Additional Macro Research Articles

Feeding with plant powders increases longevity and body weight of Western honeybee workers (Apis mellifera)

Beekeepers routinely substitute honey from managed Western honeybee, Apis mellifera, colonies with sugar water post-harvest, potentially leading to malnutrition. Although nutritional supplements have been created, a general consensus on proper colony nutrition for beekeeping has yet to be reached. Thus, finding easily obtainable fortified A. mellifera food alternatives is still of interest. Here, we test plant powder–enriched food supplements since evidence suggests plant extracts can enhance dry body weight and longevity of workers. Freshly emerged workers were kept in hoarding cages (N = 69 days) and fed either with 50% (w/v) sucrose solution alone or additionally with one of 12 powders: Laurus nobilis, Quercus spp., Curcuma longa, Hypericum spp., Spirulina platensis, Calendula officinalis, Chlorella vulgaris, Melissa officinalis, Moringa oleifera, Rosa canina, Trigonella foenum-graecum, and Urtica dioica (N = 2028 workers total). The dry body weight was significantly increased in Quercus spp., Hypericum spp., Spirulina platensis, M. officinalis, M. oleifera, and T. foenum-graecum treatments. Further, the longevity was significantly increased in Quercus spp., C. longa, C. officinalis, C. vulgaris, M. officinalis, R. canina, T. foenum-graecum, and U. dioica treatments. Given that plant extracts can enhance A. mellifera health (i.e., phenolics, flavonoids), plant powders possibly provide additional macro- (i.e., proteins, lipids, peptides) and micronutrients (minerals and vitamins) thereby enhancing nutrient availability. Further investigations into the mechanisms underlying these effects and field studies are recommended to validate these findings in real-hive scenarios.

Do strength of zirconia-abutment-interfaces depend on cement, zirconia type and titanium abutment dimensions?

ObjectivesPart 1 of this study investigates the influence of zirconia types, chimney heights, and gingival heights on the strength of the zirconia-abutment-interface. Part 2 extends the analysis to include adhesive brands and macro-retentions. MethodsIn Part 1, the study utilized three zirconia types (700 MPa, 1000 MPa, 1200 MPa) to fabricate 234 screw-retained zirconia crowns with varying chimney heights (3.5 mm, 4.1 mm, 5 mm) and gingival heights (0.65 mm, 1.2 mm, 3 mm) of the titanium abutments. All adherend surfaces underwent sandblasting with aluminum oxide before cementation with a specific resin cement. In Part 2, the investigation of 240 screw-retained zirconia crowns focused on a single zirconia type (1000 MPa) with chimney heights of 3.5 mm and 5 mm and a gingival height of 0.65 mm of the titanium abutments, cemented with three different resin cements. All adherent surfaces underwent sandblasting with aluminum oxide before cementation, whereas 120 out of 240 abutments received additional macro retentions. Storage in water at 37 °C for 24 h preceded the tensile test. ResultsThe study revealed a substantial impact of chimney height and zirconia type on the bond strength of the zirconia-abutment-interface. Neither adhesive brands nor macro retentions significantly impacted the bond strength. Fracture incidence was significantly influenced by gingival height and zirconia type in part 1, whereas in part 2 smaller chimney heights correlated with a higher fracture incidence. SignificanceThis study contributes insights into the complex interplay of factors influencing the zirconia-abutment-interface. The results provide a foundation for refining clinical approaches, emphasizing the importance of chimney height and zirconia type in achieving successful anterior gap implant restorations.

Knowledge of Anemia of Pregnant Women in Kuto Batu Village

Pregnancy are a special condition that requires more nutritional needs compared to other conditions in the life cycle. Therefore pregnancy get a number of additional macro and micro nutrients during pregnancy. Mother's nutritional needs that are not met will cause various nutritional problems including anemia. Anemia in pregnancy can cause health and nutritional problems not only for the mother but also for the fetus. The research was conducted in Kuto Batu Palembang Village in August 2022. The subjects of the study were 26 pregnant in trimesters 1, 2 and 3. The results showed that most of the mothers, namely 85%, had insufficient knowledge of anemia. Lack of knowledge can influence mother's behavior related to anemia prevention. Mothers who have less knowledge regarding anemia will have difficulty choosing and consuming foods high in iron.

