Solid Anchor Research Articles

The Relationship Between All-Suture and Solid Medial-Row Anchors and Patient-Reported Outcomes for Double-Row Suture Bridge Rotator Cuff Repair.

The use of all-suture anchors for rotator cuff repair is increasing. Potential benefits include decreased bone loss and decreased damage to the chondral surface. Minimal evidence exists comparing outcomes among medial-row anchor fixation methods in double-row suture bridge rotator cuff repair. To compare the clinical outcomes between all-suture and solid medial-row anchors in double-row suture bridge rotator cuff repair. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. A total of 352 patients (mean age at surgery, 60.3 years) underwent double-row suture bridge rotator cuff repair at our institution. Patients were separated into 2 groups based on whether they underwent all-suture (n = 280) or solid (n = 72) anchor fixation for the medial row. Outcomes data were collected via an ongoing longitudinal data repository or through telephone calls (minimum follow-up time, 2.0 years; mean follow-up time, 3.0 years). Outcomes were evaluated using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) standardized shoulder assessment form and the visual analog scale (VAS). The same rehabilitation protocol was administered to all patients. The proportions of patients meeting previously published Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) thresholds were calculated for the outcome measures, and outcome scores and the proportions of patients meeting PASS thresholds between groups were compared using linear and logistic regression, respectively. The groups did not differ in terms of age at surgery, sex distribution, rotator cuff tear size, or number of medial-row anchors used. The solid anchor group had a longer follow-up time compared with the all-suture anchor group (3.6 ± 0.7 vs 2.8 ± 0.8 years, respectively; P < .01). After controlling for follow-up time, the solid and all-suture anchor groups did not differ in ASES scores (89.6 ± 17.8 vs 88.8 ± 16.7, respectively; P = .44) or VAS scores (1.1 ± 2.1 vs 1.2 ± 2.1, respectively; P = .37). Similarly, after controlling for follow-up time, the solid and all-suture anchor groups did not differ in the proportions of patients meeting PASS cutoffs for the ASES (84.7% vs 80.7%, respectively; P = .44) or the VAS (80.6% vs 75.0%, respectively; P = .83). Double-row suture bridge rotator cuff repair using all-suture anchors for medial-row fixation demonstrated similar excellent clinical outcomes to rotator cuff repair using solid medial-row anchors.

Design and Demonstration of a Microelectromechanical System Single-Ring Resonator with Inner Ring-Shaped Spring Supports for Inertial Sensors.

This paper presents a novel single-ring resonator design and experimentally demonstrates its dynamic behavior. The proposed ring resonator design is simple and has a solid anchor at its center connected to an outside ring via inner ring-shaped springs. The mode shapes and frequency of the ring resonator were determined numerically and compared with analytical approaches, and the minimum split frequency was observed for the n = 3 mode of vibration. Numerical and analytical methods were used to determine the resonance frequencies, pull-in voltage, resonance frequency shift and harmonic response of the ring resonator for different silicon orientations. The split frequency in the n = 3 mode of vibration increases by the applied DC bias voltage almost by the same amount for all types of silicon. When an AC voltage with a 180-degree phase is applied to two opposite electrodes, the ring has two resonance frequencies in mode n = 2, and when the AC voltage applied to two opposite electrodes is in the same phase, the ring has one resonance frequency regardless of the crystal orientation of silicon. Prototypes were fabricated using a double silicon-on-insulator-based wafer fabrication technique and were tested to verify the resonator performance.

Outcomes of Double-Row Rotator Cuff Repair Using a Novel All-Suture Soft Anchor Medial Row.

