Traditional Cr Research Articles

Modes of e-Health delivery in secondary prevention programmes for patients with coronary artery disease: a systematic review

BackgroundElectronic health (e-Health) interventions are emerging as an effective alternative model for improving secondary prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to describe the effectiveness of different modes of delivery and components in e-Health secondary prevention programmes on adherence to treatment, modifiable CAD risk factors and psychosocial outcomes for patients with CAD.MethodA systematic review was carried out based on articles found in MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase. Studies evaluating secondary prevention e-Health programmes provided through mobile-Health (m-Health), web-based technology or a combination of m-Health and web-based technology were eligible. The main outcomes measured were adherence to treatment, modifiable CAD risk factors and psychosocial outcomes. The quality appraisal of the studies included was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool for RCT. The results were synthesised narratively.ResultA total of 4834 titles were identified and 1350 were screened for eligibility. After reviewing 123 articles in full, 24 RCTs including 3654 participants with CAD were included. Eight studies delivered secondary prevention programmes through m-Health, nine through web-based technology, and seven studies used a combination of m-Health and web-based technology. The majority of studies employed two or three secondary prevention components, of which health education was employed in 21 studies. The m-Health programmes reported positive effects on adherence to medication. Most studies evaluating web-based technology programmes alone or in combination with m-Health also utilised traditional CR, and reported improved modifiable CAD risk factors. The quality appraisal showed a moderate methodological quality of the studies.ConclusionEvidence exists that supports the use of e-Health interventions for improving secondary prevention of CAD. However, a comparison across studies highlighted a wide variability of components and outcomes within the different modes of delivery. High quality trials are needed to define the most efficient mode of delivery and components capable of addressing a favourable outcome for patients.Trial registrationNot applicable.

PS1352 DISSECTING THE BONE MARROW IMMUNE MICROENVIRONMENT IN THE COMPLETE SPECTRUM OF MONOCLONAL GAMMOPATHIES: POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS IN DISEASE PATHOGENESIS

Background: To discriminate different outcomes among patients in CR the IMWG introduced a more stringent CR (sCR) criteria by adding to the pre-existing CR criteria the requirement of a normal free-light chain ratio (sFLCr) plus the absence of clonal plasma cells (PCs) in bone marrow (BM) by immunohistochemistry (IHC). In 2011, the low-sensitivity cytometry was included as alternative methodology to IHC to define sCR. However, the prognostic significance of the kappa/lambda ratio values is not clear. Aims: To verify the conclusion of our previous study (Blood 2015. 126:858–62) regarding the lack of influence in the prognosis of abnormal serum free light chain ratios (sFLCr) in a more extensive series of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients in CR or sCR Methods: NDMM patients aged ≤65 years enrolled in GEM2012MENOS65 (NCT01916252). Of 458 patients, 8 discontinued early and were not evaluable. The definition of CR and sCR was made according to the IMWG criteria. SFLCr (FREELITE assay) was classified as normal (0.26–1.65) or abnormal (<0.26 if the patient was λ; >1.65 if the patient was κ). MRD was assessed using next-generation flow cytometry. The median limit of detection was of 3x10–6. All the CR with normal sFLCr and absence of clonal PCs by MFC with a sensitivity of 10–2 were considered sCR. Median follow-up was 47.5 months. Results: After induction, 425 patients were evaluable for response; 201 (47%) reached ≥CR. Data from sFLCr and MRD was available in 192 and 193 patients, respectively. In the CR evaluable patients for sCR assessment (n = 184), the rate of sCR was 64% (n = 117). In a landmark from the end of induction (median follow-up 39 months), sCR didn’t show significantly differences in PFS (2 years-PFS 89% vs 87%; P = .7) (fig 1a) neither in OS (2 years-OS 94% vs 94%; P = .9). Interestingly, patients with abnormal (n = 67) vs normal (n = 125) sFLCr showed superimposable PFS (2 years-PFS 88% vs 87%; P = .9) (fig 1b) and OS (2 years-OS 96% vs 94%; P = .8).By contrast, the few patients (n = 3) in whom BM clonality was detected by the low-sensitivity IHC-adapted MFC method had significantly worse PFS (2 years-PFS 89% vs 67%; P = .03) (fig 1c) and OS (2 years-OS 95% vs 67%; P = .8) than patients in whom BM clonality was undetectable or detected at levels below the threshold proposed for IHC assessment. On using our traditional MRD method, persistent MRD (>10–4) was detectable among 39 of the 193 (20%) patients who, compared with MRD-negative cases, had significantly inferior PFS (2-years PFS 91% vs 80%; P = .01) (fig 1b) and OS (2 years-OS 96% vs 87%; P = .01).As validation, we reproduced the analysis in the ASCT end-point. Of the 395 evaluable patients; 238 (60%) reached ≥CR. Once again, in the landmark analysis, sCR didn’t show significantly differences in PFS in respect to CR (P = .3) neither in OS (P = .6). Patients with abnormal (n = 51) vs normal (n = 173) sFLCr showed superimposable PFS (P = .9) and OS (P = .6). Patients with persistent MRD (>10–4), had significantly inferior PFS (P = .003) but similar OS (P = .2).Summary/Conclusion: These results confirm our previous analysis based on GEM05menos65/ GEM10mas65 clinical trials. For MM patients in CR, the stringent CR criteria does not predict a different outcome. If this essential criterion in the definition of sCR lacks for the prognosis connotations, it is not justified to maintain a response category whose real significance depends on the combination of the traditional CR criteria with a negative MRD status based on very low (IHC) or low resolution (<104) levels, today outdated.

