Years Of Utilization Research Articles

Rehabilitación de las instalaciones eléctricas en los edificios destinados principalmente a viviendas

The objective of the present work is to report about the complexity of the renovation of the electric installation of a building, in the frame of a entire building renovation. We will also discuss the regulations that must be taken into account in the project and that the electrician will have to follow. During the design of the renovation of the electric installation of a building, it is necessary to consider what we want to renovate and which use will be given to the building afterwards. Further, the work must be intended for, at least, 30 to 50 years of utilization. We have also made a review of all the components of the connection installation in a building, applying regulations and way of implementation. About the interior electric equipment of housings, it is described the circuits that must be implemented in any case according to the low voltage regulation from 2002, presently in effect. These circuits fit out the buildings for the electrification currently needed in housings. The renovation works in electric installations require good management of the present regulations, both national and regional, and wide experience on how to apply them in each case. Note that the characteristics of the buildings must be preserved and the renovation work must not cause the building as a whole or its more significant parts to deteriorate.

Characterizing variations in soil particle size distribution in oasis farmlands—A case study of the Cele Oasis

Characterizing soil particle size distributions (PSD) and their variation is an important issue in environmental research. In this study, fractal theory was used to analyse the soil PSD and its variations in the Cele Oasis, which is located at the southern margin of the Tarim Basin. The characteristics of the soil PSD were then evaluated to identify the primary factors that influence soil PSD. The results showed that the fractal dimension ( D ) values ranged from 2.11 to 2.27, and that there were significant differences among groups. Furthermore, the D values showed a significant positive correlation with fine particles (<50 μm) and soil organic matter contents. According to a comparative analysis of D values, the utilization years of farmlands had a significant influence on PSD, while the difference in the spatial distribution of farmlands did not. These results indicated that long-term and effective tillage management of the farmlands will be beneficial to keeping and improving the states of the soil PSD and other soil properties.

Internet point of care learning at a community hospital

Internet point of care (PoC) learning is a relatively new method for obtaining continuing medical education credits. Few data are available to describe physician utilization of this CME activity. We describe the Internet point of care system we developed at a medium-sized community hospital and report on its first year of utilization. We reviewed all completed Internet PoC report forms for 1 year to determine what percentage of our medical staff participated. Using a Likert-type scale, physicians were asked to rate the effectiveness of this method as a means for obtaining CME credit and for improving patient care. From a medical staff of 355, 7 physicians (2%) completed an Internet PoC form in the first year of use. The number of completed forms ranged from 1 to 18 for each individual who used the system. On a 5-point Likert scale, physicians rated this method as follows: good answer found to question = 4.4, knowledge base was improved = 4.0, patient benefited from the information = 4.0, and good way to learn new information = 4.2. A small number of physicians utilized this method for obtaining CME credit, but some individuals really embraced it. Those who used it liked it as a way to obtain CME and many felt strongly that it improved patient care. Other hospitals are encouraged to develop an Internet PoC reporting system for their medical staff.

Effects of different strains of Sinorhizobium meliloti on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) biomass yield

The effects of highly effective strains of Sinorhizobium meliloti on biomass and crude protein yields of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were investigated in a three-year field experiment focusing on the advantage of alfalfa inoculation with N microbiological fertilizer over N mineral fertilization on chernozem soil. Strains 236 and 234 were found in this experiment to have significant effect on the yields of dry matter and proteins, by comparison to untreated control plants. In the third year of utilization, dry matter yield of alfalfa plants inoculated with strains 236 and 234 increased around 31% in the first cutting and 53% and 65% in the second one, compared to control plants. Strain 236 was found to increase the yield of crude proteins by 29.7% (second cutting) and 39.6% (third cutting) in the second year, and 27.5% (first cutting) and 50.3% (second cutting) in the third year of utilization, while strain 234 increased significantly the content of proteins in the third cutting of the second year (27%) and in the third year of utilization (51% in the first and 53% in the second cutting). The results indicate that effective strains of S. meliloti may be applied as N microbiological fertilizers on soils with optimal physical and chemical characteristics and autochthonous populations that may not have satisfactory effectiveness in nitrogen fixation.