Declining Soil Nutrient Status Can Constrain Agricultural Productivity and Food Security in Pacific Island Countries: A Country Scale Assessment

Since human settlement approximately 2,000 years ago, Pacific Island nutrient cycles have been increasingly modified. Modern agricultural intensification has resulted in further changes in the island nutrient flows. Country scale agricultural land nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) budgeting in Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, Kiribati, and Tuvalu were calculated from FAO country statistic data (1964–2018). Nutrient input data from birds, atmospheric dust, and rainfall and human waste were calculated from literature values. Overall, there are nutrient imbalances in all countries and agricultural lands are exporting nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The budgeting calculations did not consider nutrient losses via erosion, leaching and run-off or denitrification, and the net nutrient fluxes may well be greater than reported. The use of animal and human waste would help off-set nutrient imbalances, but additional macro- and micro-nutrients would need to be added for balanced plant nutrition and soil carbon sequestration. While increasing fertiliser inputs will improve the nutrient balance and potential primary productivity, trade-offs such as nutrient losses will need to be considered. Improving nutrient budgets would need a farming systems approach, whereby the use of cover crops, crop rotations and legumes would augment the fertiliser applications.

Affordable mobile microfluidic diagnostics: minimum requirements for smartphones and digital imaging for colorimetric and fluorometric anti-dengue and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection

Background: Miniaturised bioassays permit diagnostic testing near the patient, and the results can be recorded digitally using inexpensive cameras including smartphone and mobile phone cameras. Although digital cameras are now inexpensive and portable, the minimum performance required for microfluidic diagnostic bioassays has not been defined. We present a systematic comparison of a wide range of different digital cameras for capturing and measuring results of microfluidic bioassays and describe a framework to specify performance requirements to quantify immunoassays. Methods: A set of 200 µm diameter microchannels was filled with a range of concentrations of dyes used in colorimetric and fluorometric enzyme immunoassays. These were imaged in parallel using cameras of varying cost and performance ranging from <£30 to >£500. Results: Higher resolution imaging allowed larger numbers of microdevices to be resolved and analysed in a single image. In contrast, low quality cameras were still able to quantify results but for fewer samples. In some cases, an additional macro lens was added to focus closely. If image resolution was sufficient to identify individual microfluidic channels as separate lines, all cameras were able to quantify a similar range of concentrations of both colorimetric and fluorometric dyes. However, the mid-range cameras performed better, with the lowest cost cameras only allowing one or two samples to be quantified per image. Consistent with these findings, we demonstrate that quantitation (to determine endpoint titre) of antibodies against dengue and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viruses is possible using a wide range of digital imaging devices including the mid-range smartphone iPhone 6S and a budget Android smartphone costing <£50. Conclusions: In conclusion, while more expensive and higher quality cameras allow larger numbers of devices to be simultaneously imaged, even the lowest resolution and cheapest cameras were sufficient to record and quantify immunoassay results.

Survival Analysis of Ichimoku Cloud Indicator Benchmarked on the S&amp;P 500 Index

This paper implements a genetic algorithm of 20 input variables (technical indicators) outlined by the Bank of St. Louis Fed’s research department updated to include newly adopted technical indicators Ichimoku cloud. The research is tested over the 1980-2016 period and benchmarked on the S&amp;P 500 Large Cap Index. The hypothesis is to see if investors may gain additional information from using technical indicators in their asset allocation strategy. The results show through stepwise regression that moving averages, and Ichimoku cloud indicators may convey information to investors although there may be additional macro￾economic information not picked up by the technical signals that should be included in the system of equations. The results show from 1980-2016 the genetic algorithm strategy produces total return of 3308.31 percent versus the S&amp;P 500 1909.90 percent. The result is .16608 with p-value of 0.000 for the Moving Average 3,12 and 0.24 for Ichimoku Cloud Indicator based on the 1,26 period. For Ichimoku Indicator 26,52 it is 0.000 and for 1,52 0.009.

Uncertainty of Thermographic Temperature Measurement with an Additional close-up Lens

Abstract The thermographic temperature measurement is burdened with uncertainty. This non-contact temperature measurement method makes it possible to measure the temperature of the electrical device under load. When the observed object is small (a few square millimeters) the spatial resolution of the thermographic cameras is often insufficient. In this case, the use of the additional macro lens is needed. After using an additional lens, the uncertainty of the thermographic measurement is different from the uncertainty of thermographic measurement without an additional lens. The values of the uncertainty contributions depend on the conditions during the measurement and the used methodology. The authors constructed an uncertainty budget of thermographic temperature measurement with an additional macro lens, based on EA-4/02 (European Accreditation publications). The uncertainty contributions were also calculated. On the basis of the calculated values of the uncertainty contributions, it was determined which factor had the greatest impact on the value of the thermographic temperature measurement with an additional lens.