Few studies have examined the short-term clinical outcomes of rotator cuff repair (RCR) with all-suture anchors for medial row anchor fixation. To evaluate clinical outcomes of double-row suture bridge RCR using a novel all-suture medial row anchor. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. We enrolled 179 patients before double-row suture bridge RCR (mean age at surgery, 60.0 years; 63% male patients) at a single institution. All patients underwent RCR with all-suture anchor fixation for the medial row and solid anchor fixation for the lateral row. Preoperative (baseline) and follow-up (minimum follow-up time of 2 years; mean, 2.5 years) clinical outcomes were compared using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and a 10-point numeric pain rating scale (NPRS). We calculated the proportions of patients meeting previously published Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) thresholds for the ASES (≥78.0) and NPRS (≤1.7). We further compared baseline and follow-up outcome scores and the proportions of patients meeting PASS thresholds using paired t tests and McNemar tests, respectively, and calculated effect size to quantify the magnitude of change from baseline to follow-up. Values significantly improved from baseline to follow-up for ASES (from 45.3 ± 19.8 to 87.3 ± 17.1) and NPRS (from 5.2 ± 2.5 to 1.4 ± 2.1). The proportion of patients meeting PASS thresholds also significantly improved for the ASES (from 6% to 77%) and the NPRS (from 7% to 72%). The magnitude of baseline to follow-up change for all measures was large (all effect sizes ≥1.5). Our study demonstrated excellent short-term clinical outcomes and substantial improvements for patients undergoing double-row suture bridge RCR with all-suture anchors for medial row fixation.

A novel anchoring system for pelvic organ prolapse repair: an observational study

Introduction and hypothesisSacrospinous ligament (SSL) fixation is an effective and widely used vaginal procedure for correcting apical prolapse. The Saffron Fixation System (Coloplast Corp., Minneapolis, MN, USA) is a new anchoring device aimed at facilitating a durable, easy, and short procedure for SSL fixation with the goal of minimizing operative complications. The objective was to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of anchor deployment and suture fixation for pelvic organ prolapse repair using the Saffron Fixation System.MethodsAn observational human cadaver study was conducted to measure the distance between anchor location and anatomical landmarks in the pelvis, and the holding force of the fixated anchors. Anchors were placed in four human cadavers by different implanters. The pull-out force of these anchors was measured to assess efficacy (three cadavers by three implanters) and the distance between anchors and primal vessels and nerves was measured to assess safety (one cadaver by one implanter).ResultsNineteen out of 20 anchors (95%) were correctly placed as judged by independent assessment performed by non-implanting surgeons. Distance between anchors and surrounding nerves and vessels exceeded 10 mm. Mean (SD) pull out-force was 17.9 (5.6) N.ConclusionThe innovative anchoring device that was developed appeared to enable precise and solid anchor placement in the SSL. Future clinical studies are needed to explore if the theoretical advantages of this device translate to improved clinical outcomes in comparison with available suturing and anchoring devices.

EDITORIAL

Human dignity, equity, social justice and equal participation; the underlying topics of this Journal of Social Intervention are not the least. It seems the authors have been looking for solid anchor points in turbulent times. These can provide guidance in the search for answers to questions like: “What is a good citizen?”, “How does a good social worker act and reflect?” and “What is the unique added value of social work?”In this Autumn issue of JSI we present you two peer-reviewed articles, three book reviews, with its Editorial, and a contribution in the category Innovation in Practice and Education (IWO). In addition, you will find a call for state-of-the-art papers that connect to the Dutch Knowledge and Research Agenda for Social Work. Sufficient food for thought! We hope you enjoy it.

Development of a Novel Hybrid Suture Anchor for Osteoporosis by Integrating Titanium 3D Printing and Traditional Machining.

The aim of this study is to develop a titanium three-dimensional (3D) printing novel hybrid suture anchor (HSA) with wing structure mechanism which can be opened to provide better holding power for surrounding osteoporotic bone. A screw-type anchor (5.5-mm diameter and 16-mm length) was designed with wing mechanism as well as micro dual-thread in the outer cortex bone contact area and macro single-thread in the anchor body. Both side wings can be opened by an internal screw to provide better bone holding power. The suture anchor and internal screw were manufactured using Ti6Al4V 3D printing and traditional machining, respectively. Static pullout and after dynamic 300-cyclic load (150 N) pullout tests for HSA with or without the wing open and commercial solid anchor (CSA) were performed (n = 5) in severely osteoporotic bone and osteoporotic bone to evaluate failure strengths. Comparison of histomorphometrical evaluation was performed through in vivo pig implantation of HSAs with the wing open and CSAs. The failure strengths of HSA with or without the wing open were 2.50/1.95- and 2.46/2.17-fold higher than those of CSA for static and after dynamic load pullout tests in severely osteoporotic bone, respectively. Corresponding values for static and after dynamic load pullout tests were 1.81/1.54- and 1.77/1.62-fold in osteoporotic bone, respectively. Histomorphometrical evaluation revealed that the effects of new bone ingrowth along the anchor contour for CSA and HSA were both approximately 20% with no significant difference. A novel HSA with wing mechanism was developed using 3D printing and the opened wing mechanism can be used to increase bone holding power for osteoporosis when necessary. Better failure strength of HSA than CSA under static and after dynamic load pullout tests and equivalence of bone ingrowth along the anchor contours confirmed the feasibility of the novel HSA.

