect strategy effectiveness. It is necessary to develop tools to better assess the risks and more accurately simulate the potential long-term investment scenarios.The article deals with the investment strategy to the second and third pillar pension funds in order to maximize investment returns and reduce risks. A smart software tool allows you to simulate an accrual depending on the rate of return, the accumulation period, the level of contributions, the fund�s profitability and other factors.The study shows that using the Social Insurance Fund contributions, personal contributions and the state provided additives can accumulate significantly greater amounts of money than collecting only the second pillar pension funds contributions. For implementation of the proposed methodology it is necessary to ensure a minimum level of personal pension scheme members fundraising to the third pillar pension funds. On the other hand, the study revealed that in some cases investment to private pension funds can be useless.Private pension funds have become popular between unprofessional investors who don�t have sufficient knowledge. Research shows that financial institutions do not always provide the optimal proposals. Advanced software tools can help make better investment decisions. Commercial tools usually show potential profits of investment, but not always pay sufficient attention to potential risks. This article analyzes both good and bad investment scenarios.
Virgilijus Sakalauskas
Some Environmental Factors Affecting on Growth Characteristics
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Full Text Available Live weights, weight gains and some body measurements at different ages of Eastern Anatolian Red Cattle (EAR were determined and some environmental factors affecting on these traits were investigated. The effect of dam�s age on the birth weight was highly significant (P<0.01. Although the lowest birth weight was obtained from calves of dams at the 3 years of age, the highest birth weight was obtained from calves given birth by cows at the 5 years of age. The males had heavier live weights and weight gains at different ages than the females. The effect of the sex on the live weights except for 9 and 12 months weights was found as highly significant (P<0.01. Feeding of the calves with different amount of milk had significant (P<0.01 influence on the 3, 6 and 9 months weights as well as weight gains. The effect of the years on the daily weight gains in EAR was also highly significant (P<0.01. The results shows the importance of the environmental effects on the traits studied and revealed that there is need for them to be corrected prior to the improvement studies.
N. Tuzemen
Factors affecting lactose quantity in raw milk
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Full Text Available The purpose of this study was to characterize factors affecting lactose quantities in raw cow's milk. This study combined the survey design with laboratory analysis. Selected farm members of Nong Poh Dairy Cooperatives, from Ban Pong and Photharam Districts, Ratchaburi Province, were sampled. From the selected farms, data collected included lactose quantities in the raw milk and dairy farming information. The raw milk of selected farms was sampled at the delivery site of Nong Poh dairy cooperatives in the morning during December 2003 till February 2004. Lactose in the raw milk was then quantified by the Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis (FTIR using the MilkoScan FT6000 at the Department of Livestock Development. The farm owners or managers of selected farms were in-depth interviewed on dairy farming information including cows� health and cows' diet. The data revealed that all cows from the selected farms were fed with concentrate diet purchased from Nong Poh Dairy Cooperatives and grass as high fiber diets. Sample of eighteen farms also fed their cows with one of supplements: corn stem, soybean meal, or rice straw. All cows from these farms were Holstein-Friesian Hybrid. As supplemented high fiber diets, corn stem significantly increased the lactose quantities over soybean meal and rice straw (planned comparison, pvalue = 0.044. The study concluded that some high fiber diets, specifically corn stem, significantly contributed to the lactose quantities in raw milk.
Rubporn Kittivachra
Factors affecting protoplast formation by Rhizoctonia solani.
Novozym 234 was the most frequently used enzyme for production of Rhizoctonia solani protoplasts. Since manufacture of this enzyme was discontinued in the late 1990s, a new procedure was developed by testing lytic enzymes from Sigma and by examining factors affecting protoplast formation. The combination of 20 mg/mL Driselase and 10mg/mL lysing enzyme was effective in releasing protoplasts from R. solani. The optimal condition for enzyme treatment of mycelium was incubation at 37 degrees C for 15 min followed by 34 degrees C for 105 min. The amount of protoplasts produced was positively correlated with growth rate and negatively correlated with mycelial density. Under favorable conditions, R. solani mycelia released 1.68 x 10(6) protoplasts/mL that is comparable with that produced with Novozym 234. Among various media tested, the best solid medium for protoplast regeneration was 1% V-8 juice agar, while the best liquid medium was 10% potato dextrose broth. PMID:19715779
Liu, Tung-Hsen; Lin, Mei-Ju; Ko, Wen-Hsiung
Factors affecting the wear of sonic files.
The aim of this study was to investigate factors affecting the wear and cutting ability of sonic files. A model system was used and the following variables evaluated, file type; Heliosonic, Rispisonic or Shaper, load; 25, 50 or 100 grams and length of time in use; new, 30 or 60 seconds. A 3(3) full factorial analysis with two replications into the effect of the above variables on the cutting ability of the Heliosonic, Rispisonic and Shaper files powered by the MM1500 sonic instrument was performed. A new file size 25 (Heliosonic and Shaper) or No 3 (Rispisonic) was used for each cut together with water irrigation and the substrate used was 1 mm thick sections of bovine bone. All variables had a significant effect on cutting (ANOVA. p 0.05). The Rispisonic file was most susceptible to wear during use especially at higher loads and the Heliosonic file cut least. It is suggested that the Shaper file is the better design of the three with respect to cutting ability and wear with use. PMID:9028184
Lumley, P J
Factors Affecting Career Progress of MBA Students
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Full Text Available This paper explored the factors that affect career progress of students in the MBA program of the University of the Philippines.To understand career progression, four measures of career progress were used in this study, namely: number of promotions, number of years in between promotions, total cash compensation, and number of administrative levels from the company president. On the other hand, the factors used to explain career progess included human capital, organizational, interpersonal and demographic variables.The results showed that the different measures of career progress had distinct determinants implying different dynamics. It appeared that measures of career progress that are sensitive to the value employers attach to the individual (Whitely, Dougherty, & Dreher, 1991 such as total compensation, total number of promotion and years per promotion were related with human capital factors such as work experience and number of companies worked for. On the other hand, measures that relate to centrality if the position, in which market forces have less impact, were associated with organizational variables such as organization size and the demographic variable gender.While gender did not explain variation in total compensation, number of promotions and number of uears between promotions, these null results are important for two reasons. First, it implies that the female MBA students were at par with their male counterparts as fas as these measures of career progress are concerned. Second, it challenges the generalizability of the finding of gender segregation at the organizational level-where men receive significantly higher wages that women-which is a common finding among studies done in the United States. The results using the MBA students as sample show that income and promotion parity may indeed be achievable and this brings hope to women in general.However, the statistical significance of gender in explaining career progress as centrality of position does not augur well for women. This result implies that despite the fact that the women in the sample were intelligent (that is, they passed the stringent MBA screening, motivated and obviously were able to manage their time well-being able to balance work, school and in some cases, family responsibilities-they were still far removed from the top. These women still faced some hostile environment that prevented them from fully contributing to making decisions that matter.
Vivien T. Supangco
Factors affecting proximal tubular reabsorption during development
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Studies performed in several animal species have demonstrated that glomerulotubular balance is maintained throughout development despite the many changes that occur in the factors known to control it. In an attempt to understand the nature of this phenomenon the authors quantified the magnitude and described the profile of these changes in guinea pigs. The changes in physical forces were assessed from measurements of hydrostatic and oncotic pressures, whereas those in the permeability characteristics of the proximal tubule epithelium were estimated from permanence to radioactivity-labelled macromolecules of graded radii, histologic measurements of the intercellular channels, and measurements of end-proximal ratio of tubular fluid-to-plasma osmolality (TF/P/sub osm/). Between 1 and 50 days of age the net pressure for reabsorption increased from 15.0 to 30.9 mmHg with the major change occurring during the first 2-3 wk of postnatal life. The urinary recovery of [3H]inulin, [14C]sucrose, and [14C]creatinine, injected in the early segment of proximal tubules did not vary with age. The urinary recovery of [14C]mannitol increased from 92% at birth to 100% at 49 days of age. The length of the zonulae occludens and the width of the intercellular channels did not change during this period. The findings support the hypothesis that during early postnatal life glomerulotubular balance is made possible by a high permeability of the proximal tubule, which compensates for the low net reabsorptive pressure. As the animal matures and the proximal tubule epithelium becomes tighter, for glomerulotubular balance to be maintained, an increase in the number of intercellular channels and in the active transport of sodium need to be postulated
External factors affecting investment decisions of companies
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In this paper we attempt to investigate the importance of certain external factors on the investment decision among Polish companies. With the use of data from the tailored made Survey on Receivables we examine factors influencing investment decisions of companies in Poland, assess the relation between the branch and company size and importance of the factors and finally we determine the relative influence of these factors on the actual investment reductions. The results showed that first, al...
Bialowolski, Piotr; Weziak-bialowolska, Dorota
Priceless policies : factors influencing the acceptability of transport pricing policies
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Transport pricing policies are often assumed to be effective strategies to affect people�s car use, but, due to a lack of public support, these policies are often not implemented. Therefore, we examined which factors influence the acceptability of these pricing policies. First, the acceptability of transport pricing policies was shown to be strongly related to the revenue allocation: acceptability increased when revenues were allocated to car users. Second, the acceptability was also shown ...
Schuitema, Geertje
Factors Affecting Transfer of Training in Thailand
To begin the validation process for the Learning Transfer System Inventory (LTSI) in Thailand, research replicating Holton, Bates, and Ruona's study (2000) was conducted in Thailand. The LTSI was administered to 1,029 employees. Exploratory factor analysis and MANOVA were used to identify factors. A factor structure almost identical to that of�
Yamnill, Siriporn; McLean, Gary N.
Factors Affecting Degradation of Aldicarb and Ethoprop
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Chemical and microbial degradation of the nematicides-insecticides aldicarb and ethoprop has been studied extensively in both laboratory and field studies. These studies show that temperature is the most important variable affecting the degradation rate of aldicarb and its carbamate metabolites in surface soils. Temperature and organic matter appear to be the most important variables affecting degradation rates of ethoprop in soils under normal agricultural conditions, with organic matter bei...
Jones, Russell L.; Norris, Frank A.
How Student Satisfaction Factors Affect Perceived Learning
Data from students in two sections of a general education course offered at a research university in spring 2009 were used to explore whether student satisfaction factors are associated with perceived learning as rated by students. A list of 22 elements in the learning environment was explored. The 22 were used in creating 3 satisfaction factors�
Lo, Celia C.
Potential factors affecting accumulation of unsupported 210Pb in soil
Airborne 210Pb, daughter of 222Rn, is frequently used as a tracer in different studies concerning atmospheric transport, sedimentation, soil erosion, dating, etc. Concentration of 210Pb was measured in 40 soil samples collected in urban and industrial areas in order to get evidence of possible influence of some factors on accumulation of airborne 210Pb in soil. Different soil properties such as the content of organic matter, free CaCO3, and available phosphorus (P2O5) were measured to explore their possible correlation with the amount of 210Pb. Special attention was given to the correlation between 210Pb and stable lead accumulated in the soil. Several samples were taken near a battery manufacturer to check if extremely high concentrations of lead can affect the uptake of the airborne 210Pb in soil. Soil samples were also taken at different depths to investigate the penetration of lead through the soil.
Mihailovi?, Aleksandra; Vu?ini? Vasi?, Milica; Todorovi?, Nata�a; Hansman, Jan; Vasin, Jovica; Krmar, Miodrag
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War photography is a field which experienced changes that were influenced by many factors. Some of the most important factors were course of development of photographic equipment, course of development of printing press, possibility of reproducing photographs in print media and consequently possibility of mediating war photographs to public, social and cultural background and level of censorship and control over publishing war photographs and their content at the time when certain war photogr...
From Perceptions to Practice: Factors Affecting Recast
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
This review study was motivated by a debate about the role of recast in L2 learning. Recast is the most frequent type of feedback but probably the least effective one. While some researchers have criticized it as inefficient, others have supported it as an unobtrusive type of feedback especially useful during interactive activities. This review of studies on recast helps pinpoint the factors contributing to the effectiveness of recast. In this regard, two factors were found to have a...
Sajjad Sepehrinia; Alireza Zarea; Majid Soltani Moghaddam; Morteza Nasiri
Factors affecting blast traumatic brain injury.
The overlapping pathologies and functional outcomes of blast-induced TBI (bTBI) and stress-related neurobehavioral disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are significant military health issues. Soldiers are exposed to multiple stressors with or without suffering bTBI, making diagnosis and treatment as well as experimental modeling of bTBI a challenge. In this study we compared anxiety levels of Na�ve rats to ones that were exposed to each of the following conditions daily for 4 consecutive days: C I: transportation alone; C II: transportation and anesthesia; C III: transportation, anesthesia, and blast sounds; Injured: all three variables plus mild blast overpressure. Following behavioral testing we analyzed sera and select brain regions for protein markers and cellular changes. C I, C II, and C III animals exhibited increased anxiety, but serum corticosterone levels were only significantly elevated in C III and Injured rats. C III and Injured animals also had elevated interferon-? (IFN-?) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in the amygdala (AD) and ventral hippocampus (VHC). Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels were only significantly elevated in the VHC, prefrontal cortex (PFC), and AD of Injured animals; they showed an apparent increase in ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule (Iba1) and GFAP immunoreactivity, as well as increased numbers of TUNEL-positive cells in the VHC. Our findings demonstrate that experimental conditions, particularly the exposure to blast acoustics, can increase anxiety and trigger specific behavioral and molecular changes without injury. These findings should be taken into consideration when designing bTBI studies, to better understand the role of stressors in the development of post-traumatic symptoms, and to establish a differential diagnosis for PTSD and bTBI. PMID:21861635
Kamnaksh, Alaa; Kovesdi, Erzsebet; Kwon, Sook-Kyung; Wingo, Daniel; Ahmed, Farid; Grunberg, Neil E; Long, Joseph; Agoston, Denes V
Factors Affecting Ejection Risk in Rollover Crashes
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Ejection greatly increases the risk of injury and fatality in a rollover crash. The purpose of this study was to determine the crash, vehicle, and occupant characteristics that affect the risk of ejection in rollovers. Information from real world rollover crashes occurring from 2000 � 2010 was obtained from the National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) in order to analyze the effect of the following parameters on ejection risk: seatbelt use, rollover severity, vehicle type, seating positio...
Factors affecting levodopa effects in Parkinson's disease.
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Full Text Available Levodopa is the gold standard for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD because of its outstanding clinical efficacy. However, the majority of patients experience various adverse reactions, including the wearing-off phenomenon, the on-off phenomenon, dyskinesia and psychiatric symptoms. The response to levodopa depends not only on the intrinsic responsiveness of the patients, but also on various other important factors including the type of levodopa preparation, its absorption/metabolism, the blood-brain barrier, age at onset of disease and concomitant use of anti-parkinsonian drugs. This review summarizes factors which influence the effects of levodopa in PD. To minimize levodopa-induced adverse reactions and to relieve long-term parkinsonian symptoms, levodopa therapy should be conducted by taking these factors into consideration.
Ogawa N
Factors affecting alum-protein interactions.
Alum (or aluminum-containing) adjuvants are key components of many vaccines currently on the market. The immuno-potentiation effect of alum adjuvants is presumably due to their interaction with antigens, leading to adsorption on the alum particle surface. Understanding the mechanism of antigen adsorption/desorption and its influencing factors could provide guidance on formulation design and ensure proper in-vivo immuno-potentiation effect. In this paper, surface adsorption of several model proteins on two types of aluminum adjuvants (Alhydrogel(�) and Adjuphos(�)) are investigated to understand the underlying adsorption mechanisms, capacities, and potential influencing factors. It was found that electrostatic interactions are the major driving force for surface adsorption of all the model proteins except ovalbumin. Alhydrogel has a significantly higher adsorption capacity than Adjuphos. Several factors significantly change the adsorption capacity of both Alhydrogel and Adjuphos, including molecular weight of protein antigens, sodium chloride, phosphate buffer, denaturing agents, and size of aluminum particles. These important factors need to be carefully considered in the design of an effective protein antigen-based vaccine. PMID:24607202
Huang, Min; Wang, Wei
Factors affecting the design of instrument flight procedures
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available The article highlights factors, which might affect the design of instrument flight procedures. Ishikawa diagram is used to distribute individual factors into classes, as are People, Methods, Regulations, Tools, Data and Environment.
Ivan FERENCZ
Factors affecting the design of instrument flight procedures
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
The article highlights factors, which might affect the design of instrument flight procedures. Ishikawa diagram is used to distribute individual factors into classes, as are People, Methods, Regulations, Tools, Data and Environment.
Internal factors affecting the jury members verdict
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available The article is devoted to the analysis of socio-demographic and individual psychological characteristics that influence the verdict of jury. The study involved 38 men and women aged 25 to 64 years. With the help of a questionnaire, developed on the basis of legal development model by J. Tapp and F. Levine, we revealed levels of jury members� legal conscience, which, together with socio-demographic characteristics and personality characteristics of the subjects, identified by R. Cattell 16PF Questionnaire, were related to the responses on the Questionnaire while returning verdict on specially selected criminal cases with implicit guilt of the defendant. According to the study, it was determined that the socio-demographic characteristics of the jurors did not significantly affect their verdict, and among the psychological characteristics of the jurors the greatest impact on their verdict has the level of legal development. Thus, depending on the nature of the crime (violent, non-violent or committed through negligence, the same level of legal conscience differently affect the decision of jurors.
Kalashnikova A.S.
Oocyte Maturation Process and Affecting Factors
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Normal female fertility depends on normally occuring oogenesis and maturation progress. Oogenesis and folliculogenesis are different progresses but occure in a harmony and at the same time. Oogenesis includes the events that take place matur ovum produced from primordial germ cells. Although folliculogenesis includes the stages primordial, primary, secondary, matur (Graaf) follicules in the influece of gonadotropines and local growth factors. During oocyte maturation meiosis is distrupted til...
Yurdun Kuyucu; Ozgul Tap
Risk factors that affect recurrence in strokes
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Introduction: Recurrent stroke is defined as a new cerebrovascular event which occurs after the stabilization of the previous stroke. Recurrence of stroke increases likelihood of disability-mortality associated with stroke. Systematic evaluation of stroke cases can help to reduce the risk of recurrence. Objective: In order to predict strokes which carry the risk of recurrence, we aimed to compare data related to risk factors, stroke type, etiology and disability-mortality rates associated wit...
Sema Demirci; Yalc??ner, Betu?l Z.; G�ksel Baka�; Cengiz Dayan; Fikret Aysal; Sevim Bayba?
Factors Affecting The Retention Of Knowledge Workers
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
One of the characteristics of knowledge workers is their high level of mobility. The cost of labour turnover of these key resources is high in both financial and non financial terms. There is thus a need to understand what the factors are that underpin the retention cognitions of knowledge workers. Data was collected from 306 knowledge workers in full time employment representing a wide range of demographic groupings. The results showed that job satisfaction and organisational commitment do n...
Factors affecting peri-implant tissue reactions
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Screw- shaped titanium implants are today routinely used m the substitution of lost teeth. In this thesis some of the biological factors related to the long-term survival and maintenance of dental implants were studied. The first arm of these studies was to evaluate the neutrophil activation around teeth and dental implants (Papers I & II). Secondly we wanted to evaluate the clinical radiographic and microbiological status of implants after long-term. function m partly e...
Hultin, Margareta
Factors affecting levodopa effects in Parkinson's disease.
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Levodopa is the gold standard for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) because of its outstanding clinical efficacy. However, the majority of patients experience various adverse reactions, including the wearing-off phenomenon, the on-off phenomenon, dyskinesia and psychiatric symptoms. The response to levodopa depends not only on the intrinsic responsiveness of the patients, but also on various other important factors including the type of levodopa preparation, its absorption/metabolism,...
Factors affecting boiler efficiency: a literature study
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
Literature on the subject of coal-fired boilers was studied with the objective of establishing criteria whereby the efficiency could be improved. Methods of determining boiler efficiency are also given. Improving the standards of boiler control, i.e. by ensuring optimum combustion and following a regular and thorough maintenance program, are the most important single factors by which the efficiency of a boiler can be improved.
Venter, J.S.M.
Risk factors affecting pancreatic fistulas after pancreaticoduodenectomy
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Full Text Available AIM: To analyze the risk factors of pancreatic leakage after pancreaticoduodenectomy.METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 172 consecutive patients who had undergone pancreatico-duodenectomy at Inha University Hospital between April 1996 and March 2006. We analyzed the pancreatic fistula rate according to the clinical characteristics, the pathologic and laboratory findings, and the anastomotic methods.RESULTS: The incidence of developing pancreatic fistulas in patients older than 60 years of age was 21.7% (25/115, while the incidence was 8.8% (5/57 for younger patients; the difference was significant (P = 0.03. Patients with a dilated pancreatic duct had a lower rate of post-operative pancreatic fistulas than patients with a non-dilated duct (P = 0.001. Other factors, including clinical features, anastomotic methods, and pathologic diagnosis, did not show any statistical difference.CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that pancreatic fistulas are related to age and a dilated pancreatic duct. The surgeon must take these risk factors into consideration when performing a pancre-aticoduodenectomy.
Yun-Mee Choe, Keon-Young Lee, Cheong-Ah Oh, Joung-Bum Lee, Sun Keun Choi, Yoon-Seok Hur, Sei-Joong Kim, Young Up Cho, Seung-Ik Ahn, Kee-Chun Hong, Seok-Hwan Shin, Kyung-Rae Kim
Risk factors that affect recurrence in strokes
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available Introduction: Recurrent stroke is defined as a new cerebrovascular event which occurs after the stabilization of the previous stroke. Recurrence of stroke increases likelihood of disability-mortality associated with stroke. Systematic evaluation of stroke cases can help to reduce the risk of recurrence. Objective: In order to predict strokes which carry the risk of recurrence, we aimed to compare data related to risk factors, stroke type, etiology and disability-mortality rates associated with stroke. Material And Method: Patients with stroke who referred to Bak?rkoy Neurological and Psychiatric Diseases Training and Research State Hospital between June 1, 2002 and February 28, 2003 were recorded into the stroke database in a consecutive and prospective manner. Strokes were classified as ischemic/hemorrhagic and first/recurrent. For recurrent strokes, information about previous strokes was also recorded. Risk factors were classified as hypertension (HT, diabetes mellitus (DM, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation (AF, coronary artery disease (CAD, migraine, transient ischemic accident (TIA, family history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA, oral contraceptive use, PAD, congestive heart failure (CHF, other heart diseases, smoking cigarette and alcohol consumption. Disability-mortality rates associated with stroke were evaluated. All data were compared for first and recurrent strokes. Results: In our study, 631 patients were evaluated, 52.3% of whom were female and 47.7% male. Frequency of stroke was statistically high (p<0.001 in females over 70 years old. Recurrent strokes were of the same type. For the first and recurrent strokes, HT was the highest risk factor. AF frequency increased with age (p<0.001. The rate of disability-mortality was found high in strokes of undetermined and cardioembolic origin. Conclusion: Knowledge of etiologic group can help to predict recurrence of stroke and prevent death. We think that effective treatment of modifiable risk factors identified in stroke groups where recurrence is the highest, and prioritising the investigation of cardioembolic risk factors in elderly women are significant in terms of primary and secondary stroke prevention.
Sevim Bayba?
Factors affecting the microstructure of porous ceramics
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Full Text Available In this study, porous ceramics were produced by using two methods: the polymeric sponge and foam method. Astudy of the effect of viscosity on the characteristics of the final product produced using the polymeric sponge method revealed that the microstructure of porous ceramics is highly affected by the viscosity of the slurry. The optimal ratio between porosity and the strength of the porous material was achieved by subsequently repeating the immersing and drying processes. Astudy of the porous material obtained using the foam method revealed that the pore size and foam volume can be controlled by varying the amounts of anhydride and thermal blowing agent. The problem related to foam collapsing was solved by using a thermal blowing agent. The microstructure of the samples was characterized by SEM.
Factors Affecting Quality of Life Following Stroke
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available Stroke is a chronic and important health problem affecting all aspects of an individual�s life. Neurological impairment resulting from stroke leads to functional disability in patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of age, gender, duration of stroke and side of hemiplegia on the quality of life and the correlation between disability indices and the quality of life. Sixty-eight patients followed by the Stroke Policlinic of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department were included in the study. Functional status was evaluated with Brunnstrom Assessment, Functional Independence Measurement (FIMand Rivermaed Mobility Index (RMI. Nothingham Health Profile (NHP was used for the evaluation of quality of life. We did not determine any statistically significant difference in the subdivisions of quality of life between male and female patients and right or left hemiplegia patients. We also found that there was no correlation between the duration of stroke and subdivisions of quality of life whereas there was a positive correlation between age and only sleep subdivision of quality of life. A significant negative correlation was observed between Functional Independence Measurement and following subdivisions of Nothingham Health Profile: physical mobility (r= -0.609, p=0.000, social isolation (r= -0.403, p=0.009 and emotional reaction (r= -0.330, p=0.035. There was also a significant negative correlation between Rivermaed Mobility Index and such subdivisions of Nothingham Health Profile as physical mobility (r= -0.509, p=0.001, energy(r=-0.365, p=0.019, and social isolation (r=-0.319, p=0.042 As a result, disability ruins the quality of life in stroke patients. Improving the functional independence of these patients will affect their quality of life positively.
Ozlen PEKER
Do landscape factors affect brownfield carabid assemblages?
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The carabid fauna of 28 derelict sites in the West Midlands (England) were sampled over the course of one growing season (April-October, 1999). The study aimed to investigate the relationship between carabid assemblages and five measures of landscape structure pertinent to derelict habitat. At each site measurements of landscape features pertinent to derelict habitat were made: (i) the proximity of habitat corridors; (ii) the density of surrounding derelict land; (iii) the distance between the site and the rural fringe; and (iv) the size of the site. Concurrent surveys of the soil characteristics, vegetation type, and land use history were conducted. The data were analysed using a combination of ordination (DCA, RDA), variance partitioning (using pRDA) and binary linear regression. The results suggest that:1.There is very little evidence that the carabid assemblages of derelict sites were affected by landscape structure, with assemblages instead being principally related to within-site habitat variables, such as site age (since last disturbance), substrate type and vegetation community. 2.No evidence was found to support the hypothesis that sites away from railway corridors are more impoverished in their carabid fauna than sites on corridors. 3.There are some suggestions from this study that rarer and non-flying specialist species may be affected by isolation, taking longer to reach sites. We infer from this that older sites with retarded succession, and sites in higher densities of surrounding derelict land may eventually become more species rich and that these sites may be important for maintaining populations of rarer and flightless species. 4.Conservation efforts to maintain populations of these species should focus principally on habitat quality issues, such as maintaining early successional habitats that have a diversity of seed producing annuals and perennial plants and enhancing substrate variability rather than landscape issues
Factors affecting exhaled nitric oxide measurements: the effect of sex
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Abstract Background Exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) measurements are used as a surrogate marker for eosinophilic airway inflammation. However, many constitutional and environmental factors affect FENO, making it difficult to devise reference values. Our aim was to evaluate the relative importance of factors affecting FENO in a well characterised adult population. Methods Data were obtained from 895 members of the Dunedin Multidiscipl...
Factors affecting U-bend cracking
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Stress corrosion cracking of alloy 600 in pure water is assumed to be the damaging process of a large number of small radius U-bends of PWR steam generators. The possible influencing parameters are reviewed. The determining factor is a too high level of stress arising from two main origins: residual stresses; and overstresses induced by the inner pressure in deformed cross sections. The latter have been assessed by two dimensional finite elements computation and by strain gages measurements. Stress corrosion tests in boiling MgCl_2 sustain the previous results for outer surface overstresses. Geometrical characterizations were performed on: in service SG tubes by internal spherical gages; and laboratory samples by internal spherical gages, LVDT and ultrasonic measurements, cross sectioning
Factors affecting the biotransformation of TNT
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
Experiments were performed investigating several of the factors the effect the biotransformation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene in soils and groundwater. Three different electron acceptor conditions (nitrate-reducing, sulfate-reducing, and fermentative) were tested, as were several other variables in the reactor medium. All three anaerobic conditions were found favorable for TNT transformation, though nitrate-reducing conditions appeared to be fastest. Under nitrate-reducing conditions, TNT transformation rates were directly proportionally to primary substrate (acetate) concentrations. In the presence of bisulfide, TNT reacted rapidly in an abiotic reaction. Sulfate reduction and methanogenesis in the fermentative reactors were inhibited by TNT concentrations above 100 mg/L. The pattern on nitro-group reduction was reasonably predictable, with the more reduced products degrading fastest under nitrate-reducing conditions.
Wilber, G.G.; Li, J.; Clarkson, W.W.
Oocyte Maturation Process and Affecting Factors
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available Normal female fertility depends on normally occuring oogenesis and maturation progress. Oogenesis and folliculogenesis are different progresses but occure in a harmony and at the same time. Oogenesis includes the events that take place matur ovum produced from primordial germ cells. Although folliculogenesis includes the stages primordial, primary, secondary, matur (Graaf follicules in the influece of gonadotropines and local growth factors. During oocyte maturation meiosis is distrupted till the puberty. Under LH influence it starts again and first meiosis completes before ovulation. Oocyte maturation can be regarded as the process of coming metaphase II from prophase I of oocyte at the puberty and can be studied as nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. Meiosis is completed when fertilization occures and zygot is formed. In this article oogenesis, folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation process are summerized with related studies and reiews are revised. [Archives Medical Review Journal 2009; 18(4.000: 227-240
Yurdun Kuyucu
Factors Affecting The Retention Of Knowledge Workers
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available One of the characteristics of knowledge workers is their high level of mobility. The cost of labour turnover of these key resources is high in both financial and non financial terms. There is thus a need to understand what the factors are that underpin the retention cognitions of knowledge workers. Data was collected from 306 knowledge workers in full time employment representing a wide range of demographic groupings. The results showed that job satisfaction and organisational commitment do not predict knowledge workers� proposed future length of service.Factor analysis revealed seven underlying dimensions of retention cognitions. Cluster analysis revealed nine distinct clusters of knowledge workers with regard to their retention cognitions. High levels of individualism, need for challenge and focus on personal development were demonstrated. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Een van die eienskappe van kenniswerkers is hulle ho� vlak van mobiliteit. Die koste van arbeidsomset van hierdie sleutelbronne is hoog in beide finansi�le en nie-finansi�le terme. Daar bestaan dus �n behoefte om die faktore wat onderliggend is aan die retensiekognisies van kenniswerkers te verstaan. Data is ingesamel van 306 kenniswerkers in voltydse diens wat �n wye reeks demografiese groeperings verteenwoordig. Die resultate dui daarop dat werktevredenheid en organisasieverbondenheid nie die kenniswerkers se verwagte lengte van diens voorspel nie. Faktorontleding het sewe onderliggende dimensies van retensiekognisies blootgel�. �n Bondelontleding het nege duidelike bondels van kenniswerkers ten opsigte van hulle retensiekognisies onderskei. Ho� vlakke van individualisme, behoefte aan uitdaging en fokus op persoonlike ontwikkeling is aangedui. Die implikasies van hierdie bevindinge word bespreek.
Wilhelm Jordaan
Evaluation of factors affecting heat flux sensors
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
A program to evaluate heat-flux sensors employed in thermal measurements of passive solar structures has been performed. A guarded hot box was designed and built in accordance with ASTM Standard C236-80 to generate known heat fluxes through a variety of structural materials. These fluxes were compared with those measured by a heat flux transducer calibrated by both by the manufacturer and an independent laboratory. The guarded hot plate method, ASTM C117-76, was used in the latter case. The three sets of values were often in substantial disagreement, the extent of which varied with the substrate to which the transducer was attached. An analysis of the data indicates that the cause of disagreement lies in a local distortion of the heat flux through the substrate caused by the presence of the transducer. Disturbance of the air flow over the transducer and mismatch of surface thermal emissivities of the transducer and substrate are contributing factors. This work has demonstrated a need for a standardized procedure for heat flux sensor calibration, and the ASTM guarded hot plate method is recommended for this purpose. An approximate method for correcting the heat flux indicated by a transducer calibrated in this manner to bring it in agreement with the measured by the guarded hot box is presented.
Darnell, A.J.; McCoy, L.R.; Ingle, W.B.
Factors affecting the performance of ultrasonic flowmeters
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
A programme of work is currently underway at NEL to investigate and characterise the performance of liquid ultrasonic meters over a wide range of conditions. This paper presents the results of laboratory evaluations in addition to the initial results of combined flow and flowmeter modelling. Two-phase, oil/gas performance tests were conducted on commercially available meters of 4-inch nominal bore. Specific results have been selected to illustrate performance variations related to factors in meter design and operation. Two-phase, oil/water performance tests with water-cuts of up to 15 % were also conducted on the above meters. These results are presented in their entirety. The results show deviations from single-phase performance which vary for each meter design. Baseline calibration results for four commercially available clamp-on meters are presented. The results were obtained in good installation conditions on stainless steel pipes of 4-inch and 8-inch nominal bore. The results show different levels of accuracy associated with each meter and a general conformation with predicted behaviour. The final section of the paper presents results obtained by a systematic numerical method of determining the flow profile sensitivity of various meter configurations. The results provide quantitative confirmation of the reduced sensitivity of multipath designs to variations in the velocity profile. (author)
Brown, G.J.
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available ABSTRACT: Vasectomy is one of the most effective but less utilized types of contraception method which could addresses the involvement of males to the family planning. The aim of the study was therefore to investigate the awareness about and practice of men towards vasectomy among workers in Dashen brewery, Ethiopia. Descriptive cross sectional study was conducted using pre tested self-administered questioner to assess the Knowledge, attitude and factors associated with low utilization of vasectomy. A total of 187 study participants were included to this study using single population proportion formula and random sampling technique. Majority of the participants 155 (82.9% never heard about vasectomy as a contraception method. Their knowledge about vasectomy is generally very poor as large proportion of respondents didn�t know how it works, its effectiveness and its effect on their sexual performance. None of the respondents have ever used vasectomy as a modern male contraception method. Misleading information towards its impact on sexual performance/desire was reported as a main reason not to use this method. Among others need of more children, unavailability of services, lack of information, spouse refusal and religious concerns were mentioned as a potential reasons for their negative perception towards vasectomy. Lack of awareness, myths and rumors, limited access to services, and indifference and bias on the part of providers about vasectomy limit its popularity in Ethiopia. Therefore, it is vital to introduce appropriate educational plan to increase awareness and usage of vasectomy in Ethiopia.
E. Admasu , Negalign chekol , Temesegen Chekol , Z. Shewamene*, Zelalem Eteffa
Factors Affecting Patient Satisfaction During Endoscopic Procedures
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Objective: To assess the quality and patient satisfaction in Endoscopy Unit of Shifa International Hospital. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: Division of Gastroenterology, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, from July 2011 to January 2012. Methodology: Quality and patient satisfaction after the endoscopic procedure was assessed using a modified GHAA-9 questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: A total of 1028 patients were included with a mean age of 45 A+- 14.21 years. Out of all the procedures, 670 (65.17%) were gastroscopies, 181 (17.60%) were flexible sigmoidoscopies and 177 (17.21%) were colonoscopies. The maximum unsatisfactory responses were on the waiting time before the procedure (13.13 %), followed by unsatisfactory explanation of the procedure and answers to questions (7.58%). Overall, unsatisfied impression was 4.86%. The problem rate was 6.22%. Conclusion: The quality of procedures and level of satisfaction of patients undergoing a gastroscopy or colonoscopy was generally good. The factors that influence the satisfaction of these patients are related to communication between doctor and patient, doctor's manner and waiting time for the procedure. Feedback information in an endoscopy unit may be useful in improving standards, including the performance of endoscopists. (author)
[The psychological factors affecting athletic performance].
The physical and mental health complex is claimed as achievement of the XXI. century, whereby also among the sportsmen and sportswomen, beside the somatic medicine, growing attention is devoted to the psyche as well. The sports psychiatry was dragged in and put into service to enhance performance after all biological weapons run out of ammunition, and the long-awaited results still failed to come about. Moreover, despite the energy increasingly invested it was going from bad to worse. Among athletes many psychiatric disorders call attention, either by the high prevalence or by the development of a specific syndrome. Symptoms of depression (depression after the competition, depression following the failure at the competition), chronic stress, anxiety, fatigue syndrome of overtraining, enervation, sleep disturbances, eating problems, burnout, eating disorders (anorexia athletics, athlete triad), personality factors and the chemical addiction are all extremely important. The present study is the first to summarize the most crucial psychiatric disorders that may have great significance in the athlete population, in varying degrees according to the individual sports. PMID:20442052
Resch, M�ria
Electronic invoicing in SMEs: Assessing the factors affecting the adoption
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
This study aims to find out what factors affect the adoption of electronic invoicing. In addition, the opportunities and drawbacks of adopting e-invoicing are examined. The framework for the study is based on earlier research and literature covering the topic of electronic invoicing and different factors affecting the decision to adopt. The factors presented in the framework are perceived benefits, organizational readiness, and external pressure. Especially external pressure will be under car...
Regulation of glial glutamate transporter expression by growth factors.
Injuries to the brain result in the decline of glial glutamate transporter expression within hours and a recovery after several days. One consequence of this disturbed expression seems to consist in the temporary accumulation of toxic extracellular glutamate levels followed by secondary neuronal cell death. Whereas evidence exists that the decline in glutamate transporter expression results from a loss of neuronal PACAP influences on astroglia, the mechanism(s) inducing the reexpression of glial glutamate transporters is presently unknown. We now demonstrate that the injury-induced growth factors EGF, TGFalpha, FGF-2, and PDGF all promote the expression of the glutamate transporters GLT-1 and/or GLAST in cultured cortical astroglia. In contrast, similar stimulatory influences were absent with GDNF and BDNF, growth factors not affected by brain injuries. The effects of EGF, TGFalpha, FGF-2, and PDGF on glial glutamate transport were only partly redundant and involved distinctly different signaling pathways. Unlike EGF, TGFalpha, and FGF-2, PDGF promoted GLT-1, but not GLAST expression and further failed to increase the maximal velocity of sodium-dependent glutamate uptake. Moreover, FGF-2 only affected glial glutamate transport when the RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway was concomitantly inhibited with PD98059. Depending on the extracellular growth factor and glutamate transporter subtype, the observed stimulatory effects required the activation of PKA, PKC, and/or AKT. We suggest that after brain injury, reactive processes may limit secondary neuronal cell death by promoting glial glutamate transport. The detailed knowledge of these compensatory mechanisms will eventually allow us to therapeutically interfere with glutamate-associated neuronal cell death in the brain. PMID:12957496
Figiel, Maciej; Maucher, Tobias; Rozyczka, Joanna; Bayatti, Nadhim; Engele, J�rgen
Factors affecting return to driving post-stroke.