Joint clock recovery and feed-forward equalization for PAM4 transmission.

With the rapid development of cloud services, data-center applications and the Internet of Things, short-reach communications have attracted much more attention in recent years. 4-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM4) is a promising modulation format to provide both high data rate and relatively low cost for short-reach optical interconnects. In this paper, a joint clock recovery and feed-forward equalization algorithm (CR-FFE) is proposed to simultaneously eliminate the inter-symbol interference (ISI) and track large sampling clock offset (SCO) in PAM4 transmission. The algorithm estimates timing error according to the difference between two tap coefficients of fractionally spaced equalizers, thus solving the problem of incompatible prerequisites between clock recovery and channel equalization. A 10GHz directly modulated laser (DML) based 50-Gbit/s PAM4 transmission experiment is implemented to investigate the performance of the proposed algorithm. Experimental results show that the proposed CR-FFE algorithm can resist SCO up to 1000 ppm after 40 km standard single-mode fiber (SSMF) transmission under the 2x10-2 SD-FEC BER threshold, which is dramatically improved comparing with that of 20 ppm in traditional CR cascaded by FFE algorithm.

Effect of a lifestyle-focused electronic patient support application for improving risk factor management, self-rated health, and prognosis in post-myocardial infarction patients: study protocol for a multi-center randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs addressing risk factor management, educational interventions, and exercise contribute to reduce mortality after myocardial infarction (MI). However, the fulfillment of guideline-recommended CR targets is currently unsatisfactory. eHealth, i.e., the use of electronic communication for healthcare, including the use of mobile smartphone applications combined with different sensors and interactive computerized programs, offers a new array of possibilities to provide clinical care. The present study aims to assess the efficacy of a web-based application (app) designed to support persons in adhering to lifestyle advice and medication as a complement to traditional CR programs for improvement of risk factors and clinical outcomes in patients with MI compared with usual care.Methods/designAn open-label multi-center randomized controlled trial is being conducted at different CR centers from three Swedish University Hospitals. The aim is to include 150 patients with MI < 75 years of age who are confident smartphone and/or Internet users. In addition to participation in CR programs according to the usual routine at each center, patients randomized to the intervention arm will receive access to the web-based app. A CR nurse reviews the patients’ self-reported data twice weekly through a medical interface at the clinic. The primary outcome of the study will be change in submaximal exercise capacity (in watts) between 2 and 4 weeks after discharge and when the patient has completed his/her exercise program at the CR center, usually around 3–6 months post-discharge. Secondary outcomes include changes in self-reported physical activity, objectively assessed physical activity by accelerometry, self-rated health, dietary, and smoking habits, body mass index, blood pressure, blood lipids, and glucose/HbA1c levels between inclusion and follow-up visits during the first year post-MI. Additionally, we will assess uptake and adherence to the application, the number of CR staff contacts, and the incidence of cardiovascular events at 1 and 3 years after the MI. Patient recruitment started in 2016, and the first study results are expected in the beginning of 2019.DiscussionThe present study will add evidence to whether electronic communication can be used to improve traditional CR programs for patients after MI.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03260582. Retrospectively registered on 24 August 2017.