Lack of Thermogram Sharpness as Component of Thermographic Temperature Measurement Uncertainty Budget.

The number of components of a thermographic temperature measurement uncertainty budget and their ultimate contribution depend on the conditions in which the measurement is performed. The acquired data determine the accuracy with which the uncertainty component is estimated. Unfortunately, when some factors have to be taken into account, it is difficult to determine the value of the uncertainty component caused by the occurrence of this factor. In the case of a thermographic temperature measurement, such a factor is the lack of sharpness of the registered thermogram. This problem intensifies when an additional macro lens must be used. Therefore, it is decided to commence research to prepare an uncertainty budget of thermographic measurement with an additional macro lens based on the B method described in EA-4/02 (European Accreditation publications). As a result, the contribution of factors in the uncertainty budget of thermographic measurement with additional macro lens and the value of expanded uncertainty were obtained.

AB0783 “RICE AND SARDINES”: AN UNUSUAL CAUSE OF RASH AND JOINT SWELLING

Background:Systemic vasculitis presents with numerous widespread manifestations. Various diseases can masquerade as systemic vasculitis (1). It is crucial to carefully evaluate patients with unusual presentations to look for vasculitis mimics. Scurvy, a disease caused by severe and prolonged vitamin C deficiency, still occurs in industrialized countries (2). Ascorbic acid is involved in various biologic processes including the synthesis of mature collagen. Lack of ascorbic acid especially affects blood vessel integrity leading to haemorrhagic manifestations characteristic of scurvy (3).Objectives:Case report highlighting that scurvy is still prevalent in the west and may present with features resembling vasculitis.Methods:Information was obtained from the patient’s medical records.Results:A 61 year old Caucasian female presented with a 3 weeks’ history of bilateral lower limb pain, rash and swelling. She was referred to acute medicine to exclude deep vein thrombosis suspected by her general practitioner. She was previously fit and well apart from diagnosis of coeliac disease and various food intolerances. She believed her symptoms started following a recent course of Metronidazole for suspected dental infection which manifested with gum bleeding.She was found to have purpuric spots and ecchymosis bilaterally in her legs, from the toes to the groin. The left knee was swollen with evidence of hematoma around the joint.She denied fever, weight loss, night sweats, arthralgia, myalgia, rash, Raynaud’s, alopecia, mouth or genital ulcers, ear-nose-throat manifestations. She denied chest pain, difficulty in breathing or symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. There was no history of asthma, inflammatory bowel disease or uveitis. She reported occasional alcohol intake, she did not smoke cigarettes nor use recreational drugs. Examination otherwise revealed no other major abnormalities with normal vital signs.Initial differential diagnosis included platelet or coagulation disorders or vasculitis. Initial blood tests revealed normal full blood count, coagulation screen, ESR, CRP, liver and renal biochemistry.Urine dip was positive for blood but not for protein. Knee aspiration was attempted but no fluid could be aspirated. Knee x-ray was unremarkable. ANA, ANCA and anti-GBM antibody tests were negative.On further review and enquiry into her symptoms and lifestyle she admitted having a diet exclusively of “rice and sardines” for nearly 2 years. This information along with clinical features led to the suspicion of Vitamin C deficiency that was subsequently confirmed. Ascorbic acid levels were &lt;2.8micromol/l (normal range 26.1-84.6.micromol/l).Replenishment of vitamin C was followed by a rapid and sustained recovery. Detailed investigation for additional macro and micronutrient deficiencies were undertaken with referral to a dietician and to gastroenterology.Conclusion:This case illustrates scurvy can present in previously “well” individuals and should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis of vasculitic lesions in the appropriate clinical context. Detailed dietary history is invaluable.

Affordable mobile microfluidic diagnostics: minimum requirements for smartphones and digital imaging for colorimetric and fluorometric anti-dengue and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection.