Field-Scale Experiment on Deformation Characteristics and Bearing Capacity of Tunnel-Type Anchorage of Suspension Bridge

The suspension pipe bridge has become the main span type due to its large span, light structure, and other characteristics, playing an important role in the construction of the oil and gas backbone network and energy layout. Tunnel-type anchorage (TTA) is a special underground structure that provides anchorage tension for the suspension bridge. Since its form and bearing mechanism are complex, there is no general design method for tunnel-type anchorage so far, and the theoretical and normative research is not mature. In this paper, a field-scale experiment was carried out to study the north side tunnel of Wujiagang Bridge in Yichang, China. According to the similarity principle, the 1:12 tunnel anchor scale model was established. The tunnel anchor scale model is selected in the area adjacent to the actual project site to ensure the similarity of stratigraphic conditions. Through the use of a displacement meter, inclinometer hole, strain gauge, micrometers, and other comprehensive monitoring methods, the design load test, overload test, overload rheological test, and ultimate bearing capacity failure test were carried out. Through the structural deformation observation and stress observation of the anchorage body and surrounding rock, the stress deformation characteristics and rheological characteristics of the anchorage body and surrounding rock in the field-scale experiment were analyzed. The deformation failure mechanism, deformation failure process, potential failure mode, and overload capacity of solid tunnel anchor were studied. The control indexes such as deformation and stress values of key parts of the solid tunnel anchor at different stages are predicted. Based on the limit equilibrium analysis results of the model, the safety and rationality of the tunnel anchorage structure design of the actual suspension bridge were evaluated.

Effect of operating variables on CO2 adsorption capacity of activated carbon, kaolinite, and activated carbon – kaolinite composite adsorbent

Global climate change is currently a major problem and is thought to be due to high levels of CO2 and other greenhouse gases. Several technologies have been built to lower CO2 emissions. Adsorption, a promising technology for CO2 capture, is among these technologies. In addition to adsorbent development, it is essential to determine the influence of operating variables on developed materials. Furthermore, in this study, an activated carbon (AC), kaolinite (KAO) and kaolinite-activated carbon (KAC) composite adsorbent characterized was evaluated for CO2 adsorption. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of operating variables on the CO2 adsorption capacity on each adsorbent (activated carbon, kaolinite, and kaolinite – activated carbon composite) and select the most suitable to serve as the solid anchor in the production of a hydrophobic adsorbent material for CO2 capture. Furthermore, Scanning Electron Microscopy, N2 physisorption and Fourier Transform Infrared were tested for the morphology, surface area and functional groups of the adsorbents, respectively. The CO2 adsorption capacity of the adsorbents was measured using a custom-built 1.0 cm internal diameter adsorption column at (3 to 5 cm) bed height, (30 to 70 °C) operating temperature, and (30 to 70 mL/min) CO2 feed flow rates. The maximum amounts of AC, KAC and KAO adsorbed were found to be 28.97 mg CO2/g, 18.54 mg CO2/g and 12.98 mg CO2/g, respectively. Based on the above findings, this study has demonstrated the effect of operating variables on CO2 adsorption capacity of the adsorbents and present it as a viable condition for the adsorption process.