Absence of Contribution to a Differential Outcome of the Stringent Complete Response IMWG Category Respect to the Conventional CR in Multiple Myeloma. a Validation Analysis Based on the Pethema/GEM2012MENOS65 Phase III Clinical Trial

Absence of Contribution to a Differential Outcome of the Stringent Complete Response IMWG Category Respect to the Conventional CR in Multiple Myeloma. a Validation Analysis Based on the Pethema/GEM2012MENOS65 Phase III Clinical Trial

The value of measuring cysC, β2-microglobulin and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a test panel for detection of early renal damage in lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy

Objective To compare the value of serum cystatin C (CysC), urine β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a test panel with that of traditional indicators, serum Cr and urea, for detection of early renal damage in lung cancer patients after chemotherapy. Methods This prospective study collected data at our hospital on levels of serum cystatin C (CysC), urine β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), and neutrophil-gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) from 63 lung cancer patients aged 60 and over.In addition, levels of traditional indicators including serum Cr and urea were also measured.Participants were divided into three groups: a pre-chemotherapy group, an under chemotherapy group, and a post-chemotherapy group. Results Levels of serum CysC, urine β2-MG, and NGAL in the post-chemotherapy group markedly increased, whereas levels of serum Cr and urea had no significant increase; furthermore, levels of serum CysC, urine β2-MG, and NGAL went up steadily as the time of exposure to chemotherapy drugs increased.Pearson’s test showed that the sensitivity of CysC, beta 2-MG and NGAL as a panel was statistically significant for both the under chemotherapy group and the post-chemotherapy group (χ2=31.32, P=0.00; χ2=60.38, P=0.00). Conclusions Serum CysC, urine β2-MG and NGAL as a panel have good diagnostic value for early renal function damage in lung cancer patients after chemotherapy and are superior to traditional renal function indicators such as serum creatinine and urea. Key words: Lung neoplasm; Chemotherapy protocols; Renal function damage; Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin; Cystatin C

Smartphones in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review

BackgroundCardiac Rehabilitation (CR) and secondary prevention are effective components of evidence-based management for cardiac patients, resulting in improved clinical and behavioural outcomes. Mobile health (mHealth) is a rapidly growing health delivery method that has the potential to enhance CR and heart failure management. We undertook a systematic review to assess the evidence around mHealth interventions for CR and heart failure management for service and patient outcomes, cost effectiveness with a view to how mHealth could be utilized for rural, remote and Indigenous cardiac patients.MethodsA comprehensive search of databases using key terms was conducted for the years 2000 to August 2016 to identify randomised and non-randomised trials utilizing smartphone functionality and a model of care that included CR and heart failure management. Included studies were assessed for quality and risk of bias and data extraction was undertaken by two independent reviewers.ResultsNine studies described a mix of mHealth interventions for CR (5 studies) and heart failure (4 studies) in the following categories: feasibility, utility and uptake studies; and randomised controlled trials. Studies showed that mHealth delivery for CR and heart failure management is feasible with high rates of participant engagement, acceptance, usage, and adherence. Moreover, mHealth delivery of CR was as effective as traditional centre-based CR (TCR) with significant improvement in quality of life. Hospital utilization for heart failure patients showed inconsistent reductions. There was limited inclusion of rural participants.ConclusionMobile health delivery has the potential to improve access to CR and heart failure management for patients unable to attend TCR programs. Feasibility testing of culturally appropriate mHealth delivery for CR and heart failure management is required in rural and remote settings with subsequent implementation and evaluation into local health care services.

