Showing papers by "University of Bedfordshire published in 2006"
TL;DR: Questions concerning whether extra-anatomic bypass should remain the gold standard for treatment of aortic graft infection are led to by the results of this meta-analysis.
287 citations
TL;DR: This systematic review confirms the superiority of anticoagulation therapy over aspirin as thromboprophylaxis in patients with NVAF and appears as effective as adjusted-dose warfarin for the prevention of thromboembolic events in NVAF, with a lower risk of bleeding.
232 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the Brundtland Commission report published in 1987 came a framework for sustainable energy development, and performance under the four elements of that framework have been almost uniformly disappointing.
213 citations
TL;DR: The empirical evidence collected from the survey and interviews confirms the general belief that external knowledge is of prime importance for SMEs, and demonstrates that SMEs have very strong needs for external knowledge and inter-organizational knowledge transfer.
Abstract: Purpose - External knowledge is generally believed to be of prime importance to small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, a review of the literature shows that no empirical research has looked at knowledge management issues at the inter-organizational level in SMEs. This paper seeks to report on an empirical investigation with UK SMEs in the service sector to identify their needs and practices regarding inter-organizational knowledge transfer, and thus provide empirical evidence to support the above belief. Design/methodology/approach - A two-tier methodology (i.e. using both questionnaire survey and interview approaches) is deployed to address the main research objectives. A questionnaire survey of SMEs is carried out to investigate their current inter-organizational knowledge transfer situation and managers' perception on various relevant issues. Then 12 face-to-face interviews with SME managers are conducted to further validate key findings drawn from the questionnaire survey. Findings - The empirical evidence collected from the survey and interviews confirms the general belief that external knowledge is of prime importance for SMEs, and demonstrates that SMEs have very strong needs for external knowledge and inter-organizational knowledge transfer. Research limitations/implications - The findings provide very strong underpinning for further theoretical research on inter-organizational knowledge transfer in SMEs. However, this study has certain limitations: its results may not be applicable to other industrial sectors or the same sector in other countries; or to micro or large companies; nor does it involve cross-cultural issues. Originality/value - By adopting a two-tier research methodology, this study provides more reliable understanding and knowledge on SMEs' inter-organizational knowledge transfer needs and practices, and fills the gap that exists in the empirical investigations on the subject. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
192 citations
TL;DR: One possible approach is exemplified that, in theory, provides a framework for not only the identification of skin sensitising chemicals, but also the estimation of relative sensitising potency, and an ability to measure these in vitro.
Abstract: Current approaches to skin sensitisation risk assessment are dependent upon the availability of information regarding two fundamental parameters. Firstly, data relating to the relative skin sensitising potency of the chemical, and secondly, information regarding likely conditions of human exposure. During the past two decades, much has been achieved in terms of refining methods capable of informing these parameters. For example, the development of the local lymph node assay (LLNA) has made it possible to predict skin sensitising hazard, and to determine relative skin sensitising potency, in a way that was not possible previously. Taken together with accurate information about predicted exposure, such potency data can be used to facilitate the derivation of effective risk assessments. However, although the LLNA provides an integrated assessment of skin sensitising activity, it does require the use of experimental animals and there is growing enthusiasm for designing robust alternative approaches that will reduce or obviate that need. Progress is being made in defining alternative experimental strategies that avoid animal use, but it is clear that accurate characterisation of skin sensitisation hazards will require the effective integration of various sources of information. For this reason, we exemplify here one possible approach that, in theory, provides a framework for not only the identification of skin sensitising chemicals, but also the estimation of relative sensitising potency. This paradigm depends upon development of an understanding of the various biological, biochemical and chemical factors that impact on the allergenic properties of chemicals and the acquisition of skin sensitisation, and an ability to measure these in vitro.
166 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of biopolymer concentration on calcite crystallization was studied for LM pectin and κ-carrageenan, and the results showed that low methoxy pectins were particularly effective at directing the growth of calcite rosettes and led to aggregates of radially aligned crystals.
Abstract: The influence on calcium carbonate crystallization of a series of biopolymers that contain carboxylic acid or sulfate functional groups was studied using pH and turbidity measurements, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Without biopolymer, single calcite (104) rhombohedra were formed. In the presence of nongelling biopolymers (xanthan and gellan) in the conditions used, (104) rhombohedra formed aggregates that were “stack-like”, but in the presence of gelling biopolymers (pectin, κ-carrageenan, and sodium alginate) the aggregates were “rosette-like”. The “rosettes” were proposed to form by the nucleation of calcite on a gelled microparticle template to form a hollow shell. Low methoxy (LM) pectin was particularly effective at directing the growth of calcite rosettes and led to aggregates of radially aligned crystals. The influence of biopolymer concentration on calcite crystallization was studied for LM pectin and κ-carrageenan. In the former case, an increasingly favorable influence of...