All-Suture and Solid Medial Row Anchors Produce Similar Clinical Outcomes for Double Row Suture Bridge Rotator Cuff Repair (227)

Objectives:All-suture anchor use for rotator cuff repair is increasing. Potential benefits of these anchors include less bone loss from anchor hole drilling and decreased injury to the chondral surface with anchor pullout. Minimal evidence exists comparing clinical outcomes of all suture to solid medial row anchor fixation in double row suture bridge rotator cuff repair. The purpose of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes for rotator cuff tears treated with all-suture medial row anchors to those treated with more traditional solid anchors. The null hypothesis was that there is no difference in outcomes between the all-suture and solid anchor rotator cuff repairs.Methods:Three sports medicine fellowship trained surgeons performed rotator cuff repairs using the double row suture bridge technique with minimum 3 years of follow up. Patients were separated into two groups based on whether or not they received all-suture or solid anchor fixation for the medial row of their repair. All lateral row fixation was performed with solid anchors. Primary outcomes were evaluated with telephone follow-up and included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Score (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The Rehabilitation protocol was the same for all subjects in the study.Results:3 sports medicine fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeons performed 153 rotator cuff repairs. 91 of these subjects had all-suture fixation of the medial row and 62 received solid anchor fixation. Follow up was 3.6 years ± 0.6 for the all-suture group and 3.7 years ± 0.6 in the solid anchor group (p= 0.28). ASES scores were 92 ± 16 in the all-suture group and 90 ± 17 in the solid group (p =0.35). SANE scores were 91 ± 13 in the all-suture and also 91 ± 13 in the solid anchor cohort (p = 0.97). VAS scores were 1.1 ± 2.0 in the all-suture and 0.7± 1.8 in the solid anchor group (p=0.17). There were no significant differences between groups with regards to re-operation rate or anchor configuration.Conclusions:All suture anchors used in medial row fixation for double row suture bridge rotator cuff repairs have similar clinical outcomes to rotator cuff tears treated in similar fashion with solid medial row anchors.

The Influence of Metallicity on the Leavitt Law from Geometrical Distances of Milky Way and Magellanic Cloud Cepheids

Abstract The Cepheid period–luminosity (PL) relation is the key tool for measuring astronomical distances and for establishing the extragalactic distance scale. In particular, the local value of the Hubble constant (H 0) strongly depends on Cepheid distance measurements. The recent Gaia Data Releases and other parallax measurements from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) already enabled us to improve the accuracy of the slope (α) and intercept (β) of the PL relation. However, the dependence of this law on metallicity is still largely debated. In this paper, we combine three samples of Cepheids in the Milky Way (MW), the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), and the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) in order to derive the metallicity term (hereafter γ) of the PL relation. The recent publication of extremely precise LMC and SMC distances based on late-type detached eclipsing binary systems provides a solid anchor for the Magellanic Clouds. In the MW, we adopt Cepheid parallaxes from the early third Gaia Data Release. We derive the metallicity effect in V, I, J, H, K S , W VI , and W JK . In the K S band we report a metallicity effect of −0.221 ± 0.051 mag dex−1, the negative sign meaning that more metal-rich Cepheids are intrinsically brighter than their more metal-poor counterparts of the same pulsation period.

In Search of Concerted Strategies for Competitive and Resilient Regions

The European space-economy represents a complex system with a great internal heterogeneity, intensive socioeconomic interactions and differential growth trajectories among countries and regions. The present study aims to investigate the connectivity between spatial competitiveness and resilience in Europe and seeks to design an operational framework for concerted strategies of competitive and resilient regions. To assess the linkage between resilience and competitiveness, we have developed a new measure, viz. the Resilience and Competitiveness Index (RACI) as a function of two constituent sub-indices: Resilience and Competitiveness. This approach is tested on the basis of detailed data on European regions. The empirical results from 268 EU NUTS2 regions offer a solid anchor point for the proposed operational framework for concerted development strategies of competitive and resilient regions. Our research distinguishes and proposes several systematic types of concerted regional strategies according to the performance of a region measured by Resilience and Competiveness sub-indices. A key result of the study is the design of an operational constellation for strategic regional policy evaluation, with a major added value for policy- and decision-making purposes. The use of official data from Eurostat and of standard indicators in our research assures continuity and consistency with the official Regional Competitiveness Index (RCI) classification and measurement, so that policy makers are able to compare the performance of their regions over time and to develop proper concerted strategies accordingly. The clear evidence of a connectivity between regional competitiveness and resilience may help to develop a governance approach that balances competitiveness (mainly represented by productive assets) with resilience (mainly represented by sustainability and ecological awareness) and thus to deal with the complexity in socioeconomic systems.