Changes over 5 years in utilization of dental care by a Swedish age cohort

The purpose of this study was to investigate the temporal development of the utilization of dental care, in relation to socio-economic factors and also considering perceived oral health, attitudes to dental care, dental anxiety, care organisation and changes in the way that dental care is paid for. A conflict model was used as a theoretical framework. In 1992, a mail questionnaire was sent to all 50-year-old persons in two counties in Sweden, Orebro and Ostergotland, as part of a cross-sectional study. This study group numbered 8888 persons. In 1997, the same population was sent a new questionnaire. There were 5363 persons who completed the questionnaire in both 1992 and 1997. Changes in utilization of dental care were analysed. An increase in personal expenditure for care was obvious, 42% paid more in 1997 compared with 1992. In the study, 7% had prolonged their time since most recent visit and 12% had less frequent visits. In regression models, education, occupation, place of residence, country of birth, marital status, gender, dental anxiety, having poor perceived oral health and poor general health were associated with utilization. Care organisation factors showed there was a greater probability of having higher utilization and higher cost of care when private practitioners provided the care. Small changes in the utilization of dental care occurred during this study time. Inequality in utilization existed and socio-economic factors affected utilization as well as health perception and dental anxiety. Changes in the cost of care did not affect utilization appreciably, probably because of a selected population with high price elasticity. Having a private care provider compared with one in the public system affected the probability of having higher utilization and higher cost for care.

Re-commissioning of an electron accelerator: industrial-type in research style

After 25 years of utilization in 1992, the electron linear accelerator was replaced by a modern type, CIRCE III of CGR-MeV (now Thomson-CSF). The goal had been to bring a typical industrial-style machine-source of radiation to the research institute in order to enable it to study any relevant parameter in radiation processing of food under commercial conditions. The machine should be as close in design to industrial practices, but at the same time allow for research into dosimetry and process control. As the FRCN moved to its new site, the decision was to re-install the accelerator there. At this occasion and based on the operating experiences of the recent years, several new features were introduced: the scan mode was changed from during-pulse to shot-by-shot; the bending magnet was modified from 107° to 253° (pretzel-type); the exploitable scanning width was increased from 40 to 80 cm. After this modification, the machine characteristics had to be verified. For the changed scan-mode the adjustment of pulse repetition rate, scan frequency, transport velocity, and beam cross-section in both directions, had to be established for the targeted low-dose treatments (about 100 Gy). Furthermore, the facility has now two separated beam-outlets, one for handling the prepacked materials on a transport system, the other one for bulk material handling (not yet installed) and for bremsstrahlung-mode experiments. First results with the accelerator after its transfer to the new site are reported; the radiation field characteristics after the modifications are given.

The closure of rural hospitals in Saskatchewan: method or madness?

On April 14, 1993 the Minister of Health of the Province of Saskatchewan announced the closure of 52 of the 112 small hospitals using the criteria of: size, utilization for two consecutive years and distance to the nearest-neighbouring hospital. Amazingly, that government was re-elected. This study compared two models of reasons for hospital closure: the government criteria; and historical population, resource, and utilization factors, gathered for the year prior to closure and a decade earlier. Of the 112 small hospitals in Saskatchewan, the 10 hospitals in the frontier area were not included. Hospitals in the settled part of the province were divided into two distinct zones. The Northern zone, with 53 hospitals is characterized by rich dark soil and prosperous trade centres and the Southern zone, with 49 hospitals is characterized by light brown sandy soil and oil and gas exploration centres. Two discriminant models were developed. The government model consisted of size, two years of utilization and distance. The historical model consisted of population, resource, and utilization factors for the years 1981/1982 and 1991/1992. The dependent variable for both models was hospital status (open=1 and closed =0). The government model accurately predicted 91.18% of the closure decisions. The historical model had a classification accuracy of 95.10% for the whole of settled Saskatchewan, 96.23% for the Northern zone, and 95.92% for the Southern zone. The historical model was more accurate than the government model. Closing a hospital is a sad event. The manner in which the government closed nearly half of the small hospitals in Saskatchewan and gained re-election is an important account of responsible public policy. The historical model developed to examine this story takes public policy one step further in that it is possible for governments to recognize signals that indicate when communities should undertake orderly transitions in the operation of their health services facilities.