Towards low-delay and high-throughput cognitive radio vehicular networks

Abstract Cognitive Radio Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (CR-VANETs) exploit cognitive radios to allow vehicles to access the unused channels in their radio environment. Thus, CR-VANETs do not only suffer the traditional CR problems, especially spectrum sensing, but also suffer new challenges due to the highly dynamic nature of VANETs. In this paper, we present a low-delay and high-throughput radio environment assessment scheme for CR-VANETs that can be easily incorporated with the IEEE 802.11p standard developed for VANETs. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme significantly reduces the time to get the radio environment map and increases the CR-VANET throughput.

Absence of quantum anomalous Hall state in 4d transition-metal-doped Bi2Se3 : An ab initio study

The realization of insulating ferromagnetic states in topological insulator (TI) systems, with sufficiently high Curie temperatures (${T}_{C}$) and large magnetically induced gaps, has been the key bottleneck towards the realization of the quantum anomalous Hall effect (QAHE). Despite the limited reports on $3d$ or $4f$ transition-metal (TM)-doped $\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{i}}_{2}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{e}}_{3}$, there remains a lack of systematic studies on $4d$ TMs, which may be potential candidates since the atomic sizes of $4d$ TMs and that of Bi are similar. Here, we report a theoretical work that probes the magnetic behaviors of the $4d$ TM-doped $\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{i}}_{2}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{e}}_{3}$ system. We discovered that among the $4d$ TMs, Nb and Mo can create magnetic moments of 1.76 and $2.96\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{B}$ in $\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{i}}_{2}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{e}}_{3}$, respectively. While Mo yields a stable gapless antiferromagnetic ground state, Nb favors a strong ferromagnetic order, with the magnetic coupling strength (${T}_{C}$) $\ensuremath{\sim}6$ times of that induced by the traditional Cr impurity. Yet, we found that Nb is still unfavorable to support the QAH state in $\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{i}}_{2}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{e}}_{3}$ because of the reduced correlation in the ${t}_{2g}$ band that gives a gapless character. This rationale is not only successful in interpreting why Nb, the strongest candidate among $4d$ TMs for achieving ferromagnetism in $\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{i}}_{2}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{e}}_{3}$, actually cannot lead to QAHE in the $\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{i}}_{2}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{e}}_{3}$ system even with the assistance of codoping but also is particularly important to fully understand the mechanism of acquisition of insulating ferromagnetic states inside TI. On the other hand, we discovered that Mo-doped $\mathrm{B}{\mathrm{i}}_{2}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{e}}_{3}$ favors strong antiferromagnetic states and may lead to superconducting states.

Knowledge and exercise behavior maintenance in cardiac rehabilitation patients receiving educational interventions

ObjectivesTo test whether a theoretically-based education curriculum results in more sustained knowledge, higher scores on Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) constructs, and greater exercise behavior 6 months post-cardiac rehabilitation (CR) when compared to traditional CR education. BackgroundPatient education is a core component of CR. No research has examined whether this education results in sustained improvements post-program. MethodsIn this quasi-experimental study, participants exposed to the traditional vs HAPA-based education completed surveys pre, post-CR, and 6 months post-discharge assessing knowledge, HAPA constructs, and exercise. ResultsNinety-three participants completed the final survey. Knowledge increases post-CR were sustained 6 months post-program, with no differences by curriculum. Many improvements in HAPA constructs observed post-CR were sustained, except for some decay in self-efficacy. Minutes of exercise per week were significantly greater in participants exposed to the HAPA-based curriculum 6 months post-program. ConclusionsHAPA-based education in CR has sustained effects on exercise.

Synergetic Transformations of Multiple Pollutants Driven by Cr(VI)-Sulfite Reactions.