Background: Miniaturised bioassays permit diagnostic testing near the patient, and the results can be recorded digitally using inexpensive cameras including smartphone and mobile phone cameras. Although digital cameras are now inexpensive and portable, the minimum performance required for microfluidic diagnostic bioassays has not been defined. We present a systematic comparison of a wide range of different digital cameras for capturing and measuring results of microfluidic bioassays and describe a framework to specify performance requirements to quantify immunoassays. Methods: A set of 200 µm diameter microchannels was filled with a range of concentrations of dyes used in colorimetric and fluorometric enzyme immunoassays. These were imaged in parallel using cameras of varying cost and performance ranging from <£30 to >£500. Results: Higher resolution imaging allowed larger numbers of microdevices to be resolved and analysed in a single image. In contrast, low quality cameras were still able to quantify results but for fewer samples. In some cases, an additional macro lens was added to focus closely. If image resolution was sufficient to identify individual microfluidic channels as separate lines, all cameras were able to quantify a similar range of concentrations of both colorimetric and fluorometric dyes. However, the mid-range cameras performed better, with the lowest cost cameras only allowing one or two samples to be quantified per image. Consistent with these findings, we demonstrate that quantitation (to determine endpoint titre) of antibodies against dengue and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viruses is possible using a wide range of digital imaging devices including the mid-range smartphone iPhone 6S and a budget Android smartphone costing <£50. Conclusions: In conclusion, while more expensive and higher quality cameras allow larger numbers of devices to be simultaneously imaged, even the lowest resolution and cheapest cameras were sufficient to record and quantify immunoassay results.

The role of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in sequestering phosphorus compounds and trace elements: Speciation and dynamics

In southern Florida, the sequestering of nutrients through the cultivation of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in alternation with sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) crops is an essential step in minimizing downstream eutrophication of the Florida Everglades. Phosphorus (P) is known to be the leading cause of this eutrophication; however, the cultivation/harvesting of rice effectively reduces P and additional macro and micro-nutrients from agrarian soil and runoff through plant uptake. In this study, soil, water, sugarcane, and rice plants at two different stages (flooded and vegetative) were analyzed for twelve different elements (Al, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Zn, Ca, Mn, Mg, and P) by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). 31P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectra of the rice plants confirmed ten different P compounds being transported and/or transformed throughout the entirety of the sugarcane and rice plants. On average, dried rice plants contained 1677 ± 14 mg-P, of which 1277 ± 3.0 mg-P was in the panicle at the vegetative stage. Harvesting of the rice panicle has the potential to remove about 14.7 kg-P/ha for the top 10 cm of the soil. This present study demonstrates that in rotations with sugarcane crops and with no added P fertilizer, rice cultivation can reduce considerable amounts of P that would otherwise leach into the Greater Everglades from the Everglades Agricultural Area.

A micromorphic computational homogenization framework for heterogeneous materials

The conventional first-order computational homogenization framework is restricted to problems where the macro characteristic length scale is much larger than the underlying Representative Volume Element (RVE). In the absence of a clear separation of length scales, higher-order enrichment is required to capture the influence of the underlying rapid fluctuations, otherwise neglected in the first-order framework. In this contribution, focusing on matrix-inclusion composites, a novel computational homogenization framework is proposed such that standard continuum models at the micro-scale translate onto the macro-scale to recover a micromorphic continuum. Departing from the conventional FE2 framework where a macroscopic strain tensor characterizes the average deformation within the RVE, our formulation introduces an additional macro kinematic field to characterize the average strain in the inclusions. The two macro kinematic fields, each characterizing a particular aspect of deformation within the RVE, thus provide critical information on the underlying rapid fluctuations. The net effect of these fluctuations, as well as the interactions between RVEs, are next incorporated naturally into the macroscopic virtual power statement through the Hill-Mandel condition. The excellent predictive capability of the proposed homogenization framework is illustrated through three benchmark examples. It is shown that the homogenized micromorphic model adequately captures the material responses, even in the absence of a clear separation of length scales between macro and micro.

A PhD completed 3. Soft tissue development around an implant inthe aesthetic zone

A randomised clinical trial was carried out in order to determine whether changes in the abutment design result in improved quality of the peri-implant mucosal tissue according to the parameters attachment strength, sotft tissue stability and developmemt, and maintenance of bone levels. Twenty-nine patients were included. They received 2, non-adjacent endosseous implants replacing missing teeth in the aesthetic zone. Subsequently, conventional (control) and experimental abutments (with an additional macro groove of about 0.5 mm in depth ) were placed. After 6 weeks and 1 year the effect of the 2 different abutment designs were measured according to the specified parameters. In addition, patients' and dentists' satisfaction concerning the muco-gingival results were compared. It was concluded that the 2 abutments produced no significantly different effect on muco-gingival aesthetics. On the basis of additional comparative research between Caucasian and Indian individuals it was concluded that the gingival biotype could best be determined quantitatively.