LENUS (Irish Health Repository)
BACKGROUND: Stroke can affect a person\\'s ability to drive, an important means of transportation in the developed world. AIMS: To determine percentage of patients and factors associated with return to driving post-stroke in a service with emphasis on driver assessment. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients discharged from the Stroke Service of our 470-bed teaching hospital from 1998 to 2002. RESULTS: Of 72 drivers pre-stroke, 54% recalled a driving assessment and 68% returned to driving. Younger patients (58.6 +\\/- 12.0 vs. 66.5 +\\/- 10.5, p = 0.008) with lower Modified Rankin Score (median 1 vs. 2, p = 0.0001) and normal cognition (55 vs. 43%, p = 0.45) were more likely to resume driving. More patients who were assessed returned to driving than those who were not (74 vs. 61%, p = 0.31). CONCLUSIONS: A relatively high level of return to driving can be achieved post-stroke with a pro-active approach to driver assessment and rehabilitation. A structured assessment and referral programme should be offered where appropriate.
Tan, K M
The Direct and Indirect Factors on Affecting Organizational Sustainability
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Full Text Available Successful firms pursue organizational sustainability. The aim of this study is to explore the direct and indirect factors affecting on organizational sustainability. Indirect factors being those that first influence competitive advantage, and then affecting organizational sustainability. This study analyzes 145 articles retrieved from the SDOL (Science Driect Online database that were published between 2009 and January 2013. Papers were retrieved using �organizational sustainability� and �competitive advantage� as keywords, searching on �Abstract, Title, Keywords�, and subject headings of �Business, Management and Accounting�. The results identify that 13 indirect factors and 3 direct factors can have an impact on organizational sustainability.
Meng-Shan Tsai
Kjell J. Nilssen; Factors affecting energy expenditure in reindeer
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Full Text Available The thesis Factors affecting energy expenditure in reindeer by Kjell J. Nilssen was approved for the Phil, dr's degree at the University of Troms�. The dissertation took place in Troms� December 15.1984.
Sven Skjenneberg (ed.
Kjell J. Nilssen; Factors affecting energy expenditure in reindeer
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available
The thesis Factors affecting energy expenditure in reindeer by Kjell J. Nilssen was approved for the Phil, dr's degree at the University of Troms�. The dissertation took place in Troms� December 15.1984.
Sven Skjenneberg (ed.
What makes listening difficult. Factors affecting second language listening comprehension.
To establish what is currently known about factors that affect foreign language listening comprehension, with a focus on characteristics of the listener, passage, and testing conditions. Research on second language (L2) listening comprehension strongly su...
A. Blodgett A. Bloomfield E. Rhoades J. Linck S. C. Wayland
Factors Affecting Ankle Support Device Usage in Young Basketball Players
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This cross-sectional study explores factors affecting the decision of basketball players to wear ankle support devices (ASDs). A questionnaire regarding attitudes towards ASD usage was developed based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). The questionnaire assessed HBM perceptions (susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers) and modifying factors (demographic, personal history of ankle injury, influence of coach to preventive action) that may affect an athlete�s decision to wear ASDs. One...
Cusimano, Michael D.; Ahmed Faress; Luong, Wilson P.; Khizer Amin; Joanne Eid; Tamer Abdelshaheed; Kelly Russell
Vehicle emission unit risk factors for transportation risk assessments
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
When the transportation risk posed by shipments of hazardous chemical and radioactive materials is being assessed, it is necessary to evaluate the risks associated with both vehicle emissions and cargo-related risks. Diesel exhaust and fugitive dust emissions from vehicles transporting hazardous shipments lead to increased air pollution, which increases the risk of latent fatalities in the affected population along the transport route. The estimated risk from these vehicle-related sources can often by as large or larger than the estimated risk associated with the material being transported. In this paper, data from the US Environmental Protection Agency's Motor Vehicle-Related Air Toxics Study are first used to develop latent cancer fatality estimates per kilometer of travel in rural and urban areas for all diesel truck classes. These unit risk factors are based on studies investigating the carcinogenic nature of diesel exhaust. With the same methodology, the current per=kilometer latent fatality risk factor used in transportation risk assessment for heavy diesel trucks in urban areas is revised and the analysis expanded to provide risk factors for rural areas and all diesel truck classes. These latter fatality estimates may include, but are not limited to, cancer fatalities and are based primarily on the most recent epidemiological data available on mortality rates associated with ambient air PM-10 concentrations
Exploring Factors that Affect Purchase Intention of Athletic Team Merchandise
The purpose of this study was to test a structural model to determine which psychosocial constructs affected the purchase intention of athletic team merchandise (ATM). Results from the analyses indicated that the twelve-factor ATM model fit the data from collegiate athletic events well, explaining the various impact factors that lead to purchase�
Lee, Donghun; Trail, Galen T.; Lee, Cindy; Schoenstedt, Linda J.
Factors affecting labelling yield of 111 In-DTPA-BSA
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Radiolabelling of antibodies depends on a number of factors including the chemical characteristics of the nuclide and the techniques employed for its incorporation into protein. For preliminary research we used model system and investigate the influence of different factors affecting labelling. Obtained results were successfully used for further radiolabelling of antibodies with different trivalent metals. (author)
Factors affecting receipt of chemotherapy in women with breast cancer
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Libby Morimoto1, Jenna Coalson1, Fionna Mowat1, Cynthia O�Malley21Exponent Health Sciences, Menlo Park, CA, USA; 2Amgen Global Epidemiology, Thousand Oaks, CA, USAAims: To review literature describing factors associated with receipt of chemotherapy for breast cancer, to better understand what factors are most relevant to women�s health and whether health disparities are apparent, and to assess how these factors might affect observational studies and outcomes research. Patterns of ...
Libby Morimoto; Jenna Coalson; Fionna Mowat; et al
Web-based Factors Affecting Online Purchasing Behaviour
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The growing use of internet and online purchasing among young consumers in Malaysia provides a huge prospect in e-commerce market, specifically for B2C segment. In this market, if E-marketers know the web-based factors affecting online buyers' behaviour, and the effect of these factors on behaviour of online consumers, then they can develop their marketing strategies to convert potential customers into active one, while retaining existing online customers. Review of previous studies related to the online purchasing behaviour in B2C market has point out that the conceptualization and empirical validation of the online purchasing behaviour of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) literate users, or ICT professional, in Malaysia has not been clearly addressed. This paper focuses on (i) web-based factors which online buyers (ICT professional) keep in mind while shopping online; and (ii) the effect of web-based factors on online purchasing behaviour. Based on the extensive literature review, a conceptual framework of 24 items of five factors was constructed to determine web-based factors affecting online purchasing behaviour of ICT professional. Analysis of data was performed based on the 310 questionnaires, which were collected using a stratified random sampling method, from ICT undergraduate students in a public university in Malaysia. The Exploratory factor analysis performed showed that five factors affecting online purchase behaviour are Information Quality, Fulfilment/Reliability/Customer Service, Website Design, Quick and Details, and Privacy/Security. The result of Multiple Regression Analysis indicated that Information Quality, Quick and Details, and Privacy/Security affect positively online purchase behaviour. The results provide a usable model for measuring web-based factors affecting buyers' online purchase behaviour in B2C market, as well as for online shopping companies to focus on the factors that will increase customers' online purchase.
Factors Affecting Forest Area Changes in Cambodia: An Econometric Approach
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Clarifying factors affecting forest area changes is critical to implementing REDD+ scheme properly. We analyzed some socio-economic factors and clarified their relationships with deforestation in Cambodia for the period of 2002 to 2010. A panel data analysis was conducted for 18 provinces, while six other provinces were deleted from the list because only a small amount of their land was forested. Time effects, cross-sectional dependence, serial correlation in idiosyncratic errors, and heteros...
Tetsuya Michinaka; Motoe Miyamoto; Yasuhiro Yokota; Heng Sokh; Sethaphal Lao; Vuthy Ma
Factors affecting the diffusion of online end user literature searching.
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify factors that affect diffusion of usage of online end user literature searching. Fifteen factors clustered into three attribute sets (innovation attributes, organizational attributes, and marketing attributes) were measured to study their effect on the diffusion of online searching within institutions. METHODS: A random sample of sixty-seven academic health sciences centers was selected and then 1,335 library and informatics staff members at th...
Ash, J. S.
Factors affecting partitioning of private forest holdings in Finland.
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Questions of the small size of non-industrial private forest (NIPF) holdings in Finland are considered and factors affecting their partitioning are analyzed. This work arises out of Finnish forest policy statements in which the small average size of holdings has been seen to have a negative influence on the economics of forestry. A survey of the literature indicates that the size of holdings is an important factor determining the costs of logging and silvicultural operations, while its influe...
Ripatti, Pekka
Factors Affecting Performance in an Introductory Sociology Course
This study examines factors affecting students' performances in an Introductory Sociology course over five semesters. Employing simple and ordered logit regression models, the author explains final grades by focusing on individual demographic and educational characteristics that students bring into the classroom. The results show that a student's�
Kwenda, Maxwell
Factors affecting the internal brain drain of Saudi healthcare professionals
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Objectives: To investigate factors affecting the internal brain drain of healthcare professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous self-administered online questionnaire sent to all Saudi students enrolled in healthcare profession programs in North America. The data was collected between January and March 2008 at the University of Illinois at Chica...
Factors Affecting Recruitment into Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Training
Objective: The authors studied the factors affecting the recruitment into child and adolescent psychiatry training in the United States. Methods: Medical students (n = 154) and general and child and adolescent psychiatry residents (n = 111) completed a questionnaire to evaluate career choice in child psychiatry (n = 265). Results: Compared with�
Shaw, Jon A.; Lewis, John E.; Katyal, Shalini
Factors affecting Iran`s future. Final report
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
This study examines the factors affecting Iran`s future by focusing on the demographic, economic, and military trends in Iran and their impact on the country`s national security objectives in the next decade. The paper also assesses the implications of an economic embargo on Iran and potential Iranian threats to regional and United States national interests.
Sinai, J.
Factors Affecting the Technology Readiness of Health Professionals
Federal government policies are promoting diffusion of technologies into the healthcare system. If health professionals reject the new technologies planned for the healthcare system, it could result in costly failures, delays, and workforce problems. There is a lack of knowledge about factors that affect technology readiness (TR), defined as the�
Myers, Stephanie E.
Exploring the Factors that Affect Reading Comprehension of EAP Learners
As far as academic reading comprehension is concerned, a network of linguistic skills and strategies operate in a complex and integrated matter. Since it is impossible to examine all the factors affecting reading comprehension all at once, it is more reasonable to compare and contrast the predictive effects of specific variables against each other�
Nergis, Aysegul
Principals' Perception regarding Factors Affecting the Performance of Teachers
This study investigated the perception of principals on how the factors of subject mastery, teaching methodology, personal characteristics, and attitude toward students affect the performance of teachers at higher secondary level in the Punjab. All principals of higher secondary level in the Punjab were part of the population of the study. From�
Akram, Muhammad Javaid; Raza, Syed Ahmad; Khaleeq, Abdur Rehman; Atika, Samrana
Factors Affecting Role Stress and Burnout among School Counselors
The purpose of this study is to determine factors affecting role stress and burnout among practicing school counselors as measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Educators Survey (MBI-ES) and the Role Conflict and Ambiguity Scale. The MBI-ES utilizes three subscales to measure burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal�
Willingham, Wendy Elizabeth
Factors affecting the performance of professional nurses in Namibia
Scientific Electronic Library Online (English)
Full Text Available SciELO South Africa | Language: English Abstract in english BACKGROUND: Professional nurses play a vital role in the provision of health care globally. The performance of health care workers, including professional nurses, link closely to the productivity and quality of care provision within health care organisations. It was important to identify factors inf [...] luencing the performance of professional nurses if the quality of health care delivery was to improved. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to identify factors affecting the performance of professional nurses in Namibia. METHOD: A quantitative, descriptive survey was used to collect data by means of a questionnaire. A random sample of 180 professional nurses was selected from six hospitals in three regions of Namibia. RESULTS: Factors affecting the performance of nurses negatively were identified such as: lack of recognition of employees who are performing well, quality performance outcomes and an absence of a formal performance appraisal system and poor working conditions. Various factors contribute to both the positive and negative performance of professional nurses in Namibia. Strategies were developed for addressing the negative factors that could positively affect the performance of professional nurses in Namibia. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasises the importance of developing strategies to promote the performance of nurses; build knowledge and expertise; develop mechanisms for improving the performance of nurses; expand leadership and management capacity; and generate information and knowledge through research.
Magdalene H., Awases; Marthie C., Bezuidenhout; Janetta H., Roos.
Factors affecting farm diversification in rice-wheat
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The risk in agriculture sector is due to various factors like weather and market conditions, particularly the demand of the commodities. This uncertainty can result in variable returns (farm income) to the decisions that farmers make in a particular season. Diversification is a frequently used risk management strategy that involves participation in more than one activity. It has the added advantage of mitigating price risk as well as fluctuations in outputs. The main purpose of this paper was to determine the factors affecting crop diversification. For determining the effect of different factors on diversification a multiple regression model was used. The values of Entropy index computed for measuring horizontal diversification were taken as dependent variable and different factors affecting diversification were taken as independent variables. The results showed that the main factors affecting diversification were size of land holding, age of respondent, education level of respondent, farming experience of respondent, off farm income of respondent, distance of farm from main road, distance of farm from main market and farm machinery. (author)
Arsenic in Drinking Water in Bangladesh: Factors Affecting Child Health
The focus of this paper is to present an empirical model of factors affecting child health by observing actions households take to avoid exposure to arsenic in drinking water. Millions of Bangladeshis face multiple health hazards from high levels of arsenic in drinking water. Safe water sources are either expensive or difficult to access, affecting people�s individuals� time available for work and ultimately affecting the health of household members. Since children are particularly susceptible and live with parents who are primary decision makers for sustenance, parental actions linking child health outcomes is used in the empirical model. Empirical results suggest that child health is significantly affected by the age and gender of the household water procurer. Adults with a high degree of concern for children�s health risk from arsenic contamination, and who actively mitigate their arsenic contaminated water have a positive effect on child health.
Aziz, Sonia N.; Aziz, Khwaja M. S.; Boyle, Kevin J.
Environmental factors affecting mechanical properties of facial prosthetic elastomers.
This study evaluated the degradation of elastomers for facial prostheses exposed to environmental factors normally present in a service environment. Two silicone elastomers and a polyurethane were evaluated. Samples were exposed to ultraviolet radiation, simulated sebum, ozone, chlorine, and nitrogen dioxide, and tested for tear propagation and resistance. Test results revealed significant differences in the tear characteristics between silicones and polyurethane. Differences in tear patterns were observed between the control and the specimens exposed to environmental factors. The environmental factors affected the polyurethane Epithane-3 the most and silicone MDX 4-4210 the least. When exposed to chlorine and nitrogen dioxide, Cosmesil and Epithane-3 were degraded to a point where sample testing was not possible. When exposed to ultraviolet radiation, Epithane-3 was degraded and could not be tested. Simulated sebum and ozone affected Cosmesil and Epithane-3, but no clear trends were observed. PMID:7802918
Mohite, U H; Sandrik, J L; Land, M F; Byrne, G
An experiment on the factors affecting simple reaction time
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available Reaction time is considered as an important measure that affects performance of an individual both in business and private life. Especially, reaction time, which can be defined as a period of time being required for giving appropriate responses to the perceived stimuli, is an important factor in terms of efficiency of organization and also health and safety at work. Moreover, reaction time is regarded as an important factor in product design. In this study, an experiment is designed to reveal the factors that affect simple reaction time and the effects of (discrete / continuous variables such as age, height, weight, gender, sight defects, smoking and alcohol use, regular habits of sports and academic achievement on reaction time of individuals are investigated, and the findings are interpreted.
Hale Akkocao?lu
A study of factors affecting indoor radon properties
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The factors affecting indoor radon properties in Hong Kong have been studied, including the radon concentration, the total potential alpha energy concentration of radon progeny, the equilibrium factor, and the fraction of unattached radon progeny. These factors fall into three categories, namely, (1) the building characteristics, including cooling method, age of the buildings, wall coverings and floor coverings; (2) the location of sites, including nearby environments, geological materials of the area, and the elevation of the sites; and (3) the meteorological parameters, including rainfall, relative humidity, pressure, temperature, and wind speeds. For category (1), only the ventilation is found to affect the indoor radon properties. For category (2), only the nearby environments have effects. For category (3), the rainfall and temperature are found to have significant effects. 15 refs., 1 fig., 5 tabs
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Full Text Available Online games increasingly sell virtual goods to generate real income. As a result, it isincreasingly important to identify factors and theory of consumption values that affect intent topurchase virtual goods in online games. However, very little research has been devoted to thetopic. This study is an empirical investigation of the factors and theory of consumption valuesthat affect intent to purchase virtual goods in online games. The study determines the effects ofgame type, satisfaction with the game, identification with the character, and theory ofconsumption values on intent to purchase virtual goods. The study used a survey to collectinformation from 523 virtual game users. Study results showed that game type is a moderatingvariable that affects intent to purchase virtual goods. And it demonstrated that role-playing gameusers are affected by theory of consumption values: functional quality, playfulness, and socialrelationship support. Moreover, war-strategy game users are affected by satisfaction with thegame, identification with the character, and theory of consumption values: price, utility, andplayfulness. The study also presents conclusions, proposes applications, and describesopportunities for further research.
Cheng-Hsun Ho
Factors affecting receipt of chemotherapy in women with breast cancer
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available Libby Morimoto1, Jenna Coalson1, Fionna Mowat1, Cynthia O�Malley21Exponent Health Sciences, Menlo Park, CA, USA; 2Amgen Global Epidemiology, Thousand Oaks, CA, USAAims: To review literature describing factors associated with receipt of chemotherapy for breast cancer, to better understand what factors are most relevant to women�s health and whether health disparities are apparent, and to assess how these factors might affect observational studies and outcomes research. Patterns of care for metastatic breast cancer, for which no standard-of-care exists, were of particular interest.Methods: Relevant studies written in English, Italian, French, or Spanish, published in 2000 or later, were identified through MEDLINE and reviewed. Review articles and clinical trials were excluded; all observational studies and surveys were considered. Articles were reviewed for any discussion of patient characteristics, hospital/physician/insurance characteristics, psychosocial characteristics, and clinical characteristics affecting receipt of chemotherapy by breast cancer patients.Results: In general, factors associated with increased likelihood of receiving chemotherapy included younger age, being Caucasian, having good general health and few co-morbidities, having more severe clinical disease, having responded well to previous treatment, and having breast cancer that is estrogen- or progesterone-receptor-negative. Many of the clinical factors found to increase the likelihood of receiving chemotherapy were consistent with current oncology guidelines. Of the relevant 19 studies identified, only six (32% reported data specific to metastatic cancer; most studies aggregated women with stage I�IV for purposes of analysis.Conclusion: Studies of patterns of care in breast cancer treatment can help identify challenges in health care provided to particular subgroups of women and can aid researchers in designing studies that account for such factors in clinical and outcomes research. Although scarce, studies evaluating only women with metastatic breast cancer indicate that factors affecting decisions related to receipt of chemotherapy are similar across stage for this disease.Keywords: breast cancer, chemotherapy, metastatic, treatment decisions, health disparities
Libby Morimoto
Factors Affecting Hoteliers� Decision to Advertise in Travel Magazine
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available Advertising is a paid, mass-mediated attempt to persuade. That mean Advertising is paid communication by a company or organization that wants its information disseminated through a communication medium designed to reach more than one person, typically a large number or mass of people and advertising includes an attempt to persuade consumer to like the brand and because of that liking to eventually buy the brand. Advertising in travel magazine is one of the promotional methods to promote hoteliers products or services to the market place. By advertising in travel magazine, it can reach the target audience, educate them about the products or services, and move them closer to make a purchase. The purpose of the research is to recognize and rank the factors affecting hotelier�s decision to advertise in travel magazine. The respondents for the research are those hoteliers operating in Malaysia. The factors for this research are reached target readers, cost of advertising, contents of the magazine, frequency of advertising and media of advertising. The result of the research shows two of the factors significantly affecting hoteliers advertising decision. Furthermore, cost of advertising ranks the first follow by reach target readers, contents of magazine, media of advertising and frequency of advertising ranks the last. This research will help the publisher of travel magazine to understand and recognize the ranking of factors affecting hoteliers� decision to advertise in travel magazine.
Mohd Faiz Hilmi
Physician-Related Factors Affecting Cardiac Rehabilitation Referral
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Full Text Available Background: Despite the positive impact of cardiac rehabilitation (CR on quality of life and mortality, the majority of people who could benefit from this program fail to participate in it. The lack of referral from the physician is a common reason that patients give for not seeking CR. The objective of this study was to compare factors affecting CR referral by cardiologists. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 122 cardiologists, including 89 general cardiac specialists and 33 fellows in cardiology from 11 major cardiology training centers in Iran, was done in 2010. They responded to the 14- item investigator-generated survey, examining the physician�s attitudinal and knowledge factors affecting CR referral. Results: 47.9% of the subjects reported having available CR centers but only 6.6% reported continuous medical education on the topic. 90.7% of the physicians reported that less than 15% of patients are referred to CR centers. The main factor affecting the low referral rate was limited general knowledge about CR programs (79.5% such as program attributes and benefits, methods of reimbursement. Lack of insurance coverage, unavailability of CR centers in the community and low physicians� fee were other factors reported by the physicians. Conclusion: Cardiologists� inadequate general knowledge of and attitude toward CR programs seem to be a potential threat for cardiac prevention and rehabilitation in some societies.
Bahieh Moradi
Affective Factors Associated with Computational Estimation of Seventh Graders
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Full Text Available This study examined affective factors associated with the seventh grade students� computational estimation ability. Data was collected from five high achievers via two interview sessions. During the interviews, students were required to solve numerical computational estimation questions and share their perspectives about computational estimation. Additionally, teacher interviews and observations were conducted for triangulation purposes about students� performance in mathematics and attitude toward mathematics. A theme oriented matrix was used to analyze the data. The results of the study found that students� confidence in ability to do mathematics, perceptions of mathematics, confidence in ability to do estimation, perceptions of estimation and tolerance for error were identified as affective factors related with students� computational estimation ability.
Bur�ak BOZ,
Factors affecting the accuracy of the integrated particle sizing system
The purpose of this research was to investigate factors affecting instrument accuracy of a nonintrusive optical system known as the Integrated Particle Sizing System (IPSS). Studies of soot formation and growth in laboratory combustors were conducted at the Air Force Engineering and Services Center, Environics Division, using the IPSS. However, the behavior of this instrument and the factors affecting its accuracy were not completely understood, causing the proper operation of the instrument and the interpretation of results to be questioned. This report focused on the theory governing the instrument's design. A list of limitations imposed by theory was derived and measurements were made to verify the relationship between incoming signal, theory, and actual particle size.
Proctor, Charles L.; Isager, Barbara D.; Touati, Abderrahama
Factors affecting the dermal bioavailability of hydrocarbons in soil
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The science of risk assessment has advanced significantly in recent years, in a continuing effort to more accurately represent potential human health effects from exposure to chemicals in the environment. This paper describes some environmental factors that affect the behavior of chemicals in soil and the relationship of this chemical behavior to the prediction of dermal exposures relating to soil contamination. The information presented in this paper suggests that the mass transfer of chemicals from the soil to the skin is as much an issue in dermal exposures to soil-sorbed chemicals as the actual absorption of the chemical through the skin. Relevant factor affecting the sorption, desorption, and mass transfer of hydrocarbon chemicals in soil are discussed. A summary of the scientific literature related to research on chemicals sorbed to soil is also presented
Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Adoption of Sunflower Varieties in Sindh
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Full Text Available This research study is based on primary data collection from sunflower growers to assess the socioeconomic factors that are affecting the adoption of sunflower varieties in Sindh.Data samples have been selected from two districts; Badin and Thatta, as these districts are considered main sunflower growing areas in Sindh. The results reveal that Sunflower growers are using Hybrid varieties i.e. 43 percent planted Hysun-33, 29 percent Hysun-38 and 28 percent Hysun-37 varieties. The finding of research using multinomial logistic regression suggests that farm size and level of education significantly affected the adoption of sunflower varieties. These factors are statistically significant at p<0.05. Theother variables such as tenancy status and source of income are not statistically significant in the adoption of sunflower varieties in Sindh.
Ghulam Ali Jariko (Corresponding Author
Operating factors of Thai threshers affecting corn shelling losses
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Full Text Available The objective of this research was to study the operating factors of Thai threshers affecting corn shelling losses,which comprised rotor speed (RS, louver inclination (LI, grain moisture content (MC, feed rate (FR, and grain to materialother than grain ratio (GM. Seventeen Thai corn-shelling threshers were random-sampled during the late rainy season cropof 2008 and ten threshers were sampled in the early rainy season crop of 2009 in Loei province, Northeast of Thailand.The results of this study indicated that LI and MC affected shelling losses whereas RS, FR and GM did not affect losses.Increased LI or decreased MC tended to reduce shelling losses. In operating the Thai threshers for corn shelling, if shellinglosses have to be kept lower that 0.5%, the moisture content should not exceed 20%wb and the louver inclination should notbe less than 85 degrees.
Somchai Chuan-udom
Manure Phosphorus and Surface Water Protection III: Transport Factors
This lesson addresses transport factors that may contribute to phosphorus (P) delivery to surface waters.� Erosion, runoff, subsurface flow,�drainage, and distance to surface water are the main factors.� In some places, wind erosion may also be important.� The effects of management practices on P transport are discussed, and water-related P transport processes are described in detail.�
Factors Affecting Credibility of e-Shops in Poland
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
This paper presents main problems concerning e-commerce development in Poland and in other countries of Eastern Europe, in particular, links between a consumer�s trust and the cultural background in the region. The first results of a pilot study being a part of the author�s research project are presented in the paper. As they show, factors affecting credibility of e-shops are strictly related to usability, reliability, functionality and efficiency of the websites � the crucial issues of...
Garnik, Igor
Factors which affect the erosion of solids by liquid impact
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The factors which affect the erosion of solids by liquid impact are considered. The nature of contaminated surfaces is described and the effect on the erosion rate (on non-active lead coupons) of varying jetting parameters is illustrated. Recommendations are made for future work to enhance the effectiveness of water jetting as a nuclear decontamination technique and the importance of containment and effluent treatment is outlined. (author)
Factors Affecting Rates of Change in Soil Bacterial Communities
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
The soil bacterial community is under the constant influence of its environment. Changing any of the factors affecting the bacterial community will induce a selection pressure which, with time, will change the community. In this work the effect of changing the temperature or pH on the soil bacterial community was studied. Measurements using the 3H-thymidine incorporation technique showed that the soil bacterial community had an optimum temperature for growth and activity between 25 and 30�C....
Pettersson, Marie
Statistical Analysis of the Different Factors Affecting the Diarrhea
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Diarrhea is a worldwide problem facing both developing countries and developed countries, especially in pediatric population. Because of shortage of health facilities and lack of good food in developing countries, it is known fact that developing countries are facing this death taking problem more. The main purpose of this study was to examine the various factors which affect the recovery time of diarrhea. A multiple linear regression was applied to analyze the data and to select a model. The...
Zaman, Qamruz; Khan, Imtiaz
Factors affecting future specialty choice among medical students in Kuwait
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Background: Choosing a medical specialty can be either a daunting and confusing experience for some medical students and junior doctors or a foregone conclusion to others. The aim of this study is to evaluate factors affecting future specialty choice among medical students in Kuwait University. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from medical students registered in Kuwait University during the academic year 2011/2012. Chi-square test and logistic regression wer...
Rawan Al-Fouzan; Sarah Al-Ajlan; Yousef Marwan; Mervat Al-Saleh
Contributing factors affecting the prognosis surgical outcome for thoracic OLF
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
The thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF) is a disease that produces spastic paraparesis, and there are various factors that may affect the surgical outcome of thoracic OLF patients. The authors of this study treated 19�of these thoracic OLF patients from 1998�to 2002, and retrospectively reviewed the patients? age, sex, symptom duration, involved disease level, preoperative clinical features, neurological findings, radiological findings, the other combined spinal diseases and ...
Kuh, Sung Uk; Kim, Young Soo; Cho, Yong Eun; Jin, Byung Ho; Kim, Keun Su; Yoon, Young Sul; Chin, Dong Kyu
Factors Affecting Internet Banking Usage in India: An Empirical Analysis
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
This study aims at identifying the factors affecting the customers demand for Internet banking usage by analyzing sample of 450 consumers� responses who have been interviewed personally through structured survey in 3 districts of Uttar Pradesh India. The study was conducted on the private, public and foreign banks which included ICICI Bank Ltd., HDFC Bank Ltd. and AXIS Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Yes Bank. Among public sector banks the respondents were from Bank of Baroda, Punjab Nati...
Heidelberg retinal flowmetry: factors affecting blood flow measurement
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
AIMS�To evaluate factors affecting Heidelberg retinal flowmeter (HRF) measurements of retinal and optic nerve head blood flow in human subjects.?METHODS�The angle of incidence between laser beam and fundus, and camera distance from the eye, were evaluated for their effect upon measures of blood volume, velocity, and flow in a single 100�נ100�נ400��m volume of temporal peripapillary retinal tissue in normal volunteers. Both intra and intersession reproducibility of these me...
Factors affecting hospital mortality in acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
This retrospective analysis studied the records of 564 consecutive patients admitted to Gastrointestinal Bleeding Unit of Riyadh Medical Complex with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding over a 2-year period (May 1996-April 1998). The purpose of the study was to analyze the mortality with an aim to identify the risk factors affecting mortality in these patients. Majority of patients were men (82%) and Saudis (54%). Their mean age was 52.46 + 17.8 years. Esophage...
Alam Mohammed
Factors Affecting D-7-Stigmastenol in Palestinian Olive Oil
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
The level of delta-7-stigmastenol (D-7-stigmastenol) contained in olive oil is a new criterion for oil quality, particularly its purity from adulteration with other seed oils. In this study, 79 olive samples were collected and analyzed from different areas of Palestine to study the factors affecting D-7-stigmastenol levels in the oil. These areas included the provinces of Jericho, Hebron, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Salfeet, Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarem and Qalqilyah. The study began in October 2007 and ...
Abu-alruz, K.; Afaneh, I. A.; Quasem, J. M.; Hmidat, M. A.; Abbady, J.; Mazahreh, A. S.
Predictive factors affecting cecal intubation failure in colonoscopy trainees
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Full Text Available Abstract Background Successful cecal intubation (SCI is not only a quality indicator but also an important marker in a colonoscopy trainee�s progress. We conducted this study to determine factors predicting SCI in colonoscopy trainees, and to compare these factors before and after trainees achieve technical competence. Methods Design of this study was a cross-sectional studies of two time series design for one year at a single center. From March 2011 to February 2012, a total 2,050 subjects who underwent colonoscopy by four first-year gastrointestinal fellows were enrolled at Christian hospital, Wonju, Republic of Korea. Four gastrointestinal fellows have filled out the colonoscopic documentation. Main outcome measurement was predictive factors affecting cecal intubation failure and learning curves. Results Colonoscopy was successfully completed to the cecum in 1,720 patients (83.9%. Success rates gradually increased as trainees performed more colonoscopies: the rate of SCI was 62% in the first 50 cases, and grew to 93% by the 250th case. Logistic regression analysis of factors affecting cecal intubation failure showed that female gender, low BMI (BMI Conclusion Several patient characteristics were identified that may predict difficulty of cecal intubation in colonoscopy trainees. Particularly, low BMI, inadequate bowel cleansing, and previous stomach operation were predictors of cecal intubation failure before the trainees have reached technical competency. The results could be informative so that trainees enhance the success rate regarding better colonoscopy training programs.
Park Hong-Jun
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Full Text Available This paper explores the factors affecting innovation adoption by individual employees within an organization in Australia. Following a qualitative research approach, this paper uses a series of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions involving academic and administrative employees at a tertiary educational institution in Australia. The qualitative approach is adopted to have a deeper insight into the complexities and dynamism associated with the factors influencing innovation adoption process in organizational settings. The findings of this research highlight the need for broadening an understanding of the key factors affecting employee�s decisions to uptake the adoption of innovation. The results provide important clues for comprehending the factors influencing and determining the employee�s adoption and continued use of innovation in the work environment. In the face of the current trend towards end-user applications of technological innovation, the results suggest some guidelines for management toward effective and efficient adoption and use of innovation in organizational settings. This paper has highlighted the above findings and their implications for management practices related to innovation management in an Australian organizational setting. This paper also identifies possible limitations and future research potential in the relevant field.
Majharul Talukder
Factors Affecting the Efficiency of Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation by Rhizobium
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Full Text Available Recent reports pointed to a decline in agricultural dependence on symbiotic nitrogen fixation, and in the use of rhizobial inoculants. The aim of the present review was to study the environmental factors that affect the efficiency of symbiotic nitrogen fixation by Rhizobium in soil. These factors included pH, salinity, moisture, temperature, microorganisms, organic matter and soil texture. The overall conclusion is that symbiotic nitrogen fixation by Rhizobium is a critical biological process. Environmental stresses are generally the limiting factors of the symbiotic nitrogen fixation. With the selection of the appropriate legume and rhizobial inoculant, nitrogen fixation can be increased and concomitantly food production can be improved even under environmentally stressed conditions.
Abdullah M. K. Al-Falih
Factors affecting Bluetongue serotype 8 spread in Northern Europe in 2006: the geographical epidemiology.
In 2006, Bluetongue serotype 8 was notified for the first time in north-western Europe, more specifically in Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxemburg, Germany and France. The disease spread very rapidly, affecting mainly cattle and sheep farms. In this paper, we examined risk factors affecting the spatial incidence of reported Bluetongue events during the first outbreak in 2006. Previous studies suggested that the Bluetongue incidence was enhanced by environmental factors, such as temperature and wind speed and direction, as well as by human interventions, such as the transport of animals. In contrast to the previous studies, which were based on univariable analyses, a multivariable epidemiological analysis describing the spatial relationship between Bluetongue incidence and possible risk factors is proposed in this paper. This disentangles the complex interplay between different risk factors. Our model shows that wind is the most important factor affecting the incidence of the disease. In addition, areas with high precipitation are slightly more sensitive to the spread of the infection via the wind. Another important risk factor is the land cover; high-risk areas for infection being characterized by a fragmentation of the land cover, especially the combination of forests and urban areas. Precipitation and temperature are also significant risk factors. High precipitation in areas with a large coverage of forests and/or pasture increases the risk whereas high temperature increases the risk considerably in municipalities covered mainly with pasture. Local spread via the vector is strongest in areas with a large coverage of forests and smallest in highly urbanized areas. Finally, the transport of animals from infected areas is a risk factor. PMID:23273733
Faes, Christel; van der Stede, Yves; Guis, H�l�ne; Staubach, Christoph; Ducheyne, Els; Hendrickx, Guy; Mintiens, Koen
An Improved Reinforcement Learning System Using Affective Factors
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Full Text Available As a powerful and intelligent machine learning method, reinforcement learning (RL has been widely used in many fields such as game theory, adaptive control, multi-agent system, nonlinear forecasting, and so on. The main contribution of this technique is its exploration and exploitation approaches to find the optimal solution or semi-optimal solution of goal-directed problems. However, when RL is applied to multi-agent systems (MASs, problems such as �curse of dimension�, �perceptual aliasing problem�, and uncertainty of the environment constitute high hurdles to RL. Meanwhile, although RL is inspired by behavioral psychology and reward/punishment from the environment is used, higher mental factors such as affects, emotions, and motivations are rarely adopted in the learning procedure of RL. In this paper, to challenge agents learning in MASs, we propose a computational motivation function, which adopts two principle affective factors �Arousal� and �Pleasure� of Russell�s circumplex model of affects, to improve the learning performance of a conventional RL algorithm named Q-learning (QL. Compared with the conventional QL, computer simulations of pursuit problems with static and dynamic preys were carried out, and the results showed that the proposed method results in agents having a faster and more stable learning performance.
Takashi Kuremoto
Factors Affecting D-7-Stigmastenol in Palestinian Olive Oil
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Full Text Available The level of delta-7-stigmastenol (D-7-stigmastenol contained in olive oil is a new criterion for oil quality, particularly its purity from adulteration with other seed oils. In this study, 79 olive samples were collected and analyzed from different areas of Palestine to study the factors affecting D-7-stigmastenol levels in the oil. These areas included the provinces of Jericho, Hebron, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Salfeet, Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarem and Qalqilyah. The study began in October 2007 and ended in July 2008. The following 11 factors were taken into consideration during sample collection: olive fly infection, topography, olive storage before pressing, geographical area, effect of olive seeds during oil extraction, effect of pressing temperature, presence of olive leaves during oil extraction, soil type, maturity index of the olive fruit, olive variety and oil preservation and storage in terms of storage container types. The results show that soil type, region, maturity index and olive fly infection are the main factors affecting D-7-stigmastenol. Pressing temperature, olive storage before pressing, olive variety and oil storage showed a moderate effect. Olive seeds, topography and presence of olive leaves had a negligible effect on D-7-stigmastenol levels in the oil.
K. Abu-Alruz
Factors affecting exhaled nitric oxide measurements: the effect of sex
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Full Text Available Abstract Background Exhaled nitric oxide (FENO measurements are used as a surrogate marker for eosinophilic airway inflammation. However, many constitutional and environmental factors affect FENO, making it difficult to devise reference values. Our aim was to evaluate the relative importance of factors affecting FENO in a well characterised adult population. Methods Data were obtained from 895 members of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study at age 32. The effects of sex, height, weight, lung function indices, smoking, atopy, asthma and rhinitis on FENO were explored by unadjusted and adjusted linear regression analyses. Results The effect of sex on FENO was both statistically and clinically significant, with FENO levels approximately 25% less in females. Overall, current smoking reduced FENO up to 50%, but this effect occurred predominantly in those who smoked on the day of the FENO measurement. Atopy increased FENO by 60%. The sex-related differences in FENO remained significant (p ENO. Conclusion Even after adjustment, FENO values are significantly different in males and females. The derivation of reference values and the interpretation of FENO in the clinical setting should be stratified by sex. Other common factors such as current smoking and atopy also require to be taken into account.
Williamson Avis J
Recruitment and retention: factors that affect pericyte migration.