True three-colour photoceramic

This paper presents the true three-colour photoceramic, introduced by the authors since 1992, which allows wide new possibilities in the field of the ceramic decoration, for reproduction on ceramic (majolica, porcelain, earthenware, etc.) surfaces of images either photographic or painted images or even directly coming from computer-made image files. The correspondent technological process used to produce this kind of decoration involves new manufacturing procedures and the use of unusual devices. The physical principle involved in obtaining the formation of the image is based on the well-known physiological tristimulus effect, which is founded on a consolidated theory and practice utilised for classical photographic and TV reproduction. The novelty consists in having introduced this technique in the ceramic decoration field. To distinguish the technique described here from that already known as polychromatic, based on a careful and artistic hand-painting technique (but an artefact based on the operator's fantasy), we have called it: true three-colour photoceramic process (the equivalent of the three-colour printing technique). Besides the due treatment of already known physical concepts, some technological problems are reported and discussed, which arose during the years of utilisation of this new technique. The behaviour “in situ” of true three-coloured photoceramics is also discussed here, in the light of many years of production and application. Physical and chemical aspects are considered, to further develop and improve this new technology of images reproduction.

Surgical complications from hemostatic puncture closure devices

Background: For securing immediate hemostasis following percutaneous arterial catheterization, the Food and Drug Administration has approved three hemostatic puncture closure devices. We reviewed our institutional experience with one device (Angio-Seal).Methods: A retrospective, single-center, nonrandomized observational study was made of all vascular complications following femoral cardiac catheterization.Results: An immediate mechanical failure of the device was experienced in 34 (8%) patients. Surgical repair was required in 1.6% (7 of 425) of patients following Angio-Seal versus 0.3% (5 of 1662) following routine manual compression (P = 0.004). In 5 patients, the device caused either complete occlusion or stenosis of the femoral artery. The polymer anchor embolized in 1 patient and was retrieved with a balloon catheter at surgery.Conclusion: During the first year of utilization of a percutaneous hemostatic closure device following cardiac catheterization, we observed a marked increase in arterial occlusive complications requiring surgical repair. Surgeons must be familiar with the design of these devices to achieve precise repair of surgical complications.

Stability of some DC reference standards

Some 15 years ago, after 80 years of utilization of the Weston cell as voltage standard, commercial designs of sources with Zener diodes, the so-called "dc reference standards" appeared on the market. They have much more favorable properties compared to Weston Standard Cells. The stability of one commercial dc reference standard Fluke 732A at the 10 V output was analyzed in relation to the calibration data obtained in the Fluke, NIST, and PTB laboratories during a period of seven years. Two approaches to accessible data for regression line calculation were compared. In the first approach all the data were taken into consideration, whereas in the second approach only the mean values of particular calibration expressed for the mean date were taken into account and were calculated with weights. Both approaches show a very good agreement. The voltage of the analyzed source at the 10 V output changes for about 0.1/spl times/10/sup -6//year, which is several times less than the value given in the manufacturer's specifications.