Credit risk signals in CDS market vs agency ratings

Purpose This research aims to model the relationship between the credit risk signals in the credit default swap (CDS) market and agency credit ratings, and determines the factors that help explain the variation in such signals. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive analysis of the differences in the relative credit risk assessments of CDS-based risk signals and agency ratings is provided. It is shown that the divergence between credit risk signals in the CDS market and agency ratings is explained by factors which the rating agencies may consider differently than credit market participants. Findings The results suggest that agency credit ratings of relative riskiness of a reference entity do not always correspond with assessments by CDS spreads, as the price of risk is a function of additional macro and micro factors that can be explained using statistical analysis. Originality/value This research is unique in modeling the relationship between the credit risk assessments of the CDS market and the agency ratings, which to the best of the authors' knowledge has not been analyzed before in terms of their agreement and the level of discrepancy between them. This model can be used by investors in debt instruments that are not explicitly CDSs or which have illiquid CDS contracts, to replicate market-based, point-in-time credit risk signals. Based on both market-based and firm-specific factors in this model, the results can be used to augment through-the-cycle credit risk assessments, analyze issues surrounding the pricing of CDSs and examine the policies of credit rating agencies.

A Preliminary Investigation Into the Mineral Intake of Horses in the UK

The diet of the domesticated horse is influenced by both internal and external variables, such as age, breed, discipline, and workload, as well as the feed brand preference of the owner. With a range of products and feeds available to the horse owner, this has the potential to lead to inappropriate feeding management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current mineral intakes of horses in the UK. An online questionnaire was used to collect data on horse and owner demographics and feed rations. Total daily intakes of phosphorus, calcium, sodium, and potassium were calculated based on forage, concentrate, and supplement information given in the questionnaire. Estimated mineral intakes were compared to recommended levels using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Intakes of phosphorus, calcium, sodium, and potassium were found to be significantly (P < .001) higher than NRC recommendations, with most estimated mineral intakes originating from the forage component of the diet. However, the calcium to phosphorus ratio was calculated at 2.07:1, which is close to the recommended ratio limits. Excess intakes of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium have the potential to influence the metabolism of additional macro and micro minerals and, therefore, further research into this area is recommended.

An improved multiscale eigenelement method of periodical composite structures

Multiscale eigenelement method (MEM) proposed by the authors and co-workers is based on the eigenvector expansion method and substructure approach. Using the idea of perturbation, two methods are proposed to improve the accuracy of the multiscale eigenelement method. One method is choosing a few interior nodes from the micro model of unit cell as additional macro nodes of eigenelement; the other is taking the first m modes of the unit cell with clamped edges into account in the displacement functions of eigenelement. The computational cost of MEM is compared with that of asymptotic expansion homogenization method. Numerical comparisons are conducted to validate the high accuracy of the improved MEM for static and dynamic problems.

Telemedicine in north Afghanistan connecting remote area with international medical centres