Pericytes are critical for vascular morphogenesis and contribute to several pathologies, including cancer development and progression. The mechanisms governing pericyte migration and differentiation are complex and have not been fully established. Current literature suggests that platelet-derived growth factor/platelet-derived growth factor receptor-?, sphingosine 1-phosphate/endothelial differentiation gene-1, angiopoietin-1/tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin-like and EGF-like domains 2, angiopoietin-2/tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin-like and EGF-like domains 2, transforming growth factor ?/activin receptor-like kinase 1, transforming growth factor ?/activin receptor-like kinase 5, Semaphorin-3A/Neuropilin, and matrix metalloproteinase activity regulate the recruitment of pericytes to nascent vessels. Interestingly, many of these pathways are directly affected by secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC). Here, we summarize the function of these factors in pericyte migration and discuss if and how SPARC might influence these activities and thus provide an additional layer of control for the recruitment of vascular support cells. Additionally, the consequences of targeted inhibition of pericytes in tumors and the current understanding of pericyte recruitment in pathological environments are discussed. PMID:23912898
Aguilera, Kristina Y; Brekken, Rolf A
Factors affecting surface and release properties of thin PDMS films
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Polydimethysiloxane (PDMS) elastomers are commonly used as dielectric electroactive polymers (DEAP). DEAP films are used in making actuators, generators and sensors. In the large scale manufacture of DEAP films, release of films from the substrate (carrier web) induces some defects and pre-strain in the films which affect the overall performance of the films. The current research is directed towards investigating factors affecting the peel force and release of thin, corrugated polydimethylsiloxane films used in DEAP films. It has been shown that doping the PDMS films with small quantities of perfluoroether allylamide (PFE) lowered the surface energy which could ease the release. This is further investigated together with an evaluation of the resulting change in actuator performance. The relationship between the adhesive energy, surface energy, Young�??s modulus and peel force of the films is analyzed.
Vudayagiri, Sindhu; Skov, Anne Ladegaard
Factors Affecting Palm Oil Price Based on Extremes Value Approach
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
This study examines the dependence structure of extreme realization of growth rate between palm oil prices and factors affecting, which are soybean oil and crude oil prices. We employ the Bivariate Extreme Value methods for daily palm oil, soybean oil and crude oil prices ranging from July 1988 to January 2012. The results provide that the growth rate of palm oil and soybean oil prices has some dependence in extremes, but the growth rate of palm oil and crude oil prices has fairly we...
Kantaporn Chuangchid; Aree Wiboonpongse; Songsak Sriboonchitta; Chukiat Chaiboonsri
Genetic and physiological factors affecting repair and mutagenesis in yeast
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
Current views of DNA repair and mutagenesis in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae are discussed in the light of recent data, and with emphasis on the isolation and characterization of genetically well-defined mutations that affect DNA metabolism in general (including replication and recombination). Various pathways of repair are described particularly in relation to their involvement in mutagenic mechanisms. In addition to genetic control, certain physiological factors such as cell age, DNA replication, and the regulatory state of the mating-type locus, are shown to also play a role in repair and mutagenesis.
Lemontt, J F
Genetic and physiological factors affecting repair and mutagenesis in yeast
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
Current views of DNA repair and mutagenesis in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae are discussed in the light of recent data and with emphasis on the isolation and characterization of genetically well-defined mutations that affect DNA metabolism in general (including replication and recombination). Various pathways of repair are described, particularly in relation to their imvolvement in mutagenic mechanisms. In addition to genetic control, certain physiological factors such as cell age, DNA replication, and the regulatory state of the mating-type locus are shown to also play a role in repair and mutagenesis.
Lemontt, J F
Chinese multinationals: how do institutional factors affect their location patterns?
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Full Text Available This paper analyses the impact of various host country institutional factors on the location patterns of 29 large Chinese multinationals. From a sample of 127 outward foreign direct investment (FDI decisions made in 52 countries, our findings suggest that a greater difficulty in doing business and a high political risk in the host country do not discourage Chinese multinationals. However, the presence of overseas Chinese in the host country, a larger absolute host market size and a higher volume of Chinese exports to that country affect positively.
Diego Quer Ram�n
Research into human factors affecting the railway system; Studien zu menschlichen Einflussfaktoren im Eisenbahnsystem
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
The Institute for Transportation Systems (ITS) at the German Aerospace Center DLR in Braunschweig has for many years been conducting research into current and future topics relating to railway transportation. Supplementing the in-house technical infrastructure including e.g. RailSiTe {sup registered} (Rail Simulation and Testing) and RailDriVE {sup registered} (Rail Driving Validation Environment), a new test environment for Rail Human Factors Research has been established to investigate such factors as they affect locomotive drivers. The aim is to analyse current issues and new concepts regarding human-machine interaction and test them under conditions that are as true-to-life as possible without exposure to real-life safety-critical situations. The test environment allows for investigation across the spectrum, starting with workplace analysis and going on from potential modifications to existing user interfaces through to the analysis of prototype assistance systems. (orig.)
Hammerl, Malte; Feldmann, Frederike; Rumke, Axel; Pelz, Markus [DLR e.V., Braunschweig (Germany). Inst. fuer Verkehrssystemtechnik
Human Factors Affecting the Patient's Acceptance of Wireless Biomedical Sensors
In monitoring arrhythmia, the quality of medical data from the ECG sensors may be enhanced by being based on everyday life situations. Hence, the development of wireless biomedical sensors is of growing interest, both to diagnose the heart patient, as well as to adjust the regimen. However, human factors such as emotional barriers and stigmatization, may affect the patient's behavior while wearing the equipment, which in turn may influence quality of data. The study of human factors and patient acceptance is important both in relation to the development of such equipment, as well as in evaluating the quality of data gathered from the individual patient. In this paper, we highlight some important aspects in patient acceptance by comparing results from a preliminary clinical trial with patients using a wireless ECG sensor for three days out-of-hospital service, to available published results from telehomecare projects, and discuss important aspects to be taken into account in future investigations.
Fensli, Rune; Boisen, Egil
Factors affecting the level of success of community information systems.
The factors that influence the ultimate level of success or failure of systems development projects have received considerable attention in the academic literature. However, previous research has rarely targeted different instances of a common type of system within a homogeneous organisational sector. This paper presents the results of a survey of IM&T managers within Community Trusts to gain insights into the factors affecting the success of Community Information Systems. The results demonstrate that the most successful operational systems were thoroughly tested prior to implementation and enjoyed high levels of user and senior management commitment. Furthermore, it has been shown that there is a relationship between the level of organisational impact and systems success, with the most successful systems engendering changes to the host organisation's culture, level of empowerment and clinical working practices. In addition to being of academic interest, this research provides many important insights for practising IM&T managers. PMID:10747445
Coombs, C R; Doherty, N F; Loan-Clarke, J
Factors Affecting Success and Complication of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
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Full Text Available Aim: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL is the first choice renal stones especially larger than 2 cm, and high success rates can be achieved after PNL. But several severe complications may be occurred. In this study, factors which affect the success rate and complications were investigated. Material and Method: Between July 2004 and August 2007, 176 patients (102 men/74 women underwent PNL operation. Because of the bilateral renal stones PNL was performed in two separate sessions of 9 patients. Percutaneous access was doing in prone position. Factors affecting the success and complication data were collected. Results: Mean age was 47.610,7 (17%uFFFD76 year, median=47. Complete success rate was detected 77.8% with the direct X-rays taken in the first postoperative day. The success rate was up to 87% after the additional post-treatment therapy. Success rates were 83.1% for complex stones and 89.4% for simple stones (p
Soner Yal�?nkaya
Factors affecting productive efficiency in primary care clinics.
This study examines factors affecting the productive efficiency of primary care clinics. The empirical analysis uses a single-stage stochastic frontier regression model, in which factors affecting productive efficiency are specified as part of the inefficiency error component and estimated simultaneously with the production function. The study population includes primary care clinics in the US Military Health System from 1999 through 2003; the analytical data set is an unbalanced panel of 442 observations. The study's main results were that primary care clinics not associated with medical centres had significantly higher levels of productive efficiency than those associated with medical centres and that having proportionately more civilian staff (and thus less turnover) had a positive impact on productive efficiency. Due to their nature, these findings would be expected to also be applicable to the production of primary care in other settings. A key implication of the results is that improvements in productive efficiency should be a top priority, given the possibility for providing more primary care visits without increases in cost. PMID:18275665
Schmacker, Eric R; McKay, Niccie L
Health Promotion Behaviors of Women and Affecting Factors
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Full Text Available AIM: Women should be healthy and have health promotion behaviors, so they can accomplish both their maternal and social tasks. This descriptive study was conducted to determine the healthy life-style behaviors of married women and the factors which could affect those behaviors. METHOD: The population comprised all married women older than 15 years and who live in Ankara Kale region. Three hundred-sixty five married women were included in the study. The questionnaire form and the healthy life-style behaviors scale was used for data collection. RESULTS: The mean score taken from scale was 112.2�19.4. The scores of the women who graduated from middle school / high school, who have sufficient income and good socio-economic status, who have a perception of physical health fairly good and who have any chronic disease in their families, have significantly higher mean scores from healthy life-style behaviors scale and subgroups (p<0.05 CONCLUSION: Health promotion behaviors of the women was low and some factors like education level, income, socioeconomic status, perception of health, having any chronic illness and using regular medicine affected healthy life-style behaviors. It is recommended that nurses, who have education and consultation roles, should inform the women about health promotion behaviors and encourage them to use that information in their lives. [TAF Prev Med Bull 2009; 8(6.000: 497-502
Naile Bilgili
Factors affecting final facial nerve outcome following vestibular schwannoma surgery.
Objective: To determine factors affecting facial nerve outcome of vestibular schwannoma surgery. Methods: This retrospective cohort study comprised 652 patients. The outcome measure was House-Brackmann classification at two years post-operatively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to determine the factors affecting facial nerve outcome. The incidence rates of hemifacial spasm, metallic taste and crocodile tear syndrome were recorded. Results: For tumours less than 1.5�cm, 95 per cent of outcomes were normal, 100 per cent were satisfactory (House-Brackmann grades I-III) and 0 per cent were unsatisfactory (grades IV-VI). For tumours 1.5-2.4�cm, 83 per cent of outcomes were normal, 99 per cent were satisfactory and 1 per cent were unsatisfactory. For tumours 2.5-3.4�cm, 68 per cent of outcomes were normal, 96 per cent were satisfactory and 4 per cent were unsatisfactory. For tumours 3.5-4.4�cm, 52 per cent of outcomes were normal, 80 per cent were satisfactory and 20 per cent were unsatisfactory. For tumours larger than 4.4�cm, 50 per cent of outcomes were normal, 72 per cent were satisfactory and 28 per cent were unsatisfactory. Conclusion: Tumour size and operation year were significant predictors of facial nerve outcome. The surgical learning curve was steepest for the first 50 patients. PMID:24685071
Moffat, D A; Parker, R A; Hardy, D G; Macfarlane, R
Factors Affecting Ankle Support Device Usage in Young Basketball Players
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Full Text Available This cross-sectional study explores factors affecting the decision of basketball players to wear ankle support devices (ASDs. A questionnaire regarding attitudes towards ASD usage was developed based on the Health Belief Model (HBM. The questionnaire assessed HBM perceptions (susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers and modifying factors (demographic, personal history of ankle injury, influence of coach to preventive action that may affect an athlete�s decision to wear ASDs. One hundred forty basketball players competing at the recreational, high school, or university levels completed the questionnaire, with the questionnaires being completed at the basketball gymnasium or at home. It was found that athletes whose coaches enforced ASD use were significantly more likely to wear them (OR: 35.71; 95% CI: 10.01, 127.36, as were athletes who perceived ankle injuries to be severe (OR: 2.77; 95% CI: 1.04, 7.37. Previous injury did not significantly increase the odds of using an ASD. The combined influence of coach enforcement and previous injury had the greatest effect on increasing ASD use. The largest barrier to ASD use was a lack of aesthetic appeal. Strategies aimed at increasing players� willingness to wear ankle protection should be emphasized among coaches and parents as this may increase use of ASDs.
Michael D. Cusimano
Factors affecting the reproductive potential of dairy cows
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Various factors that affect fertility were examined in high yielding dairy cows. In cows treated for the synchronization of oestrous cycles, manifestation of oestrus following synchronization treatment was affected by the body condition score in the winter; 74% of the cows had a low score. Primiparous cows that were thin or fat had a low conception rate. The conception rate of multiparous cows with different body condition scores did not differ in the winter. However, in the summer, thin, medium-low, medium-high and fat cows had a conception rate of 15, 36, 48 and 27%, respectively (P4) levels five days before the first post-partum AI affected conception rates. Primiparous cows with low (?2 ng/mL), medium (2.1-4.0 ng/mL) and high (?4.1 ng/mL) P4 levels had a conception rate of 28, 17 and 61%, respectively (P4 had a conception rate of 25, 46 and 52%, respectively (P<0.02). Cows in their fifth or later lactation that were fed straw as their sole roughage had a conception rate of 23% and a 120 day pregnancy rate of 23%. Cows of the same parities that were fed hay had a conception rate of 50% (P<0.05) and a pregnancy rate of 80% (P<0.005). (author). 15 refs, 5 tabs
Study of factors affecting the appearance of colors under microscopes
The variation of colors in microscopy systems can be quite critical for some users. To address this problem, a study is conducted to analyze how different factors such as size of the sample, intensity of the microscope's light source and the characteristics of the material like chroma and saturation can affect the color appearance through the eyepiece of the microscope. To study the changes in colors considering these factors, the spectral reflectance of 24 colors of GretagMacbeth Classic ColorChecker� and Mini ColorChecker� which are placed under a Nikon ECLIPSE MA200 microscope�2 using dark filed and bright field illuminations which result in different intensity levels, is measured using a spectroradiometer�3 which was placed in front of the eyepiece of the microscope. The results are compared with the original data from N. Ohta1. The evaluation is done by observing the shift in colors in the CIE 1931 Chromaticity Diagram and the CIELAB space, also by applying a wide set of color-difference formulas, namely: CIELAB, CMC, BFD, CIE94, CIEDE2000, DIN99d and DIN99b. Furthermore, to emphasize on the color regions in which the highest difference is observed, the authors have obtained the results from another microscope; Olympus SZX10�4, which in this case the measurement is done by mounting the spectroradiometer to the camera port of the microscope. The experiment leads to some interesting results, among which is the consistency in the highest difference observed considering different factors or how the change in saturation of the samples of the same hue can affect the results.
Zakizadeh, Roshanak; Martinez-Garcia, Juan; Raja, Kiran B.; Siakidis, Christos
Molecular order affecting electron transport through ssDNA
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
DNA is considered to be the ideal model for studies of electron transport in molecule/conductor systems due to its stability, easily controlled structure and the presumed electrical properties. Scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) studies of single-stranded DNA bound to Au (1 1 1) or Au nanodots with a thiol linker were carried out under ambient conditions. The results show that the electron transfer between the STM tip and the gold is governed by the serial resistance of the oligomer strands and a water film. Electron transfer properties also depend on the alignment of the DNA strands. Measurements show that well-ordered parallel arrangement of the molecules protruding from flat crystalline surfaces is favourable for electron transport compared with unordered arrangements of molecules on spherical nanodots. Nanodots are good candidates for effective charge production by absorption of light allowing chemical reactions to happen at the dots, which can be used for storing the light energy. Understanding electron transport through molecular structures is of crucial importance for the development of such novel photovoltaic devices.
Crucial Factors Affecting Stress: A Study among Undergraduates in Pakistan
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Full Text Available Stress is normally unavoidable part of everyone�s life living in this world. It portrays a negative notion that can have an impact on one�s mental and physical well-being. The core intention of this study was to detect the most influencing factors of stress affecting undergraduates. The four factors that had taken under consideration were Family stress, Emotional stress, Financial Stress and Social Stress. To accomplish this research stress inventory has developed using scientific methods. Respondents were undergraduate students of university with different demographics. Results has presented graphically, descriptively and inferentially using SPSS and Excel. Pearson�s chi-square and correlation has applied to verify the relationship between stress factors and demographics. Results show that living persuasively under strict rules and regulations can be a family stressor. Unavailability of best choices and paramount match to live with as a partner can be an emotional stress. Less income students find difficulty to spend money on buying and enjoying which is a predictor of financial stress. Pressurized life and squat admiration from people has lied under Social stress. Other verdicts are also deemed according to Pakistani cultural context.
Kashif Ud Din Khan
Factors affecting the selection of tour destination in Bangladesh:
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Full Text Available Although multifaceted problems are causing the frustrating scenario of the country�s tourism sector, Bangladesh has the potentials to develop its tourism sector and earn huge foreign currency and generate employment opportunities like the neighboring countries, such as India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Nepal who attract substantial number of tourists every year and thus generates huge amount of foreign currencies. The paper looks at different preferences of the tourist and examines the tour intention in selecting different tour destination. The study utilizes both exploratory and empirical research approach. The study collects data through interview with a structured self-administered questionnaire from 146 tourists, in utilizing convenient sampling technique. A multiple regression model was estimated to examine the effects of different factors on the tourists tour intention where nine factors related to different aspects of tourism such as service quality, natural beauty, known destination, convenient lodging, adventure, security, effective and efficient transportation, safe and quality food and shopping facility were used as indigenous variables where tour intention was used as exogenous variable of the model.� The regression result shows that Service quality, Natural Beauty, Security and Shopping Facility are statistically significant indicating 24.6% of the variation in explaining the intention to select a tour destination in Bangladesh. The study outlines some policy implications.
Md. Shah Azam
Factors affecting population variation in eastern Adriatic isolates (Croatia).
Inhabitants of the Croatian islands of Brac, Hvar, Korcula, and the Peljesac Peninsula have been the subject of extensive previous studies of local population differentiation. Most of these studies used biological and ecological variables, but some also considered historical and sociological factors. In this study we use genetic, morphological, kinship, and language distance data, collected for individuals from 26 rural communities on the islands of Brac, Hvar, Korcula, and the Peljesac Peninsula in the Adriatic, to further explore the interaction of historical, sociological, and biological factors in small populations and to test the significance of some of these proposed causes. First, we use matrix correlation methods to evaluate the relationships among different types of distance measures. The specific measures of genetic distance used here do not correlate well with other measures of population distance, and it appears that for the studied genetic systems the populations are not strongly differentiated. As expected, kinship and language distances have a high degree of association. Morphological differences among populations seem to be more closely tied to kinship distances than to genetic distances. This may result from modification of some morphological features by environmental rather than genetic factors, or it may be attributed to extensive, selective, nonrandom emigration of the population during the first decade of the twentieth century. In the second part of our analysis we use matrix correlation methods to evaluate and possibly identify the external factors that have contributed to the population differences. Specifically, we use design matrices to test hypotheses that population differences can be explained by one of the following factors: geographic isolation on the islands and peninsula, distance from the mainland, geographic barriers within the islands and peninsula, and the historical factors that differentially affected the three islands and the peninsula. Most of these design matrices reflect geographic distances; although correlations between morphological variables and simple geographic distance between localities were not significant, correlations between these localities and a design matrix incorporating geographic distance along with geographic barriers, such as bodies of water and mountain ranges, are particularly important for explaining distances among kin. Design matrices provide an important tool for quantifying the relationship between historical and geographic factors, and measures of population distance. PMID:9780515
Waddle, D M; Sokal, R R; Rudan, P
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Full Text Available The Pharmaceutical sector plays a vital role in underpinning the economic development of a country. This study attempts to evaluate job satisfaction of employees in different pharmaceutical companies. It focuses on the relative importance of job satisfaction factors and their impacts on the overall job satisfaction of employees. It also investigates the impacts of pharmaceutical type, work experience, age, and sex differences on the attitudes toward job Satisfaction. The result shows that salary, efficiency in work, fringe supervision, and co-worker relation are the most important factors contributing to job satisfaction. The overall job satisfaction of the employees in pharmaceutical sector is at the positive level. The nature of business operation, the work culture and the level of job satisfaction have undergone sea change for the pharmaceutical companies. As a business proposition initiated huge investment whereas majority of their stocks is going down bringing a high level of apprehension related to job security among its employees. This research paper highlights some of these problems and presents a picture of level of job satisfaction among employees of pharmaceutical companies. It also identifies unique issues of job satisfaction in the companies. Pharmaceuticals Companies are selected for the research because they are currently undergoing continued expansion. In order to gain competitive advantage and adapt to the dramatic changing environment, it is important for them to achieve management efficiency by increasing employee satisfaction in the organisation. Hence this research was mainly undertaken to investigate on the significance of factors such as working conditions, pay and promotion, job security, fairness, relationship with co-workers and supervisors in affecting the job satisfaction. This paper presents a comprehensive diagnosis of job satisfaction indices of pharmaceutical business, the factors causing the dissatisfaction & suggestions to improve them.
Mosammod Mahamuda Parvin
Factors affecting future specialty choice among medical students in Kuwait
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Full Text Available Background: Choosing a medical specialty can be either a daunting and confusing experience for some medical students and junior doctors or a foregone conclusion to others. The aim of this study is to evaluate factors affecting future specialty choice among medical students in Kuwait University. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from medical students registered in Kuwait University during the academic year 2011/2012. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to test the association between deciding a future specialty and students� sociodemographic and academic factors. Results: Of the 422 students approached, 387 (91.7% decided to participate. A total of 144 (37.2% students made a decision regarding their choice of future medical specialty. Pediatrics, general surgery, and cardiology were the most desired specialties � 18 (12.5%, 17 (11.8%, and 16 (11.1% students requested these specialties, respectively. Only 61 (42.4% of those who selected a future specialty received advice regarding their choice. Looking for a good treatment outcome for patients (66; 45.8% and a challenging specialty (58; 40.3% were the most influencing incentives when selecting a future specialty. Students in the clinical phase of their study were 3.014 (95% CI: 1.498�6.065 more likely to report on their decision regarding a future specialty compared to students in the basic medical sciences phase (p=0.002. Conclusion : A variety of factors appeared to inspire medical students in Kuwait to choose a future medical specialty. When identified, these factors can be used by mentors of medical students and directors of residency training programs to motivate students to choose specialties that are limited in Kuwait.
Rawan Al-Fouzan
Knowledge Elecitation for Factors Affecting Taskforce Productivity using a Questionnaire
In this paper we present the process of Knowledge Elicitation through a structured questionnaire technique. This is an effort to depict a problem domain as Investigation of factors affecting taskforce productivity. The problem has to be solved using the expert system technology. This problem is the very first step how to acquire knowledge from the domain experts. Knowledge Elicitation is one of the difficult tasks in knowledge base formation which is a key component of expert system. The questionnaire was distributed among 105 different domain experts of Public and Private Organizations (i.e. Education Institutions, Industries and Research etc) in Pakistan. A total 61 responses from these experts were received. All the experts were well qualified, highly experienced and has been remained the members for selection committees a number of times for different posts. Facts acquired were analyzed from which knowledge was extracted and elicited. A standard shape was given to the questionnaire for further research as...
Sohail, Muhammad
Factors and mechanisms affecting corrosion of steel in concrete
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Atomic power plants possess reinforced concrete structures which are exposed to sea water or sea atmosphere. Sea water or its surrounding environment contain very corrosive species which cause corrosion of metal in concrete. It should be mentioned that corrosion of steel in concrete is a complex problem that is not completely understood. Some of the factors which influence the corrosion mechanism and can be related to the pore solution composition is discussed. Chloride ion caused problems are the main source of the corrosion damage seen on the reinforced concrete structures. Corrosion rate in concrete varies and depends on the way chloride ion diffuses into concrete. In addition, the associated cations can influence diffusion of chloride into concrete. The type of portland cement and also the concrete mix design all affect the corrosion behaviour of steel in concrete
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Full Text Available This study aims at identifying the factors affecting the customers demand for ATM services, by analyzing sample of 450 consumers� responses who have been interviewed personally through structured survey in 3 districts of Uttar Pradesh India. The results indicate that graduated and employed male customers who belong from higher income groups and having a bank account preferably in public sector bank are greatly emphasized to use of the banking services. Significant positive influence of the characterized socio-economic attributes on the use of ATM service was found. The service occupied customers significantly more emphasized to the use of ATM services. Noticeable, the banking attributes such as account type, convenience, number of services offered, and cost of banking services don�t have very attentive influence on the use of advanced IT based banking services.
Shariq Mohammed
studies on some factors affecting oxidative low density lipoprotein
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
the present study was performed to evaluate the effect of occupational radiation exposure on some oxidant antioxidant parameters in addition to other factors affecting oxidative stress such as age, smoking, hypertension, high sedimentation rate for this purpose. a total of 131 individuals were included in this study 81 of them working in the radiation field the age was from 27 to 63 years. the occupational time from five to more than 25 where the control groups was composed of 50 healthy volunteers who had never worked in radiology related job otherwise with the same characteristics . the parameters tested are LDL, HDL, triglycerides, cholesterol, vitamin E, SOD, MDA, hemoglobin, fasting blood sugar, urea, creatinine, and liver enzymes GOT, GPT.our results show that time of exposure to radiation shows remarkable effect beginning with decrease of vitamin E after five years exposure,extending to MDA, triglycerides and LDL which increased while SOD decreased
Investigation of the Factors Affecting Real Exchange Rate in Iran
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Full Text Available his paper intends to investigate the factors affecting the real exchange rate in Iran in the period of 1978-2008. In this part, the econometric methodology and vector autoregressive model that is known as VAR is used to investigate the effect of proper variables on the real exchange rate. The results of Johansson-Jousilious test confirmed co-integration between variables, and thus long-run equilibrium relationship was confirmed among proper variables. Overall, the impulse and response functions showed that the shocking of variables, oil price and volume of money flows, has a positive impact on the real exchange rate and put it above its permanent level in the whole period of study. The results of variance decomposition showed that the most effects belonged to oil price and then volume of money flow that in fact represents greater relative importance of these variables in comparison with other variables among all model variables.
Komeil Khanarinejad
Factors affecting cellulose hydrolysis based on inactivation of adsorbed enzymes.
The rate of enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose reaction is known to decrease significantly as the reaction proceeds. Factors such as reaction temperature, time, and surface area of substrate that affect cellulose conversion were analyzed relative to their role in a mechanistic model based on first order inactivation of adsorbed cellulases. The activation energies for the hydrolytic step and inactivation step were very close in magnitude: 16.3kcalmol(-1) for hydrolysis and 18.0kcalmol(-1) for inactivation, respectively. Therefore, increasing reaction temperature would cause a significant increase in the inactivation rate in addition to the catalytic reaction rate. Vmax,app was only 20% or less of the value at 72h compared to at 2h as a result of inactivation of adsorbed cellulases, suggesting prolonged hydrolysis is not an efficient way to improve cellulose hydrolysis. Hydrolysis rate increased with corresponding increases in available substrate surface binding area. PMID:25027809
Ye, Zhuoliang; Berson, R Eric
Factors affecting adoption in China, 1950-87.
Though adoption in China is known to have increased as more girls were abandoned and became available for adoption following the introduction of the country's one-child policy in the 1980s, little is known about Chinese adoption practices. This paper investigates the factors affecting adoption in China in the period 1950-87 using data from the National Two-Per-Thousand Sample Survey on Fertility and Contraception of 1988. The results show that the national adoption rate was 2.3 per cent. Childless women were more likely than women with children to adopt and did not show a sex preference. Women with children by birth used adoption to secure a child of the 'missing' sex. Women who had experienced the death of a child were more likely to adopt than those who had not. Women with children may have used adoption as a strategy to circumvent the strict family planning policies. PMID:15204260
Liu, Jihong; Larsen, Ulla; Wyshak, Grace
Developing worksheet based on science process skills: Factors affecting solubility
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Full Text Available The purpose of this study is to develop a worksheet about the factors affecting solubility, which could be useful for the prospective science teachers (PST to remind and regain their science process skills (SPS. The pilot study of the WS was carried out with 32 first grade PST during the 2007-2008 academic year in the education department at Giresun University, Turkey. Action research methodology was used in this study. Thoughts from experts were received during the development of the worksheet. The study had some limitations in providing concrete evidence as to how the WS based on SPS effects the PST SPS, since the paper is a suggestion. For this reason, to investigate its effectiveness in a comparative manner, further research should be undertaken.
Fethiye KARSLI
Factors Affecting Palm Oil Price Based on Extremes Value Approach
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Full Text Available This study examines the dependence structure of extreme realization of growth rate between palm oil prices and factors affecting, which are soybean oil and crude oil prices. We employ the Bivariate Extreme Value methods for daily palm oil, soybean oil and crude oil prices ranging from July 1988 to January 2012. The results provide that the growth rate of palm oil and soybean oil prices has some dependence in extremes, but the growth rate of palm oil and crude oil prices has fairly weak dependence or even independence in extremes. Therefore, the authors of this study hoped that these findings not only have made a contribution to our understanding of what drives palm oil price movement of soybean oil and change in crude oil prices, but also for the practitioner who want to devise an updated model to enhance a further comprehension of the prices that drive these article of trade.
Kantaporn Chuangchid
Factors Affecting Linear Type Traits of Valdostana Cattle
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Full Text Available Four composite and 22 individual linear type traits, measured between 1997 and 2012 on 33,206 Aosta Red Pied (ARP and 19,551 Aosta Black Pied and Aosta Chestnut (ABP-CN strains of Valdostana cattle, were used to investigate the non-genetic factors affecting morphological evaluation. Average values for type traits ranged from 2.81 (teat placement rear view and foot angle to 3.34 (thinness for ARP, and from 2.48 (teat placement side view to 3.67 (udder depth for ABP-CN. Results from the ANOVA showed significant effect of herd-year-classifier on type traits of both ARPand ABP-CN, and of days in milk and age at calving for almost all traits, with few exceptions. The model used in this study is a useful starting point to calculate genetic parameters for Valdostana cattle.
Serena Mazza
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Full Text Available The main objective of this study was to study some environmental factors affecting broiler housing in winter season. The results showed that, temperature fluctuations between house ceiling and floor ranged between 0.4 to 5.93 �C during the first two days of age. The average house temperature reduced gradually from 29.7 to 21.3 �C. The indoor relative humidity ranged between 43.6 to 74.3 %. Specific heating power, specific fuel consumption and heating energy requirements ranged between 3850.2 W/�C , 0.34 kg /h. �C and 308.9 kJ/h. kg at the first week of age to 6213.4 W/�C , 0.36 kg /h. �C and 19.3 kJ/h. kg at the end of the life respectively
Tarek FOUDA
Factors affecting sorption of radiocobalt by river sediments
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Analysis of the principal factors affecting the interaction of radio cobalt with fresh water sediments and their importance for migration of radio cobalt in surface water streams. The uptake percent (U%) of radio cobalt by Ismailia Cannal bottom sediments (ICUBS) have been studied as a function of contact time, ph, competing ion, carrier concentration and natural ligands such as humic acid using batch technique. Mineralogical analyses of the sediment samples were carried out. The amount sorbed per gram sediment, (X/m), increased as the carrier concentration increased from 10-8 mol. Following a Freundlich type isotherm. The uptake of radio cobalt was found to be affected by changing in the ph of the aqueous phase. Presence of Mg24 ions as competing cation decreases the sorption of 60Co. Presence of humic acid shows a slight effect on the sorption of 60Co. Desorption of the investigated metal ion from the loaded sediment samples was also studied. A mathematical model for the migration of the investigated radioisotope in Ismailia canal water stream was developed to predict the concentrations of cobalt ion at different distances in X-direction
Environmental factors affecting Galaxy Morphology - a study using COSMOS
According to our current understanding, galaxy shapes and morphologies should depend on various factors such as the local environment. Realistic image simulations for calibration of weak lensing analysis methods that use training samples from the Hubble Space Telescope can therefore be affected by these trends, due to the limited volume of the universe that has been surveyed by Hubble. I will show how redshift slices in a volume-limited subsample of COSMOS can be classified as overdense or underdense (or neither), and how the statistical properties of various morphological parameters such as ellipticity, Sersic n, bulge-to-total ratio and color differ in these bins. This study requires a careful distinction between environment effects from large-scale structure, which we do not wish to include in simulations, and general trends in the galaxy population with redshift. We conclude with some guidance for how upcoming surveys can use COSMOS data as the basis for weak lensing simulations without having their conclusions overly affected by cosmic variance.
Jayaraman, Arun; Mandelbaum, Rachel; Lackner, Claire
Factors affecting the sintered density of plutonium oxide
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Sintering studies were carried out on PuO2 powders. The major factors affecting their sintered densities were identified. PuO2 prepared from plutonium oxalate was used in this work. Experiments with powders obtained by calcining at temperatures from 350deg C to 800deg C indicated that calcination at 600deg C was best suited for compaction and sintering and densities of 90% TD could be obtained by sintering at 1450deg C in A + 6% H2 atmosphere. Increase in compaction pressures improved the sintered densities of compacts from powders of lower temperature of calcination. There was a decrease in density when the sintering temperature was increased from 1550deg C to 1650deg C and 30 to 40% of cubic PuOsub(1.52) was present in the sintered pellets. Oxidising atmosphere was found to be beneficial in general for getting higher densities. Excess moisture in sintering atmosphere and powder storage for long periods adversely affected sinterability. (auth.)
Factors affecting retention of early pregnancy in dairy cattle.
Potential factors affecting retention of pregnancy during weeks 5-9 of gestation were studied in dairy cows and heifers (N = 211) on two farms. Cows were examined by ultrasonography for presence of a viable embryo, and sizes of the corpus luteum (CL) and of follicles > or = 5mm were recorded. Blood samples were taken at each examination and assayed for progesterone and estradiol. Overall pregnancy loss was 11.4%. Cows with two CL did not have greater concentrations of progesterone than cows with one CL and they retained fewer pregnancies (P < 0.01; 73% versus 91%). Pregnancy retention was associated positively with concentrations of progesterone and estradiol during week 5 (P < 0.05). Embryos that were lost apparently died before CL regression. Retention of pregnancy declined in cows with high body condition and as age of the cow increased. Pregnancy retention was lower in cows bred to one of four frequently-used service sires (P < 0.05). Days postpartum, milk production, parity, service number, inseminator, synchronization of estrus, diameter of follicles and size of CL did not affect pregnancy retention. In conclusion, retention of pregnancy during placentation varied with concentrations of progesterone and estradiol, age of cow, body condition and service sire. PMID:15302385
Starbuck, Melanie J; Dailey, Robert A; Inskeep, E Keith
Factors affecting heat affected zone root strains in pipeline girth welds and repairs
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
A recent study on hydrogen cracking in the heat affected zone (HAZ) of pipeline girth welds and repairs found that large strains in the HAZ transverse to the weld played a major role in causing cracking. The study quantified the effects of base metal composition and strength on the sensitivity to cracking, but the program did not address the factors that influence the degree of strain applied to the weld. It was the objective of the present project to study several of the possible factors that could influence root strains in girth welds including the effects of weld metal strength, pipe thickness and diameter, heat input, and weld length (repair length). The study was of a generic nature aimed at identifying areas of high risk of cracking. The approach included a literature review and simple analysis methods but no experimental work was undertaken. From the results it was concluded that high tensile stresses in the axial direction on the inside surface of the pipe result from the radial contraction of the weld and the consequent bending of the pipe. The largest effect on these stresses is from the welding procedure with the highest tensile stresses occurring with high heat input welds with few weld passes. Multipass welds result in a decrease of the tensile stress which becomes compressive above a certain thickness. The maximum net axial surface stress is independent of the length of the weld around the circumference. Base metal and weld metal strength have a significant effect on strain in the heat affected zone and some recommendations for bend testing are given. 33 refs.
Graville, B.A. [Graville Associates Inc., Georgetown, Ontario (Canada)
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Full Text Available This study documents and compares the transport of a conservative solute in near saturated soil profiles under flood and sprinkler irrigation. The experiments were carried out on a clay Vertic-Usthortens soil located near Potenza (Italy. Two 2x2 m2 plots were clipped of their native grass vegetation. After spraying on the surface a Cl- pulse as KCl salt; water was applied in five increments over two months as flood irrigation on the first plot and as sprinkler irrigation on the second one. Chloride resident concentration Cr, was sampled by soil coring at four different days after chemical application. Cr(z,t profiles were analyzed by spatial moment method. The recovered mass of Cl- and location of center of mass were comparable for the two types of irrigation. The spread around the center of mass, however, was higher for the flood-irrigated plot. In the flood-irrigated plot, more mass leached below the depth of 90 cm. The velocity of the center of mass was consistently 10-20% larger than the piston displacement velocity. To evaluate the nature of transport, the Cr(z,t distributions were modelled using quasi-steady solution of convection-dispersion equation(CDE. At the scale of our experiments the profiles of Cl- resident concentration are well-simulated.
Angelo Sommello
Cassava sector development in Cameroon: Production and marketing factors affecting price
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Full Text Available Regular and available supply is the prerequisite of an effective and efficient commercialization process. Using multivariate regression analysis on field data, this research appraises the production and marketing factors that influence cassava market price. The production factors include cultivated area, planting material, yield, and farmers� field schools; while farmers access to a paved road, having a telephone, the transportation costs of fresh roots, the level of root perishability, and the prices of rice and maize stand as marketing factors. The results show that farmers who attended farmers� field school adopted improved planting materials, propagated them in their localities and the yields in these communities increased significantly. The farm size also has a significant influence on the availability of fresh roots. On the marketing side, transportation costs, access to a paved road, the prices of rice and maize significantly affect cassava�s market price and tighten the relationship between producers and marketers. We conclude that to increase fresh roots supply, roads leading to cultivating areas should be paved, better transportation provided, communication costs reduced, even distribution of planting materials and appropriate warehouses.
Elise Stephanie Meyo Mvodo
Factors affecting the measurement of fatigue crack stress intensity factors using photoelastic coatings
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Photoelastic procedures to determine the stress intensity factors at the tip of a fatigue crack during dynamic and cyclic loading are described. To illustrate the techniques, tests were performed on a centered-cracked tensile panel under cyclic load. The measured SIFs were found to agree to within about 5% of an elastic solution. Finally, factors affecting the application of the procedures to more complex structures are considered.
Nurse, A.D. [Loughborough Univ. of Technology (United Kingdom). Dept. of Mechanical Engineering; Patterson, E.A. [Univ. of Sheffield (United Kingdom). Dept. of Mechanical and Process Engineering
Factors affecting job satisfaction among the radiologic technologists
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Job satisfaction is very important for adequate manpower management in the medical field. To study job satisfaction among the radiologic technologists, 344 cases were reviewed in five university hospitals and one general hospital. Self-administered questionnaire was used to study their socioeconomic characteristics, working conditions, job satisfaction, and the factors affecting there job satisfaction. The results were as follows : 1. There was statistically significant difference in job satisfaction according to the their department of employment, position, and hospital characteristics. 2. The group that was satisfied with their salary had a higher job satisfaction score, whereas others who were not satisfied ranked lower. 3. The positive answering group on the ability and job recognition ranked higher score on the job satisfaction than the negative answering group. 4. The group that was in good relationship with their superiors and co-workers scored higher on job satisfaction. From the above results, the job satisfaction was high for the group with positive thinking and reply, but the intentin to change their job was low. Considering the fact that these results represent only 6 hospitals from limited arease, therefore, necessary to include more medical facilities nationwide, especially small-medium sized clinics or hospitals where the difficulty with high turnover rate of employment is expected, to study further various factors involving job satisfaction in the future.