A New Day by Brad Meltzer

Reviewed by: A New Day by Brad Meltzer Kate Quealy-Gainer, Assistant Editor Meltzer, Brad A New Day; illus. by Dan Santat. Dial, 2021 [48p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780525554240 $17.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780593109489 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 5-8 yrs After providing people with lazy days every week without even a thank you, Sunday up and quits. The other days are appalled, but the week can't just be six days, so they put out an ad for a fill-in. They get a few good contenders with Fun Day and Bun Day, and a few not so good ones (Shark Day is a bit too scary, and "also, it needs a week"), but when they post the search online, things get a little crazy. Gymnasts show up for Acrobaturday, the dogs who were pushing for Dog Day are now in for DogsWhoLoveFrogs Day, and the unicorns with flashlights for horns make a fierce argument against unicorns with horns (think instruments) for their day. At the end of the day, however, it turns out Sunday really just needed a bit of acknowledgment. The ending is rather anticlimactic given the frantic energy that precedes it, but the amount of silliness carries the story through, buttressed by an amusing subplot with a group of very insulted felines and their lobbying for Caturday. With their oddball shapes and candy-colored hues, the days each have a distinct personality, from frantic, anxious Monday to a very chill Casual Friday, and while they'll likely draw comparisons to the feelings in Pixar's Inside Out, they still make vivid, solid anchor points as the chaos around them grows. Pair this with Rex's On Account of the Gum (BCCB 10/20) for an exponentially energetic read or just hand it to any kid who enjoys a good pun(day). Copyright © 2021 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

The tanning hormone, bursicon, does not act directly on the epidermis to tan the Drosophila exoskeleton

BackgroundIn insects, continuous growth requires the periodic replacement of the exoskeleton. Once the remains of the exoskeleton from the previous stage have been shed during ecdysis, the new one is rapidly sclerotized (hardened) and melanized (pigmented), a process collectively known as tanning. The rapid tanning that occurs after ecdysis is critical for insect survival, as it reduces desiccation, and gives the exoskeleton the rigidity needed to support the internal organs and to provide a solid anchor for the muscles. This rapid postecdysial tanning is triggered by the “tanning hormone”, bursicon. Since bursicon is released into the hemolymph, it has naturally been assumed that it would act on the epidermal cells to cause the tanning of the overlying exoskeleton.ResultsHere we investigated the site of bursicon action in Drosophila by examining the consequences on tanning of disabling the bursicon receptor (encoded by the rickets gene) in different tissues. To our surprise, we found that rapid tanning does not require rickets function in the epidermis but requires it instead in peptidergic neurons of the ventral nervous system (VNS). Although we were unable to identify the signal that is transmitted from the VNS to the epidermis, we show that neurons that express the Drosophila insulin-like peptide ILP7, but not the ILP7 peptide itself, are involved. In addition, we found that some of the bursicon targets involved in melanization are different from those that cause sclerotization.ConclusionsOur findings show that bursicon does not act directly on the epidermis to cause the tanning of the overlying exoskeleton but instead requires an intermediary messenger produced by peptidergic neurons within the central nervous system. Thus, this work has uncovered an unexpected layer of control in a process that is critical for insect survival, which will significantly alter the direction of future research aimed at understanding how rapid postecdysial tanning occurs.

Khamenei´s Legacy.. 30 years at the forefront of the R.I.I.

The Islamic Republic of Iran (I.R.I) has just accomplished its forty years of existence; the avatars of Khomeini’s regime since its emergence have been many and cannot be properly explained without referring to a man who played key roles since the first days of the new Republic and who has been its leader during the last thirty years: Ali Khamenei.Personally elected by Khomeini as his successor to the post of Supreme Leader, due to his revolutionary credentials, Khamenei has successfully sailed through the treacherous waters of Iranian politics and dropped a solid anchor at his entrusted post. His journey has been one seeking centrality, but without deviating from Khomeini’s pragmatism; both goals were achieved through a complex weaving of alliances and a careful counterbalance of power quotas.Without doubt, Khamenei’s greatest achievement has been that, notwithstanding both the authority and respect earned as Supreme Leader, he has avoided any kind of personal management or cult, easing a future handover and ensuring the continuity of the I.R.I as it is known today.