Radiation-induced cancers: state of the art in 1997

Scientists now have available a large amount of data dealing with radiation-induced neoplasms. These data went back to anecdotal observations which were made in the very first years of utilization of X-rays and radioactive elements. In fact, it is essentially the strict follow-up of the Japanese populations irradiated by the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombing which allowed a more precise evaluation of the carcinogenicity of ionizing radiations. Further refinements came from therapeutical irradiations: it is now possible to study large cohorts of patients given well-known doses in well-defined volumes and followed for more than 20 years. Last but not least, a significant increase in the incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer has been detected in children contaminated by iodine radioisotopes after the Tchernobyl accident. Recently, some data suggested the emergence of "clusters" of leukemias close to some nuclear facilities, but this question remains highly polemical, both in France and in the UK. Other questions are still waiting for a precise answer; of course, the extrapolation of our available data to very low doses delivered at very low dose rates, but also the carcinogenic risk at high doses. For these "high" doses (about 30 to 70 Gy), a competition between mutagenesis and cell killing was expected, so that these dose levels were expected to be less carcinogenic than lower (a few sieverts) doses. Actually, recent data suggest that the carcinogenic risk goes on increasing up to relatively important doses. In addition, carcinogenic factors, such as tabacco, anticancer chemotherapy and individual susceptibility, are found more and more to be closely intricated with ionizing radiation in the genesis of a given cancer. Even if a number of questions are still pending, the already available data allow specialists, both in medicine and radioprotection, to edict strict rules which can be reasonably expected to have significantly reduced the risk of radiation-induced neoplasms in most situations.

General safety profile of zolpidem: safety in elderly, overdose and rebound effects

The different aspects of general safety of zolpidem are reviewed after analysing the safety data obtained in adults as well as in elderly patients. The low incidence of reported adverse events during the first three years of utilisation of zolpidem have corroborated the results of the clinical studies. The most frequent adverse effects are central nervous system (CNS) related but they can be largely prevented by respecting the recommended doses and prescription rules. In cases of acute overdoses, no severe complications have been attributed to zolpidem taken alone. In most of the studies carried out within the recommended treatment duration, abrupt treatment discontinuation was not associated with clinically significant rebound insomnia, and the available pre-clinical and clinical data indicate that the risk of abuse or dependence is minimal when prescribed according to the recommended doses of 10 mg in adults and 5 mg in elderly. Thus, with now well-established arguments on a large patient basis going in the same direction, the safety of zolpidem can authorise and justify its wide prescription in the short-term treatment of insomnia.

Workers' compensation managed care: Preliminary findings

The cost of providing care that is effective to return injured workers to the workplace has risen in recent years in a manner that appears to be out of control in the workers' compensation system. In turn, medical care costs are an important component of the rapidly increasing costs of workers' compensation insurance. A model of health care delivery that emphasizes early intervention and return to work is presented. This model focuses on providing aggressive treatment of injuries that historically have been reported to be extraordinarily expensive. This paper is a case study of a managed care treatment model and presents costs of treatment in the first year of utilization. Medical care costs of 295 cases are compared with state and national figures and are found to be substantially better, especially with regard to soft tissue injuries and injuries that involve days lost from work.

Australian Ecosystems: 200 Years of Utilization, Degradation, and Reconstruction, Edited by D.A. Saunders, A.J.M. Hopkins &amp; R.A. How. Surrey Beatty, Chipping Norton, NSW, Australia: vii + 602 pp., illustr., 24.2 × 18.4 × 3.2 cm, soft binding, no price indicated, 1990. - Conservation for the Twenty-first Century, Edited by D. Western &amp; M.C. Pearl. Oxford University Press, New York &amp;

Australian Ecosystems: 200 Years of Utilization, Degradation, and Reconstruction, Edited by D.A. Saunders, A.J.M. Hopkins &amp; R.A. How. Surrey Beatty, Chipping Norton, NSW, Australia: vii + 602 pp., illustr., 24.2 × 18.4 × 3.2 cm, soft binding, no price indicated, 1990. - Conservation for the Twenty-first Century, Edited by D. Western &amp; M.C. Pearl. Oxford University Press, New York &amp; Oxford: xxv + 365 pp., illustr., 24.0 × 17.2 × 3.2 cm, hardcover, no price indicated, 1989. - Volume 20 Issue 4