Kim, Chang Ho; Jeong, Won Mee [Inha Hospital, Inha Univ., Incheon (Korea, Republic of); Yu, Seung Hum; Lee Sun Hee [College of Medicine, Yonsei Univ., Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Sohn, Tae Yong [Yuhan College, Bucheon (Korea, Republic of)
Factors affecting particle retention in thermal field-flow fractionation
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Full Text Available In this paper, we report a range of factors which affect the retention of colloidal particles in thermal field-flow fractionation (ThFFF. These results are observed among different sizes of polystyrene (PS latex particles suspended in both aqueous and nonaqueous liquid carriers and very low density lipoproteins in a phosphate buffer. These factors include particle size and chemical composition, field strength, cold-wall temperature of the channel and the nature of the suspension medium. These results show that ThFFF can be used to fractionate colloidal particles according to size and that for an unknown colloidal sample material, a calibration curve must be obtained using particles of similar composition. This is necessary because the degree of retention of the colloidal material is dependent on chemical composition of sample material as evidenced by the chemical composition study. The potential of using ThFFF for physico-chemical characterization of colloidal material is illustrated through the evaluation of thermal diffusion coefficient of PS particles as a function of size, cold-wall temperature, and carrier solution composition. The tunabiliy of the extent of retention of the colloidal particles in a ThFFF channel is illustrated by results of the influence of field strength on retention.
Paul M. Shiundu
Causative factors affecting peripheral neuropathy in burn patients.
Peripheral neuropathy in burn patients may be frequently missed in clinical settings. Although its incidence has been reported, little is known regarding the factors that cause burn-related peripheral neuropathy. A retrospective chart review of the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients admitted to a university hospital based burn center was conducted to explore the characteristics of burn-related neuropathy and factors affecting its types or extent. The variables collected were gender, age, length of hospital stay, site and surface area of burn, type of burn, and electrodiagnostic findings. We found that flame injuries, and third degree injuries were the most common in patients with peripheral neuropathy. Axonotmesis was more common than demyelinating injury and polyneuropathy was more common than mononeuropathy. Higher degree and larger area burns were more frequently associated with axonotmesis than with demyelination. Length of hospital stay was significantly longer in patients with axonotmesis. Overall, more severe burns showed a significant association with axonotmesis and a tendency to be related to polyneuropathy. PMID:18951702
Lee, Michael Y; Liu, Gloria; Kowlowitz, Vicki; Hwang, Jeong Hye; Lee, Jung Hwan; Choi, Kyoung Hyo; Lee, Eun Shin
Environmental factors affecting methyl mercury accumulation in zooplankton
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The relationship between environmental factors and methyl mercury accumulation in filter-feeding macrozooplankton was investigated in an effort to obtain an integrated measure of the bioavailability of methyl mercury in the water column. Since macrozooplankton are an important food source for fish, the factors that affect their bioaccumulation of mercury are directly relevant to the contamination of fish. Methyl mercury accumulation in zooplankton collected from 24 lakes in south-central Ontario ranged from 19 to 448 ng.g dry mass{sup -}1{sup ,} and was highest in acidic brown-water lakes. Water color and pH were found to be the best predictors of methyl mercury levels, being positively correlated with water color and inversely correlated with pH. There was a positive correlation with drainage ratio and per cent wetland in the catchment. Zooplankton methyl mercury levels were also well correlated with mercury concentrations in smallmouth bass and largemouth bass, confirming that zooplankton is a good indicator of mercury bioavailability at the base of the food chain. 67 refs., 3 tabs., 4 figs.
Westcott, K.; Kaiff, J. [McGill Univ., Montreal, PQ (Canada). Dept. of Biology
Factors Affecting Forest Area Changes in Cambodia: An Econometric Approach
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Full Text Available Clarifying factors affecting forest area changes is critical to implementing REDD+ scheme properly. We analyzed some socio-economic factors and clarified their relationships with deforestation in Cambodia for the period of 2002 to 2010. A panel data analysis was conducted for 18 provinces, while six other provinces were deleted from the list because only a small amount of their land was forested. Time effects, cross-sectional dependence, serial correlation in idiosyncratic errors, and heteroskedasticity were tested, and robust variance matrix estimations were obtained to solve the problems of heteroskedasticity and serial correlation. The model estimation results showed that population, gross agricultural production and large-scale plantation development have negative impacts on forest area changes. On the other hand, the impacts of rice cultivation, gross industrial production, household income and house floor area by household were found not to be significant. Overall, however, the results indicated that forests in Cambodia still face pressure from the increases in population, agriculture production, and the enlargement of land development. As the increase in productivity of agriculture gives a better use of current agricultural land and lessens the pressure on forest, intensifying agriculture is important. It is also important to develop industry and other economic ventures to grow national economy while not imposing pressure on forest. This research reminds decision makers to use discretion when developing large-scale plantations.
Tetsuya Michinaka
The exogenous factors affecting the cost efficiency of power generation
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This paper employs a stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) to examine cost efficiency and scale economies in Taiwan Power Company (TPC) by using the panel data covering the period of 1995-2006. In most previous studies, the efficiency estimated by the Panel Data without testing the endogeneity may bring about a biased estimator resulting from the correlation between input and individual effect. A Hausman test is conducted in this paper to examine the endogeneity of input variables and thus an appropriate model is selected based on the test result. This study finds that the power generation executes an increasing return to scale across all the power plants based on the pooled data. We also use installed capacity, service years of the power plant, and type of fuel as explanatory variable for accounting for the estimated cost efficiency of each plant by a logistic regression model to examine the factor affecting the individual efficiency estimates. The results demonstrate that the variable of installed capacity keeps a positive relationship with cost efficiency while the factor of working years has a negative relationship. (author)
Chang, Dong-Shang; Chen, Yi-Tui [National Central University, Department of Business Administration 300, Jhongda Road, Jhongli City, Taoyuan County 32001, Taiwan (China); Chen, Wen-Den [Professor of Tunghai University, Department of Economics, No. 181, Section 3, Taichung Harbor Road, Taichung 40704, Taiwan (China)
Factors Affecting Growth of Pinus radiata in Chile
The Chilean forestry industry is based on hundreds of thousands of hectares of Pinus radiata plantations that have been established in a variety of soil and climate conditions. This approach has resulted in highly variable plantation productivity even when the best available technology was used. Little information is known about the ecophysiology basis for this variability. We explored the spatial and temporal variation of stand growth in Chile using a network of permanent sample plots from Modelo Nacional de Simulacion de Pino radiata. We hypothesized that the climate would play an important role in the annual variations in productivity. To answer these questions we developed the following projects: (1) Determination of site resource availability from historical data from automatic weather stations (rainfall, temperatures) and a geophysical model for solar irradiation, (2) Determination of peak annual leaf area index (LAI) for selected permanent sample plots using remote sensing technologies, (3) Analysis of soil, climate, canopy and stand factors affecting the Pinus radiata plantation growth and the use efficiency of site resources. For project 1, we estimated solar irradiation using the r.sun , Hargreaves-Samani (HS), and Bristow-Campbell (BC) models and validated model estimates with observations from weather stations. Estimations from a calibrated r.sun model accounted for 94% of the variance (r2=0.94) in monthly mean measured values. The r.sun model performed quite well for a wide range of Chilean conditions when compared with the HS and BC models. Our estimates of global irradiation may be improved with better estimates of cloudiness as they become available. Our model was able to provide spatial estimates of daily, weekly, monthly and yearly solar irradiation. For project 2, we estimated the inter-annual variation of LAI (Leaf Area Index), using remote sensing technologies. We determined LAI using Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data covering a 5 year period (2005--2009) for a network of permanent sample plots in Pinus radiata plantations in Chile. In 2009, we calculated LAI from ground measurements using LI-COR LAI-2000 and TRAC instruments on each one hectare plot. These values of LAI were regressed against Simple Ratio (SR), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Reduced Simple Ratio (RSR), derived from the TM 2009 data. Linear relationships were strong with R2 values of 0.65 for SR, 0.61 for NDVI and 0.67 for RSR. Using the RSR relationship, LAI values were estimated for the network of permanent sample plots of Pinus radiata plantations over the whole period. For project 3, we examined environmental factors affecting growth rates of Pinus radiata in Chile. Water availability (as affected by precipitation, soil water holding capacity, and potential evapotranspiration) appeared to be the factor most limiting to leaf area and growth. Maximum growing season temperature also negatively affected growth. Sites with highest productivities had the lowest annual water deficits and the most productive sites used water and light more efficiently. Good sites produced 1.6 as compared to 0.49 kg of wood per m3 of evapotranspired water for less productive sites. In addition, productive stands produced 0.5 as compared to 0.31 g of wood per MJ for less productive sites.
Alvarez-Munoz, Jose Santos
Geographical factors affecting variability of precipitation regime in Iran
This study compares the precipitation regimes by using harmonic analysis during the last four decades (1965-2004). We used the measured precipitation data from 428 rain-gauge sites and weather stations distributed across Iran by applying 15 � 15 km spatial grids to generate the interpolated data. Data validations were carried out by statistical tests. In this study, first three harmonics of precipitation variances were evaluated. Variability of precipitation regime was explored by using three harmonic analysis methods. In addition, the effect of geographical factors (GF) (site elevation, latitude, and longitude) affecting the precipitation regime (P) was verified by multivariate regression method. The resulted regression equation between P and GF for spring showed the highest correlation coefficient (r = 0.79). For other seasons, r was lower than for spring and varied between 0.26 (summer) to 0.58 (autumn). Analysis of the first harmonic proved that the main precipitation regime in Iran tends to concentrate in one specific season (winter) as a result of large-scale Mediterranean systems passing over the country. In other words, the first harmonic is able to explain most of the precipitation variations which are caused by large-scale atmospheric circulation. For all the three harmonics, variances of precipitation were mainly a function of the geographical factors. This effect was more evident in the third harmonic; in such a way that increasing the latitudes caused higher precipitation variance. This means that the precipitation regime in northern sites is more sensitive to the local factors than those of southern sites. The results of this research can be used for reliable estimation of precipitation in ungauged sites.
Sabziparvar, A. A.; Movahedi, S.; Asakereh, H.; Maryanaji, Z.; Masoodian, S. A.
Main error factors, affecting inversion of EM data
Inversions of EM data are complicated by a number of factors that need to be taken into account. These factors might contribute by tens of percents in data values, concealing responses from target objects, which usually contribute at the level of few percents only. We developed the exact analytical solutions of the EM wave equations that properly incorporate the contributions of the following effects: 1) A finite source size effect, where conventional dipole (zero-size) approximation brings 10-40% error compare to a real size source, needed to provide adequate signal-to-noise ratio. 2) Complex topography. A three-parametrical approach allows to keep the data misfits in 0.5% corridor while topography effect might be up to 40%. 3) Grounding shadow effect, caused by return ground currents, when Tx-line vicinity is horizontally non-uniform. By keeping survey setup within some reasonable geometrical ratios, the shadow effect comes to just one frequency-independent coefficient, which can be excluded from processing by using logarithmical derivatives. 4) Layer's wide spectral range effect. This brings to multi-layer spectral overlapping, so each frequency is affected by many layers; that requires wide spectral range processing, making the typical 'few-frequency data acquisition' non-reliable. 5) Horizontal sensitivity effect. The typical view at the target signal, reflected from a Tx-Rx mid-point is valid only for a ray approximation, reliable in a far-field zone. Unlike this, the real EM surveys usually work in near-field zone. Thus Tx-Rx mid-point does not represent the layer, so a sensitivity distribution function must be computed for each layer for the following 3D-unification process. 6) Wide range Rx-directions from mid-line Tx. Survey terrain often prevents placing Rx perpendicular to Tx-line, and even small deviations without proper corrections cause a significant inaccuracy. A radical simplification of the effect's description becomes possible after applying a special Angular Theorem. 7) Apparent conductivity spectral splitting factor. For some of the inversion approaches an averaged Earth's conductivity ?A(?) is the first step for the inversion to stratified Earth. The related spectral response from the loop-source splits such ?A onto two branches: ?A(?High) and ?A(?Low), similar to early and late resistivities in time domain processing. 8) Calibration factor. A manufacturer-based internal calibration often leads to many percents of non-controllable systematic error at low and high frequency ends, as well as temperature changes. A special approach allows an external pre-survey calibration to achieve the required accuracy.
Zuev, M. A.; Magomedov, M.; Korneev, V. A.; Goloshubin, G.; Zuev, J.; Brovman, Y.
Factors Affecting Prostate Volume Estimation in Computed Tomography Images
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The aim of this study was to investigate how apex-localizing methods and the computed tomography (CT) slice thickness affected the CT-based prostate volume estimation. Twenty-eight volunteers underwent evaluations of prostate volume by CT, where the contour segmentations were performed by three observers. The bottom of ischial tuberosities (ITs) and the bulb of the penis were used as reference positions to locate the apex, and the distances to the apex were recorded as 1.3 and 2.0 cm, respectively. Interobserver variations to locate ITs and the bulb of the penis were, on average, 0.10 cm (range 0.03-0.38 cm) and 0.30 cm (range 0.00-0.98 cm), respectively. The range of CT slice thickness varied from 0.08-0.48 cm and was adopted to examine the influence of the variation on volume estimation. The volume deviation from the reference case (0.08 cm), which increases in tandem with the slice thickness, was within � 3 cm3, regardless of the adopted apex-locating reference positions. In addition, the maximum error of apex identification was 1.5 times of slice thickness. Finally, based on the precise CT films and the methods of apex identification, there were strong positive correlation coefficients for the estimated prostate volume by CT and the transabdominal ultrasonography, as found in the present study (r > 0.87; p < 0.0001), and this was confirmed by Bland-Altman analysis. These results will help to identify factors that affect prostate volume calculation and to contribute to the improved estimation of the prostate volume based on CT images.
Factors affecting bone mineral density in multiple sclerosis patients
Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease which can cause many disabilities for the patient. Recent data suggests that MS patients have higher risk for osteoporosis. This study was performed to investigate if the osteoporosis prevalence is higher in MS patients and to determine the possible factors affecting bone mineral density (BMD). Methods 51 definite relapsing-remitting MS patients according to McDonald's criteria (45 females, 6 males aged between 20 and 50 years) participated in this study. The control group included 407 females aged from 20 to 49 years; they were healthy and had no history of the diseases affecting bone metabolism. Femoral and lumbar BMD were measured by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). The disability of MS patients was evaluated by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The patient's quality of life was evaluated by the validated Persian version of multiple sclerosis impact scale (MSIS-29). Results Patients� mean age was 36 � 3.3 years and their mean disease duration was 8.7 � 1.7 years. The mean EDSS score and the mean body mass index (BMI) of the patients were 3 � 0.9 and 23.5 � 2.3 kg/m2, respectively. 29% of the patients had never been treated by �-interferon and 6% of them had not received glucocorticoids (GCs) pulses since their MS had been diagnosed. 26% of the patients had a history of fracture.18% of our patients were osteoporotic and 43% of them were osteopenic. Femoral BMD was significantly lower among MS patients than age matched controls (P < 0.001), but lumbar BMD showed no difference. There was no correlation between administration of GCs pulses, interferon and BMD; however, we found a significant correlation between EDSS score, quality of life (QoL), disease duration and BMD of both site. Conclusion As a result of this study, bone loss inevitably occurs in MS patients. The major factor of BMD loss is immobility. Osteoporosis should be managed as part of MS patients� treatment protocols.
Ayatollahi, Azin; Mohajeri-Tehrani, Mohammad Reza
Factors Affecting Bone Mineral Density in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
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Full Text Available Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS is a demyelinating disease which can cause many disabilities for the patient. Recent data suggests that MS patients have higher risk for osteoporosis. This study was performed to investigate if the osteoporosis prevalence is higher in MS patients and to determine the possible factors affecting bone mineral density (BMD.Methods: 51 definite relapsing-remitting MS patients according to McDonald's criteria (45 females, 6 males aged between 20 and 50 years participated in this study. The control group included 407 females aged from 20 to 49 years; they were healthy and had no history of the diseases affecting bone metabolism. Femoral and lumbar BMD were measured by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA. The disability of MS patients was evaluated by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS. The patient�s quality of life was evaluated by the validated Persian version of multiple sclerosis impact scale (MSIS-29.Results: Patients� mean age was 36 � 3.3 years and their mean disease duration was 8.7 � 1.7 years. The mean EDSS score and the mean body mass index (BMI of the patients were 3 � 0.9 and 23.5 � 2.3 kg/m2, respectively. 29% of the patients had never been treated by �-interferon and 6% of them had not received glucocorticoids (GCs pulses since their MS had been diagnosed. 26% of the patients had a history of fracture.18% of our patients were osteoporotic and 43% of them were osteopenic. Femoral BMD was significantly lower among MS patients than age matched controls (P < 0.001, but lumbar BMD showed no difference. There was no correlation between administration of GCs pulses, interferon and BMD; however, we found a significant correlation between EDSS score, quality of life (QoL, disease duration and BMD of both site.Conclusion: As a result of this study, bone loss inevitably occurs in MS patients. The major factor of BMD loss is immobility. Osteoporosis should be managed as part of MS patients� treatment protocols.
Azin Ayatollahi
Factors affecting the concentration of outdoor particles indoors (COPI): Identification of data needs and existing data
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
The process of characterizing human exposure to particulate matter requires information on both particle concentrations in microenvironments and the time-specific activity budgets of individuals among these microenvironments. Because the average amount of time spent indoors by individuals in the US is estimated to be greater than 75%, accurate characterization of particle concentrations indoors is critical to exposure assessments for the US population. In addition, it is estimated that indoor particle concentrations depend strongly on outdoor concentrations. The spatial and temporal variations of indoor particle concentrations as well as the factors that affect these variations are important to health scientists. For them, knowledge of the factors that control the relationship of indoor particle concentrations to outdoor levels is particularly important. In this report, we identify and evaluate sources of data for those factors that affect the transport to and concentration of outdoor particles in the indoor environment. Concentrations of particles indoors depend upon the fraction of outdoor particles that penetrate through the building shell or are transported via the air handling (HVAC) system, the generation of particles by indoor sources, and the loss mechanisms that occur indoors, such as deposition. To address these issues, we (i) identify and assemble relevant information including the behavior of particles during air leakage, HVAC operations, and particle filtration; (ii) review and evaluate the assembled information to distinguish data that are directly relevant to specific estimates of particle transport from those that are only indirectly useful and (iii) provide a synthesis of the currently available information on building air-leakage parameters and their effect on indoor particle matter concentrations.
Thatcher, Tracy L.; McKone, Thomas E.; Fisk, William J.; Sohn, Michael D.; Delp, Woody W.; Riley, William J.; Sextro, Richard G.
Factors affecting sonolytic degradation of sulfamethazine in water.
In this study, the major factors affecting sonolytic degradation of sulfamethazine (SMT), a typical pharmaceutically active compound, in water were evaluated. The factors tested included two operational parameters (i.e. initial SMT concentration and ultrasonic power), three dissolved gases (i.e. Ar, O2 and N2), five most frequently found anions in water (NO3(-),Cl(-),SO4(2-),HCO3(-)andBr(-)), ferrous ion (Fe(2+)), and four alcohols (methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, tert-butyl alcohol). Typically, the degradation rate was increased with the increasing initial SMT concentration and power. The degradation rate was accelerated in the presence of argon or oxygen, but inhibited by nitrogen. Effects of anions on the ultrasonic treatment were species-dependent. The SMT degradation rate was slightly inhibited by NO3(-),Cl(-),and,SO4(2-) but significantly improved by HCO3(-)andBr(-). The negative effects of alcohols acted as hydroxyl radicals scavengers with the following order: tert-butyl alcohol>isopropyl alcohol>ethanol>methanol. The synergetic effect of ferrous ion was mainly due to production of additional hydroxyl radicals (�OH) through Fenton chemistry. LC/MS/MS analysis indicated that the degradation of SMT by ultrasonic irradiation is mainly ascribed to �OH oxidation. Of interest, although the SMT could be rapidly degraded by ultrasonic irradiation, the degradation products were rarely mineralized. For example, ~100% of 180 ?M SMT was decomposed, but only 8.31% TOC was reduced, within 2h at an irradiation frequency of 800 kHz and a power of 100 W. However, the products became much biodegradable (BOD5/COD was increased from 0.04 to 0.45). Therefore, an aerobic biological treatment may be an appropriate post-treatment to further decompose the SMT degradation products. PMID:23711347
Gao, Yu-qiong; Gao, Nai-yun; Deng, Yang; Gu, Jin-shan; Gu, Yu-liang; Zhang, Dong
Analysis of Factors Affecting Positron Emission Mammography (PEM) Image Formation
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Image reconstruction for positron emission mammography (PEM) with the breast positioned between two parallel, planar detectors is usually performed by backprojection to image planes. Three important factors affecting PEM image reconstruction by backprojection are investigated: (1) image uniformity (flood) corrections, (2) image sampling (pixel size) and (3) count allocation methods. An analytic expression for uniformity correction is developed that incorporates factors for spatial-dependent detector sensitivity and geometric effects from acceptance angle limits on coincidence events. There is good agreement between experimental floods from a PEM system with a pixellated detector and numerical simulations. The analytic uniformity corrections are successfully applied to image reconstruction of compressed breast phantoms and reduce the necessity for flood scans at different image planes. Experimental and simulated compressed breast phantom studies show that lesion contrast is improved when the image pixel size is half of, rather than equal to, the detector pixel size, though this occurs at the expense of some additional image noise. In PEM reconstruction counts usually are allocated to the pixel in the image plane intersected by the line of response (LOR) between the centers of the detection pixels. An alternate count allocation method is investigated that distributes counts to image pixels in proportion to the area of the tube of response (TOR) connecting the detection pixels that they overlay in the image plane. This TOR method eliminates some image artifacts that occur with the LOR method and increases tumor signal-to-noise ratios at the expense of a slight decrease in tumor contrast. Analysis of image uniformity, image sampling and count allocation methods in PEM image reconstruction points to ways of improving image formation. Further work is required to optimize image reconstruction parameters for particular detection or quantitation tasks
Elimination of error factors, affecting EM and seismic inversions
EM or seismic data inversions are affected by many factors, which may conceal the responses from target objects. We address here the contributions from the following effects: 1) Pre-survey spectral sensitivity factor. Preliminary information about a target layer can be used for a pre-survey estimation of the required frequency domain and signal level. A universal approach allows making such estimations in real time, helping the survey crew to optimize an acquisition process. 2) Preliminary velocities' identification and their dispersions for all the seismic waves, arising in a stratified media became a fast working tool, based on the exact analytical solution. 3) Vertical gradients effect. For most layers the log data scatter, requiring an averaging pattern. A linear gradient within each representative layer is a reasonable compromise between required inversion accuracy and forward modeling complexity. 4) An effect from the seismic source's radial component becomes comparable with vertical part for explosive sources. If this effect is not taken into account, a serious modeling error takes place. This problem has an algorithmic solution. 5) Seismic modeling is often based on different representations for a source formulated either for a force or to a potential. The wave amplitudes depend on the formulation, making an inversion result sensitive to it. 6) Asymmetrical seismic waves (modified Rayleigh) in symmetrical geometry around liquid fracture come from S-wave and merge with the modified Krauklis wave at high frequencies. A detail analysis of this feature allows a spectral range optimization for the proper wave's extraction. 7) An ultrasonic experiment was conducted to show different waves appearance for a super-thin water-saturated fracture between two Plexiglas plates, being confirmed by comparison with theoretical computations. 8) A 'sandwich effect' was detected by comparison with averaged layer's effect. This opens an opportunity of the shale gas direct identification from the surface measurements.
Magomedov, M.; Zuev, M. A.; Korneev, V. A.; Goloshubin, G.; Zuev, J.; Brovman, Y.
Factors affecting on the particle deposition in the respiratory tract
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The deposition pattern of inhaled particles in the respiratory tracts is affected by anatomical structure of the respiratory tracts and respiratory pattern of animals, which are modified by many factors as animal species, physiological and psychological conditions, age, sex, smoking drug, lung diseases, etc. In human, studies have been focused on the initial lung deposition of particles and have made it clear that the respiratory pattern, gender, and diseases may have influence on the deposition pattern. On the other hand, there was little knowledge on the initial lung deposition of particles in laboratory animals. Recently, Raabe et al. have reported the initial lung deposition of 169Yb-aluminosilicate particles in mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits. The authors have also investigated the lung deposition of latex particles with different sizes and 198Au-colloid in rats whose respiratory volumes during the inhalation were monitored by body plethysmography. These experiments indicated that the deposition of inhaled particles in distal lung e.g. small bronchiolar and alveolar region, was much lower in laboratory animals than that of human. This species difference may be due to smaller diameter of respiratory tract and/or shallower breathing and higher respiratory rate of laboratory animals. The experimental animals in which respiratory diseases were induced artificially have been used to investigate the modification factors on the deposition pattern of inhaled particles. As respiratory diseases, emphysema was induced in rats, hamsters, beagle dogs in some laboratories and pulmonary delayed type hypersensitivity reaction in rats was in our laboratory. The initial lung deposition of particles in these animals was consistently decreased in comparison with normals, regardless of the animal species and the type of disease. (author)
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Full Text Available Bioadhesion is an interfacial phenomenon in which two materials, at least one of which is biological, are held together by means of interfacial forces. When the associated biological system is mucous, it is called mucoadhesion. This property of certain polymeric systems have got place in the drug delivery research in order to prolong contact time in the various mucosal route of drug administration, as the ability to maintain a delivery system at a particular location for an extended period of time has a great appeal for both local action as well as systemic drug bioavailability. A complete and comprehensive theory that can predict adhesion based on the chemical and/or physical nature of a polymer is not yet available. Several theories have been proposed to explain the fundamental mechanisms of adhesion such as glues, adhesives, and paints, have been adopted to study the mucoadhesion. Mucoadhesion is a complex process and numerous theories have been presented to explain the mechanisms involved. These theories include mechanical-interlocking, electrostatic, diffusion�interpenetration, adsorption and fracture processes. They are Electronic theory, Adsorption theory, Wetting theory, Diffusion theory, Fracture theory. The objective of the study is to explain the different mechanisms involved in mucoadhesion and various factors affecting mucoadhesion.
Alexander Amit
Factors affecting the internal brain drain of Saudi healthcare professionals
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Full Text Available Objectives: To investigate factors affecting the internal brain drain of healthcare professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous self-administered online questionnaire sent to all Saudi students enrolled in healthcare profession programs in North America. The data was collected between January and March 2008 at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America. Results were analyzed using logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 377 completed questionnaires were returned. Results revealed that 71% of respondents intended to return to work within the 2 major urban cities (Riyadh and Jeddah. Respondents who completed their undergraduate studies in a large city were more likely to work in the same city (odds ratio [OR]=3.2; p=0.000; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.0-5.2. Furthermore, 51% of the students were willing to work in a rural area for a 50% or more increase in their salary. Finally, men were more willing to work in a rural area for a financial incentive (OR=2.3; p=0.006, 95% CI = 1.3-4.3. Conclusion: This study suggests that realistic financial incentives would probably not suffice to attract Saudi healthcare providers to rural areas. The provision of medical schools in smaller cities and rural areas is predicted to be a more effective method for improving the current maldistribution of healthcare providers.�
Kevin G. Croke
Factors affecting the erosion resistance of weld overlays
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
Research was conducted to study factors affecting the solid particle erosion resistance of weld overlay coatings. Eleven weld overlay alloys were deposited on 1018 steel substrates using the plasma arc welding process and erosion tested at 400 C. Erosion resistance was evaluated by determining the steady state erosion rate. Ultimet, Inconel-625, and 316L SS coatings showed the best erosion resistance at 30 and 90{degree} impact angles. Microhardness tests were performed on the eroded samples below the erosion surface to determine the size of the plastically deformed zone and it was found that one group of coatings deformed plastically as a result of the particle impact while the others did not. No correlations were found between average microhardness at 400 C and volumetric erosion rates for plastically deformed weld overlays. For this group of overlays erosion resistance was correlated to the area under the curve of microhardness versus distance from the eroded surface. The physical significance of this parameter is discussed. For coatings that did not deform plastically, an increase in average microhardness at 400 C led to an increase in their volumetric erosion rates. The possible erosion mechanisms for these coating groups are discussed.
Levin, B.F.; Dupont, J.N.; Marder, A.R. [Lehigh Univ., Bethlehem, PA (United States)
Factors that differentially affect daytime and nighttime sleep in Drosophila
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Full Text Available Rest in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has key characteristics of mammalian sleep and is thus considered as a fly version of sleep. Drosophila sleep has been studied extensively, with the aim of gaining fundamental insights into the evolutionarily conserved functions of sleep as well as the mechanisms that regulate it. An interesting question that has not yet been addressed is whether fly sleep can be classified into distinct sleep types, each having particular biological roles�like REM and non-REM sleep in birds and mammals. Typically, Drosophila sleep displays a bimodal pattern, consisting of distinct daytime and nighttime components. Notably, daytime and nighttime sleep differ with respect to a number of qualities, such as sleep bout lengths and arousal thresholds. In this short review, we describe several genetic and environmental factors that differentially affect daytime and nighttime sleep, highlighting the observations suggesting the notion that these temporally distinct components of Drosophila sleep may have unique biological functions and be regulated by different homeostatic regulatory mechanisms.
Factors Affecting the Radii of Close-in Transiting Exoplanets
The radius of an exoplanet may be affected by various factors, including irradiation, planet mass and heavy element content. A significant number of transiting exoplanets have now been discovered for which the mass, radius, semi-major axis, host star metallicity and stellar effective temperature are known. We use multivariate regression models to determine the dependence of planetary radius on planetary equilibrium temperature T_eq, planetary mass M_p, stellar metallicity [Fe/H], orbital semi-major axis a, and tidal heating rate H_tidal, for 119 transiting planets in three distinct mass regimes. We determine that heating leads to larger planet radii, as expected, increasing mass leads to increased or decreased radii of low-mass (2.0R_J) planets, respectively (with no mass effect on Jupiter-mass planets), and increased host-star metallicity leads to smaller planetary radii, indicating a relationship between host-star metallicity and planet heavy element content. For Saturn-mass planets, a good fit to the radii...
Enoch, B; Horne, K
Some factors affecting the in vitro culture of banana
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Factors affecting in vitro regeneration of shoots in shoot tip explant cultures of banana cultivar 'Basrai', such as solid and liquid media, growth regulators, vitamins, and antioxidants were studied. Three-quarters strength of MS liquid medium supplemented with 17.75 micro m 6-benzyladenine (BA), 11.42 micro M indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 205 micro M adenine sulphate induced the formation of mean number of 12.3 shoots, with the mean length of 3.0 cm, after three weeks of culture. Maximum shoot multiplication (14.33) occurred in liquid medium containing 22.19 micro M BA. Addition of 2.0% activated charcoal (AC) to the liquid medium improved quality of the regenerated plants with expanded and glossy leaves, though the number of shoots was reduced (13.66). Profuse formation of roots was characteristically induced by AC. Addition of citric acid (CA) to the medium caused decline in morphogenetic expression of the cultures. (author)
Hemoglobin E-beta thalassemia: factors affecting phenotype.
The phenotype of E-beta-thalassemia is affected by several genetic factors. The aim of this study was to analyze severity of E-beta-thalassemia and correlate with HbE, HbF, E/F ratios, beta-mutation and Xmn I polymorphism. Thirty cases of E-beta-thalassemia (23 with childhood onset) were studied. HbE levels were quantitated by HPLC. Xmn1 polymorphism and beta-mutations were studied by PCR-RFLP and ARMS respectively. Commonest features were pallor (100%), splenomegaly (74%), and hepatomegaly (65%), 43% (10/23) were on regular transfusions at diagnosis. One case presented with paraplegia. Patients heterozygous for Xmn I polymorphism (+/-) had later onset (>3 yrs) compared to homozygous (-/-) absence (0.5-2.8 yrs). Most (69.6%) showed beta-mutation IVS 1-5 (G-->C). Negative correlation was found between age of onset and HbE. Thus, presentation is similar to previously reported Thai cases. Heterozygosity of Xmn I polymorphism also delays disease onset. Early diagnosis facilitates appropriate management and prenatal diagnosis. PMID:15876597
Panigrahi, I; Agarwal, S; Gupta, T; Singhal, P; Pradhan, M
Factors affecting the motivation of smokers to quit smoking
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Full Text Available smoking. Success of smoking cessation depends mainly on the balance between motivation and the degree of nicotine dependence. The objective of this study was to investigate factors affecting the motivation of smokers to stop smoking. Method: Data were collected from 139 smokers, aged 18-69 divided in two groups. Questionnaires were completed about the demographic data, smoking history, anthropometric characteristics, degree of nicotine dependence, motivation degree and alcohol consumption. Results: Body Mass Index was positively correlated with the dependence degree and heavy smoking, while those who were overweight in adolescence showed a lower degree of motivation for smoking cessation. Individuals with moderate or heavy alcohol consumption, those who smoked in their working environment and were heavier smokers needed greater motivation. The low degree of dependence was associated with a lower degree of motivation, while those who showed medium dependence were moderately motivated. Conclusions: Health care professionals should take into account all the above components with the aim of motivating smokers to stop smoking.
Gourgoulianis K.
Factors affecting hospital mortality in acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding
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Full Text Available This retrospective analysis studied the records of 564 consecutive patients admitted to Gastrointestinal Bleeding Unit of Riyadh Medical Complex with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding over a 2-year period (May 1996-April 1998. The purpose of the study was to analyze the mortality with an aim to identify the risk factors affecting mortality in these patients. Majority of patients were men (82% and Saudis (54%. Their mean age was 52.46 + 17.8 years. Esophageal varices (45% were the main causes of bleeding followed by duodenal ulcers (24%. Overall mortality in this series was 15.8% (89 patients. Comorbid diseases were responsible for death in 68 (76% patients, whereas, bleeding was considered to be directly responsible for death in 21 (24% patients. On analysis of data from this study, old age (>60 years, systolic pressure < 90 mm Hg on admission, comorbid disease, variceal bleeding and Child?s grade C in patients with chronic liver disease were associated with adverse outcome.
Alam Mohammed
Factors affecting the biodegradation of PCP by Pseudomonas mendocina NSYSU.
A pentachlorophenol (PCP) degrading bacterium was isolated from PCP-contaminated soils and identified as Pseudomonas mendocina NSYSU (P. mendocina NSYSU). The main objectives of this study were to (1) clarify the factors affecting the ability and efficiency of PCP biodegradation by P. mendocina NSYSU, and (2) optimize the use of this bacterium in bioremediation of PCP. Microcosm experiments were conducted to fulfill the objectives. In batch cultures, P. mendocina NSYSU used PCP as its sole source of carbon and energy and was capable of completely degrading this compound. This was confirmed by the stoichiometric release of chloride ion. Moreover, P. mendocina NSYSU was able to mineralize a high concentration of PCP (150 mg/L). Results from the oxygen concentration experiment reveal that the growth of P. mendocina NSYSU was inhibited under low oxygen and anaerobic conditions. Results indicate that the optimal growth conditions for P. mendocina NSYSU include the following: slightly acidic (6 Kao, C M; Liu, J K; Chen, Y L; Chai, C T; Chen, S C 2005-09-30
Kao, C M; Liu, J K; Chen, Y L; Chai, C T; Chen, S C
Chordoma: review of clinico radiological features and factors affecting survival
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
This study reviews the clinico radiological features of cranial and sacrospinal chordomas and identifies factors affecting survival. Nineteen patients seen between January 1980 and December 2000 with histopathological diagnosis of chordomas were retrospectively reviewed with reference to clinical presentation, imaging features, treatment modalities and post-therapy status. Eight had tumours in the skull base while 11 patients had spinal and sacro-coccygeal lesions. Surgical resection was performed in 16 patients whose subsequent natural history was used to identify clinical indicators that may influence survival. Completeness of resection, age, gender and postoperative irradiation were subjected to analysis using the Cox proportional hazard models. Kaplan-Meir survival curves illustrate the survival distributions. Diplopia and facial pain are prime clinical presentations in cranial lesions, while extremity weakness and a sacrogluteal mass are common complaints in the sacrospinal group. Lesional calcifications are present in 40% while an osteolytic soft tissue mass is detectable by CT in all cases. Heterogeneous signals and internal septations on T2-weighted MRI are predominant features. In sacrospinal tumours, complete excision with adjuvant radiotherapy achieves the best results with a disease-free survival of more than 5 years. The clinical and imaging findings in this study are in accordance with those of other series. Except for complete surgical excision followed by radiotherapy in the subset of patients with sacrospinal tumours, none of the other clinical indicators show a statistical significant influence on survival. Copyright (2001) Blackwell Science Pty Ltd
Factors affecting graded and ungraded memory loss following hippocampal lesions.
This review evaluates three current theories--Standard Consolidation (Squire & Wixted, 2011), Overshadowing (Sutherland, Sparks, & Lehmann, 2010), and Multiple Trace-Transformation (Winocur, Moscovitch, & Bontempi, 2010)--in terms of their ability to account for the role of the hippocampus in recent and remote memory in animals. Evidence, based on consistent findings from tests of spatial memory and memory for acquired food preferences, favours the transformation account, but this conclusion is undermined by inconsistent results from studies that measured contextual fear memory, probably the most commonly used test of hippocampal involvement in anterograde and retrograde memory. Resolution of this issue may depend on exercising greater control over critical factors (e.g., contextual environment, amount of pre-exposure to the conditioning chamber, the number and distribution of foot-shocks) that can affect the representation of the memory shortly after learning and over the long-term. Research strategies aimed at characterizing the neural basis of long-term consolidation/transformation, as well as other outstanding issues are discussed. PMID:24120426
Winocur, Gordon; Moscovitch, Morris; Sekeres, Melanie J
Factors Affecting the Disposition Effect in Tehran Stock Market
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Full Text Available Given the significance and perceived inevitability of disposition effect and its impact on investment decisions, we investigate factors affecting the disposition effect in the Tehran Stock Exchange. Four hypotheses were developed and the data used in the study were collected through availability sampling. One-sample t-test, two-sample t-test and one-way ANOVA were run to analyze the data while Pearson correlation test and multiple regressions were used to assess relationships among variables in question. The results of the analyses indicate that overconfidence and mental accounting were not significantly correlated with disposition effect. Regret aversion had a positive relationship with disposition effect while self control was negatively associated. It was also observed that there was a negative relationship between participants� level of education and their disposition effect indicating that the higher the level of education, the less the rate of disposition effect. Furthermore, the results of the study show that males enjoy a higher level of overconfidence than females, and 20 to 30 year-old age groups displayed much overconfidence than other age groups.
Reza Tehrani
Factors Affecting Fiber Design and Selection for Advanced Ceramic Composites
Structural Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) have the potential for application in the hot sections of a variety of advanced propulsion and power systems. It is therefore necessary to have a general understanding of the key properties of CMC and Reinforcing Fibers. This need is complicated by the wide variety of application conditions and structural requirements for which CMC's will be used, and the proprietary concerns of the design engineers. CMC's, to be successful, must display properties which are competitive with the currently used high temperature structural materials: (i.e., Iron and Nickel based superalloys, tough monolithic ceramics, and carbon/carbon composites.) Structural CMC offers several areas of competition: (1) performance, (i.e., strength and strength retention, creep resistance, and thermal conductivity), (2) reliability (i.e., environmental durability, and damage tolerance) and (3) processing (i.e., capability for varying sizes and shapes, and cost effective fabrication). The presentation further discusses, and illustrates with fiber and CMC data the key fiber properties and processes which strongly affect each CMC area of competition. The presentation further discusses the current knowledge of the important factors which control the key fiber properties. A design guidelines for the optimum fiber characteristics is developed, and the currently available fibers are compared against those guidelines.