Nature of stable single atom Pt catalysts dispersed on anatase TiO2

Pt single atom catalysts anchored on the surface of anatase TiO2 have recently been shown to be stable through oxidation and reduction conditions and exhibit higher catalytic activity in CO oxidation than Pt metallic clusters. In this work we unravel the atomistic nature of the isolated Ptiso species on anatase TiO2 thanks to the combination of CO probe molecule Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and temperature programmed desorption (TPD) experiments with an extensive set of Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. We used the stretching frequencies and adsorption energies of CO bound to Pt as a fingerprint of the specific structure of the stable Ptiso species. These consist of Pt atoms bound to two excess O atoms on the surface (PtO2). The excess oxygen atoms on the surface arise from the formation of surface hydroxyl groups, and provide a solid anchor to the oxide support, which explains the high thermal stability of the single-atom Pt catalyst through oxidative and reductive treatments. Beside the single atom Pt species, also models of metallic, Ptmetal, and oxidized, Ptox, sub-nanometer clusters have been considered. Comparisons between characteristics of Ptiso species and sub-nanometer Ptmetal and Ptox clusters demonstrate that the combination of CO vibrational frequency and adsorption energy can be an effective approach to differentiate these species.

Further investigation of the six-DOF hollow gravity anchor: Impact of the internal slant angle

Our recent study on the new type hollow gravity anchor shows that the hollow anchor can save the anchoring time and decrease the anchoring deviation, compared with the traditional solid anchor. This study aims to do further research on the internal structure of the hollow anchor using the developed motion-based zonal mesh update (MBZMU) method. However, though the validated MBZMU method is able to capture the large-scale six-DOF motion of the gravity anchor, the tested cases in the previous study did not reflect the sway-yaw-roll motion of the gravity anchor. Instead of the imperfect one camera calibration method, two orthorhombic high-speed cameras are adopted in this study to record the six-DOF anchoring process. Additionally, quaternions are introduced to quantitate the anchor rotation to avoid the singularity problem caused by Euler angles. The experimentally measured trajectory path of the six-DOF gravity anchor is consistent with the numerical simulated result. Furthermore, one optimal internal slant angle is observed, through a comparative on the six-DOF anchoring processes of the hollow anchors with different internal slant angles, which are the key factor determining the inlet flow rate through the central water channel of the hollow anchor.

The regulator's conundrum. How market reflexivity limits fundamental financial reform

ABSTRACTFinancial firms’ valuation approaches are key to financial market functioning. The financial crisis exposed fundamental faults in pre-crisis practices and the regulations that bolstered them. Critics pointed to reflexivity: financial markets have no solid anchor outside of market participants’ assessments, which makes them inherently unstable. Reflexivity implies valuation techniques are performative: they shape rather than reflect risks. Critics thus called for root and branch reform: regulators needed to regain control over these valuation practices. In spite of a flurry of changes, progress on the reforms has been limited in precisely those domains where it seemed most necessary. We argue that this lack of progress does not persist in spite of market reflexivity, but because of it. Public prescriptiveness might mandate widespread use of deficient valuation routines, exacerbating their deleterious performative effects and implicating public authorities in future financial crises. In the regulator's conundrum, neither a hands-off approach to valuation approaches, nor an interventionist stance promises to be effective. Empirically, we show how reflexivity has obstructed fundamental reforms in the European Union in three key domains: credit ratings, liquidity regulation, and accounting standards. Market reflexivity itself is, therefore, crucial to understanding the limited regulatory reforms we have witnessed since the crisis.