Reduction of Cr(VI) is often deemed necessary to detoxify chromium contaminants; however, few investigations utilized this reaction for the purpose of treating other industrial wastewaters. Here a widely used Cr(VI)-sulfite reaction system was upgraded to simultaneously transform multiple pollutants, namely, the reduction of Cr(VI) and oxidation of sulfite and other organic/inorganic pollutants in an acidic solution. As(III) was selected as a probe pollutant to examine the oxidation capacity of a Cr(VI)-sulfite system. Both (•)OH and SO4(•-) were considered as the primary oxidants for As(III) oxidation, based on the results of electron spin resonance, fluorescence spectroscopy, and specific radicals quenching. As(III)-scavenging, oxidative radicals greatly accelerated Cr(VI) reduction and simultaneously consumed less sulfite. In comparison with a Cr(VI)-H2O2 system with 50 μM Cr(VI), Cr(VI), the sulfite system had excellent performance for both As(III) oxidation and Cr(VI) reduction at pH 3.5. Moreover, in this escalated process, less sulfite was required to reduce Cr(VI) than the traditional Cr(VI) reduction by sulfite process. This effectively improves the environmental compatibility of this Cr(VI) detoxification process, alleviating the potential for SO2 release and sulfate ion production in water. Generally, this study provides an excellent example of a "waste control by waste" strategy for the detoxification of multiple industrial pollutants.

Team-based Care for Cardiac Rehabilitation and Exercise Training in Heart Failure.

The estimated cost of treating patients with HF in the United States is expected to more than double by 2030.65 This forecast of the impact of HF in the United States should serve as a call to action. Despite well-documented benefits, participation in exercise training and CR programs by patients with HF remains low. In this article, standards and guidelines for exercise and CR in HF were reviewed. Although traditional CR had core components, it lacked care management specific for HF. Chronic stable HF patients can safely exercise; however, there are many unique needs that are not currently addressed at the patient, system, and provider levels. As we face economic and political forces that are expected to require major change to the health care delivery system, it becomes even more important to capitalize on the advantages that come with team-based care. CR has always served as a model of team-based care; however, the model must now include professionals with HF expertise to guide patients in safe exercise and self-management strategies appropriate for this chronically ill population.

Design and methods of the Gentle Cardiac Rehabilitation Study — A behavioral study of tai chi exercise for patients not attending cardiac rehabilitation

IntroductionCardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs reduce overall and cardiovascular mortality in patients with a history of acute coronary events or revascularization procedures, but only 30% of patients enroll in CR and attrition rates reach up to 60%. Tai chi, a mind-body practice based on light/moderate aerobic exercise accompanied by meditative components could be a possible exercise option for patients who do not attend CR. Methods/designSixty patients will be randomized to a “LITE” condition (one tai chi session twice weekly for 12weeks) or to a “PLUS” condition (one tai chi session 3 times weekly for 12weeks, followed by maintenance classes 1–2 times weekly for an additional 12weeks). Measurements will be conducted at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 9months after enrollment. The primary outcome is to determine the feasibility, acceptability and safety of each dose. Secondary outcomes include estimates of effect size of each dose on accelerometry-assessed physical activity; the proportion of patients meeting current recommendations for physical activity; and measures of fitness, quality of life, body weight, and sleep. In addition, we will collect exploratory information on possible mediators (exercise self-efficacy, perceived social support, resilience, mindfulness, and depression). ConclusionsFindings from this pilot study will provide preliminary indications about the usefulness of tai chi as an exercise option for patients not attending traditional CR programs. Results will also shed light on the possible mechanisms by which tai chi practice may improve overall physical activity among patients with atherosclerotic coronary heart disease.

Individualized Combined Exercise is Superior to Group-Based Exercise In Improving Submaximal Exercise Capacity in Moderate to High Risk Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients

Exercise- based phase III cardiac rehabilitation aftercare is integral to the maintenance of health and fitness status in patients who have suffered a cardiac event. For CR patients with moderate to high cardiovascular risk of event reoccurrence, even small improvements in fitness can have a positive influence on health. Therefore it is necessary to research forms of exercise that have been observed to improve fitness in these individuals. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of combined endurance-resistance exercise in moderate to high risk cardiac patients over six months compared to traditional group-based CR. METHODS: Sixty-two patients (69±7 y, 39% female) in phase III aftercare with maximal exercise capacity < 5 METs were randomized to six months of twice- weekly GCR or ICE. Resting heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and the first ventilatory threshold (VT1) were assessed at baseline and at six months. RESULTS: There were no serious adverse events. Resting HR decreased 8% in ICE compared to no change in GCR (p=0.015). Systolic and diastolic BP decreased 6.8% and 14.4% in ICE compared to 4.5% and 6.2% in GCR. Time to and workload at VT1 increased 28% and 29% in ICE compared to 3.5% and 3.6% in GCR, respectively (both p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: ICE improved resting hemodynamics and submaximal exercise capacity significantly compared to GCR in CR patients with moderate to high CV risk. These data support the integration of individualized endurance and resistance exercise into exercise guidelines for moderate to high risk CVD patients. This research was financially supported by a grant from the Herz-LAG Bayern