DiCarlo, James A.
Chronotype and personality factors of predisposition to seasonal affective disorder.
The study aimed to recognize the personality factors of a predisposition to seasonal mood fluctuations in a non-clinical sample. A group of 101 subjects (57 women, 44 men; mean age 26.4?�?6.5 years) completed a battery of tests comprising a Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ), Chronotype Questionnaire (ChQ), a NEO-Five Factor Inventory and a Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS). A smaller sample (n?=?44) completed a Winter Blues Scale (WBS). Women scored significantly higher than men in seasonality (p?=?0.014), neuroticism (p?=?0.049), agreeableness (p?=?0.010), and avoidance-oriented coping style (p?=?0.041). Subjects with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) (n?=?41) or sub-SAD (n?=?33), as diagnosed with SPAQ, exhibited higher levels of neuroticism (p?=?0.017) and openness (p?=?0.016) in comparison to non-SAD individuals. The latter declared a less frequent avoidance coping style. Both measures of seasonality, i.e. the SPAQ Global Seasonality Score and WBS, correlated significantly (r?=?0.28 and 0.44, respectively) with the subjective amplitude of the circadian rhythm, as described with the "distinctness" scale of ChQ. Female gender, neuroticism and openness were confirmed as factors linked to seasonal mood variability. Additionally, the study revealed an association between susceptibility to mild winter depression and an avoidance-oriented coping style. The avoidance coping style was correlated positively with all the aspects of seasonality described by SPAQ (correlation coefficients from 0.21 to 0.34). Both sub-types of avoidance-oriented style, i.e. distraction and social diversion, were associated with marked subjective seasonal changes in sleep length, mood and the energy level. While the subjective amplitude of circadian rhythm proved to be connected with seasonality, the subjective acrophase of the rhythm (morningness-eveningness preference) did not. It may be hypothesized that sensitivity to natural environmental conditions/synchronizers is a separate individual trait shaping the subject's proneness to energy and mood changes both in diurnal and year scale, i.e. circadian and seasonal mood variations. PMID:24397301
Oginska, Halszka; Oginska-Bruchal, Katarzyna
Factores grupales que inciden en la productividad / Group factors affecting productivity
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Full Text Available SciELO Venezuela | Language: Spanish Abstract in spanish Las organizaciones en la actualidad est�n sometidas permanentemente a cambios acelerados, oblig�ndolas a incrementar su flexibilidad y adaptabilidad para mantener su posici�n competitiva, sobrevivir a estas presiones lograr sus objetivos y ser m�s productivas. Por estas razones, la productividad del [...] factor humano es fundamental, ya que son las personas las que realizan los procesos creativos que generan resultados en las organizaciones. Cuando las personas interact�an en la organizaci�n se generan unos procesos de car�cter psicosocial que incide en el desempe�o de individuos, grupos y organizaci�n y se denominan Factores grupales, porque son producto de la actuaci�n de las personas en grupos de trabajo. Dichos factores tienen impacto en la productividad, por lo que resulta de inter�s el estudio de estas relaciones. Con el fin de analizar este impacto, se presenta relaciones Factores Grupales-Productividad, mediante un Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales (SEM), donde los Factores Grupales y la Productividad son constructos o variables latentes explicadas por variables observables o indicadores. El modelo planteado, es aceptado de acuerdo con los �ndices globales de ajuste y a las cargas factoriales de las variables del modelo resultante. Se corrobor� que los factores grupales, tales como Cohesi�n, Conflicto, Consenso y Moral, inciden en la productividad. Abstract in english Organizations today are undergoing rapid change permanently, forcing them to increase their flexibility and adaptability to stay competitive, to survive these pressures, achieve their goals and be more productive. For these reasons, the productivity of the human factor is critical because it is the [...] people doing the creative processes those results in organizations. When people interact in the organization are a generated psychosocial process that affects the performance of individuals, groups and organization and are called group factors, because they are the product of individual behavior in work groups. These factors have an impact on productivity, so it is interesting to study these relationships. To analyze this impact is presented group factors-productivity relationships through a Structural Equation Model (SEM), where the group factors and productivity are constructs or latent variables explained by observable variables or indicators. The proposed model is accepted in accordance with the global fit indices and factor loadings of the variables of the resulting model. It was confirmed that the group factors, such as Cohesion, Conflict, Consensus and Moral affect productivity.
Cequea, Mirza Marvel; Miguel, N��ez Bottini; Carlos, Rodr�guez-Monroy.
Analysis of Some Factors Affecting Market Patronage in Osun State, Nigeria
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Full Text Available Human settlements are made up of parts, which work together as a system. A major part of the system is the �market,� whose functionality is found to be influenced by some factors such as mode of transport, consumers' income, sex, age, occupation, markets distance, location and item(s on sales among others. The use of questionnaire, inventory survey and documentary analysis were employed for this study and the data were subjected to univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses. Recommendations include; opening up of market roads for the free flow of goods and services, conduct of market survey to determine among other things shop needs and requirements so as to encourage patronage, expansion and general development of the state. ANALYSIS OF SOME FACTORS AFFECTING MARKET PATRONAGE IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA. Human settlements are made up of parts, which work together as a system. A major part of the system is the �market,� whose functionality is found to be influenced by some factors such as mode of transport, consumers' income, sex, age, occupation, markets distance, location and item(s on sales among others. The use of questionnaire, inventory survey and documentary analysis were employed for this study and the data were subjected to univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses. Recommendations include; opening up of market roads for the free flow of goods and services, conduct of market survey to determine among other things shop needs and requirements so as to encourage patronage, expansion and general development of the state.
Omole, Felix Kayode
Factors affecting visibility of a target tissue in histologic sections.
The objective of histologic techniques is to stain the subject with high specificity and high visibility. Visibility depends on the microscope's resolution and contrast and on the microscopist's skill at optimizing the microscope's image. It also depends on histotechnological factors, which include specificity and differentiation of the stain, density of background staining (particularly in silver stains), innate color, and grayscale contrasts of the dyes in the stains and color and density of the counterstain. If contrast is not optimal, the image should be evaluated on the basis of 2 types of contrast-color and grayscale. Complementary colors have maximum color contrast, and the color triangle is useful in the selection of a suitable counterstain. Grayscale contrast is a function of the density of a stain. If dyes capable of staining the target and backgrounds tissue do not have optimal color contrast, the only method of increasing contrast is to change the grayscale value of one of the stains, usually the counterstain. Colors can have a subconscious effect on a viewer. Depending on whether they are aesthetically pleasing, they may influence the rigor of and time spent on the histopathologic examination. Maximizing the specificity of stains such as hematoxylin, eosin, trichrome, and Luxol fast blue (LFB) depends on optimal differentiation. In differentiation of counterstains such as methylene blue in the Ziehl-Neelsen stain, its recommended density is conveniently expressed as a grayscale value. Independent evaluation of color and grayscale contrasts is very helpful in determining the cause of low contrast in an image. This review discusses aspects of the histotechnique affecting the visibility of tissue components. PMID:24395975
McGavin, M D
Family planning attitudes of women and affecting factors
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Full Text Available Objective: This descriptive research was conducted to determine the attitudes of women towards family planning and the factors affecting these attitudes. Material and Methods: Universe of the study has been composed of women who are married and older than 15 years and living in Ankara Kale district. 300 women were included. Kale district is a low socioeconomical slum area of the capital city of Turkey. Questionnaire and Family Planning Attitude Scale were used to collect data. Results: 38% of the women were in the 30-39 years age group and 66.7% of them were graduates of primary school. 73.3% of the women had information about some contraceptive method and 53% of them had used an effective method. Mean score taken from the Family Planning Attitude Scale was 120.11�13.8. The scores obtained from the scale were significantly higher in the women who were graduates of elementary school, whose husbands were graduates from high school and higher, who had heard about any contraceptive method and had been using some method and who had had 1-3 pregnancies (p0.05. Conclusion: It was found that the attitudes of the women towards family planning were at a good level, nearly half of the women were using an effective method, and the level of education, number of pregnancies, unwillingness to have another child in the future, having information about contraceptive methods and using some contraceptive method had influenced family planning attitudes. In order to turn this attitude into practice with high rate, family planning education programs and consultancy services must be planned and implemented.
Sultan Ayaz
Norfloxacin Blood-Brain Barrier Transport in Rats Is Not Affected by Probenecid Coadministration
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
The effect of probenecid (PRO) on norfloxacin (NOR) blood-brain barrier transport was investigated with rats by microdialysis. Maximum brain drug concentrations were rapidly attained, and the brain penetration factor was close to 5% in the absence and presence of PRO. In conclusion, PRO has no effect on NOR blood-brain barrier transport.
Marchand, Sandrine; Forsell, Anna; Chenel, Marylore; Comets, Emmanuelle; Lamarche, Isabelle; Couet, William
Factors affecting the absorption of hydrogen by zircaloys
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
A proton model has been employed to calculate how the elements Sn, Fe, Cr and Ni in Zircaloy affect the absorption of hydrogen compared with in zirconium. It is found that Fe, Cr and Ni reduce the absorption of hydrogen by almost equal amounts per atom added, whereas Sn has little or no affect on the absorption. (orig.)
To Invest Or Not Invest? : Factors affecting IT investment decisions
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
� Introduction Many studies indicate that there are numerous factors that promote or hamper the adoption of IT applications and are a prime concern for many researchers and practitioners (Abrahamson, 1991). Two main factors which need to be examined closely when making decisions about IT investments are the internal and external factors. Since these factors play a great role in decision making of IT investments, it is imperative to study their impact on the strategic planning because this fo...
Tarabay, Raymond; Eigbire, Raphael
Factors affecting guanine nucleotide binding to rat AMPA receptors.
Glutamate receptors are competitively inhibited by guanine nucleotides. Insight into the physiological function of this inhibition would be greatly advanced if nucleotide binding could be eliminated through mutations without altering other aspects of receptor function, or if compounds were discovered that selectively prevent nucleotide binding. It was previously reported that a lysine in the chick kainate binding protein (cKBP) is specifically involved in guanine nucleotide binding. In the present study we mutated the equivalent lysine in the rat AMPA receptor subunit GluR1 flip to alanine (K445A) and assessed changes in nucleotide affinity from the displacement of [(3)H]fluorowillardiine. As in the cKBP, the affinity for nucleotides was greatly reduced while the binding affinity for agonists remained unchanged. The reduction in affinity was largest for GTP (factor of 5.8) and GDP (4.4) and minor for GMP and guanosine. This suggests that K445 is involved in stabilizing the second phosphate of the nucleotide. Given that bulkier analogs like GDP-fucose are also accommodated at this site, it seems likely that nucleotides bind in such a way that their phosphates project out of the cleft. In excised-patch recordings using short pulses of glutamate, the K445A mutation increased the EC(50) for the peak response 1.8-fold and accelerated desensitization and deactivation. This indicates that the effects of this mutation are not as specific as previously suggested. Efforts to selectively eliminate inhibition by nucleotides may therefore depend on mapping out further the docking site. In a first attempt using point mutations we ruled out several amino acids around the cleft as being involved in nucleotide binding. Also, the AMPA receptor modulator PPNDS which competitively inhibits nucleotide binding to purinergic receptors did not affect nucleotide inhibition, suggesting that there are major differences in the topography between purinergic and glutamate receptors. Thus new approaches, including crystallography, may be called for to identify residues uniquely involved in nucleotide binding. PMID:17884024
Montgomery, Kyle; Suzuki, Erika; Kessler, Markus; Arai, Amy C
Factors affecting the flowability of fertilizers through orifices
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
The effects of some significant factors on the flow of fertilizers through orifices, such as orifice diameter, orifice shape, particle diameter, fertilizer type, air temperature, and air relative humidity were investigated. The effect of air temperature on the flow rate was small as the effects of the other factors were significant.
Kara M.; Hofstee J.W.
Factors affecting the flowability of fertilizers through orifices
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available The effects of some significant factors on the flow of fertilizers through orifices, such as orifice diameter, orifice shape, particle diameter, fertilizer type, air temperature, and air relative humidity were investigated. The effect of air temperature on the flow rate was small as the effects of the other factors were significant.
Hofstee J.W.
Factors Affecting College Students' Achievement in Science. Final Report.
Investigated were factors influencing science achievement at the college level of 1,191 students who graduated from 12 midwestern high schools in 1963. Factors investigated included interest, intelligence, high school achievement, and family background. Data sources included secondary school standardized tests, college transcripts, Kuder�
Mallinson, George G.
A systematic study on factors affecting patient dose, 3
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
If the grid is employed in radiography, the exposure and the patient dose naturally increase. The rate of increase of the exposure resulting from the use of the grid is usually expressed by the Bucky factor. The Bucky factor is commonly known to change depending on the grid ratio and the tube voltage, but its change due to other factor has been hardly reported. Therefore, authors have measured changes in the Bucky factor due to the thickness of a patient and the irradiation field size, and added a few comments on the patient dose. (Conclusion) (1) The Bucky factor is not constant because it is greatly influenced by the tube voltage, grid ratio, thickness of the patient and the field size. (2) The Bucky factor increases if the tube voltage is low and the grid ratio is high, and also if the patient thickness is great and the field size is large. (3) If the field size is enlarged, the Bucky factor increases, but the surface dose usually decreases, resulting in a conflicting phenomenon. This fact must be born in mind in using the Bucky factor as an indicator of the exposure or the patient dose. (author)
A spectroscopic study of factors affecting charge transfer at organo-metallic interfaces
polydiacetylene and omega-tricosenoic acid LB films. The resulting analyses have allowed comparison of charge trapping within the different bulk films and also at the film to substrate interface. In addition to DBARS, Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) and Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopies have been used to investigate the factors affecting the carboxylic acid group at the head of the LB molecule and the role this plays in charge transport across the organo-metallic boundary. The properties of organic films produced by the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique have become more widely known in the last few decades, as the variety of organic molecules suitable for this method of production has increased. One class of LB molecule receiving particular attention has been that of conjugated polymers. These organic materials exhibit an anisotropic semi-conductor like behavior along the polymer chain, making them suitable candidate materials for use in molecular electronic devices. However,...
Tucker, C E
Factors affecting dustcake drag in a hot-gas filter system collecting coal gasification ash
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
This paper discusses the use of laboratory drag measurements and filter operating data to analyze factors affecting dustcake flow resistance in a hot-gas filter at the Power Systems Development Facility (PSDF). The hot-gas filter is a Siemens-Westinghouse two-tier candle filter system that is collecting coal gasification ash from a KBR Transport Gasifier. Operating experience with this system has shown that the flow resistance of the dustcake is responsible for most of the pressure drop across the hot-gas filter, and the pressure drop varies substantially with the type of coal being gasified and the operating conditions of the gasifier and filter systems. To analyze factors affecting dustcake drag, samples of gasification ash from various coals and various operating conditions were resuspended in a laboratory test apparatus, and the drag was measured as the dust was collected on a sintered metal filter. The lab-measured drag values were compared to actual values of transient drag determined from the increase in pressure drop, the inlet dust loading, and the face velocity in the hot-gas filter. After correcting the lab drag data to hot-gas filter conditions, good agreement was achieved between the lab measurements and the hot-gas filter transient drag values. Both types of measurements showed that drag was strongly influenced by coal type and carbon content.
Dahlin, R.S.; Landham, E.C. [Power Systems Development Facility, Wilsonville, AL (United States)
Factors affecting dustcake drag in a hot-gas filter system collecting coal gasification ash
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
This paper discusses the use of laboratory drag measurements and filter operating data to analyze factors affecting dustcake flow resistance in a hot-gas filter at the Power Systems Development Facility (PSDF). The hot-gas filter is a Siemens-Westinghouse two-tier candle filter system that is collecting coal gasification ash from a KBR Transport Gasifier. Operating experience with this system has shown that the flow resistance of the dustcake is responsible for most of the pressure drop across the hot-gas filter, and the pressure drop varies substantially with the type of coal being gasified and the operating conditions of the gasifier and filter systems. To analyze factors affecting dustcake drag, samples of gasification ash from various coals and various operating conditions were resuspended in a laboratory test apparatus, and the drag was measured as the dust was collected on a sintered metal filter. The lab-measured drag values were compared to actual values of transient drag determined from the increase in pressure drop, the inlet dust loading, and the face velocity in the hot-gas filter. After correcting the lab drag data to hot-gas filter conditions, good agreement was achieved between the lab measurements and the hot-gas filter transient drag values. Both types of measurements showed that drag was strongly influenced by coal type and carbon content. 10 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab.
R.S. Dahlin; E.C. Landham, Jr. [Power Systems Development Facility, Wilsonville, AL (United States). Southern Research Institute
Factors affecting measured axial compressor tip clearance vortex circulation
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
The relationship between turbomachinery blade circulation and tip clearance vortex circulation measured experimentally is examined using three-dimensional viscous flow computations. It is shown that the clearance vortex circulation one would measure is dependent on the placement of the fluid contour around which the circulation measurement is taken. Radial transport of vorticity results in the magnitude of the measured clearance vortex circulation generally being less than the blade circulation. For compressors, radial transport of vorticity shed form the blade tip in proximity to the endwall is the principal contributor to the discrepancy between the measured vortex circulation and blade circulation. Further, diffusion of vorticity shed at the blade tip toward the endwall makes it impossible in most practical case to construct a fluid contour around the vortex that encloses all, and only, the vorticity shed from the blade tip. One should thus not expect agreement between measured tip clearance vortex circulation and circulation around the blade.
Khalid, S.A. [Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge, MA (United States)
Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Household Energy Consumption in Qom, Iran
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Petrol is heavily subsidized in Iran which has led both to very high consumption levels and a big smuggling problem as petrol is transported out of Iran's border areas for re-sale in neighboring countries, where petrol prices are much higher. Also, a shortage of refineries combined with wasteful consumption means that Iran regularly imports petrol despite being one of the world's biggest oil producers. To look at the different variables contributing to wasteful consumption of fuel in Iran and...
Ebrahimi Mehrzad; Alizadeh Masoud; Ebrahimi Mansour
El transporte internacional como factor de competitividad en el comercio exterior / International transport as a competitive factor in foreign trade
Scientific Electronic Library Online (English)
Full Text Available SciELO Peru | Language: Spanish Abstract in spanish Actualmente casi todos los env�os internacionales necesitan emplear m�s de un tipo de transporte desde su punto de origen hasta su destino final. Cada uno de los tipos mundiales de transporte de carga y pasajeros ha desempe�ado un papel esencial en la facilitaci�n de la diversificaci�n geogr�fica de [...] l comercio. En este trabajo se eval�a, a trav�s del m�todo de An�lisis de Componentes Principales, la competitividad del transporte internacional considerando, a su vez, las variables m�s importantes que inciden en este sector y el desempe�o de las econom�as respecto de dichas variables. Se analiza la estructura del sistema de transporte internacional para veintinueve pa�ses, entre ellos siete de Am�rica Latina. Los resultados mostrados en el �ndice de competitividad del transporte internacional se�alan que los pa�ses m�s competitivos en materia de transporte internacional son, en orden descendente, Hong Kong, Estados Unidos, Singapur, China, Suecia, Espa�a, Jap�n, B�lgica, Dinamarca y Canad�. El estudio destaca tambi�n que los pa�ses de Am�rica Latina con mayores puntuaciones en este rubro son Brasil, seguido de Panam�, Chile y Costa Rica. Abstract in english Currently most of international shipments need to use more than one type of transportation from its point of origin to final destination. Each one of the types of global transport has played an essential role in facilitating geographic diversification. In this paper we evaluate, through Principal Co [...] mponent Analysis methodology, the international transport competitiveness considering the most important variables that affect this sector and the economic performance of these variables on transportation, analyzing the structure of the international transport system of twenty-nine countries, including seven Latin American countries. The results shown in the competitiveness index of international transportation indicate that the most competitive countries in this field are: USA, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Sweden, Spain, Japan, Belgium, Denmark and Canada. Highlighting that, the countries of Latin America with the highest scores in this category are Brazil, followed by Panama, Chile and Costa Rica.
Am�rica Ivonne, Zamora Torres; Oscar H., Pedraza Rend�n.
Factors and pharmaceuticals that affect the radiopharmaceuticals bio distributions
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The pattern of biodistribution of radiopharmaceuticals may be affected by various agents and therapeutical procedures, chemotherapy agents, thyroid hormones, metals, radiotherapy, surgery, anesthetic agents, dialysis other radiopharmaceutical interactions. Recommendations for the detection of altered biodistribution in patients by causes not directly related with the pathology itself was given. pathology itself was given
Factors Affecting Quality Enhancement Procedures for E-Learning Courses
Purpose: This paper reports on an empirical study exploring the way in which campus-based higher education institutions (HEIs) in the UK apply their internal quality assurance and enhancement (QA/QE) procedures to their e-learning courses. The purpose of this paper is to identify those characteristics of e-learning courses which affected the�
Jara, Magdalena; Mellar, Harvey
[the factors which affect the neurological condition in subarachnoid hemorrhage].
The factors which were related to the neurological condition were analyzed in 233 cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Bivariate analysis and multiple(binomial)logistic regression analysis were performed as for Hunt & Kosnik grade, modified Rankin Scale at discharge and modified Rankin Scale in the out-patient department to detect the factors which were related to the neurological condition. Hematoma-filled intraventricular hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage with midline shift, acute subdural hematoma and aneurysm of the vertebrobasilar system were the representative factors which caused poor neurological condition. Hunt & Kosnik grade was poor when rebleeding occurred or hematoma was formed in the sylvian fissure. Hunt & Kosnik grade and modified Rankin Scale at discharge tended to be poor in the cases with acute hydrocephalus. The elevation of intracranial pressure was the major factor in neurological deterioration. PMID:24091459
Oyama, Hirofumi; Wada, Kentaro; Kito, Akira; Maki, Hideki; Noda, Tomoyuki
Case Study of Factors Affecting Chinese Students� English Communication Performance
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
For ESL teaching in China�s universities, not enough emphasis is put on verbal communication as a yardstick of language mastery and methodological success. Developing student�s communication competence is not only concerned with the nature of language learning from linguistic perspectives, but also could be influenced by such exogenous factors as learning environment, learning psychology, and learning strategies. It is necessary to investigate whether these factors have an impact ...
Liu, Ping
Factors Affecting Entrepreneurial Intention among UniSZA Students
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Graduates contributions to entrepreneurship would stimulate the country�s economic growth. The aim of this study is to determine and investigate factors influence on students� perception of the entrepreneurial intention, in order to present the most contemporary future generation of entrepreneurs that can shape the future of the economy and the country. The area of this study covers demographic profiles, attitudinal and behavioral factors, and how these influence the intentions of student...
Factors Affecting the Adoption of Formal Accounting Systems by SMEs
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Small to medium-sized enterprises� (SMEs) poor performance is often ascribed to external factors such as burdensome character of the legal framework, limited scope to penetrate the export market and access to finance. However, internal factors such as marketing, operation and in particular accounting services may be equally responsible to such state of affairs. This study therefore attempts to analyse the importance attached to formal accounting systems among the small to medium-sized Mauri...
A gravimetric experiment was undertaken to identify the factors affecting solvent evaporation from analytical reference standard solutions and to establish the magnitude of the resultant solvent evaporation. The evaporation of organic solvent from standard solutions is affected b...
Factors affecting survival of Clavibacter michiganesis subsp. sepedonicus in water
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
The survival of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus (Cms), the causal organism of bacterial ring rot in potato, was studied in water, to assess the risks for dissemination of Cms via surface water and infection of potato crops by irrigation. Cms was able to survive for a maximum period of 7 days in non-sterile surface water at 10�C, a period during which Cms can be transported over long distances, but will also be strongly diluted. It is concluded that contamination of surface water...
Factors influencing the transport of lead across the small intestine of the rat
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
Factors that affect the transport of environmentally relevant concentrations of the lead cation across various regions of the rat small intestine have been investigated using the everted sac preparation. In the absence of calcium or in the presence of excess hydrogen ions transport of lead is increased. Under normal conditions lead ions appear to passively diffuse across the intestinal epithelium via tight junctions. The ineraction of lead with the intestinal tissue is markedly influenced by variations in pH, bile acid concentration, and luminal volume and supports the hypothesis that tissue phosphate ions are responsible for removing most of the free lead ions from the lumen. These observations suggest a model which (a) describes the mechanism of lead transport, (b) demonstrates that the intestinal tissue protects an animal against exposure to lead, and (c) predicts other conditions in which lead absorption may be markedly affected.
Hilburn, M.E.; Coleman, I.P.L.; Blair, J.A.
Factors affecting the hot-dip zinc coatings structure
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Coating solidification during hot-dip galvanizing is a very complex process due to Al-Fe, Al-Fe-Zn and Fe-Zn intermetallic compounds development . Fe-Zn intermetallics are brittle and detrimental for the coating ductility, while the diffusion towards the surface of a segregated insoluble alloying such as antimonium causes the sheet darkness. Steel of different roughness were hot-dip galvanized under different operation conditions using a laboratory scale simulator. The effect of steel roughness and process parameters upon coating characteristics were analysed. Experimental results showed that the steel roughness affects the coating thickness, zinc grain size and texture as well as the out-bursts development, while the process parameters affects the Fe2Al5 morphology and antimonium segregation. (Author) 11 refs
Factors affecting mortality of shearwaters stranded by light pollution
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Every year and across the world, thousands of fledglings of different petrel species crash into human structures because they are disorientated by artificial lights during their first flights. As this phenomenon is rather predictable, rescue cam- paigns are organized to help birds to reach the ocean, but unfortunately, a low proportion gets hurt or dies. Despite the huge number of affected individuals, and the fact that the problem was detected a long time ago, little is known ...
Rodri?guez, Airam; Rodri?guez, Beneharo; Curbelo, A. J.; Pe?rez, A.; Marrero, S.; Negro, Juan J.
Factors affecting Maillard induced gelation of protein-sugar systems
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Gelation due to the Maillard reaction took place when solutions containing a low level of bovine serum albumin were heated in the presence of carbonyl compounds. The Maillard reaction caused a change in colour, a decrease in the pH and induced gelation. These changes were dependent on the type and concentration of sugars or protein and on the heating conditions used. Reducing sugar and Maillard reaction products (e.g. glyoxal) affected these changes, yet their order of reactivity for browning...
Azhar, Mat Easa
Factors affecting the reproductive success of dominant male meerkats
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Identifying traits that affect the reproductive success of individuals is fundamental for our understanding of evolutionary processes. In cooperative breeders, a dominant male typically restricts mating access to the dominant female for extended periods, resulting in pronounced variation in reproductive success among males. This may result in strong selection for traits that increase the likelihood of dominance acquisition, dominance retention and reproductive rates while dominant. However, d...
Discriminant Analysis of Factors Affecting Telecoms Customer Churn
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available A major challenge facing telecoms business providers in Nigeria today is the continuous growing competition and customers� expectation of service quality and as such customers are able to choose among multiple service providers based on the level of satisfaction, affordability, and service quality of service providers. Customer demand and competition are forcing firms to cut loose from the traditional customer satisfaction paradigm, to adopt proactive strategies which will assist them to take the lead in the market-place. This study aims at identifying factors that discriminate among subscribers exhibiting willingness to drop their current service provider and those willing to stay. The study also examines the effect of socio-economic and demographic factors associated with the identified discriminants. The major factors identified are high call rate, poor service facilities, off-beam advertisement medium, availability of superior service provider and unattractive service plan.
Benjamin Oghojafor
Factors affecting the energy consumption of two refrigerator-freezers
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
Two refrigerator-freezers, one with a top-mounted freezer and one with side-by-side doors, were tested in the laboratory to determine the sensitivity of their energy consumption to various operational factors. Room temperature, room humidity, door openings, and the setting of the anti-sweat heater switch were the factors examined. The results indicated that the room temperature and door openings had a significantly greater effect on energy consumption than the other two factors. More detailed tests were then performed under different room temperature and door-opening combinations. The relationship of door openings and the equivalent test room temperature was established. Finally, the effect on energy of different temperature settings was studied. Test results are presented and discussed.
Kao, J.Y.; Kelley, G.E. [National Inst. of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD (United States). Building and Fire Research Lab.
???????, ??? ????????? ?? ????????? ????????? ??????? ? ?????????? ???????? ??????? Factors affecting the spontaneous mutational spectra in somatic mammalian cells ???????, ???????? ?? ?????????? ??????????? ??????? ? ???????????? ??????? ?????????????
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available �?????????? ????? ???????? ??????????? ??????? ?? ????????? ????????? ??????? ? ???????, ????? ???????? ????????? ? ?????? ?????????? ?????????? ?? ??????? ??????????????? ?????? ????? ?????????????? ???????? ? ?????????? ????????, ????? ??????? ?? ??????????? ?????? ?? ???????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ????????. ????????? ?????????? ??????????? ?????????? ?????? ? ?????? ?? ???? ???????? ????????????? ?????????? ??? ????, ?? ? ????????? ????????????? ??????????? ? ?????????? ???????????? ??????, ?? ?????? ?????? ? ?????????? ??????????? ??????, ?????? ??????? ???????? ?? ?????? ????????????? ?????????? ????????????? ?????????? ?????????????? ???????????? ???????.�In our survey of references we are discussed the influence of factors biological origin on the spontaneous mutation specters in mammalian. Seasonal and age components influence on the frequence of cytogenetic anomalies. The immune and endocrinous systems are take part in control of the alteration of the spontaneous mutation specters. Genetical difference of sensibility in animal and human at the alteration of factors enviroment as and� genetical differences of repair systems activity are may influence on individual variation of spontaneous destabilization characters of chromosomal apparatus.�??????????? ??????? ???????? ????????????? ??????? ?? ?????????? ??????????? ??????? ? ?????????????, ??????? ???????-??? ????????? ? ?????? ?????????? ???????????? ?? ??????? ????????????? ????????? ????? ???????????????? ???????? ? ???????????? ???????, ??????? ???????? ? ??????????? ?????? ?? ???????? ???????????? ????-??????? ??????????? ????????. ??????????? ????????????? ???????? ???????????????? ???????? ? ???????? ? ?????????? ???????? ?????????? ????? ??? ??, ??? ? ??????????? ??????????????? ???????? ? ?????????? ????????????? ??????, ??????????? ? ?????????? ???????????? ??????, ????? ??????????? ?????? ?? ??????? ?????????????? ???????????? ????????????? ?????????? ?????????????? ???????????? ????????.
?.?. ?????????
Factors affecting the distribution of hydrocarbon contaminants and hydrogeochemical parameters in a shallow sand aquifer.
The distributions of hydrocarbon contaminants and hydrogeochemical parameters were investigated in a shallow sand aquifer highly contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons leaked from solvent storage tanks. For these purposes, a variety of field investigations and studies were performed, which included installation of over 100 groundwater monitoring wells and piezometers at various depths, soil logging and analyses during well and piezometer installation, chemical analysis of groundwater, pump tests, and slug tests. Continuous water level monitoring at three selected wells using automatic data-logger and manual measuring at other wells were also conducted. Based on analyses of the various investigations and tests, a number of factors were identified to explain the distribution of the hydrocarbon contaminants and hydrogeochemical parameters. These factors include indigenous biodegradation, hydrostratigraphy, preliminary pump-and-treat remedy, recharge by rainfall, and subsequent water level fluctuation. The permeable sandy layer, in which the mean water table elevation is maintained, provided a dominant pathway for contaminant transport. The preliminary pump-and-treat action accelerated the movement of the hydrocarbon contaminants and affected the redox evolution pattern. Seasonal recharge by rain, together with indigenous biodegradation, played an important role in the natural attenuation of the petroleum hydrocarbons via mixing/dilution and biodegradation. The water level fluctuations redistributed the hydrocarbon contaminants by partitioning them into the soil and groundwater. The identified factors are not independent but closely inter-correlated. PMID:11475158
Lee, J Y; Cheon, J Y; Lee, K K; Lee, S Y; Lee, M H
Factors affecting attitudes towards medical abortion in Lithuania
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Surgical abortion in Lithuania is governed by a 1994 ministerial decree that made it legal for any woman 16 or older. This article seeks to determine the key demographic factors in Lithuanian attitudes towards medical abortion, which is currently not legal.
Lazarus, Jeff; Nielsen, Stine
Sociological Factors Affecting Agricultural Price Risk Management in Australia
The highly volatile auction system in Australia accounts for 85 percent of ex-farm wool sales, with the remainder sold by forward contract, futures, and other hedging methods. In this article, against the background of an extensive literature on price risk strategies, we investigate the behavioral factors associated with producers' adoption of�
Jackson, Elizabeth; Quaddus, Mohammed; Islam, Nazrul; Stanton, John
Factors Affecting Teachers' Use of Information and Communication Technology
Research studies in the past decade have shown that computer technology is an effective means for widening educational opportunities, but most teachers neither use technology as an instructional delivery system nor integrate technology into their curriculum. Studies reveal a number of factors influencing teachers' decisions to use ICT in the�
Afshari, Mojgan; Bakar, Kamariah Abu; Luan, Wong Su; Samah, Bahaman Abu; Fooi, Foo Say
Factors that Affect Nontraditional Vocational Enrollment among Women.
Vocational training program females (N=470) completed a questionnaire assessing the role of personality and social support factors in nontraditional training enrollment. Results revealed differences in the amount of support and encouragement received from others, with nontraditional students receiving more support from female friends, family�
Houser, Betsy Bosak; Garvey, Chris
Factors Affecting University Teaching Team Effectiveness in Detached Working Environments
This paper presents the outcomes of a study of the factors that contribute to teaching team effectiveness in situations where team members rarely meet face to face. Academic faculty within a university Business School were asked to report the degrees to which they believed that the module teaching teams to which they belonged contained members who�
Bennett, Roger; Kane, Suzanne
Factors affecting the implementation of green specifications in construction.
Green specifications constitute one of the important elements in green construction. New sustainability requirements and changing priorities in construction management have spurred the emerging green specifications to a faster pace of development. A cross-sectional survey has been conducted in Hong Kong in 2007 to identify principal factors leading to the success of preparing green specifications. Based on extensive construction management literature, 20 variables concerning sustainable construction were summarized. Using the Mann-Whitney U-test, the subtle differences between stakeholders in specifying construction work have been detected even with the high consistency of the responses among the groups. Moreover, five independent factors for successful specification of green construction have been categorized by factor analysis. They are related to (1) green technology and techniques, (2) reliability and quality of specification, (3) leadership and responsibility, (4) stakeholder involvement, and (5) guide and benchmarking systems. Whilst the first and fourth factors are generally more important, different stakeholder groups have different emphases. The results of the survey have been validated against established principles. PMID:19853367
Lam, Patrick T I; Chan, Edwin H W; Poon, C S; Chau, C K; Chun, K P
Factors Affecting Location Decisions of Food Processing Plants
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available The main aim of this study is to examine the determinants of location choices for food processing plants using the results of 59 personal surveys. The 61.3% of the food processing plants that were interviewed are small scale plants, 9.1% are large scale plants and 29.6% are medium scale plants. Sixteen of the firms process vegetables, 12 process poultry, 12 process dairy and 9 process seafood products. Business climate factors are divided into six categories (market, infrastructure, raw material, labor, personal and environmental and 17 specific location factors are considered. The survey responses are analyzed by types of raw materials processed and by plant size. 43.7, 55.3 and 42.2% of the respondents cited categories of Market, Raw Material and Infrastructure respectively as important, while 44.3, 50.7 and 74.4% of the respondents cited, labor, personal and environmental regulation categories of as not important. Thus survey findings indicate that plant location choices are mainly driven by market, raw material and infra structural factors. Environmental factors such as environmental regulations and permissions are relatively insignificant.
Sule Turhan
Factors Affecting Long-Term Abstinence from Substances Use
Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the attitudes of abstainers from drug use that relate to the factors leading to long-term abstinence. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study was carried out in Al-Amal Hospital to examine, which attitudes of abstainers related to long-term abstinence. A random survey was conducted on 62�
Elsheikh, Salah Elgaily
A Content Analysis of Factors Affecting New Product Development Process
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available The objective of this study is to review the international marketing literature on new product development process and compare the changes in the important factors in the process with the changes in the management approaches. For this purpose, the articles in three international marketing journals were selected and �new product development� and �new product performance� were searched for in the abstracts. After grouping the variables in the process, they were compared with the perspectives of management in the related periods. The results indicated that organizational factors have always been important for new product development process, which is in line with the nature of the innovation process. But the emphasis on internal factors has increased in the 21st century which is congruent with the change in management perspective foregrounding resource based view. The study differs from the similar literature review studies on the point that it deals with the topic from international marketing perspective. Therefore, R&D and other marketing studies are not included in the review and the study proposes the important factors from international firms� point of view.
Eda Atilgan-Inan
Analysis on the Main Factors Affecting the Reliability of Test Papers
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available Reliability is an important factor to evaluate test papers. This paper analyzes the factors which affect the reliability of test papers and discusses the methods to increase the reliability of test papers.
Jiang Zhu
Factors affecting the solubility of Bacillus halmapalus alpha-amylase
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
A detailed study of the solubility of recombinant Bacillus halmapalus alpha-amylase has been conducted. A semi-purified preparation from a bulk crystallisation was chos en that contained six isoforms with pI-values of between 5.5 and 6.1. The solubility was strongly affected by pH and could be reduced approximately 200-fold at pH 6 as compared to pH 10, leaving only 0.1 mg/mL in solution. Solubility could also be dramatically manipulated using salts. The choice of anions was found to be more important than of the cations, and the lowest solubility was found using sodium sulphate. For the anions, solubility followed the order expected from the Hofmeister series, however, a more complex behaviour was seen for the cations. With the exception of lithium, their efficiency to influence the solubility was reversed to what was expected. The polydispersity of the solution was reduced by salt addition and zeta potential measurements indicated a shift in pI caused by lithium. Possible explanations for the observations are discussed, extending our present understanding of how salts affect the solubility of proteins, one that to date is primarily based on experiments with lysozyme. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Faber, Cornelius; Hobley, Timothy John
Factors affecting influenza vaccination among attendees at a senior center.