PERCEPTIONS OF CO-OPERATIVE INSURANCE GROUP MANAGERS TOWARDS STRATEGIC ALLIANCES AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

Purpose: The Study sought to determine the perceptions of co-operative insurance group managers towards strategic alliances and competitive advantageMethodology: A survey research design was used in this study. The study populations are all Headquarter office managers of the Co-operative Insurance group of Kenya. The respondents were twenty three heads of departments for the various subsidiaries of CIC insurance group. The collected data was analyzed using quantitative procedures. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics.Results: Results indicate that strategic alliance has led to Large market share, Huge profitability, Enhanced and stronger customer loyalty, Strong technological capability, Superior Portfolio of products, Stronger financial capability, Stronger, solid anchor shareholder base, Strong distribution network, Stronger supplier loyalty, Stronger brand name ,Modern technological infrastructure, Stronger capital base and Stronger and wider interconnected branch Network. Results also indicated that female rated highly that various strategic alliances has led to competitive advantage compared to males. Results also revealed that those respondents who were above 50 years of age rated strategic competitive advantage perceptions highly compared to respondents aged between 18-30 years and 31-50 years. Result findings revealed that those respondents who had long experience in the company rated strategic competitive advantage perceptions highly compared to respondents who had less experience. The findings indicate that the ability to form and manage strategic alliances more effectively than competitors can become an important source of competitive advantage.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that Managers at CIC Group can use the results to craft strategies on which areas to improve and which areas to excel at. It is also suggested that since the managerial perceptions were that formation of strategic alliances have brought about competitive advantages, it may be important to consider investing in the area of strategic alliances with a hope of building and enjoying further competitive advantages.

Synthesis and evaluation of carbon nanotubes composite adsorbent for CO2 capture: a comparative study of CO2 adsorption capacity of single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes

As a preliminary investigation towards obtaining carbon nanotube composite adsorbent for CO2 capture, in this study CO2 adsorption performance of three commercial carbon nanotubes (CNTs) one single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and two (2) different multi-walled carbon nanotubes (referred to as A-MWCNTs and B-MWCNTs) were evaluated and compared. The purpose of this study was to compare the different types of CNTs and select the best to serve as the solid anchor in the development of a hydrophobic composite adsorbent material for CO2 capture. The N2 physi-sorption of the CNTs was conducted to determine their surface area, pore volume and pore size. In addition, morphology and purity of the CNTs were checked with Transmission Electron Microscopy and Raman Spectroscopy, respectively. The CO2 adsorption capacity of the CNTs was evaluated using Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) at 1.1 bar, at operating temperature ranged from 25 to 55 °C and at different CO2 feed flow rates, in order to evaluate the effects of these variables on the CO2 adsorption capacity. The results of CO2 adsorption with the TGA show that CO2 adsorption capacity for both SWCNTs and MWCNTs was the highest at 25 °C. Changing the CO2 flowrates had no significant effect on the adsorption capacity of MWCNTs, but decreasing the CO2 flow rate resulted in the enhancement of the CO2 adsorption capacity of SWCNTs. Overall, it was found that the SWCNTs displayed the highest CO2 adsorption capacity (29.97 gCO2/kg adsorbent) when compared to the MWCNTs (12.09 gCO2/kg adsorbent), indicating a 150% increase in adsorption capacity over MWCNTs.

Numerical study on the six-DOF anchoring process of gravity anchor using a new mesh update strategy

Compared with the conventional solid gravity anchor, one new type hollow anchor is designed to improve the stability and maneuverability of the gravity anchor. One water channel is dug through the center line of a traditional solid anchor to decrease the rotation angle and the drift distance when anchoring. In this study, scaled models of one traditional solid gravity anchor and one new type hollow gravity anchor are released under the water, and their anchoring processes are experimentally recorded and numerically simulated. Because the large-scale six-DOF motion of the anchor may lead to the unexpected dynamic mesh distortion, a six-DOF motion-based zonal mesh update (MBZMU) strategy is developed to control the mesh quality and guarantee the convergence and accuracy of the numerical results. As expected, simulated numerical anchoring processes of the two gravity anchor models agree well with the experimental measurements. Additionally, both the anchoring time and deviation of the hollow gravity anchor model are smaller than those of the solid anchor model during anchoring, indicating better practical and economic value of the hollow gravity anchors in engineering.