Effect of Sulphur on Fe-20Cr-(Mn, Si) Alloy Corrosion in CO2-H2O Gases at 650°C

The oxyfuel process is a new technology in which coal combustion occurs in oxygen rather than air, producing a flue gas made up mainly of CO2 and H2O. This makes CO2 collection and sequestration feasible. The traditional low Cr martensitic steels used successfully in conventional power generation are vulnerable to corrosion in oxyfuel atmospheres. As a result, a higher Cr concentration is required to form a protective chromia scale. Because of flue gas recirculation and the lack of nitrogen dilution in the oxyfuel process, a relatively high content of sulphur is present in the gas. Although the effect of sulphur on Fe-Cr corrosion in CO2-H2O atmospheres is not clear, it is believed to be adsorbed on oxide surfaces and grain boundaries, affecting mass transport of carbon. The present research investigates the effect of sulphur on the corrosion of Fe-20Cr, Fe-20Cr-2Mn and Fe-20Cr-0.5Si (all in wt%) alloys in Ar-20%CO2-20%H2O with and without additions of SO2 at concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.0%, at 650°C. Corrosion kinetics were measured via weight gains in isothermal time lapse experiments. Corrosion products were characterized using X-ray diffraction, cross-section metallography, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy together with energy dispersive spectroscopy. In the sulphur-free gas, Fe-20Cr and Fe-20Cr-2Mn alloys experienced breakaway oxidation, forming a thick, iron-rich oxide scale, together with extensively precipitated intergranular and intragranular carbides within the alloys. Adding SO2 to the gas significantly improved the corrosion resistance of Fe-20Cr and Fe-20Cr-2Mn alloys by forming thin protective Cr2O3/ MnCr2O4 scales. The formation of carbides was also significantly retarded due to preferential adsorption of sulphur blocking the diffusion of carbon. The Fe-20Cr-0.5Si alloy developed a protective, thin oxide scale in both sulphur-free and sulphur-containing gases. This is attributed to the formation of a thin silica layer at the chromia scale-alloy interface. This layer slowed oxide scaling by impeding outward metal diffusion, and prevented internal carburization by blocking carbon entry.

Joint Spatio-Frequency Resource Management for Cognitive MIMO Systems

This paper proposes a joint spatio-frequency resource model and management strategy in cognitive MIMO (Multi-Input Multi-Output) systems by exploiting the spatial signal processing ability provided by multi-antenna techniques. With the scheme cognitive system could coexist with the primary in one occupied authorized frequency channel without interfere with the later. Accordingly cognitive transmission could be carried out even there is no idle spectrum available. This is a complement to traditional CR in which the performance of cognitive user depends to a great extent on the availability of spectrum hole. Simulation results show that compared with conventional CR, the proposed method could effectively improve the performance of cognitive user on the premises that no interference is imposed on the primary.

Separating mortality and emigration: modelling space use, dispersal and survival with robust‐design spatial capture–recapture data