Influenza is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. We questioned attendees at a Baltimore County senior center that offered influenza vaccination about the factors that influenced their decision to receive vaccination. Of the 43 responders, 37 (86%) stated they already had received vaccination in 1994 or were planning to be vaccinated. Vaccinated seniors were more likely than nonvaccinated seniors to believe that they were susceptible to influenza and they were more likely to have had influenza vaccination recommended to them by their physician. Vaccinated seniors also were more knowledgeable about the influenza vaccine. Physician recommendation appears to be an important factor in the decision by seniors to receive influenza vaccination. PMID:8569457
Gianino, C A; Corazzini, K; Tseng, W T; Richardson, J P
Pareto analysis of critical factors affecting technical institution evaluation
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available With the change of education policy in 1991, more and more technical institutions are being set up in India. Some of these institutions provide quality education, but others are merely concentrating on quantity. These stakeholders are in a state of confusion about decision to select the best institute for their higher educational studies. Although various agencies including print media provide ranking of these institutions every year, but their results are controversial and biased. In this paper, the authors have made an endeavor to find the critical factors for technical institution evaluation from literature survey. A Pareto analysis has also been performed to find the intensity of these critical factors in evaluation. This will not only help the stake holders in taking right decisions but will also help the management of institutions in benchmarking for identifying the most important critical areas to improve the existing system. This will in turn help Indian economy.
Victor Gambhir
Factors Affecting Bank Switching Intentions in E-Banking
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Full Text Available The purpose of this research is to identify and examine the factors that contribute to bank switching intentions of e-banking customers and whether these intentions differ according to demographic characteristics (age, gender, education, marital status and income levels of customers. Regression results suggested that customer dissatisfaction, low service quality, high price, unfavorable bank reputation, limited product variety and involuntary switching factors were positively related to customers� bank switching intentions in e-banking. On the other hand, promotion efforts were negatively related to customers� switching intentions. In addition to this, bank switching intentions were revealed to be differing according to education levels. Bank switching intentions of well-educated customers were tend to be higher, while age, gender, marital status and income level didn�t make a difference on intentions. Based on the empirical results of current study, we will provide several theoretical and managerial implications in the area of service industry.
Leyla �ZER
Factors Affecting Survival in Kidney Recipients at Kermanshah
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Purpose: To evaluate patient and graft survivals in kidney recipients and factors impacting on survival rates at Kermanshah.
Rezaei, M.; Kazemnejad, A.; Bardideh, A. R.; Mahmoudi, M.
Factors affecting urinary calculi treatment by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
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Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is still the treatment of choice for most renal and upper ureteric stones; however the outcome depends on multiple factors. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of stone density, as measured by Hounsfield Units (H.U) by non-contrast Computerized Tomography (CT), stone size and stone location on ESWL treatment outcome of urinary calculi in Jordanian patients. 65 patients underwent clinical, biochemical and radiological assessme...
Tarawneh Emad; Awad Zeyad; Hani Audy; Haroun Azmi; Hadidy Azmi; Mahafza Waleed; Samarah Osama
Factors affecting Staphylococcus epidermidis growth in peritoneal dialysis solutions.
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Staphylococcus epidermidis is the most frequent cause of peritonitis complicating continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. We studied factors that might influence the growth of S. epidermidis in commercially available peritoneal dialysis solution (PDS). Test strains were inoculated into PDS and incubated overnight at 37 degrees C. Samples were removed at appropriate intervals, bacterial counts were performed, and growth curves were constructed. We studied the effects of various osmolarities...
Mcdonald, W. A.; Watts, J.; Bowmer, M. I.
Forest edges in boreal landscapes - factors affecting edge influence
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The boreal forest in Fennoscandia has been subjected to major loss and fragmentation of natural forests due to intensive forestry. This has resulted in that forest edges are now abundant and important landscape features. Edges have documented effects on the structure, function and biodiversity in forests. Edge influence on biodiversity is complex and depends on interactions between many local and regional factors. This thesis focuses on sharp forest edges and their potential to influence biod...
Jansson, Ulrika
Factors affecting somatic cell count in dairy goats: a review
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
Somatic cell count (SCC) in monitoring udder health has been described in numerous studies as a useful method for the diagnosis of intramammary infection (IMI), and it is considered in standards of quality and hygiene of cows milk in many countries. However, several authors have questioned the validity of SCC as a reliable IMI diagnosis tool in dairy goats. This review attempts to reflect the importance of different infectious and non-infectious factors that can modify SCC values in goat milk, and must, therefore, be taken into account when using the SCC as a tool in the improvement of udder health and the quality of milk in this species. In dairy goats, some investigations have shown that mammary bacterial infections are a major cause of increased SCC and loss of production. In goats however, the relationship between bacterial infections and SCC values is not as simple as in dairy cattle, since non-infectious factors also have a big impact on SCC. Intrinsic factors are those that depend directly on the animal: time and number of lactation (higher SCC late in lactation and in aged goats), prolificity (higher SCC in multiple births), milking time (higher SCC in evening compared to morning milking) and number of milkings per day, among others. Extrinsic factors include: milking routine (lower SCC in machine than in manual milking), seasonality and food. In addition, milk secretion in goats is mostly apocrine and therefore characterized by the presence of epithelial debris or cytoplasmic particles, which makes the use of DNA specific counters mandatory. All this information is of interest in order to correctly interpret the SCC in goat milk and to establish differential SCC standards. (Author)
Jimenez-Granda, R.; Sanchez-Rodriguez, M.; Arce, C.; Rodriguez-Estevez, V.
Analysis on some factors affecting MIMO in tunnel
Based on the 3D-GBSB (three-dimensional Geometrically Based Single-Bounce) model and MIMO channel capacity function, by geometric analysis, it is analyzed that transceiver antenna arrays, antenna spacing, antenna array angle, SNR and Rician K-factor and so on impact on the frequency-nonselective fading MIMO channel capacity. Monte Carlo method can be applied to stimulate the wireless fading channel and demonstrate Cumulative Distribution Function of above.
Zheng, Hong-Dang; Nie, Xiao-Yan; Xu, Zhao
Factors affecting visual analysis in single-case designs
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Visual inspection remains the most frequently applied method for detecting treatment effects in single-case designs. The advantages and limitations of visual inference are here discussed in relation to other procedures for assessing intervention effectiveness. The first part of the paper reviews previous research on visual analysis, paying special attention to the validation of visual analysts" decisions, inter-judge agreement, and false alarm and omission rates. The most relevant factors aff...
Ximenes, V. M.; Manolov, Rumen; Solanas Pe?rez, Antonio; Quera, Vicenc?
Affecting the Choice Factors of Fishery Products Consumption in Turkey
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This study examines fish consumption behavior patterns. The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of choosing factors in determining food pattern of Turkish people. A total of 666 surveys in all around Turkey responded to a self-administered questionnaire about seafood consumption habits, past frequency of seafood consumption, attitude towards and intention to eat seafood. In this research some prompts were used such as health, taste, availability, versatility, the components of a ...
Saygi Hulya; Hekimoglu Muge Aliye
Specialty Preference Among Medical Students and Factors Affecting It
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Full Text Available Introduction: Medical education is one of the core part of educational system of any country. Medical education requires undergraduate students to study a wide range of medical specialties. It is often assumed that students do not make their career preferences until after they have graduated from medical school. So the reasons and factors responsible for preferences need to be found out among medical students. Material and Methods: It was a Cross sectional study on 180 medical students to assess preference for specialty and factors responsible. Results: Out of total 190 medical students more or less everyone (97.89% wanted to pursue specialization and majority of them (96.84% wanted to pursue the same in Medical Field(p>0.05. majority of male students were interested to pursue their specialization in the field of medicine (37.63%, surgery (23.65% and pediatrics (13.97%. On the other hand female students were more interested in medicine (24.17%, pediatrics (32.96% and obstetrics & gynecology (24.17%(p<0.05. Interest, by far was found to be most common factor (76.63% responsible for the preference of particular medical specialty among all four groups of students (1st professional-25.27%, 2nd professional-75.92%, final professional-89.47%, interns-68.42%.Conclusion: It is thus concluded there are many factors playing role in the specialty selection and preference among the medical students and should be equally justified and addressed.
Neeraj Gour
Risk of Postpartum Depression and Affecting Factors in Konya Center
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AIM: This study is proposed to determine the incidence of postpartum depression and the risk factors that may play role in arising of it in Konya because there is not any constructed study previously. METHODS: This cross-sectional study is constructed among 242 mothers in the postpartum period between 2-6 months who applied two village clinics of Meram County, Konya between 1 December 2005- 31 January 2006. Two forms were used to collect necessary data. First form was ?mother introductio...
Saniye Ozdemir; Kamile Marakoglu; Selma Civi
Biologics formulation factors affecting metal leachables from stainless steel.
An area of increasing concern and scientific scrutiny is the potential contamination of drug products by leachables entering the product during manufacturing and storage. These contaminants may either have a direct safety impact on the patients or act indirectly through the alteration of the physicochemical properties of the product. In the case of biotherapeutics, trace amounts of metal contaminants can arise from various sources, but mainly from contact with stainless steel (ss). The effect of the various factors, buffer species, solution fill volume per unit contact surface area, metal chelators, and pH, on metal leachables from contact with ss over time were investigated individually. Three major metal leachables, iron, chromium, and nickel, were monitored by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry because they are the major components of 316L ss. Iron was primarily used to evaluate the effect of each factor since it is the most abundant. It was observed that each studied factor exhibited its own effect on metal leachables from contact with ss. The effect of buffer species and pH exhibited temperature dependence over the studied temperature range. The metal leachables decreased with the increased fill volume (mL) per unit contact ss surface area (cm(2)) but a plateau was achieved at approximately 3 mL/cm(2). Metal chelators produced the strongest effect in facilitating metal leaching. In order to minimize the metal leachables and optimize biological product stability, each formulation factor must be evaluated for its impact, to balance its risk and benefit in achieving the target drug product shelf life. PMID:21360314
Zhou, Shuxia; Sch�neich, Christian; Singh, Satish K
Factors affecting the achievements of intellectually gifted children
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The aim of the study - to analyze the main factors of learning achievements of intellectually gifted children. The sample consists of 16 - 18 year old students (N = 54), whose Reasoning Total (RT) scores in Intelligence Structure Test 2000R (I-S-T 2000 R, Amthauer R., Brocke B., Liepmann D, Beauducel, 2001) are 90 percentile or higher. This thesis analyses the peculiarities of intellectual activity of intellectually gifted 16- 18 years old students, their learning achievements and has the obj...
Factors affecting unmet need for family planning in Eastern Sudan
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Abstract Background In the developing countries millions of women in the reproductive age who don�t use contraceptives prefer to postpone or limit their birth. This indicates their failure to take necessary decision to prevent and avoid unwanted pregnancy. Methods A community-based cross sectional household survey was conducted to investigate unmet need for family planning and associated factors and total demand for family planning in Kassala, Eastern Sudan be...
Ali Abdel Aziem A; Okud Amira
Malonyl coenzyme A affects insulin-stimulated glucose transport in myotubes.
There seems to be an association between increased concentrations of malonyl coenzyme A (malonyl CoA) in skeletal muscle and diabetes and/or insulin resistance. The purpose of the current study was to test the hypothesis that treatments designed to manipulate malonyl CoA concentrations would affect insulin-stimulated glucose transport in cultured C2C12 myotubes. We assessed glucose transport after polyamine-mediated delivery of malonyl CoA to myotubes, after incubation with dichloroacetate (which reportedly increases malonyl CoA levels), or after exposure of myotubes to 2-bromopalmitate, a carnitine palmitoyl transferase I inhibitor. All three of these treatments prevented stimulation of glucose transport by insulin. We also assayed glucose transport after 30 min of inhibition of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), the enzyme which catalyzes the production of malonyl CoA. Three unrelated ACC inhibitors (diclofop, clethodim, and Pfizer CP-640186) all enhanced insulin-stimulated glucose transport. However, none of the treatments designed to manipulate malonyl CoA concentrations altered markers of proximal insulin signaling through Akt. The findings support the hypothesis that acute changes in malonyl CoA concentrations affect insulin action in muscle cells but suggest that the effects do not involve alterations in proximal insulin signaling. PMID:17522981
Patil, P B; Minteer, S D; Mielke, A A; Lewis, L R; Casmaer, C A; Barrientos, E J; Ju, J-S; Smith, J L; Fisher, J S
Feasibility Analysis of Critical Factors Affecting Cloud Computing in Nigeria
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Full Text Available Cloud computing is an evolving and new way of delivering computing services and resources over the internet which are managed by third parties at remote sites. Cloud computing is based on existing technologies like web services, Service Oriented Architecture (SOA, web3.0, grid computing and virtualization, etc. Computing services includes data storage, processing and software. Cloud computing is enjoying a lot of buzz in Nigeria due to its perceived economic and operational benefits and stakeholders believe that it will transform the IT industry in Nigeria. Despite all its promises there still exist so many challenges before Cloud computing see the light of the day in Nigeria. This paper delivers an overview of Cloud computing together with its advantages and disadvantages. Thereafter, the challenges and drivers affecting the adoption of Cloud computing in Nigeria are outlined. Finally, recommendations for the adoption of Cloud computing is discussed with Nigeria as a case study.
Eustace Manayi Dogo
Factors affecting texture and structure of duplex steel sheets
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The present work deals with the texture and structure development in austenitic-ferritic steels of duplex type subjected to cold rolling within the range up to 90% of reduction of subsequently annealed at the temperatures 850-1050 oC. Performed investigations included X-ray phase analysis, measurements of pole figures, calculations of orientation distribution functions measurements of pole figures, calculations of orientation distribution functions (ODF's) and structure observations by means of optical microscopy. Obtained results indicate that considerable differences in the development of rolling and annealing textures in relation to one-phase steels result from two-phase character of the structure and phase instability of austenitic-ferritic steels. It was found that formation of ferrite-austenite banded structure and deformation induced (???) phase transformation as well as the inverse (???) transformation and sigma (?) phase precipitation occurring upon annealing, affect the appearance and intensity of main texture components of both phases. (author)
Factors affecting the morphology of benzoyl peroxide microsponges.
Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is primarily used in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. However, its application is associated with skin irritation. It has been shown that encapsulation and controlled release of BPO could reduce the side effect while also reducing percutaneous absorption when administered to the skin. The aim of the present investigation was to design and formulate an appropriate encapsulated form of BPO, using microsponge technology, and explore the parameters affecting the morphology and other characteristics of the resultant products employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Benzoyl peroxide particles were prepared using an emulsion solvent diffusion method by adding an organic internal phase containing benzoyl peroxide, ethyl cellulose and dichloromethane into a stirred aqueous phase containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Different concentrations of BPO microsponges were incorporated in lotion formulations and the drug release from these formulations were studied. The SEM micrographs of the BPO microsponges enabled measurement of their size and showed that they were spherical and porous. Results showed that the morphology and particle size of microsponges were affected by drug:polymer ratio, stirring rate and the amount of emulsifier used. The results obtained also showed that an increase in the ratio of drug:polymer resulted in a reduction in the release rate of BPO from the microsponges. The release data showed that the highest and the lowest release rates were obtained from lotions containing plain BPO particles and BPO microsponges with the drug:polymer ratio of 13:1, respectively. The kinetics of release study showed that the release data followed Peppas model and the main mechanism of drug release from BPO microsponges was diffusion. PMID:17692528
Nokhodchi, Ali; Jelvehgari, Mitra; Siahi, M Reza; Mozafari, M Reza
Technical factors affecting low-level waste form acceptance criteria
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
This report provides technical support to NRC in connection with the regulation 10 CFR Part 61 and NRC's Technical Position (TP) on waste form. Six specific areas are addressed, namely: the technical basis for limiting containers of radioactive gases to atmospheric pressure and 100 curies; the requirements to demonstrate that a stable waste would be recognizable for 300 or 500 years; the feasibility of achieving less than 5% deformation in buried wastes; the adequacy of ASTM tests G21 and G22 for testing for biodegradability; the adequacy of ASTM test B553 for testing for thermal degradation; and the basis for determining if a waste is explosive or pyrophoric. The principal conclusions of the report follow. A maximum pressure of 1.5 atmospheres for radioactive gases is acceptable, but the radioactivity limit should depend on the isotope, the quality of the container and the properties of the site. Site and package qualities and a wet/dry cycling test are suggested that appreciably increase the probability of indicating whether a waste would have long-term recognizability. Achieving deformation of buried waste of <5% would not be feasible using current solidification methods with either metal or polyethylene containers. ASTM tests G21 and G22, with modifications, are suitable for biodegradability testing. A modified form of ASTM B553 is adequate for thermal testing. Required information on pyrophoric and explosive materials is provided by tests given in Department of Transportation regulation 49 CFR Parts 172 and 173. 78 refs., 2 tabs
Risk of Postpartum Depression and Affecting Factors in Konya Center
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Full Text Available AIM: This study is proposed to determine the incidence of postpartum depression and the risk factors that may play role in arising of it in Konya because there is not any constructed study previously. METHODS: This cross-sectional study is constructed among 242 mothers in the postpartum period between 2-6 months who applied two village clinics of Meram County, Konya between 1 December 2005- 31 January 2006. Two forms were used to collect necessary data. First form was ?mother introduction form? that was prepared by us to determine the sociodemographic properties of mothers, and the second form was Edinburgh Posnatal Depression Scale (EPDS to diagnose the risk of postpartum depression. RESULTS: While the cut-off point of EPDS was taken as 13 and over, the probability of experiencing postpartum depression was detected as 19.4%. The probability of experiencing postpartum depression according to EPDS was high in statistical sense among the mothers who had lower monthly income, psychological problems after the preceding pregnancy, 4 and lower prenatal controls, experienced attitude changes among their husbands and/or husbands? families after learning gender of baby, and medical problems during these pregnancies. CONCLUSION: The modifiable risk factors are determined as the number of prenatal controls, changing the preconceptions and obsessions related gender of baby of husbands and families via healthy education, and well-qualified prenatal care. The long-term improvable risk factors are detected as improving monthly incomes of the families. [TAF Prev Med Bull 2008; 7(5.000: 391-398
Saniye Ozdemir
Factors affecting the viability of thermoluminescence dating of glass
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The aim of this study is to achieve a better understanding of some of the factors that limit the thermoluminescence (TL) dating of glass. Using a 'model system' (lithium-disilicate samples having different levels of crystallinity from 0 to 100%), we show, first, that the TL of glass is reproducible only if the glass is not heated above its temperature glass transition and, second, and there is a clear connection between the TL sensitivity and the degree of crystallinity of the sample. We conclude that thermoluminescence is not a general dating method for archaeological glass, but it can be applied to particular glass samples that have specified characteristics. (author)
Factors affecting the viability of thermoluminescence dating of glass
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The aim of this study is to achieve a better understanding of some of the factors that limit the thermoluminescence (TL) dating of glass. Using a 'model system' (lithium-disilicate samples having different levels of crystallinity from 0 to 100%), we show, first, that the TL of glass is reproducible only if the glass is not heated above its temperature glass transition and, second, that there is a clear connection between the TL sensitivity and the degree of crystallinity of the sample. We conclude that thermoluminescence is not a general dating method for archaeological glass, but it can be applied to particular glass samples that have specified characteristics. (author)
An Analysis of the Factors Affecting Huck�s Growth
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Huckleberry Finn is one of Mark Twain�s outstanding masterpieces. Superficially, it tells a story about a 13 or 14 year old boy�s adventures with Negro Jim on the Mississippi river. In fact, it reflects the growth process of Huck through adventures. His growth is embodied by his choice on independence, his change of attitude towards Jim, his moral growth, and the different social roles he plays. Huck�s growth is influenced by the inner and outer factors. On the one hand, friendship, nat...
Yanxia Sang
Affecting the Choice Factors of Fishery Products Consumption in Turkey
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Full Text Available This study examines fish consumption behavior patterns. The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of choosing factors in determining food pattern of Turkish people. A total of 666 surveys in all around Turkey responded to a self-administered questionnaire about seafood consumption habits, past frequency of seafood consumption, attitude towards and intention to eat seafood. In this research some prompts were used such as health, taste, availability, versatility, the components of a good family meal, value for money and alternatives to red meat.
Hekimoglu Muge Aliye
Factors affecting potential market penetration of laser fusion power plants
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
A mini-model has been constructed to estimate the optimal size of laser fusion power plants and to estimate the allowable cost of the first such plant in relation to the next best alternative. In estimating the costs of laser fusion, the mini-model incorporates such factors as market penetration, learning, economies of scale, system size, transmission costs, reserve requirements, development and licensing costs and site costs. The results of the mini-model simulations indicate that the optimal laser fusion plant size is approximately 3 GWe; risk considerations unincorporated in the mini-model suggest an optimal size closer to 2.5 GWe
Factors Affecting Detection Probability of Acoustic Tags in Coral Reefs
Acoustic telemetry is an important tool for studying the movement patterns, behaviour, and site fidelity of marine organisms; however, its application is challenged in coral reef environments where complex topography and intense environmental noise interferes with acoustic signals, and there has been less study. Therefore, it is particularly critical in coral reef telemetry studies to first conduct a long-term range test, a tool that provides informa- tion on the variability and periodicity of the transmitter detection range and the detection probability. A one-month range test of a coded telemetric system was conducted prior to a large-scale tagging project investigating the movement of approximately 400 fishes from 30 species on offshore coral reefs in the central Red Sea. During this range test we determined the effect of the following factors on transmitter detection efficiency: distance from receiver, time of day, depth, wind, current, moon-phase and temperature. The experiment showed that biological noise is likely to be responsible for a diel pattern of -on average- twice as many detections during the day as during the night. Biological noise appears to be the most important noise source in coral reefs overwhelming the effect of wind-driven noise, which is important in other studies. Detection probability is also heavily influenced by the location of the acoustic sensor within the reef structure. Understanding the effect of environmental factors on transmitter detection probability allowed us to design a more effective receiver array for the large-scale tagging study.
Bermudez, Edgar F.
The factors affecting mortality in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage
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Full Text Available Objectives: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH occurs usually from the rupture of vessels into the brain parenchyma and accounts for approximately 10% of all strokes. ICH occurs more commonly in Turkey than in other western countries and carries a significantly high mortality than ischemic strokeMaterials and methods: We evaluated 86 consecutive patients with ICH who were admitted to Neurology Clinics of SDU University Medical Faculty. The factors studied were age, gender, risk factors, electrocardiography results, blood pressure, fever, blood cells, biochemistry, hematoma volume and localization, clinical findings, and demographic characteristics.Results: ICH is a 30-day mortality rate between approximately 50%, with half of the deaths occurring within 48 hour from the onset.Conclusion: It was found that age, site and volume of hematoma, initial level of consciousness and drainage of hematoma into the ventricular cavity have significant effects on the prognosis. The prognosis of ICH remains frequently poor despite the best medical management, control of vital functions and infections. J Clin Exp Invest 2011; 2 (4: 404-407
Serpil Demirci
Factors affecting formation and rupture of intracranial saccular aneurysms.
Unruptured intracranial aneurysms represent a decisional challenge. Treatment risks have to be balanced against an unknown probability of rupture. A better understanding of the physiopathology is the basis for a better prediction of the natural history of an individual patient. Knowledge about the possible determining factors arises from a careful comparison between ruptured versus unruptured aneurysms and from the prospective observation and analysis of unbiased series with untreated, unruptured aneurysms. The key point is the correct identification of the determining variables for the fate of a specific aneurysm in a given individual. Thus, the increased knowledge of mechanisms of formation and eventual rupture of aneurysms should provide significant clues to the identification of rupture-prone aneurysms. Factors like structural vessel wall defects, local hemodynamic stress determined also by peculiar geometric configurations, and inflammation as trigger of a wall remodeling are crucial. In this sense the study of genetic modifiers of inflammatory responses together with the computational study of the vessel tree might contribute to identify aneurysms prone to rupture. The aim of this article is to underline the value of a unifying hypothesis that merges the role of geometry, with that of hemodynamics and of genetics as concerns vessel wall structure and inflammatory pathways. PMID:24306170
Bacigaluppi, S; Piccinelli, M; Antiga, L; Veneziani, A; Passerini, T; Rampini, P; Zavanone, M; Severi, P; Tredici, G; Zona, G; Krings, T; Boccardi, E; Penco, S; Fontanella, M
Factors Affecting Entrepreneurial Intention among UniSZA Students
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Full Text Available Graduates contributions to entrepreneurship would stimulate the country�s economic growth. The aim of this study is to determine and investigate factors influence on students� perception of the entrepreneurial intention, in order to present the most contemporary future generation of entrepreneurs that can shape the future of the economy and the country. The area of this study covers demographic profiles, attitudinal and behavioral factors, and how these influence the intentions of students to become entrepreneurs. The finding suggests that the female students had significantly higher attitude and social skill and desire to succeed as compared to the male students. There was no significant difference with regards to race, age, parental working background, family and relative engaged in business, and heard about entrepreneurship ensuring that entrepreneurs are not clustered in any of these variables. Another major finding indicates that those who attended entrepreneurship course/training had significantly higher attitude and social skill. Most importantly, marketing skill, desire to success, leadership skill, and innovation and creativity inspire graduates in choosing entrepreneurship. Thus, examining the selected key unemployment of graduates� issues from an entrepreneurship perspective can help to establish harmony and meaningful cooperation between entrepreneurs and learning institutions.
Zaharah Ghazali
Factors affecting the immobilization of metals in geopolymerized flyash
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
Geopolymerization, a fairly new technology based on a very old principle, has emerged during the last few years as a possible solution to some waste stabilization and solidification problems. Some commercial successes have been achieved, although the technique remains fairly unknown as well as seemingly unpopular. It has been shown that most waste materials containing sources of silica and alumina should be capable of taking part in a geopolymerization reaction. In this article, flyash was used as a reactant in creating a geopolymeric matrix for the immobilization of process water containing 25,000 ppm of Cu or Pb cations. By means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), compressive strength, as well as kinetic leaching analyses, the main factors influencing matrix stability, immobilization efficiency, and therefore leaching behavior were investigated and discussed qualitatively. It was found that relatively high strengths could be obtained using low Ca flyash. The environment and coordination number of source aluminum and silica seemed to play a major role in the eventual matrix stability. Other factors influencing matrix stability include the alkali metal cation used as well as the type of metal being immobilized. The kinetics of leaching of immobilized metals from the geopolymerized flyash were qualitatively found to proceed along a combination of pore diffusion and boundary diffusion control mechanisms. It is finally concluded that immobilization of metals in geopolymerized flyash proceeds by a combination of physical encapsulation and chemical bonding, with adsorption also thought to play a role.
Jaarsveld, J.G.S. van; Deventer, J.S.J. van [Univ. of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria (Australia); Lorenzen, L. [Univ. of Stellenbosch (South Africa). Dept. of Chemical Engineering
Factors affecting PBSC mobilization and collection in healthy donors.
Peripheral blood stem cells are widely used as stem cell source for allografting. Progenitor cells can be effectively mobilized into peripheral blood in majority of healthy donors with a brief administration of G-CSF. A mobilization course in 111 donors (median age 40years) was retrospectively studied and the factors influencing the efficacy of mobilization were analyzed. The median number of CD34+ cells per kg recipient weight 5.1x10(6) was obtained after a median of two aphereses. The target cell dose (4.0x10(6)/kg) was reached in 69% of donors. Circulating CD34+ count and CD34+ yield were negatively associated with donor's age. Other independent factors associated with superior yield were precollection platelet and WBC counts. In multivariate analysis only CD34+ precount predicted for CD34+ yield. G-CSF had an acceptable short-term safety profile. Our data confirm that apheresis is a safe procedure in healthy including aged donors and suggest that older donors could be poorer mobilizers than younger. PMID:16209935
Lys�k, Daniel; Koza, Vladim�r; Jindra, Pavel
Factors Affecting Holstein Cattle Fertility Traits in the Slovak Republic
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Full Text Available We investigated the influence of the factors herd-year, breed-type, sire, and milk production and lactation length on the fertility traits of Holstein cattle (age at first calving, calving interval, days open, non return rate at 56, 72, and 90 day. The data were received from 87 230 Holstein cows first time calved in period 2000 and 2008 with three fullterm lactations. Average age at first calving was 875 days and average milk production on first, second and third lactation was 6816 kg, 7524 kg and 6536 kg, respectively. Coefficient of determination estimated by linear model with factors as join herd-year effect and sire was 0.1164 (P<0,001 and 0.1145 (P<0,001 for variation of calving interval after 1st lactation and 2nd lactation, respectively. When the quadratic effect of milk production and lactation length was included to the linear model, coefficient of determination for calving interval variation increased significantly to 0.7049 (P<0,001 after 1st lactation and to 0.6297 (P<0,001 after 2nd lactation. Basically on these results including milk production and lactation length to the fertility genetic evaluation is needed.
Zuzana Riecka
The serotonin transporter 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in the association between sleep quality and affect.
A link between sleep and affect is well-known. Serotonin (5-HT) is associated with the regulation of affective as well as sleep-related processes. A functional polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) has been associated with serotonergic functioning. The present study investigated whether allelic variation of this gene moderates the association between nighttime subjective sleep quality and affect the following day. A population-based sample of 361 ethnically homogenous adult female twins underwent a five day protocol based on the experience sampling method (ESM), assessing momentary negative affect, positive affect, and subjective sleep quality repeatedly and prospectively. There was a significant interaction between sleep quality and genotype in predicting positive affect the next day: carriers of one (n=167) or two S-alleles (n=78) had a significantly steeper slope compared to LL carriers (n=116) (?(2)=4.16, p=.042 and ?(2)=3.90, p=.048 respectively). The association between subjective sleep quality and positive affect the next day varied as a function of 5-HTTLPR: it was stronger in carriers of at least one copy of the S-allele compared to homozygous L-carriers, supporting a link between sleep and affect regulation, in which serotonin may play a role. However, these results are preliminary and require replication. PMID:24486182
Hartmann, Jessica A; Wichers, Marieke; van Bemmel, Alex L; Derom, Catherine; Thiery, Evert; Jacobs, Nele; van Os, Jim; Simons, Claudia J P
Factors affecting the determination of ionized calcium in blood.
Reproducibility with the same electrode on the same day is expressed by the CV. For standard solutions CV = 0.68%, for blood CV = 1.36%, for serum CV = 0.92%. The measure with 2 different Orion electrodes performed on blood samples on the same day gives no more variation between electrodes than within electrode. Results of Ca++ measured with SS-20 Orion and ICA1 Radiometer electrodes on the samples of normal blood or serum are significantly higher with the ICA1 electrode than with the SS-20 Orion. The use of decreasing concentration of NaCl (170 to 110 mmol/l) in calibration solutions shows an apparent increase of Ca++ concentration in normal blood. Sampling conditions may affect Ca++ results. The pH of peripheric venous blood drawn without torniquet in 57 normal people was 7.34 +/- 0.03 and differs from the normal arterial pH values (740 +/- 0.02). By applying the following equation: Ca++ (pH 7.40) = Ca++ [1-0.53 (7.40 - pH)], Ca++ can be adjusted to pH 7.40. The correction in pathologic condition should, however, take in account the real arterial pH of the subject. We tested if sitting versus recumbent position could modify Ca++ results. The difference was non significant. Heparin, necessary for blood and plasma sampling, may affect the electrode membrane and binds calcium ions. We compared in the same blood sampling the same dilutions of 2 kinds of heparin. Heparin Radiometer: 10 microliters in 1 ml blood (8 UI) and heparin Roche: 10 microliters in 1 ml blood (50 UI) and observed significantly higher Ca++ results with the lower concentration of heparin. Storage of serum 24 hours at -20 degrees C does not alter the Ca++ results. After 7 days at -20 degrees C the Ca++ decreases by 3.6% in average, mainly due to pH increase. PMID:6578571
Brauman, J; Delvigne, C; Deconinck, I; Willems, D
Factors Affecting the Production of Vietnamese Tones: A Study of American Learners
This study investigates factors that affect the accuracy of tone production by American students of Vietnamese as a second language (L2). Nine hypotheses are examined, each of which isolates a factor expected to affect production accuracy: (a) task type, (b) the position of a tone in a clause, (c) discourse distance between a model provided by a�
Nguyen, Hanh thi; Macken, Marlys A.
Factors Affecting the Wheel Rutting on Rural Roads
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Full Text Available In this study, the wheel ruts frequency and dimensions were investigated according to geographical aspects, longitudinal gradient and surfacing layer of rural roads in Denji Kola village, Mazandaran Province, Iran. Ruts were divided into shallow and deep wheel ruts. Results showed that the ruts length and area were significantly affected by longitudinal gradient of rural roads (p<0.0001. Ruts length in longitudinal gradient class 8-12% was significantly more than other classes (p<0.05. The mean of rut length in this class was 8.19 m. The deep ruts frequency in longitudinal gradient class 0-4% was more than shallow ruts, whereas the number of shallow ruts was more than deep ruts in other classes. The effects of geographical aspect on ruts length (p<0.0001, ruts width (p = 0.0019 and ruts area (p<0.0001 was significant. Although, the ruts width and depth on gravel-grassed surface was more than other surfacing layer, the number of ruts in this surfacing layer was less than bare soil and graveled surfacing layer. Thus, thickness layer of gravel which has been covered by grass is the best mixture for surfacing layer of rural roads.
A. Parsakhoo
Factors affecting growth of foodborne pathogens on minimally processed apples.
Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella and Listeria innocua increased by more than 2 log(10) units over a 24 h period on fresh-cut 'Golden Delicious' apple plugs stored at 25 and 20 degrees C. L. innocua reached the same final population level at 10 degrees C meanwhile E. coli and Salmonella only increased 1.3 log(10) units after 6 days. Only L. innocua was able to grow at 5 degrees C. No significant differences were observed between the growth of foodborne pathogens on fresh-cut 'Golden Delicious', 'Granny Smith' and 'Shampion' apples stored at 25 and 5 degrees C. The treatment of 'Golden Delicious' and 'Granny Smith' apple plugs with the antioxidants, ascorbic acid (2%) and NatureSeal (6%), did not affect pathogen growth. The effect of passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the growth of E. coli, Salmonella and L. innocua on 'Golden Delicious' apple slices was also tested. There were no significant differences in growth of pathogens in MAP conditions compared with air packaging of 'Golden Delicious' apple plugs, but the growth of mesophilic and psychrotrophic microorganisms was inhibited. These results highlight the importance of avoiding contamination of fresh-cut fruit with foodborne pathogens and the maintenance of the cold chain during storage until consumption. PMID:19913695
Alegre, Isabel; Abadias, Maribel; Anguera, Marina; Oliveira, Marcia; Vi�as, Inmaculada
Factors affecting mechanical properties of biomass pellet from compost.
Effectiveness of a densification process to create strong and durable bonding in pellets can be determined by testing the mechanical properties such as compressive strength (CS) and durability. Mechanical properties of pellet from composted municipal solid waste were determined at different raw material and densification conditions. Ground compost samples were compressed with three levels of moisture content (35%, 40% and 45% (wb)), piston compaction speed (2, 6 and 10 mm/s), die length (8, 10 and 12mm) and raw material particle size (0.3, 0.9 and 1.5mm) into cylindrical pellets utilizing opened-end dies under axial stress from a vertical piston applied by a hydraulic press. The effects of independent variables on mechanical properties were determined using response surface methodology based on Box-Behnken design (BBD). All independent variables affected the durability significantly. However, different piston speed and die length not produce any significant difference on CS of pellets. Also in this research the electron photography method was used to identify the binding mechanism of compost particles. PMID:24600888
Zafari, A; Kianmehr, M H
Study on the factors affecting ?-AP RIA results
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Objective: To study the effect of (1) storage time (2) hemolysis (3) excessive lipid content (4) bacterial contamination on the tested serum ?-AP RIA results. Methods: (1) Specimen was stored at 4 degree C and ?-AP contents determined daily for seven consecutive days (9 specimens). (2) specimen was assayed, then the clot forcibly broken to cause hemolysis and the serum re-assayed (8 specimens). (3) Hyperlipemic specimen was assayed, the excess lipid extracted with ether and serum re-assayed (8 specimens). (4) Specimen was assayed and left at room temperature for a few days. The specimen was re-assayed for several times after bacterial growth (10 specimens). Results: serum ?- AP contents were stable up to 4 days under 4 degree C (P > 0.05 ). Serum ? -AP contents increased significantly after hemolysis (P<0.01 ). ?-AP contents in hyperlipemic samples decreased significantly after ether treatment (P<0.01). With bacterial growth, the ?-AP contents could increase or decrease, depending upon the type of bacteria. Conclusion: Serum ?-AP was stable up to 4 days at 4 degree C, but rapid degraded under room temperature. Moreover, hemolysis, hyperlipemia and contamination would all affect the RIA result and should be carefully dealt with in daily work. (authors)
Factors affecting floral herbivory in a limestone grassland
The amount of herbivore damage to the petals of 41 species of herbaceous plant was surveyed from April to September in a limestone grassland in central England. Damage was recorded as the percentage of the petal area removed. Most damage was caused by invertebrates, particularly slugs. The amount of invertebrate damage differed significantly between plant species and with time of year. The mean damage across all species was only 2 %, ranging from an average of 0 % in Galium sterneri to 8 % in Primula vulgaris. In most species, less than a quarter of flowers received any damage, so those that were damaged were often severely affected. Species flowering early or late in the season received more damage, possibly because of greater slug activity. Hypotheses to explain the inter-specific variation in the amount of herbivory were examined by testing for correlations with a range of plant variables. No correlations with flower-stem length, flower-stem thickness or the longevity of flowers were apparent. The amount of petal damage correlated strongly with flower size and petal thickness. This appeared to result from the prevalence of large-flowered species early and late in the season rather than from a preference for flower size and petal thickness per se. The evolutionary significance of floral herbivory is discussed.
Breadmore, Karen N.; Kirk, William D. J.
Factors affecting the performance of detectors that use secondary electron emission from a thin foil to determine ion impact position
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
The factors affecting the performance of a Position-Sensitive Timing Detector (PSTD), based on the detection of secondary electrons ejected from a thin foil by the passing ion, were investigated. Different contributions to the observed (generally poor) position resolution were investigated. The effects of multiple scattering in the foil were determined first. We then measured the contribution of the position-sensitive detector and signal-handling electronics. Finally, the effect of electron transport, from the point of emission at the foil surface to the micro-channel plate detector (MCP) surface, was measured and evaluated. Our measurements, as well as a simulation of the electron transport, lead us to conclude that for detectors with foil-to-MCP distance {>=}5 cm, electron transport limits the devices currently in use to resolution worse than 2 mm (FWHM)
Shapira, D. E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com; Lewis, T.A.; Hulett, L.D.; Ciao, Z
Factors affecting the performance of detectors that use secondary electron emission from a thin foil to determine ion impact position
The factors affecting the performance of a Position-Sensitive Timing Detector (PSTD), based on the detection of secondary electrons ejected from a thin foil by the passing ion, were investigated. Different contributions to the observed (generally poor) position resolution were investigated. The effects of multiple scattering in the foil were determined first. We then measured the contribution of the position-sensitive detector and signal-handling electronics. Finally, the effect of electron transport, from the point of emission at the foil surface to the micro-channel plate detector (MCP) surface, was measured and evaluated. Our measurements, as well as a simulation of the electron transport, lead us to conclude that for detectors with foil-to-MCP distance >=5 cm, electron transport limits the devices currently in use to resolution worse than 2 mm (FWHM).