Background Afghanistan is lacking of human resources in all medical fields due to 30 years of military conflict. Rural and remote areas, in particular, have poor medical health care and standards. There are only three major hospitals in the northern provinces providing medical service for more than 2 million inhabitants on a low medical level, caused mainly by poor diagnostic facilities in the pathology, radiology, dermatology and laboratory sections. Therefore the GIZ (Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenar-beit) and the KfW (Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau) launched a telemedicine project starting off with telepathology in 2010 and expanding to teleradiology in 2011, to teledermatology in a second step in 2013, and recently covering also teletraumatology and telepsychiatry. The project started in Mazar E Sharif and was extended to Kunduz and Taloqan. All peripheral stations have been connected via IPATH Basel with international experts rep. centres to get valid second opinions of high diagnostic accuracy. Material and methods More than 1600 cases have been submitted via the Internet to European pathologists and cytologists, in addition to 100 radiological and 10 dermatological cases to experts in the respective fields. Out of this material 300 of the latest cases of pathology and cytology were analysed with respect to: 1) information quality: number and quality of images, additional macro and X-ray images, clinical information and the primary diagnosis; 2) diagnostic accuracy of the experts classifying in secure, suggestive and non-diagnostic assessment; 3) diagnostic accuracy of the inexperienced clients measuring the concordance between client sender and expert; 4) radiology and dermatology cases were not analysed in this study. Results and conclusion The restrospective analysis showed: 1) there was a predominance of cytologal cases of more than 50% (FNA) over histologal cases; 2) most cases were dealing with GI tract (oesophageal lesions) followed by breast tumours (cancer) and lymph node lesions (TB); 3) the diagnostic assessment of the experts was secure in 70%, suggestive in 20% and no diagnosis was given in 10% of the cases due to insufficient information; 4) diagnostic total concordance was seen in 55%, acceptable concordance in 10% and discrepancy in 35% of the cases. The authors conclude: 1) telepathology and telecytology are based on simple techniques; 2) structured and optimal information is required to achieve high diagnostic accuracy of the experts; 3) telepathology and telecytology are optimal tools to increase diagnostic and therapeutic quality in medical health care in Afghanistan. Afghanistan is lacking of human resources in all medical fields due to 30 years of military conflict. Rural and remote areas, in particular, have poor medical health care and standards. There are only three major hospitals in the northern provinces providing medical service for more than 2 million inhabitants on a low medical level, caused mainly by poor diagnostic facilities in the pathology, radiology, dermatology and laboratory sections. Therefore the GIZ (Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenar-beit) and the KfW (Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau) launched a telemedicine project starting off with telepathology in 2010 and expanding to teleradiology in 2011, to teledermatology in a second step in 2013, and recently covering also teletraumatology and telepsychiatry. The project started in Mazar E Sharif and was extended to Kunduz and Taloqan. All peripheral stations have been connected via IPATH Basel with international experts rep. centres to get valid second opinions of high diagnostic accuracy. More than 1600 cases have been submitted via the Internet to European pathologists and cytologists, in addition to 100 radiological and 10 dermatological cases to experts in the respective fields. Out of this material 300 of the latest cases of pathology and cytology were analysed with respect to: 1) information quality: number and quality of images, additional macro and X-ray images, clinical information and the primary diagnosis; 2) diagnostic accuracy of the experts classifying in secure, suggestive and non-diagnostic assessment; 3) diagnostic accuracy of the inexperienced clients measuring the concordance between client sender and expert; 4) radiology and dermatology cases were not analysed in this study. The restrospective analysis showed: 1) there was a predominance of cytologal cases of more than 50% (FNA) over histologal cases; 2) most cases were dealing with GI tract (oesophageal lesions) followed by breast tumours (cancer) and lymph node lesions (TB); 3) the diagnostic assessment of the experts was secure in 70%, suggestive in 20% and no diagnosis was given in 10% of the cases due to insufficient information; 4) diagnostic total concordance was seen in 55%, acceptable concordance in 10% and discrepancy in 35% of the cases. The authors conclude: 1) telepathology and telecytology are based on simple techniques; 2) structured and optimal information is required to achieve high diagnostic accuracy of the experts; 3) telepathology and telecytology are optimal tools to increase diagnostic and therapeutic quality in medical health care in Afghanistan.

Design of macro-filter-lens with simultaneous chromatic and geometric aberration correction

A macro-filter-lens design that can correct for chromatic and geometric aberrations simultaneously while providing for a long focal length is presented. The filter is easy to fabricate since it involves two spherical surfaces and a planar surface. Chromatic aberration correction is achieved by making all the rays travel the same optical distance inside the filter element (negative meniscus). Geometric aberration is corrected for by the lens element (plano-convex), which makes the output rays parallel to the optic axis. This macro-filter-lens design does not need additional macro lenses and it provides an inexpensive and optically good (aberration compensated) solution for macro imaging of objects not placed close to the camera.

Parameter Learning in General Equilibrium: The Asset Pricing Implications

Parameter learning strongly amplifies the impact of macro shocks on marginal utility when the representative agent has a preference for early resolution of uncertainty. This occurs as rational belief updating generates subjective long-run consumption risks. We consider general equilibrium models with unknown parameters governing either long-run economic growth, rare events, or model selection. Overall, parameter learning generates long-lasting, quantitatively significant additional macro risks that help explain standard asset pricing puzzles.

Residual stress states as a result of bending and straightening processes of steels in different heat treatment conditions

Abstract Steels with different content of cementite (Armco iron, Ck45 and C80) as well as four different heat treatment conditions of 42CrMoS4 are examined under both uniaxial and four-point bending loading with load reversal regarding the residual stress distribution due to straightening processes. It was found that increasing cementite content and a fine lamellar microstructure increase the developing residual stresses. While uniaxial loading causes only micro stresses, bending loading causes additional macro residual stresses. Due to this, at reversed load residual stresses decrease faster under bending loading than under uniaxial loading. Furthermore, residual stresses originating from bending loading decrease in the outer planes faster than in the inner ones when load is reversed. In general it turned out that every straightening process causes inevitable and characteristic residual stresses.