Summary Capture–recapture (CR) techniques are commonly used to gain information about population dynamics, demography and life‐history traits of populations. However, traditional CR models cannot separate mortality from emigration. Recently developed spatial–capture–recapture (SCR) models explicitly incorporate spatial information into traditional CR models, thus allowing for individuals' movements to be modelled explicitly. In this paper, we extend SCR models using robust‐design data to allow for both processes in which individuals can disappear from the population, mortality and dispersal, to be estimated separately. We formulate a general robust‐design spatial capture–recapture (RD‐SCR) model, explore the properties of the model in a simulation study and compare the results to a Cormack–Jolly–Seber model and a non‐spatial robust‐design model with temporary emigration. In the case study, we fit several versions of the general model to data on field voles (Microtus agrestis) and compare the results with those from the non‐spatial models fitted to the same data. We also evaluate assumptions of the fitted models with a series of simulation‐based posterior predictive goodness‐of‐fit checks that are applicable to the SCR models in general and the RD‐SCR model in particular. The simulation results show that the model preforms well under a wide range of dispersal distances. Our model outperforms the traditional CR models in terms of both accuracy and precision for survival. The case study showed that adult females have an c. 3·5 times higher mortality rate than adult males. Males have larger home ranges and disperse longer distances than females, but both males and females mostly move their activity centres within their previous home range between trapping sessions at 3‐week intervals. Our RD‐SCR model has several advantages compared to other approaches to estimate ‘true’ survival instead of only ‘apparent’ survival. Additionally, the model extracts information about space use and dispersal distributions that are relevant for behavioural studies as well as studies of life‐history variation, population dynamics and management. The model can be widely applied due to the flexible framework, and other variations of the model could easily be implemented.

Nadelkristalldetektor-Technologie in der Mammografie – Bildqualität und Dosisverhalten in Abhängigkeit von der Strahlenqualität

Compared with traditional CR storage phosphor plates, CR needle crystal technology used in mammography claims to allow for better image quality using a lower dose. Image quality and dose behavior are evaluated for multiple breast thicknesses (simulated with PMMA slabs) on the Agfa DX-M system with needle crystal detectors (HM5.0) and optimized for possible different beam qualities. Technical image quality was determined using the CDMAM phantom with subsequent "automatic readout" by considering limiting values as specified in the EUREF guideline. For dose, the calculated average glandular dose was used. With CR needle crystal detectors, comparable image quality can already be achieved with an approximately 50% lower dose than required for traditional plates. In addition, CR needle crystal technology makes it possible to also reach the achievable EUREF limit values without exceeding the dose limit values specified in EUREF. It was also found that the usage of W/Rh instead of Mo/Rh is beneficial for a 50 mm as well as 70 mm PMMA with regards to better image quality and a lower dose. The needle crystal technology with the Agfa DX-M system supports equivalent CDMAM image quality with an approximately 50% lower AGD compared to powder-based CR. An additional dose reduction can be achieved by using W/Rh instead of Mo/Rh.

Spectrum management in cognitive radio: Applications of portfolio theory in wireless communications

Portfolio theory (PT) has been widely used in finance as a tool to aid capital allocation and investment analysis, and to measure economic welfare. Recently, PT has been applied as a spectrum management tool for cognitive radio for QoS management in CR and the pricing of CR access rights. PT is characterized by the analysis of risk and return, concepts that feature widely in wireless communications due to the random nature of traffic and radio channels. Compared with traditional CR resource management techniques (e.g., game theory), where the aim has been the maximization of QoS or another utility measure, the key advantage of PTbased resource management stems from the focus on both the mean utility achieved by a communication system, as well as utility variance. Ignoring QoS (e.g., throughput) variance in communication system design may lead to systems that are unusable by some applications, even though mean QoS remains high. In applications such as pricing-based spectrum management, PT analysis incorporates the variance of investment returns, a key measure of economic welfare, into pricing and trading strategies. In this article we examine the key concepts behind PT, risk and return, as well as their importance in CR and wireless communications. As examples, we analyze the application of PT in solving CR spectrum management problems through QoS management and pricing of spectrum access rights.

Chromium electrodeposition from Cr(III) aqueous solutions

The aim of this work is to study an alternative plating process to obtain chromium coatings through electrodeposition from baths containing trivalent chromium, as aqueous solutions of Cr (III) are significantly less dangerous, in terms of human health and environmental impact, as compared to the traditional Cr (VI) baths employed for this purpose. In order to overcome problems regarding the reduction of Cr (III) in aqueous solution, two approaches were followed: i) the possibility of co-depositing chromium along with a second metal, which could help the process of discharge of Cr 3+ on the substrate; ii) the use of a specific ligand for the Cr 3+ ion, which can generate easily reducible complexes at the metal–solution interphase. Both approaches led to interesting results: in particular, the co-deposition enabled us to obtain NiCr alloy with a high percentage of chromium, and the deposition using specific complexing agents allowed optimal bath compositions to be developed both for decorative and hard chromium plating.