Shapira, D; Hulett, L D; Ciao, Z
Factors affecting the performance of detectors that use secondary electron emission from a thin foil to determine ion impact position
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The factors affecting the performance of a Position-Sensitive Timing Detector (PSTD), based on the detection of secondary electrons ejected from a thin foil by the passing ion, were investigated. Different contributions to the observed (generally poor) position resolution were investigated. The effects of multiple scattering in the foil were determined first. We then measured the contribution of the position-sensitive detector and signal-handling electronics. Finally, the effect of electron transport, from the point of emission at the foil surface to the micro-channel plate detector (MCP) surface, was measured and evaluated. Our measurements, as well as a simulation of the electron transport, lead us to conclude that for detectors with foil-to-MCP distance ?5 cm, electron transport limits the devices currently in use to resolution worse than 2 mm (FWHM)
Enzymatic biodiesel synthesis. Key factors affecting efficiency of the process
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
Chemical processes of biodiesel production are energy-consuming and generate undesirable by-products such as soaps and polymeric pigments that retard separation of pure methyl or ethyl esters of fatty acids from glycerol and di- and monoacylglycerols. Enzymatic, lipase-catalyzed biodiesel synthesis has no such drawbacks. Comprehension of the latter process and an appreciable progress in production of robust preparations of lipases may soon result in the replacement of chemical catalysts with enzymes in biodiesel synthesis. Engineering of enzymatic biodiesel synthesis processes requires optimization of such factors as: molar ratio of substrates (triacylglycerols: alcohol), temperature, type of organic solvent (if any) and water activity. All of them are correlated with properties of lipase preparation. This paper reports on the interplay between the crucial parameters of the lipase-catalyzed reactions carried out in non-aqueous systems and the yield of biodiesel synthesis. (author)
Szczesna Antczak, Miroslawa; Kubiak, Aneta; Antczak, Tadeusz; Bielecki, Stanislaw [Institute of Technical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Technical University of Lodz, Stefanowskiego 4/10, 90-924 Lodz (Poland)
An important affecting factor in biodiesel production : intensity of mixing
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
In 2003, the Worldwide Fuel Charter recommended a blend of 5 per cent biodiesel in petroleum diesel fuel in recognition of biodiesel's significantly lower exhaust emissions. This paper examines physical factors in the mixing of neat canola oil for biodiesel production, concluding that an increased knowledge of the mixing can influence the transesterification process. Mixing is an important element in optimising reaction conditions, process design and kinetics. The effects of stirring speeds in the initial and latter stages of reaction are documented, with results suggesting that the enhancement of mixing intensity in initial stages dramatically accelerate transesterification reaction. Mixing intensity in the latter stages had no effects, indicating that high mixing intensity in initial stages and low mixing in subsequent stages accelerate alkali-catalyzed transesterification lipids. 10 refs., 3 tabs.
Yan, G.; Leung, D.Y.C. [Hong Kong Univ. (Hong Kong). Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
An Analysis of the Factors Affecting Huck�s Growth
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Full Text Available Huckleberry Finn is one of Mark Twain�s outstanding masterpieces. Superficially, it tells a story about a 13 or 14 year old boy�s adventures with Negro Jim on the Mississippi river. In fact, it reflects the growth process of Huck through adventures. His growth is embodied by his choice on independence, his change of attitude towards Jim, his moral growth, and the different social roles he plays. Huck�s growth is influenced by the inner and outer factors. On the one hand, friendship, nature and society make up the outer environment for Huck�s growth. They have great effect on the development of his growth. On the other hand, his own instinct and his sound heart finally decide the direction of his growth.
Yanxia Sang
Hyperplastic forming: Process potential and factors affecting formability
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
Aluminum has an outstanding potential for reducing the mass of automobiles. One of the key problems is that it is very difficult to form without tearing. This paper has two distinct goals. First, the authors argue in an extended introduction that high velocity forming, as can be implemented through electromagnetic forming, is a technology that should be developed. As a process used in conjunction with traditional stamping, it may offer dramatically improved formability, reduced wrinkling and active control of springback among other advantages. In the body of the paper they describe the important factors that lead to improved formability at high velocity. In particular, high sample velocity can inhibit neck growth. There is a sample size dependence where larger samples have better ductility than those of smaller dimensions. These aspects are at least partially described by the recent model of Freund and Shenoy. In addition to this, boundary conditions imposed by sample launch and die impact can have important effects on formability.
Daehn, G.S.; Vohnout, V.J.; Datta, S.
A systematic study on factors affecting patient dose, 2
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
In the preceding report, we dealt with the field size and the tube voltage. This paper covers the differences in patient dose due to the focus to film distance (FFD), the patient thickness and whether the grid is used or not. Regarding the FFD, 100 cm is most commonly employed except in X-ray examinations of the chest, but from the viewpoint of the patient dose, this requires special consideration as to whether there is any theoretical basis for it. The patient thickness has a great bearing on the patient dose, but there is an individual difference, and it is almost impossible to change it artificially. However, there has been no detailed report on the relation between the patient thickness and the patient dose, therefore, this report treats of such relationship as well. Concerning the grid, consideration is given to the exposure times (Bucky factor). (author)
Factors affecting torque for a roller cone bit
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
Several authors have presented theoretical bit torque relationships derived by equating the energy required to rotate a bit to the energy required to remove a unit volume of rock (energy balance concept). This approach has had little quantitative success in predicting bit torque because of difficulties in quantifying both the drilling efficiency and the specific energy of the rock under a given set of conditions. A torque relationship based on a force balance concept is presented to minimize the problems with the energybased relationships. The new torque relationship shows that for a given bit, the torque is determined largely by the applied weight on bit (WOB) and the depth of tooth penetration. The model is insensitive to moderate changes in factors such as bit hydraulics, fluid type, and formation type. Laboratory drilling tests and field data were used to confirm the validity of the new torque model.
Warren, T.M.
Worker safety for occupations affected by the use, transportation and storage of radioactive and hazardous materials
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
A study group under the auspices of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Labor Committee and the High-level Radioactive Waste/Hazardous Materials Transportation Task Force examined worker protection and safety programs for occupations affected by the use, transportation and storage of radioactive and hazardous materials. Concern about the risks posed to people who live along spent nuclear fuel transportation routes has led to demands for redundant inspections of the transported spent fuel. It would also be prudent to examine the radiological risk to the inspectors themselves before state of federal regulations are promulgated which require redundant inspections. Other workers may also come close to a spent fuel cask during normal operations. The dose rate to which these inspectors and handlers are exposed is higher than the dose rate to which any other group is exposed during incident-free truck transportation and higher than the dose rate to the drivers when they are in the truck cab. This report consists of miscellaneous papers covering topics related to determining radiation doses to workers involved in the transport of radioactive materials
Factors affecting umbilical venous perfusion during experimental cord knotting.
The aim was to determine experimentally the factors that increase the risk of venous occlusion by applying a standardised tightening force to isolated perfused umbilical cords tied in a true knot in vitro. Umbilical cords were collected from patients undergoing Caesarean section. Cords were clamped, isolated and studied within 15 min. The umbilical vein was cannulated, the cord tied in a true knot and traction was applied using standard weights. The umbilical vein was perfused with modified Krebs solution at a constant pressure of 40 mmHg and the attached weight increased until perfusion ceased. The cord mass index (weight/length), hydration index/100-[(dry weight/wet weight)x100], and coiling index (coils/length) were determined. Cord morphometric analysis was performed on 193 cords. Intra uterine growth restriction was associated with decreased cord mass index (p=0.002) and increased coiling index (p=0.002). Venous perfusion experiments were performed on 75 cords. Using multivariate regression analysis, cord morphometric factors that increased the risk of cord occlusion were decreased cord mass index (p=0.008), decreased cord hydration index (p=0.004), and low venous flow capacity (p=0.001). During experimental cord knotting with applied traction, the susceptibility to venous occlusion was increased with low cord mass index, low cord hydration index and low venous flow capacity. These cord characteristics were associated with low fetal body weight and intrauterine growth restriction. An increased susceptibility to cord occlusion may contribute to the higher perinatal morbidity and mortality in growth restricted pregnancies. PMID:16226125
Tuxen, A J; Permezel, M; Walker, S P; Georgiou, H M
Natural and anthropogenic factors affecting the groundwater quality in Serbia.
Various chemometric techniques were used to analyze the quality of groundwater data sets. Seventeen water quality parameters: the cations Na, K, Ca, Mg, the anions Cl, SO4, NO3, HCO3 and nine trace elements Pb, As, Mn, Ni, Cu, Cd, Fe, Zn and Cr were measured at 66 different key sampling sites in ten representative areas (low land-Northern Autonomous Province of Serbia, Vojvodina and central Serbia) for the summer period of 2009. HCA grouped the sample sites into four clusters based on the similarities of the characteristics of the groundwater quality. DA showed two parameters, HCO3 and Zn, affording more than 90% correct assignments in the spatial analysis of four/three different regions in Serbia. Factor analysis was applied on the log-transformed data sets and allowed the identification of a reduced number of factors with hydrochemical meaning. The results showed severe pollution with Mn, As, NO3, Ni, Pb whereby anthropogenic origin of these contaminants was indicated. The pollution comes from both scattered point sources (industrial and urban effluent) and diffuse source agricultural activity. These samples may not be suitable for human consumption; the water quality belongs to class III/IV (contaminated). The Fe anomalies (7.1mg/L) in the water from the Vetrnica site can be attributed to natural sources, such as the dissolution of rock masses and rock fragments. The serious groundwater contamination with As (25.7-137.8 ?g/L) in the area of Banat (Northern Autonomous Province of Serbia, Vojvodina) and a sample No. 9 at the Great Morava River requires urgent attention. PMID:24080418
Devic, Gordana; Djordjevic, Dragana; Sakan, Sanja
Factors affecting sperm fertilizing capacity in men infected with HIV.
Studies on the sperm-fertilizing capacity of HIV-seropositive men show conflicting results for reasons that are not yet clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and relationships of some factors such as patient age, CD4(+) cells count, fathering offspring, concomitant sexually transmitted diseases (STD), and receipt of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) on sperm fertilizing capacity. Semen samples were collected from 33 HIV-seropositive men. Data on the above factors were acquired from a self-designed questionnaire. Computer-assisted sperm analysis, a hypo-osmotic swelling, and zona-free hamster oocyte penetration tests were performed according to criteria of the World Health Organization. CD4(+) cells in peripheral blood were examined using a flow cytometric (FCM) analyzer. Sperm vitality, sperm motility (grades a?+?b), total sperm motility, and sperm penetration rates were significantly higher in patients whose CD4(+) counts were ?350/�l than in those whose CD4(+) counts were 350/�l (P?0.05), and the parameters mentioned above were also significantly correlated with CD4(+) cell number (all P?0.05). Significant differences in total sperm count and sperm tail swelling rate between patients co-infected with STD and without STD were observed (P?0.05). Sperm penetration rate in patients receiving HAART was significantly higher than in those not receiving HAART (P?0.05). Blood CD4(+) cell counts are an important indicator for evaluating sperm fertilizing capacity of HIV-seropositive men. After receiving HAART, the sperm penetration rate of HIV-seropositive men can be improved. J. Med. Virol. 86:1467-1472, 2014. � 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. PMID:24898681
Wang, Dian; Li, Lianbing; Xie, Qingdong; Hou, Zhiwei; Yu, Xiaojun; Ma, Mingfu; Huang, Tianhua
Personal transport and factor 'X'
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
This paper explores the issues involved in the reduction of emissions from vehicles and the need to achieve a behavioural change with a cut in air and car travel. A simplified model for describing environmental impacts covering population, energy consumption and vehicle technology is discussed and used to study alternative policy options such as business as usual, reducing the environmental impacts of transport, and changes to travel mode and volume by shifting from car to other forms of more sustainable travel which use less energy. A multiple approach for cutting the carbon dioxide emissions from transport involving both behavioural factors and vehicles design is examined.
Potter, S. [Open Univ. (United Kingdom). Design Innovation Group
Energy saving by increasing the load factor in public transport
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
Measures that increase the load factor in public transport can reduce energy consumption. The potential energy savings seem - however - to be rather small. A better matching of capacity to demand is feasible from a technical point of view, but will usually be too costly. Reducing the supply of public transport services on a larger scale, will - on the other hand - hardly find public support. Using fares policy to dampen demand fluctuations is a possibility that should be tried out, but it is difficult to quantify the likely effects.
Larsen, O.I.
Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Household Energy Consumption in Qom, Iran
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Full Text Available Petrol is heavily subsidized in Iran which has led both to very high consumption levels and a big smuggling problem as petrol is transported out of Iran's border areas for re-sale in neighboring countries, where petrol prices are much higher. Also, a shortage of refineries combined with wasteful consumption means that Iran regularly imports petrol despite being one of the world's biggest oil producers. To look at the different variables contributing to wasteful consumption of fuel in Iran and the effect of governmental gradual increase of fuel prices, this study questioned 600 family warden views in Qom, Iran. The results showed that more than two third of samples have heard or read at least one news about energy saving and quoted TV as main source of their information while 55% mentioned all fossils resources would be finish in near future and urged optimum energy consumption as the best way to tackle energy crisis (82%, with 85% asked for more media propagation to change wrong cultural behaviors in Qom. Nearly half of the people said that governmental plan to increase domestic price of high octane and regular gasoline annually had little or no effect on fuel consumption and majority of them mentioned cultural changes as the best tools and nearly the same rate were worried about air pollution as the immediate result of uncontrolled fuel consumption in Qom. The results also showed that with increase in each year education of family warden, decreases fuel expenses 11.2% in hot seasons and 1240000 Iranian Rials (IR-R in cold seasons while increase in family members� size adds 288660 (IR-R per member to base family size (2 and for each member of family which works outside the house, family energy expenses increase 234470 IR-R. And finally the results showed fuel (or energy expenses in cold months in Qom is higher than other months and family warden education showed more effect to reduce those expenses during mild months but less during hot months. Therefore it is recommended that urgent actions should be done to change society behavior and teach more about new methods of energy saving while current actions such as increase in fuel price should be revised completely.
Ebrahimi Mehrzad
Genetic analysis of mutants affected in the Pst inorganic phosphate transport system.
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A number of mutant alleles affecting the Pst phosphate transport system have been divided into three complementation groups on the basis of constitutive alkaline phosphatase activity in appropriate partial diploid strains. The three complementation groups were represented by the alleles pstA2 and phoT32 and the newly described allele pstB401. The two alleles phoS28 and phoS21 appeared to be polar. The phoS28 allele affected both the phoT and pstB genes but not the pstA gene, whereas the phoS2...
Cox, G. B.; Rosenberg, H.; Downie, J. A.; Silver, S.
Factors affecting job satisfaction and anxiety levels in the nurses
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Full Text Available Purpose: This investigation was carried out in order to determine job satisfaction levels of nurses and the relationship between job satisfaction and �state & trait anxiety� levels.Material and Methods: This investigation was carried out in the provincial centre of Kayseri in 2004. All 837 nurses working at various institutions, except military hospitals, in the provincial centre of Kayseri were included. The nurses were visited at work and a questionnaire including 29 questions related to socio-demographic characteristics, and working and health conditions was administered. Additionally, trait & state anxiety inventory (STAI and a job satisfaction questionnaire were administered. Among 837 nurses, 23 were not available and 192 refused to answer the questionnaires; hence, a total of 622 nurses were included in the study.Results: It has been determined that the mean job satisfaction score was 43.7 � 12.5, state anxiety score 45.0 � 7.2 and trait anxiety score 40.0 � 9.4. Job satisfaction level was higher in nurses working at private hospitals and those working more willingly than the others. However, job satisfaction level is low in nurses who worked for longer hours per week, worked during weekends and whose health perception was poor. A weak correlations in negative direction were found between job satisfaction and �state & trait� anxiety scores.Conclusion: It has been concluded that job satisfaction levels of nurses were low and anxiety levels were medium. The type of the institution, working hours per week, working weekends, willingness and their general health perception affected job satisfaction levels. There was a negative weak correlation between job satisfaction and anxiety levels.
Selma Durmu?
Environmental factors affecting starch encapsulated herbicide rates of release
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Starch-encapsulation (SE) is an experimental control release technology designed to extend the period of time over which a herbicide is released into the soil environment. The objectives of controlled release are to improve efficacy and reduce negative environmental impacts. Laboratory and field studies were conducted to evaluate how environmental factors influence the release rate of SE-atrazine and SE-alachlor. Decreasing water availability, significantly reduced swelling and subsequent rates-of-release for both herbicides. As starch granules imbibe water they swell, allowing the herbicide to diffuse more readily out of the granule. Decreasing temperature also resulted in decreased rates of herbicide release. Soil microbial activity increased rates-of-release for both herbicides, likely the result of enzymatic breakdown of the starch matrix. The enhanced release of alachlor relative to atrazine under varied environmental conditions was attributed to alachlor's greater solubility in water. Although the SE-formulations are experimental, modification of herbicide behavior was observed that could reduce negative environmental impacts. 20 refs, 9 figs
Factors affecting urinary calculi treatment by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
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Full Text Available Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL is still the treatment of choice for most renal and upper ureteric stones; however the outcome depends on multiple factors. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of stone density, as measured by Hounsfield Units (H.U by non-contrast Computerized Tomography (CT, stone size and stone location on ESWL treatment outcome of urinary calculi in Jordanian patients. 65 patients underwent clinical, biochemical and radiological assessments followed by ESWL treatment. Statistical analyses including chi-square, analysis of variance (ANOVA, correlation, regression were performed for statistical significance between ESWL treatment, stone fragmentation and stone density, size and location in the renal pelvis. ESWL success rate was high (94% for low density stones (< 500 Hounsfield units. In general CT densities of 750 Hounsfield units or less were almost always successfully treated by ESWL. An inverse association between ESWL treatment outcome and stone size was also documented. CT stone density and stone size combined account for nearly 73% of the variation in the number of shock waves required to attain fragmentation. Stones located in lower calyceal area had less success rates. In conclusion, stones with higher density, large size and lower location may better be managed by percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
Tarawneh Emad
Factors Affecting the Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia
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Full Text Available Objective: Fibromyalgia is a chronic musculoskeletal pain syndrome characterized by diffuse pain and specific painful tender points.This study was planned to gain a better understanding of the factors that may impact the quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia.Material and Methods: The study was carried out in the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic with 35 women with fibromyalgia and 20 healthy women with no current or past medical history as controls. The subjects were evaluated with digital palpation to test tender points, by algometric measurements to test pressure pain threshold, the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ scores to test pain severity, and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ to test quality of life.Results: The two groups were similar with respect to mean age, body mass index and education status. Algometric pressure pain thresholds of tender point sites were lower in patients with fibromyalgia than in healthy controls. In this patient group, there were linear relations between the number of tender points, duration of pain, SF-MPQ scores, and FIQ. There were also linear relations between duration of pain and SF-MPQ scores and the total number of tender points.Conclusion: In the patient group, all the pain measurements were significantly correlated with each other. The quality of life score was also significantly related to each of the pain parameters.
Nuri �etin
Factors Affecting the Determination of Secondary Sex Ratio
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Full Text Available Background and Objectives: Secondary sex ratio (SSR, i.e. the gender ratio of fetuses reaching viability has faced a declining trend in most societies in recent years. The aim of this study was to determine the contributing factors such as season of conception, type of pregnancy, housing conditions, monthly income and financial stress on SSR in Iran. .Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 202 couples with children under one year old were studied. They were selected using two stage random sampling method from two healthcare centers in Tehran. Financial stress of parents was assessed based on a valid questionnaire. Data regarding other variables were gathered through a checklist. Uni-and multi-variate logistic regression tests were used to analyze the data (p<0.05.Results: Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed a significant relationship between financial stress test score {OR=1.056, p=0.024} and rental housing (OR=1.89, p=0.029 and female newborns. Conclusion: Financial stress not only has physical and moral consequences, but also might play a major role in determining the sex ratio of future generations. Therefore, it is highly important that more effective guidelines be considered for improving welfare conditions and solving the housing problem.
Alinaghi M
Factors affecting CO oxidation over nanosized Fe2O3
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Nanocrystallite iron oxide powders with different crystallite sizes were prepared by co-precipitation route. The prepared powders with crystallite size 75, 100 and 150 nm together with commercial iron oxide (250 nm) were tested for the catalytic oxidation of CO to CO2. The influence of different factors as crystallite size, catalytic temperature and weight of catalyst on the rate of catalytic reaction was investigated using advanced quadrupole mass gas analyzer system. It can be reported that the rate of conversion of CO to CO2 increased by increasing catalytic temperature and decreasing crystallite size of the prepared powders. The experimental results show that nanocrystallite iron oxide powders with crystallite size 75 nm can be recommended as a promising catalyst for CO oxidation at 500 deg. C where 98% of CO is converted to CO2. The mechanism of the catalytic oxidation reaction was investigated by comparing the CO catalytic oxidation data in the absence and presence of oxygen. The reaction which was found to be first order with respect to CO is probably proceeded by adsorption mechanism where the reactants are adsorbed on the surface of the catalyst with breaking O-O bonds, then CO pick up the dissociated O atom forming CO2
Experimental and environmental factors affect spurious detection of ecological thresholds.
Threshold detection methods are increasingly popular for assessing nonlinear responses to environmental change, but their statistical performance remains poorly understood. We simulated linear change in stream benthic macroinvertebrate communities and evaluated the performance of commonly used threshold detection methods based on model fitting (piecewise quantile regression [PQR]), data partitioning (nonparametric change point analysis [NCPA]), and a hybrid approach (significant zero crossings [SiZer]). We demonstrated that false detection of ecological thresholds (type I errors) and inferences on threshold locations are influenced by sample size, rate of linear change, and frequency of observations across the environmental gradient (i.e., sample-environment distribution, SED). However, the relative importance of these factors varied among statistical methods and between inference types. False detection rates were influenced primarily by user-selected parameters for PQR (tau) and SiZer (bandwidth) and secondarily by sample size (for PQR) and SED (for SiZer). In contrast, the location of reported thresholds was influenced primarily by SED. Bootstrapped confidence intervals for NCPA threshold locations revealed strong correspondence to SED. We conclude that the choice of statistical methods for threshold detection should be matched to experimental and environmental constraints to minimize false detection rates and avoid spurious inferences regarding threshold location. PMID:22486082
Daily, Jonathan P; Hitt, Nathaniel P; Smith, David R; Snyder, Craig D
Factors affecting the cost and competitiveness of nuclear electricity
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The general context in which are carried out the investment choices of the electric sector has evolved in a significant way during these last years and the changes are to a certain extent irreversible. Economic globalization, deregulation of the electricity market, privatisation of electricity producers, and increasing awareness of environmental issues are modifying the policy-making landscape and the criteria and priorities of decision-makers in the power sector. Competitiveness remains a cornerstone for evaluating and choosing alternative technologies in the process of planning and decision-making for electricity system expansion or power plant replacement. Nevertheless, the production costs analysis inserts factors which were not taking before into account as for instance social impacts, health and environmental effects. These new approaches better reveal the total costs of the different production means. They will certainly lead to different choices than those based on the whole comparison of direct costs supported by producers. The economic studies carried out by the Nuclear Energy Agency of the OECD (NEA) cover all the preceding aspects and give objective information on the competitiveness of nuclear electricity. The nuclear industry has today the necessary means to take up the challenges of the electricity new markets. (O.M.)
Factors affecting the erosion of jets penetrating high explosive
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It has been observed in various experiments with shaped charge jets penetrating high explosives that the erosion of the jet can be considerably greater than that expected from analytical theory or from two dimensional hydrodynamic computer simulations. In a previous study, we found that the initial penetration of the jet agreed with theory, and that the erosion of the jet happened subsequent to the initial penetration. This additional erosion can be the dominant factor in the total length of jet that is eroded. We also found that in one experiment the jet did not show any excess erosion and that the penetration could be predicted from theory. We also found a rough correlation of the amount of excess erosion with the diameter of the jet, with larger jet diameters giving less erosion. A problem with previous experiments was that a wide variety of shaped charges, target shapes, and target thicknesses were used. This made it difficult to isolate the effect of a particular parameter. For the current study we chose to isolate the effects of scale and target thickness. For this purpose we used well characterized jets and carefully chosen targets. We also did computer calculations to help elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the excess erosion.
Haselman, L.C.; Winer, K.A.
Experimental and environmental factors affect spurious detection of ecological thresholds
Threshold detection methods are increasingly popular for assessing nonlinear responses to environmental change, but their statistical performance remains poorly understood. We simulated linear change in stream benthic macroinvertebrate communities and evaluated the performance of commonly used threshold detection methods based on model fitting (piecewise quantile regression [PQR]), data partitioning (nonparametric change point analysis [NCPA]), and a hybrid approach (significant zero crossings [SiZer]). We demonstrated that false detection of ecological thresholds (type I errors) and inferences on threshold locations are influenced by sample size, rate of linear change, and frequency of observations across the environmental gradient (i.e., sample-environment distribution, SED). However, the relative importance of these factors varied among statistical methods and between inference types. False detection rates were influenced primarily by user-selected parameters for PQR (?) and SiZer (bandwidth) and secondarily by sample size (for PQR) and SED (for SiZer). In contrast, the location of reported thresholds was influenced primarily by SED. Bootstrapped confidence intervals for NCPA threshold locations revealed strong correspondence to SED. We conclude that the choice of statistical methods for threshold detection should be matched to experimental and environmental constraints to minimize false detection rates and avoid spurious inferences regarding threshold location.
Daily, Jonathan P.; Hitt, Nathaniel P.; Smith, David R.; Snyder, Craig D.
Disposition of Naringenin via Glucuronidation Pathway Is Affected by Compensating Efflux Transporters of Hydrophilic Glucuronides
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The purposes of this study were to investigate how efflux transporters and UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT) affect the disposition of naringenin. A rat intestinal perfusion model with bile duct cannulation was used along with rat intestinal and liver microsomes. In the intestinal perfusion model, both absorption and subsequent excretion of naringenin metabolites were rapid and site-dependent (p < 0.05). Naringenin was absorbed the most in colon and its glucuronides were excreted the most in...
Xu, Haiyan; Kulkarni, Kaustubh H.; Singh, Rashim; Yang, Zhen; Wang, Stephen W. J.; Tam, Vincent H.; Hu, Ming
Serotonin Transporter Gene-Linked Polymorphism Affects Detection of Facial Expressions
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Previous studies have demonstrated that the serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) affects the recognition of facial expressions and attention to them. However, the relationship between 5-HTTLPR and the perceptual detection of others' facial expressions, the process which takes place prior to emotional labeling (i.e., recognition), is not clear. To examine whether the perceptual detection of emotional facial expressions is influenced by the allelic variation (short/lo...
Koizumi, Ai; Kitagawa, Norimichi; Kondo, Hirohito M.; Kitamura, Miho S.; Sato, Takao; Kashino, Makio
Factors affecting unmet need for family planning in Eastern Sudan
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Full Text Available Abstract Background In the developing countries millions of women in the reproductive age who don�t use contraceptives prefer to postpone or limit their birth. This indicates their failure to take necessary decision to prevent and avoid unwanted pregnancy. Methods A community-based cross sectional household survey was conducted to investigate unmet need for family planning and associated factors and total demand for family planning in Kassala, Eastern Sudan between 1st May and 31st July 2012. Results A total of 812 married women were enrolled in this study. Their mean age and parity was 31.8 (7.3 and 3.4 (1.8 respectively. Ever use of contraception was 25.4% (206/812 and 26.2% (213/812 were currently using contraception. Unmet need for spacing was 15.1% while unmet need for limiting was 0.7%. The pregnant and amenorrheic women whose the pregnancy or birth was unwanted and mistimed were 105 (13% and 130 (16% respectively. Using Westoff model the total unmet need was estimated as 44.8%. The total demand for family planning was 71%. In logistic regression model, while age, age at marriage, parity, residence and experience of child death were not associated with total unmet need for family planning, women education P=0.00, husband education P = 0.00 and woman�s occupation; housewife (OR=4.3; CI=2.5-7.2; P=0.00 were associated with the total unmet need. Conclusions Unmet need for family planning in Eastern Sudan was significantly higher among women with less than secondary education. Also; it is influenced by couple�s educational status and woman�s occupation. The results of this study necessitate the need for the programme managers to take into account the concept of reproductive health education.
Ali Abdel Aziem A
Effect of concentration on hepatic transport of exogenous epidermal growth factor
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Epidermal growth factor (EGF), taken up by rat hepatocytes, is primarily transported to the lysosomes and degraded. However, a small but significant percentage of endocytosed EGF is transported by a nonlysosomal pathway and is secreted intact into bile. There is no information as to the mechanisms that regulate the selection of transport pathway and thereby determine the different metabolic fates for EGF. The experiments reported here were undertaken to determine whether the amount of exogenous EGF administered to the liver (the transport load) might affect the selection of the transport pathway. If ''excess'' EGF, exceeding some as yet undetermined threshold, is preferentially transported by the lysosomal pathway, then the proportion of degraded EGF secreted into bile should increase as a function of the amount of EGF administered. "1"2"5I-EGF (3 to 175 ng) was injected into rat portal veins, and bile samples were collected via cannula. The radioactivity secreted into bile was measured, and the bile samples were immunoprecipitated with anti-EGF antiserum. The proportion of intact vs. degraded EGF in bile was determined by the percentage of immunoprecipitable radioactivity. Regardless of the amount of EGF injected, the pattern of its secretion was unaltered. The percentage of immunoprecipitable EGF in bile was the same for all doses. Therefore, the amount of EGF that was degraded did not change as a function of EGF concentration, implying that the lysosomal pathway was not preferentially utilized as the transport load increased
Factors controlling transport of graphene oxide nanoparticles in saturated sand columns.
The authors conducted column experiments and a modeling study to understand the effects of several environmental factors on the aggregation and transport of graphene oxide nanoparticles (GONPs) in saturated quartz sand. The GONPs were negatively charged and stable under the test conditions (0-50?mM NaCl; pH 4.8-9.0), and the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) calculation indicated that deposition of GONPs was under unfavorable attachment conditions. The GONPs exhibited high mobility even at an ionic strength of 25?mM NaCl. The transport of GONPs was insensitive to the changes of pH (from 5.1 to 9.0), but the presence of 10?mg/L Suwannee River humic acid (SRHA) considerably enhanced transport at high ionic strength (35?mM NaCl), likely via enhanced steric repulsion and significantly inhibited stacking of GO flakes. Varying flow velocity also enhanced transport at high ionic strength. In general, GONPs exhibit greater mobility compared with other carbon nanoparticles because the aggregation and transport of GONPs are more resilient to changes in solution chemistry and hydrodynamic forces that favor aggregation and deposition of nanoparticles. A 2-site transport model incorporating both the blocking-affected attachment process and straining effects can effectively model the transport of GONPs. The high mobility of GONPs should be given full consideration in assessing their environmental risks. PMID:24453090
Qi, Zhichong; Zhang, Lunliang; Wang, Fang; Hou, Lei; Chen, Wei
Study of Factors Affecting the Ablation Rate of Phenolic Resin/Fiber Glass
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In this study, design experimental by two-level Factorial design to screen the factors to those factors that affect the ablation rate significantly. The following parameters were varied: amount of phenolic curing temperature and curing time. Factors that affect the ablation rate are as follows curing time, amount of phenolic resin, interaction between curing temperature and curing time, interaction between curing time and amount of phenolic resin, interaction between curing temperature and am...
Factors affecting calcium oxalate dihydrate fragmented calculi regrowth
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Full Text Available Abstract Background The use of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL to treat calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD renal calculi gives excellent fragmentation results. However, the retention of post-ESWL fragments within the kidney remains an important health problem. This study examined the effect of various urinary conditions and crystallization inhibitors on the regrowth of spontaneously-passed post-ESWL COD calculi fragments. Methods Post-ESWL COD calculi fragments were incubated in chambers containing synthetic urine varying in pH and calcium concentration: pH = 5.5 normocalciuria (3.75 mM, pH = 5.5 hypercalciuria (6.25 mM, pH = 6.5 normocalciuria (3.75 mM or pH = 6.5 hypercalciuria (6.25 mM. Fragment growth was evaluated by measuring increases in weight. Fragment growth was standardized by calculating the relative mass increase. Results Calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM crystals formed on COD renal calculi fragments under all conditions. Under pH = 5.5 normocalciuria conditions, only COM crystals formed (growth rate = 0.22 � 0.04 ?g/mg�h. Under pH = 5.5 hypercalciuria and under pH = 6.5 normocalciuria conditions, COM crystals and a small number of new COD crystals formed (growth rate = 0.32 � 0.03 ?g/mg�h and 0.35 � 0.05 ?g/mg�h, respectively. Under pH = 6.5 hypercalciuria conditions, large amounts of COD, COM, hydroxyapatite and brushite crystals formed (growth rate = 3.87 � 0. 34 ?g/mg�h. A study of three crystallization inhibitors demonstrated that phytate completely inhibited fragment growth (2.27 ?M at pH = 5.5 and 4.55 ?M at pH = 6.5, both under hypercalciuria conditions, while 69.0 ?M pyrophosphate caused an 87% reduction in mass under pH = 6.5 hypercalciuria conditions. In contrast, 5.29 mM citrate did not inhibit fragment mass increase under pH = 6.5 hypercalciuria conditions. Conclusion The growth rate of COD calculi fragments under pH = 6.5 hypercalciuria conditions was approximately ten times that observed under the other three conditions. This observation suggests COD calculi residual fragments in the kidneys together with hypercalciuria and high urinary pH values may be a risk factor for stone growth. The study also showed the effectiveness of specific crystallization inhibitors in slowing calculi fragment growth.
Sanchis P
Alpha radiolysis and other factors affecting hydrolysis of tributyl phosphate
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The primary purpose of this study was to identify the principal degradation products produced by Pu(IV) loading in 30% tributyl phosphate/dodecane (TBP-DD) solutions and to determine the formation rates of these species as a function of temperature. Experiments were also conducted to evaluate HNO3 hydrolysis of TBP as a function of temperature and to compare the effects resulting from plutonium solvent loading with effects due to loading with uranium and zirconium. The results indicate that four factors are of particular significance: (1) dibutyl phosphate (DBP) is the principal plutonium-complexing species formed at temperatures of 500C or lower, while significant concentrations of monobutyl phosphate (MBP) are also formed at higher temperatures; (2) the TBP degradation rate due to alpha radiolysis or chemical hydrolysis is strongly dependent on temperature; (3) plutonium promotes TBP hydrolysis by two mechanisms, alpha radiolysis and metal-ion-induced hydrolysis, and, of these, metal-ion-induced hydrolysis can be the major effect; and (4) small amounts of an unidentified plutonium-complexing species are formed in experiments using plutonium of high specific activity [about 4 x 108 counts per minute per milligram (c/min dot mg)]. This species cannot be removed from 30% TBP-DD by Na2CO3 washing or other solvent cleanup procedures. The TBP degradation rates (determined as grams of plutonium complexed by degradation products) increased from 0.125 mg Pu/L dot h at 250C to 47.9 mg Pu/L dot h at 800C in 30% TBP-DD solutions that contained only 0.68 M HNO3. In solutions that additionally contained approx.20 g/L of plutonium (specific activity = 9 x 107 c/min dot mg) TBP degradation rates increased from 2.46 mg Pu/L dot h at 250C to 127.1 mg Pu/L dot h at 800C. 10 refs., 8 figs., 4 tabs
Importance Degree Evaluation of the Affecting Factors on Exhibition Security Accidents
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Full Text Available The occurrence of exhibition security accidents is the result of the mutual coupling factors of "man-machine-environment-management". This study is going to elaborate 11 influencing factors of exhibition security accidents from four aspects, i.e., man, mechanical equipment, environment and management. With the help of grey relational analysis, this study evaluates the importance degree of the affecting factors in exhibitions. The result shows that affecting factors of facilities and equipments failure is of the greatest importance degree and site maintenance personnel, site design, building material quality are the secondary important factors; another important factors are safety management body, social environment, activity organization management, safety management system, natural environment and event participant behavior which are considered as the third important ones. Evaluation of the importance degree of affecting factors on exhibition security incidents will provide a theoretical basis for exhibition security control.
Lin Wei-Ling
Recognition of Factors Affecting the Successful Implementation of Electronic-Banking in Iran
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Full Text Available This research examines the factors that can speed up the successful implementation of electronic banking innovations in the Iran�s country. Through the literature review, the factors affecting the successful implementation of e-banking in Iran have been detected and classified into a tri-radiate model of co-structural, content and context factors. After collecting the questionnaires which were distributed randomly among experts and IT managers of 90 banks, the data analysis revealed that there is a meaningful and significant relationship between these three factors and the successful implementation of e-banking in Iran. Using Friedman analysis of variance test, the co-structural factors got first rank, context factors as second and the content factors the third rank, respectively. Mean while, the influencing factors on implementing e-banking were classified and ranked. Finally, some recommendations have been proposed to develop and reinforce the affecting factors bound up with implementing e-banking.
M.A. Sarlak
Elucidating Sources and Factors Affecting Delivery of Nitrogen to Surface Waters of New York State
Rapid changes in power generation, transportation, and agriculture have appreciably altered nitrogen (N) cycling at regional scales, increasing N inputs to landscapes and surface waters. Numerous studies have linked this surplus N to a host of concerns, including eutrophication and violations in drinking water standards. Inputs of N nation-wide have increased during recent decades, primarily from the production and use of fertilizers, the planting of N-fixing crops, and the combustion of fossil fuels. The role of atmospheric N sources is of particular concern in New York, as rates of atmospheric N deposition in the northeast are among the highest in the nation. Our work aims to quantify nitrogen sources and fate in watersheds throughout the state. Further, we intend to elucidate factors controlling the retention and release of N to surface waters. We quantify nitrogen inputs through both measurement data (e.g., from wet and dry atmospheric deposition, precipitation, streamflow, water quality, and isotopic tracers) and from synoptic spatial databases (e.g., of terrain, land use, and fertilizer inputs). We present preliminary results from large catchments in contrasting spatial settings across the state (different land use configurations and atmospheric deposition gradients), illustrating the contribution of nitrogen sources to each region and factors affecting delivery to surface waters. Further, we present 30 years of temporal data from a large watershed (Fall Creek) in the Finger Lakes region of the state to demonstrate how hydrological and biogeochemical factors, over seasons and under varying hydrological regimes, combine to control N dynamics in surface waters. Our collective work provides information that is necessary to develop sound strategies for understanding and managing nutrients at regional scales.
Golden, H. E.; Boyer, E. W.; Burns, D. A.; Elliott, E.; Kendall, C.; Butler, T.
Research on Application of Matlab Uniform Design in Psychological Experiment of Factors Affecting Reading Comprehension
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Full Text Available Experimental psychology is an essential primary discipline for psychological teaching and research, with the continuous development of science and technology, measurement techniques and computer data simulating techniques have a great power to implement the experimental design and the design method of experiment is also very important. In this study, the uniform design experiment is adopted to study the factors affecting reading comprehension in psychology, this study first gives four factors affecting reading comprehension, the level of the four factors is technically divided into five grades, the uniform design of psychological experiments is then analyzed, finally carry out regression analysis on the factors affecting reading comprehension by using the uniform design�s experimental data of five testers, thus the effect of factors affecting reading comprehension is obtained, which provides a theoretical basis for the experimental design and data analysis of psychology, expecting a more distant development of experimental psychology.