Australian Ecosystems: 200 Years of Utilization, Degradation and Reconstruction, eds. D. A. Saunders, A. J. M. Hopkins, and R. A. How; and Forest Management in Australia, eds. F. H. McKinnell, E. R. Hopkins, and J. E. D. Fox [Review

Australian Ecosystems: 200 Years of Utilization, Degradation and Reconstruction, eds. D. A. Saunders, A. J. M. Hopkins, and R. A. How; and Forest Management in Australia, eds. F. H. McKinnell, E. R. Hopkins, and J. E. D. Fox [Review

Australian Ecosystems: 200 Years of Utilization, Degradation and Reconstruction. Proceedings of a Symposium Held in Geraldton, Western Australia, 28 August-2 September 1988. D. A. Saunders , A. J. M. Hopkins , R. A. How

Previous articleNext article No AccessNew Biological BooksAustralian Ecosystems: 200 Years of Utilization, Degradation and Reconstruction. Proceedings of a Symposium Held in Geraldton, Western Australia, 28 August-2 September 1988. D. A. Saunders , A. J. M. Hopkins , R. A. How Allen KeastAllen Keast Search for more articles by this author PDFPDF PLUS Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail SectionsMoreDetailsFiguresReferencesCited by The Quarterly Review of Biology Volume 66, Number 4Dec., 1991 Published in association with Stony Brook University Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1086/417404 Copyright 1991 The University of ChicagoPDF download Crossref reports no articles citing this article.

Ceramic Hardness

Abstract This book was written with the aim of increasing the awareness of materials scientists, metallurgists, and engineers of recent developments in hardness testing of modern ceramics. Hardness is not a unique property, but is a response of the material to a specific indentor and test conditions. Several models of hardness are presented including simplified elastic or elastic plastic models, which set bounds upon the hardness limits. The sensitivity of hardness to crystallographic influences is well covered. The book covers the common test methods such as Mohs, Rockwell, Vickers, and Knoop, as well as less well known methods such as Berkovich and scratch hardness. Substantial progress has been made in recent years in utilization of microindentation methods to study fracture toughness, residual stress surface layers, and wear processes in ceramics.

Australian Ecosystems: Two Hundred Years of Utilization, Degradation and Reconstruction. Proceedings of the Ecological Society of Australia, Volume 16

Australian Ecosystems: Two Hundred Years of Utilization, Degradation and Reconstruction. Proceedings of the Ecological Society of Australia, Volume 16

Book Reviews

Book reviewed in this article: The Expendable Future: U.S. Politics and the Protection of Biological Diversity. Tobin, R. Australian Ecosystems: 200 Years of Utilization, Degradation and Reconstruction. Saunders, D. A., Hopkins, J. M., How, R.A., eds. Ecosystems of Florida. Myers, R. and Ewel, J., editors. Nature Reserves: Island Theory and Conservation Practice. Sha‐ fer, Craig L.

Characteristics of Metal-Polysilicate Coagulants

The authors propose metal-polysilicate complexes as new inorganic polymer coagulants for the removal of colloidal suspensions. In the first part of this paper, procedures of silicic acid polymerization to attain very higher molecular weight polysilicates in a much more stable state than conventional methods are discussed. Then, a procedure for introducing metal ions such as aluminum and iron into the polymerized silicic acid is presented to give coagulation capability, i.e. charge-neutralizing capacity, to the polysilicic acid. Several new inorganic polymers are thus prepared as cationic coagulants. In the final part, the effectiveness of the proposed aluminum- or ferric-polysilicate coagulants for coagulation and flocculation is evaluated by means of conventional jar tests and pilot plant experiments. These studies show that both the resulting water quality and the rate of removal after sedimentation are greatly improved in comparison with conventional inorganic coagulants. Unlike conventional organic coagulants, these inorganic polymer coagulants are considered to be safe for human health because the safety of silicates and metal coagulants has been demonstrated by many years of utilization.