Wenjun Cong
Advances in Understanding Sorption and Transport Processes Affecting the Fate of Environmental Pollutants in the Subsurface
The results of a call for a special issue that is now in press by the Journal of Contaminant Hydrology will be presented. This special issue is edited by the authors and is entitled "Sorption and Transport Processes Affecting the Fate of Environmental Pollutants in the Subsurface". A short abstract of each paper will be presented along with the most interesting results. Nine papers were accepted. Pollutants studied include: biocolloids, metals (arsenic, chromium, nickel), organic compounds such as hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, micropollutants (PAHs, PCBs), pesticides (glyphosate, 2,4-D). Findings presented in the papers include a modified batch reactor system to study equilibrium-reactive transport problems of metals. Column studies along with theoretical approximations evaluate the combined effects of grain size and pore water velocity on the transport in water saturated porous media of three biocolloids. A polluted sediment remediation method is evaluated considering site-specific conditions through monitoring results and modelling. A field study points to glogging and also sorption as mechanisms affecting the effectiveness of sub-surface flow constructed wetlands. A new isotherm model combining modified traditionally used isotherms is proposed that can be used to simulate pH-dependent metal adsorption. Linear free energy relationships (LFERs) demonstrate ability to predict slight isotope shifts into the groundwater due to sorption. Possible modifications that improve the reliability of kinetic models and parameter values during the evaluation of experiments that assess the sorption of pesticides on soils are tested. Challenges in selecting groundwater pollutant fate and transport models that account for the effect of grain-scale sorption rate limitations are evaluated based on experimental results and are discussed based on the Damk�hler number. Finally, a thorough review paper presents the impact of mineral micropores on the transport and fate of organic contaminants especially when the porous geological media have very low organic carbon contents.
Karapanagioti, H. K.; Werner, D.; Werth, C.
Investigation of factors affecting terrestrial passive sampling device performance and uptake rates in laboratory chambers
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
A rapid sampling method using passive sampling devices (PSDS) for soil contaminant characterization shows extreme promise. The use of PSDs increases ease and speed of analysis, decreases solvent usage and cost, and minimizes the transport of contaminated soils. Time and cost savings allow a high sampling frequency, providing a more thorough site characterization than traditional methods. The authors have conducted both laboratory and field studies with terrestrial PSDS. Laboratory studies demonstrated the concentration and moisture dependence of sampler uptake and provided an estimate of the optimal field sampling time for soils contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These PSDs were also used to accurately estimate PCB concentrations at hazardous waste site where concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 200 ug PCB/g soil. However, PSDs in the field had sampling rates approximately three times greater than in the laboratory. As a result several factors affecting PSD sampling rates and/or performance in laboratory chambers were evaluated. The parameters investigated were soil bulk density or compactness, chamber size and air flow. The chemicals used in these studies included two PCB congeners (52 and 153), three organochlorine pesticides (DDT, dieldrin and methoxychlor), three organophosphate pesticides (chlorpyrifos, diazinon and terbufos) and three herbicides (alachlor, atrazine and metolachlor).
Johnson, K.A.; Weisskopf, C.P. [Clemson Univ., Pendleton, SC (United States). Dept. of Environmental Toxicology
What is Impulse Buying? An analytical network processing framework for prioritizing factors affecting impulse buying
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One of the most important issues affecting profitability is to determine the impact of different factors influencing purchasing activities. In this paper, we perform an extensive literature survey to detect different purchasing factors influencing customers' behavior. The factors are categorized in three different groups and they are ranked using analytical network process. The results of our survey indicate that three factors of personal, product and situational play important roles in purch...
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes affect drug transport across cell membrane in rat astrocytes
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
The impact of carbon nanotubes on the cell membrane is an aspect of particular importance and interest in the study of carbon nanotubes' interactions with living systems. One of the many functions of the cell membrane is to execute substance transport into and out of the cell. We investigated the influence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the transport of several compounds across in the cell membrane of rat astrocytes using flow cytometry. These compounds are fluorescein diacetate, carboxyfluorescein diacetate, rhodamine 123 and doxorubicin, which are prosubstrate/substrates of multidrug transporter proteins. Results showed that MWCNTs significantly inhibited cellular uptake of doxorubicin but not the other drugs and the mode of loading made a significant difference in doxorubicin uptake. Retention of fluorescein, carboxyfluorescein and rhodamine 123 was remarkably higher in MWCNT-exposed cells after an efflux period. A kinetics study also demonstrated slower efflux of intracellular fluorescein and rhodamine 123. Data presented in this paper suggest that MWCNTs could affect drug transport across cell membranes. The implications of the findings are discussed.
Chen Xiao [School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hangkong Road 13, 430030, Wuhan (China); Schluesener, Hermann J, E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com [Institute of Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, Calwerstrasse 3, D-72076, Tuebingen (Germany)
Factors affecting motivation and retention of primary health care workers in three disparate regions in Kenya
Background The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Kenya alike identify a well-performing health workforce as key to attaining better health. Nevertheless, the motivation and retention of health care workers (HCWs) persist as challenges. This study investigated factors influencing motivation and retention of HCWs at primary health care facilities in three different settings in Kenya - the remote area of Turkana, the relatively accessible region of Machakos, and the disadvantaged informal urban settlement of Kibera in Nairobi. Methods A cross-sectional cluster sample design was used to select 59 health facilities that yielded interviews with 404 health care workers, grouped into 10 different types of service providers. Data were collected in November 2011 using structured questionnaires and a Focus Group Discussion guide. Findings were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate methods of the associations and determinants of health worker motivation and retention. Results The levels of education and gender factors were lowest in Turkana with female HCWs representing only 30% of the workers against a national average of 53%. A smaller proportion of HCWs in Turkana feel that they have adequate training for their jobs. Overall, 13% of the HCWs indicated that they had changed their job in the last 12�months and 20% indicated that they could leave their current job within the next two years. In terms of work environment, inadequate access to electricity, equipment, transport, housing, and the physical state of the health facility were cited as most critical, particularly in Turkana. The working environment is rated as better in private facilities. Adequate training, job security, salary, supervisor support, and manageable workload were identified as critical satisfaction factors. Family health care, salary, and terminal benefits were rated as important compensatory factors. Conclusions There are distinct motivational and retention factors that affect HCWs in the three regions. Findings and policy implications from this study point to a set of recommendations to be implemented at national and county levels. These include gender mainstreaming, development of appropriate retention schemes, competitive compensation packages, strategies for career growth, establishment of a model HRH community, and the conduct of a discrete choice experiment.
Analysis of the factors that affect the target depth in deviated wells
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This thesis presents the analysis of the factors that affect the target depth. Depth measurement is one the most important parameter and most difficult to identify. For the target depth measurement key factors that affecting the drill string that is pressure temperature, axial load, drag and the errors in the surveys is described in the study. For the study a realistic well geometry and drilling string parameters were considered. WELLLPLAN TM software and Microsoft Excel are used for the calc...
Abbasi, Wasal
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Factors That Can Affect Sensitivity to Neurotoxic Sequelae in Elderly Individuals
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Early-life exposure to agents that modulate neurologic function can have long-lasting effects well into the geriatric period. Many other factors can affect neurologic function and susceptibility to neurotoxicants in elderly individuals. In this review we highlight pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors that may increase geriatric susceptibility to these agents. There is a decreasing trend in hepatic metabolizing capacity with advancing years that can affect the ability to clear therapeut...
Ginsberg, Gary; Hattis, Dale; Russ, Abel; Sonawane, Babasaheb
A study of signalling events regulating the retrograde axonal transport of neurotrophic factors in vivo
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Full text: Soluble neurotrophic factors such as NGF promote the survival of sympathetic and sensory neuronal populations by binding to receptors present on the nerve terminal and transported to the cell body. This study aimed to establish the molecular mechanisms regulating this process by identifying potential signalling molecules that may be involved using specific pharmacological inhibitors. Adult Balb/c or CBA mice were anaesthetized using 88 ?g/g ketamine and 16 ?g/g rompun (i.p.) and 1 ?l containing 4 ?Ci of 125I-labelled NT-3 (37 ng) or pNGF (22 ng) was co-injected with inhibitors into the anterior eye chamber. After 20 hours the accumulated radioactivity was measured in the superior cervical and trigeminal ganglia. The PI3-kinase inhibitor Wortmannin inhibited 125I-NT-3 transport in the range of 0.1-1 nmol/eye as previously shown with 125I-?OeGF. The cPLA2 inhibitor AACOCF3 did not significantly affect the retrograde transport of either 125I-NT-3 or 125I-?NGF suggesting that Wortmannin is not influencing the transport of these neurotrophins by inhibiting cPLA2 activity. The dynein ATPase inhibitor erythro-9-[3-(2-hydroxynonyl)]adenine (1 mM) also selectively reduced 125I-?NGF transport. Non-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors did not have a significant effect. These results further suggest that PI3-kinase might regulate the intracellular transport of neurotrophic factors, and that retrograde axonal transport of these proteins relies on the dynein motor protein in vivo. Copyright (1998) Australian Neuroscience Society
Mathematics Performance and the Role Played by Affective and Background Factors
In this article, we report on a study examining those factors which contribute to the mathematics performance of a sample of children aged between 8 and 13 years. The study was designed specifically to consider the potency of a number of mathematical affective factors, as well as background characteristics (viz., gender, ethnicity, and�
Grootenboer, Peter; Hemmings, Brian
RNA sequencing analysis reveals transcriptomic variations in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leaves affected by climate, soil, and tillage factors.
The growth and development of plants are sensitive to their surroundings. Although numerous studies have analyzed plant transcriptomic variation, few have quantified the effect of combinations of factors or identified factor-specific effects. In this study, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis on tobacco leaves derived from 10 treatment combinations of three groups of ecological factors, i.e., climate factors (CFs), soil factors (SFs), and tillage factors (TFs). We detected 4980, 2916, and 1605 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were affected by CFs, SFs, and TFs, which included 2703, 768, and 507 specific and 703 common DEGs (simultaneously regulated by CFs, SFs, and TFs), respectively. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that genes involved in abiotic stress responses and secondary metabolic pathways were overrepresented in the common and CF-specific DEGs. In addition, we noted enrichment in CF-specific DEGs related to the circadian rhythm, SF-specific DEGs involved in mineral nutrient absorption and transport, and SF- and TF-specific DEGs associated with photosynthesis. Based on these results, we propose a model that explains how plants adapt to various ecological factors at the transcriptomic level. Additionally, the identified DEGs lay the foundation for future investigations of stress resistance, circadian rhythm and photosynthesis in tobacco. PMID:24733065
Lei, Bo; Lu, Kun; Ding, Fuzhang; Zhang, Kai; Chen, Yi; Zhao, Huina; Zhang, Lin; Ren, Zhu; Qu, Cunmin; Guo, Wenjing; Wang, Jing; Pan, Wenjie
RNA Sequencing Analysis Reveals Transcriptomic Variations in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) Leaves Affected by Climate, Soil, and Tillage Factors
The growth and development of plants are sensitive to their surroundings. Although numerous studies have analyzed plant transcriptomic variation, few have quantified the effect of combinations of factors or identified factor-specific effects. In this study, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis on tobacco leaves derived from 10 treatment combinations of three groups of ecological factors, i.e., climate factors (CFs), soil factors (SFs), and tillage factors (TFs). We detected 4980, 2916, and 1605 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were affected by CFs, SFs, and TFs, which included 2703, 768, and 507 specific and 703 common DEGs (simultaneously regulated by CFs, SFs, and TFs), respectively. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that genes involved in abiotic stress responses and secondary metabolic pathways were overrepresented in the common and CF-specific DEGs. In addition, we noted enrichment in CF-specific DEGs related to the circadian rhythm, SF-specific DEGs involved in mineral nutrient absorption and transport, and SF- and TF-specific DEGs associated with photosynthesis. Based on these results, we propose a model that explains how plants adapt to various ecological factors at the transcriptomic level. Additionally, the identified DEGs lay the foundation for future investigations of stress resistance, circadian rhythm and photosynthesis in tobacco.
Lei, Bo; Lu, Kun; Ding, Fuzhang; Zhang, Kai; Chen, Yi; Zhao, Huina; Zhang, Lin; Ren, Zhu; Qu, Cunmin; Guo, Wenjing; Wang, Jing; Pan, Wenjie
RNA Sequencing Analysis Reveals Transcriptomic Variations in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum Leaves Affected by Climate, Soil, and Tillage Factors
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available The growth and development of plants are sensitive to their surroundings. Although numerous studies have analyzed plant transcriptomic variation, few have quantified the effect of combinations of factors or identified factor-specific effects. In this study, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq analysis on tobacco leaves derived from 10 treatment combinations of three groups of ecological factors, i.e., climate factors (CFs, soil factors (SFs, and tillage factors (TFs. We detected 4980, 2916, and 1605 differentially expressed genes (DEGs that were affected by CFs, SFs, and TFs, which included 2703, 768, and 507 specific and 703 common DEGs (simultaneously regulated by CFs, SFs, and TFs, respectively. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that genes involved in abiotic stress responses and secondary metabolic pathways were overrepresented in the common and CF-specific DEGs. In addition, we noted enrichment in CF-specific DEGs related to the circadian rhythm, SF-specific DEGs involved in mineral nutrient absorption and transport, and SF- and TF-specific DEGs associated with photosynthesis. Based on these results, we propose a model that explains how plants adapt to various ecological factors at the transcriptomic level. Additionally, the identified DEGs lay the foundation for future investigations of stress resistance, circadian rhythm and photosynthesis in tobacco.
Bo Lei
Factors Affecting the Flow of Knowledge-based Talents: an Empirical Analysis on Chinese Enterprises
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available Knowledge-based talents with advanced knowledge, experience and skills are major creators of enterprise value. A study on the various factors affecting the flow of knowledge-based talents is of great theoretical and practical significance. The article begins with a review of research literature and then analysis on behavioral characteristics and influencing factors of knowledge-based talents� flow; through empirical study found that organizational factors and environmental factors, including salary satisfaction, fairness in organizations, leadership support and harmony between colleagues, working conditions and employment opportunities are the critical factors of the flow in Chinese enterprise.
Wei Lin
Ranking factors affecting the productivity of human resources using MADM techniques
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
For improving and efficient uses of various resources such as labor, capital, materials, energy and information, productivity is the purpose of all economic and industrial organizations and service enterprises. The human factor is the main strategic resource and the realization axis of productivity for each type of organization. Therefore the factors affecting the productivity, depends on suitable conditions for labor. This study is performed to identification and prioritization the factors a...
Factors Affecting the Provision of Quality Service in Real Estate Agency in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Real estate firms attempting to increase and retain their customers need to know the factors contributing to customers� satisfaction and retention. This study investigate into real estate agency market with the purposes of identifying factors that affect quality in service provision and possible factors contributing to customers� satisfaction and retention in real estate agency. This study uses survey questionnaires to obtain information from real estate consumers. This sample siz...
Funmilayo Moyinola Araloyin; Ojo, Olatoye
How historical copper contamination affects soil structure and mobilization and transport of colloids
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Copper is accumulated in soils due to human activities such as mining industry, agriculture practises, or waste deposals. High concentrations of copper can affect plants and soil organisms, and subsequently the soil structure and its inner space architecture. In this work we investigated the effect of copper concentration on the movement of an inert tracer, tritium, and the mobilization and transport of colloid particles in undisturbed soil cores (10 cm diameter and 8 cm height). The cores were sampled along a copper gradient of 21 to 3837 mg Cu kg-1 soil on an abandoned arable soil polluted by copper 90 years ago. Leaching experiments were carried out for 48 hrs at an irrigation rate of 10 mm hr-1. The accumulated amount of colloids released from the columns increased with the copper concentration. A sharp increase was observed when the copper concentration increased from 466 to 2228 mg kg-1. All columns showed similar behaviour with a high particle concentration associated with the first flush followed by alower, more constant particle concentration. The tritium breakthrough curves suggested preferential flow through larger pores. Arrival time of the first 5% of the tritium mass was ranged between 0.01 to 0.43 pore volumes, with longer times for the most contaminated point, likely related with its higher soil density and lower air permeability. The copper pollution affected colloid and tracer transport in the soil columns. The release of colloids especially in the most contaminated points and the occurrence of preferential flow can lead to colloid facilitated transport of copper deeper into the soil profile.
Paradelo, Marcos; Møldrup, Per
Factors Affecting Business Success of Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs in Thailand
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available This study attempted to identify factors that are affecting business success of small and medium enterprises (SMEs in Thailand. The intention of this study is to provide the understanding on how people should start their business by looking at all the factors affecting business success hence help to reduce the risk of failure and increase chances of success. The study examined eight factors that influence the SMEs business success. These factors are: SMEs characteristic, management and know-how, products and services, Customer and Market, the way of doing business and cooperation, resources and finance, Strategy, and external environment. The theoretical framework has been drawn out and questionnaire was designed based on the factors chosen. Eight hypotheses were developed to find out factors that are affecting Business Success of SMEs in Thailand. The entire hypotheses were successfully tested with SPSS and five hypotheses were accepted. The regression analysis result shown that the most significant factors affecting business success of SMEs in Thailand were SMEs characteristics, customer and market, the way of doing business, resources and finance, and external environment.
Chuthamas Chittithaworn
Cassava sector development in Cameroon: Production and marketing factors affecting price
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Regular and available supply is the prerequisite of an effective and efficient commercialization process. Using multivariate regression analysis on field data, this research appraises the production and marketing factors that influence cassava market price. The production factors include cultivated area, planting material, yield, and farmers� field schools; while farmers access to a paved road, having a telephone, the transportation costs of fresh roots, the level of root perishability, and...
Elise Stephanie Meyo Mvodo; Dapeng Liang
76 FR 30195 - Brazil: Competitive Factors in Brazil Affecting U.S. and Brazilian Agricultural Sales in Selected...
...TRADE COMMISSION [Investigation No. 332-524] Brazil: Competitive Factors in Brazil Affecting U.S. and Brazilian Agricultural Sales...Commission) instituted investigation No. 332-524, Brazil: Competitive Factors in Brazil Affecting...
The outlook for aeronautics, 1980 - 2000 - Study report. [trends affecting civil air transportation and defense
Trends in civil and military aviation in the period 1980-2000 are examined in terms of the role that NASA should play in aeronautical research and development during this period. Factors considered include the pattern of industry and government relationships, the character of the aircraft to be developed, and the technology advances that will be required as well as demographic, economic, and social factors. Trends are expressed in terms of the most probable developments in civil air transportation and air defense and several characteristically different directions for future development are defined. The longer term opportunities created by developments in air transporation extending into the next century are also examined. Within this framework, a preferred NASA role and a preferred set of objectives are formulated for the research and technology which should be undertaken by NASA during the period 1976-1985.
[Greenhouse tomato transpiration and its affecting factors: correlation analysis and model simulation].
A pot experiment was conducted to study the correlations between the daily transpiration of greenhouse tomato and the related affecting factors such as total leaf area per plant, soil relative moisture content, air temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation under different treatments of supplementary irrigation. A regression model for the daily transpiration of greenhouse tomato was established. There existed significant linear correlations between the daily transpiration and the test affecting factors, and the affecting factors had complicated mutual effects. Soil relative moisture content was the main decision factor of the transpiration, with the decision coefficient being 27.4%, and daily minimum relative humidity was the main limiting factor, with the decision coefficient being -119.7%. The square value of the regression coefficient (R2) between the predicted and measured tomato daily transpiration was 0.81, root mean squared error (RMSE) was 68.52 g, and relative prediction error (RE) was 19.4%, suggesting that the regression model established by using the main affecting factors selected through path analysis could better simulate the daily transpiration of greenhouse tomato. PMID:23173461
Yao, Yong-Zhe; Li, Jian-Ming; Zhang, Rong; Sun, San-Jie; Chen, Kai-Li
Looking under the Bonnet: Factors Affecting Student Adoption of E-Learning Systems in Jordan
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available The primary questions addressed in this paper are the following: what are the factors that affect students� adoption of an e-learning system and what are the relationships among these factors?This paper investigates and identifies some of the major factors affecting students� adoption of an e-learning system in a university in Jordan. E-learning adoption is approached from the information systems acceptance point of view. This suggests that a prior condition for learning effectively using e-learning systems is that students must actually use them. Thus, a greater knowledge of the factors that affect IT adoption and their interrelationships is a pre-cursor to a better understanding of student acceptance of e-learning systems. In turn, this will help and guide those who develop, implement, and deliver e-learning systems.In this study, an extended version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM was developed to investigate the underlying factors that influence students� decisions to use an e-learning system. The TAM was populated using data gathered from a survey of 486 undergraduate students using the Moodle based e-learning system at the Arab Open University. The model was estimated using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM. A path model was developed to analyze the relationships between the factors to explain students� adoption of the e-learning system. Whilst findings support existing literature about prior experience affecting perceptions, they also point to surprising group effects, which may merit future exploration.
Muneer Mahmood Abbad, David Morris, Carmel de Nahlik
A conceptual model for factors affecting the relationship between supply chain integration and customer delivery performance
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available Supply chain is a widely used concept around the world. Nowadays, companies need to integrate their production processes, from the raw materials to the end-user. Supply chain management is a phenomenon that achieves this in a way that ensures customers get reliable and fast service and high quality products at the lowest possible cost. There is very limited and sporadic research on supply chain integration and how it affects supply chain performance. Therefore there is no real understanding of the concept of supply chain integration and how it affects supply chain performance nor is there a holistic model. This paper thus aims to present a model that identifies factors affecting the relationship between supply chain integration and customer delivery performance. After analyzing the collected data on supply chain integration and customer delivery performance, the preliminary model was proposed and completed, and using expert opinion in the Imam Khomeini Oil Refinery the final model and for factors affecting the relationship between supply chain integration and customer delivery performance were presented. To determine how these factors interrelate with each other, the DEMATEL method was then used. The statistical population included the staff at Imam Khomeini Oil Refinery in Shazand. The data, collected through the standard DEMATEL questionnaire, were analyzed using the DEMATEL method and a MATLAB program. The DEMATEL results indicate that intra-organizational factors, institutional norms, technological certainties are causal factors which influence other factors that affect the relationship between supply chain integration and customer delivery performance. Intra-organizational factor have a greater influence also among effect factors, substructures have the greatest influence.
Peyman Ghafari Ashtiani
Factors that affect awareness about the spread of HIV / AIDS in rural Lesotho
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
A stratified random sample of 401 participants was taken from three sites of study (Maluti, Seboche and Paray) in rural Lesotho in an attempt to study the relationship between awareness about HIV/AIDS and 55 socio-economic and demographic variables. Pearson's chi-square tests of association and logistic regression analysis were used to identify factors that strongly affected awareness about HIV/AIDS. Results showed that awareness about HIV/AIDS was strongly affected by willingness to change s...
Ranotsi, Amelia; Worku, Zeleke
Catchment factors affecting particle and phosphorus retention in constructed wetlands receiving agricultural runoff
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Eight agricultural catchments in south Sweden were investigated for factors that may affect phosphorus (P) load and retention in the downstream situated wetlands (WL). P load is known to affect retention, and is determined by hydrological and geographical catchment characteristics. The wetlands were small (0.02-0.88%) in relation to their catchments (CA) and varied in design. Net sedimentation and P retention was determined with sedimentation plates during one year. The variables that best ex...
Senior, Anna
The corticotropin-releasing factor receptor-1 pathway mediates the negative affective states of opiate withdrawal
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
The negative affective symptoms of opiate withdrawal powerfully motivate drug-seeking behavior and may trigger relapse to heroin abuse. To date, no medications exist that effectively relieve the negative affective symptoms of opiate withdrawal. The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system has been hypothesized to mediate the motivational effects of drug dependence. The CRF signal is transmitted by two distinct receptors named CRF receptor-1 (CRF1) and CRF2. Here we report that genetic disr...
Recognition of Factors Affecting Students Trust in Virtual Universities Using Delphi Method
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available At the present time in Islamic Republic of Iran the Virtual Universities are operating beside the Non- virtual universities. The problem that virtual universities now confront is low level of students trust which applying to these universities. The current research tries to recognize factors affecting students trust in Virtual Universities using Delphi Method. This qualitative study examined the opinions of a diverse group of participating experts in the area of information technology and virtual universities. Data were collected through a Delphi methodology during which four rounds of Delphi were administered to determine the Factors affecting students Trust in Virtual Universities.
Mohammad A. Sarlak
Factors that affect reliability of nondestructive detection of flaws in structural ceramics
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
The factors that affect reliability of nondestructive detection of flaws in structural ceramics by microfocus radiography and scanning laser acoustic microscopy (SLAM) were investigated. Reliability of void detection in silicon nitride and silicon carbide by microfocus X-rays was affected by photon energy level, material chemistry in the immediate vicinity of the void, and the presence of loose powder aggregates inside the void cavity. The sensitivity of SLAM to voids was affected by material microstructure, the level of porosity, and the condition of the specimen surfaces. Statistical results are presented in the form of probability of detection as a function of void diameter for green compacts and sintered materials.
Klima, S.J.; Baaklini, G.Y.; Roth, D.J.
Aquaporin-9 and urea transporter-A gene deletions affect urea transmembrane passage in murine hepatocytes
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
In mammals, the majority of nitrogen from protein degradation is disposed of as urea. Several studies have partly characterized expression of urea transporters (UTs) in hepatocytes, where urea is produced. Nevertheless, the contribution of these proteins to hepatocyte urea permeability (P(urea)) and their role in liver physiology remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to biophysically examine hepatocyte urea transport. We hypothesized that the water, glycerol, and urea channel aquaporin-9 (AQP9) is involved in hepatocyte urea release. Stopped-flow light-scattering measurements determined that the urea channel inhibitors phloretin and dimethylurea reduced urea permeability of hepatocyte basolateral membranes by 70 and 40%, respectively. In basolateral membranes isolated from AQP9(-/-) and UT-A1/3(-/-) single-knockout and AQP9(-/-):UT-A1/3(-/-) double-knockout mice, P(urea) was decreased by 30, 40, and 76%, respectively, compared with AQP9(+/-):UT-A1/3(+/-) mice. However, expression analysis by RT-PCR did not identify known UT-A transcripts in liver. High-protein diet followed by 24-h fasting affected the concentrations of urea and ammonium ions in AQP9(-/-) mouse liver and plasma without generating an apparent tissue-to-plasma urea gradient. We conclude that AQP9 and unidentified UT-A urea channels constitute primary but redundant urea facilitators in murine hepatocytes.
Jelen, Sabina; Gena, Patrizia
Flavonoid accumulation in Arabidopsis repressed in lignin synthesis affects auxin transport and plant growth.
In Arabidopsis thaliana, silencing of hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA shikimate/quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HCT), a lignin biosynthetic gene, results in a strong reduction of plant growth. We show that, in HCT-silenced plants, lignin synthesis repression leads to the redirection of the metabolic flux into flavonoids through chalcone synthase activity. Several flavonol glycosides and acylated anthocyanin were shown to accumulate in higher amounts in silenced plants. By contrast, sinapoylmalate levels were barely affected, suggesting that the synthesis of that phenylpropanoid compound might be HCT-independent. The growth phenotype of HCT-silenced plants was shown to be controlled by light and to depend on chalcone synthase expression. Histochemical analysis of silenced stem tissues demonstrated altered tracheary elements. The level of plant growth reduction of HCT-deficient plants was correlated with the inhibition of auxin transport. Suppression of flavonoid accumulation by chalcone synthase repression in HCT-deficient plants restored normal auxin transport and wild-type plant growth. By contrast, the lignin structure of the plants simultaneously repressed for HCT and chalcone synthase remained as severely altered as in HCT-silenced plants, with a large predominance of nonmethoxylated H units. These data demonstrate that the reduced size phenotype of HCT-silenced plants is not due to the alteration of lignin synthesis but to flavonoid accumulation. PMID:17237352
Besseau, S�bastien; Hoffmann, Laurent; Geoffroy, Pierrette; Lapierre, Catherine; Pollet, Brigitte; Legrand, Michel
Factors affecting dry matter intake and its prediction for Holstein cows
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Many factors affects dry matter intake (DMI). Individual theories based on physical fill of the reticulorumen, metabolic-feedback factors, or oxygen consumption have been proposed to determine and predict DMI (NRC, 2001). Prediction of DMI is fundamentally important in nutrition because it establishes the amount of nutrients available to an animal for health and production. Actual or accurately estimated DMI is important for the formulation of diets to prevent underfeeding or overfeeding of n...
Glamo?i? Dragan M.; Grubi? Goran; ?or?evi? Nenad
Facets of negative affectivity, health behaviour, and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Previous research has shown that negative affectivity (NA) and lifestyle associate with CVD/CHD risk factors. In the present thesis the relationships between some key indicators of NA (depressive symptoms, vital exhaustion, hopelessness, and anger expression) and lifestyle factors, body mass index, serum lipids and blood pressure were investigated. All the four studies that constitute this investigation were based on data from the Helsinki Metabolic Syndrome Prevention Trial, which was a...
Igna, Cornel
Perspectives of Retired Nurses on Factors that Affect Quality of Nursing Care
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Background & Aim: Quality of health care services shows the degree of achievement of health outcomes. From ethical and legal perspectives, nurses should be responsible for quality of presented care. Retired nurses can help to elaborate real and valuable concepts related to effective factors on quality of nursing care due to their experiences. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of retired nurses on factors that affect quality of nursing care in Semnan. Methods & Mate...
Ahmadi, F.; Nobahar, M.; Alhani, F.; Falahi Khoshknab, M.
Factors affecting the STR amplification success in poorly preserved bone samples
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Abstract Background Factors affecting the success of short tandem repeat (STR) amplification of poorly preserved samples are generally known, but as of yet, they have seldom been systematically assessed. Using two different maximum likelihood-based methods, the relative importance of DNA quantity, degradation and inhibition in STR genotyping was studied with DNA extracts from a set of old bone samples. First, the effects of different factors related to PCR amplification were ...
Putkonen Mikko T; Palo Jukka U; Cano Jose M; Hedman Minttu; Sajantila Antti
Analysis of Key Factors Affecting Ethanol Production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae IFST-072011
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Ethanol production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae is affected not only by fermentation conditions (temperature, pH and sugar concentration) but also by the intrinsic factors e.g., culture medium, dissolved O2, immobilization and other micronutrients. In order to investigate the influence of key factors on ethanol production by S. cerevisiae, a laboratory strain S. cerevisiae IFST-072011 was used in this study. Several fermentation runs were carried out varyi...
Md. Fakruddin; Md. Abdul Quayum; Monzur Morshed Ahmed; Naiyyum Choudhury
Factors Affecting the Success of Fisheries Co-Management as Perceived by Guilan`s Fishermen
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
This study was intended to draw the factors affecting the success of fisheries co-management as perceived by Guilan`s fishers, Iran. A sample of 136 fishers was selected through multistage cluster sampling technique. To identify the effective factors to success fisheries co-management, a self-designed questionnaire was developed to gather data. For determining the validity of questionnaire, the face and content validity was used. Reliability for the instrument was estimated at 0.77. Acc...
Allahyari, M. S.
A study of professional nurses� perceptions of factors affecting the process of client education
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Introduction: Education of patients and helping them to be independent in process of self-care in both health and disease is one of the basic responsibilities of nurses. Methods and Materials: This descriptive-analytic research was done to study perceptions of 317 nurses working in hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences of factors affecting the process of patient education. Data was gathered by means of a questionnaire containing 30 questions about facilitating factors and 17 abou...
Goudarzi Z; Khosravi Kh; Bahrani N; Vaskooii Kh; Valipourgavgany P; Ghoghaei S; Mosaviniasigari M; Khayatali M; Zahedi H; Basiri A
Prevalence and factors affecting home blood pressure documentation in routine clinical care: a retrospective study
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
Abstract Background Home blood pressure (BP) is closely linked to patient outcomes. However, the prevalence of its documentation has not been examined. The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence and factors affecting documentation of home BP in routine clinical care. Methods A retrospective study of 142,973 encounters of 9,840 hypertensive patients with diabetes from 2000 to 2005 was performed. The prevalence of recorded home BP and the factors as...
Kramer Michael H; Breydo Eugene; Shubina Maria; Babcock Kelly; Einbinder Jonathan S; Turchin Alexander
Factors affecting the success of management support systems: analysis and meta-analysis
Digital Repository Infrastructure Vision for European Research (DRIVER)
This paper gives a traditional review and meta-analysis of the literature on management support systems (MSS) success. Based on an extensive survey ofpublished research in the problem domain factors, affecting MSS success as presented. Both a theoretical examination and an overview of empiricalresearch of each factor are provided. Correlations above r = 0.3 are found for user maturity of IS department, flexibility, realism of user expectations quality of user documentation, formal development...
The clathrin-dependent localization of dopamine transporter to surface membranes is affected by ?-synuclein.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive age-dependent neurodegenerative disorder, predominantly affecting the dopamine-producing neurons residing at the substantia nigra. Abnormalities in ?-synuclein (?-Syn) and dopamine transporter (DAT) are implicated in the pathogenesis of PD. We tested the hypothesis that ?-Syn regulates surface DAT localization and DAT activity, in cultured cells co-expressing ?-Syn and DAT, and in brains of mice modeling PD, transgenic for the mutant A53T ?-Syn form. The results indicate that ?-Syn expression affects the partitioning of DAT between the cell surface and intracellular compartments, resulting in lower surface DAT levels. Accordingly, lower uptake of tritiated dopamine was measured in synaptosomes of A53T ?-Syn transgenic mouse brains. Importantly, we show that the effect of ?-Syn on surface DAT is mediated by clathrin. Downregulation of clathrin by specific siRNAs directed against its heavy chain abolished the effect of ?-Syn on phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced DAT internalization. These results suggest that ?-Syn plays a role in regulating dopamine homeostasis through its involvement in clathrin-mediated endocytosis. PMID:24048740
Kisos, Haya; Ben-Gedalya, Tziona; Sharon, Ronit
Animal factors affecting fatty acid composition of cow milk fat: a review
Scientific Electronic Library Online (English)
Full Text Available SciELO South Africa | Language: English Abstract in english The review summarizes literature dealing with the effects of animal factors (breed, cow individuality, parity and stage of lactation) on fatty acid (FA) composition of milk fat. Genetic parameters affecting the composition of the FAs in milk are reviewed and the possibilities for altering milk fat c [...] omposition are discussed. Cow individuality and the stage of lactation appear to be the main animal factors affecting milk fat composition. Breed and parity affect the variability in FA composition to a limited extent. Some of these factors can be used effectively to alter milk fat composition. Polymorphism of the enzymes, stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) and acyl-CoA-diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) can explain to some extent the variability among cows. The great individual differences, probably given by varying SCD activities, may be used in breeding programmes, supported by the heritability estimates determined for individual FAs. Effective results can also be achieved through the combined effect of several factors. For instance, the level of conjugated linoleic acid could be increased not only by feed factors, but also through thorough knowledge of rumen biohydrogenation or by cow selection using information on SCD and DGAT polymorphism. The animal factors that are discussed are closely related to milk yield, particularly fat content. Both parameters can change FA composition. Thus, it is necessary in breeding programmes to take these relationships into consideration, along with known genetic correlations.
E., Samkov�; J., Spicka; M., Pesek; T., Pelik�nov�; O., Hanus.
What is Impulse Buying? An analytical network processing framework for prioritizing factors affecting impulse buying
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available One of the most important issues affecting profitability is to determine the impact of different factors influencing purchasing activities. In this paper, we perform an extensive literature survey to detect different purchasing factors influencing customers' behavior. The factors are categorized in three different groups and they are ranked using analytical network process. The results of our survey indicate that three factors of personal, product and situational play important roles in purchasing impulse. The personal item includes different factors where demographic characteristic factors receive the highest ranking (35% followed by other factors are feelings, excitement and fun, self identify, education and novelty. There are also three sub-factors associated with demographic characteristics including gender, age and race and the weights are 0.46748, 0.42668 and 0.10584, respectively, which means gender is the most important factor followed by age and race. Finally, the other factor is associated with situational factors' group, which includes presence of others, culture, design of store, time available, local market condition, sales staff and self service with the relative importance of 0.04296, 0.08733, 0.12130, 0.22217, 0.05643, 0.15346 and 0.31635, respectively.
Javad Siahkali Moradi
Analyzing the Factors Affecting the Success in University Entrance Examination through the use of Artificial Neural Networks
There are many factors that affect the success of students in university entrance examination. These factors can be mainly categorized as follows; social factors, environmental factors, economical factors etc. The main aim of this study is to find whether there is a relation between these factors and the success in the university entrance�
Agdelen, Zafer; Haydar, Ali; Kanani, Andisheh
LED light sources: a survey of quality-affecting factors and methods for their assessment
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Nowadays, after nearly half a century of rapid and sustained development of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), conventional light sources such as incandescent and fluorescent lamps are beginning to be replaced by LEDs. Therefore, understanding and assessing all the relevant factors that affect the quality of LEDs is becoming increasingly important for design, production and maintenance of various LED products. The most adverse quality-affecting factors are the initial variability of the optical and electrical properties in a batch of LEDs, temperature and electrical dependence and temporal degradation with corresponding variability. In this paper, we survey the most important quality-affecting factors and corresponding methods for their assessment. First, initial variability of the optical and electrical properties in a new batch of LEDs and the corresponding assessment methods are outlined. Next, the temperature stability of optical and electrical properties of LEDs is discussed. Moreover, the most frequently studied methods for spectral degradation and corresponding degradation variability prediction are reviewed according to the accuracy, applicability and specificity. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of the established models of part stress analysis are pointed out. In this way, all the major factors affecting the quality of LED products are summarized and the corresponding methods for their assessment are outlined. (topical review)
Factors Affecting Individual Education Demand at the Entrance to University: Adnan Menderes University Sample
The aim of this research is to determine the factors affecting individual education demands at the entrance to university. The research is in survey model. The universe of the study consists of 1630 freshmen at the faculties and vocational schools of Adnan Menderes University, Aydin. 574 students from 7 schools were included in the sample. The�
Sarpkaya, Ruhi
Factors Affecting the Motivation of Turkish Primary Students for Science Learning
In this study, Turkish primary students' (sixth to eighth grade) motivation toward science learning was investigated and factors affecting this determined. The sample for the study consisted of 376 students from 5 different primary schools in Izmir. The data were collected through a Students' Motivation toward Science Learning (SMTSL)�
Cavas, Pinar
Identifying the Key Factors Affecting Warning Message Dissemination in VANET Real Urban Scenarios
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Full Text Available In recent years, new architectures and technologies have been proposed for Vehicular Ad Hoc networks (VANETs. Due to