135 citations
119 citations
TL;DR: The authors explored the multiplicity and complexity of identity construction for elite disabled athletes within the arena of disability sport and highlighted the role that success in international disability sport can have by offering potential for positive subjectivity, a changed selfunderstanding, and an increased sense of personal empowerment.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the multiplicity and complexity of identity construction for elite disabled athletes within the arena of disability sport. This involved in-depth semistructured interviews that explored the experiences of 21 British and Taiwanese elite disabled athletes from the sports of powerlifting and track and field. The results indicate that both societal perceptions based in the medical model of disability and the participants’ impaired bodies play a key role in their identity formation and sense of self-worth. The study also highlights the role that success in international disability sport can have by offering potential for positive subjectivity, a changed self-understanding, and an increased sense of personal empowerment. Finally, the notion of multiple identities also appears to be supported by the research participants’ narratives.
118 citations
TL;DR: The isolation of rotavirus specific antibody fragments are shown to be highly stable, efficiently produced in yeast and exhibiting high epitope specific affinity and could provide a treatment modality for the moderation of human rotav virus infections having a significant impact on the course of an often fatal childhood disease.
115 citations
Patent•
01 Feb 2006TL;DR: In this article, a novel heterocyclic triazines which are useful as hypoxic selective cytotoxic agents that mediate and/or inhibit cell proliferation, for example, through the activity of protein kinases.
Abstract: The invention relates to novel heterocyclic triazines which are useful as hypoxic selective cytotoxic agents that mediate and/or inhibit cell proliferation, for example, through the activity of protein kinases. The invention is further related to pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and compositions, and to methods of treating cancer as well as other disease states associated with unwanted angiogenesis and/or cellular proliferation by administering effective amounts of such compounds.
99 citations
TL;DR: In this article, it is suggested that those responsible for elephant management should not rely on proof of suffering prior to making adjustments to their programs, but in the first instance consider the likely physical and behavioural needs of the elephant.
Abstract: Zoos are duty bound to maintain a high standard of welfare for all animals for which they are responsible. For elephants, this represents a greater challenge than for many other species; their sheer size, sophisticated social life, high level of intelligence and large behavioural repertoire, combined with their origins in tropical and subtropical climates mean that replicating the physical, social and environmental requirements needed for a high standard of welfare in captivity is a significant challenge. This is compounded by the difficulties in measuring welfare generally, and specifically for animals such as elephants within zoo environments. Evidence does exist relating to the longevity, reproductive success and the health status of captive elephants which suggests that their management is not at as high a standard as it is for many other species kept in zoos, and that elephant welfare is likely to be compromised as a result. It is suggested that for as long as elephants remain in captivity that their management should be based around the requirements of the animals themselves taking into account an understanding of their biology and behavioural ecology. Given the difficulties in measuring welfare, it is suggested that those responsible for elephant management should not rely on proof of suffering prior to making adjustments to their programmes, but in the first instance consider the likely physical and behavioural needs of the elephant. As a minimum, facilities should provide for those behaviours and contingencies which are biologically significant in terms of survival and reproduction in the wild, which take up a significant proportion of an elephant's time in the wild and are not necessarily triggered by external stimuli alone. It is suggested that a high standard of captive elephant welfare is theoretically attainable and that significant improvements in welfare are likely to be achieved by addressing inadequacies in the physical environment which predispose captive elephants to trauma and by providing for appropriate social and foraging opportunities.
TL;DR: It is suggested that differences in meal fatty acid composition exert little or no effect on postprandial changes in plasma lipids, glucose and insulin concentrations.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of consuming meals with different fatty acid compositions on the postprandial changes over 6 h in plasma triacylglycerol, NEFA, total cholesterol, glucose and insulin concentrations in middle-aged men and women. Men (n 11; 58 (5) years) and women (n 11; 56 (4) years) consumed four test meals with a similar macronutrient energy content in random order: a reference meal based on the habitual pattern of fatty acid intake in the UK, a meal with an increased (155 %) linoleic acid (LA) to alpha-linolenic acid (alphaLNA) ratio (high LA:alphaLNA), a meal with increased (23 %) MUFA content (high MUFA) and a meal with increased (583 %) EPA and DHA content (high EPA+DHA). The high-LA:alphaLNA and high-EPA+DHA meals selectively increased the ratio of LA to alphaLNA (men 341 %; women 310 %) and the EPA+DHA (men 414 %; women 438 %) concentration in plasma triacylglycerol. The high-MUFA meal did not alter the change in MUFA content of the plasma. Plasma triacylglycerol, NEFA, glucose and insulin, but not total cholesterol, concentrations changed significantly after each meal. There was no significant effect of meal fatty acid composition or gender on maximum change in concentration, time to maximum concentration or area under the curve of any of the metabolites measured in the blood. These results suggest that differences in meal fatty acid composition exert little or no effect on postprandial changes in plasma lipids, glucose and insulin concentrations
TL;DR: A dynamical model is derived that reproduces the trends observed in the experiment and gives insight into the dynamics of two microfluidic droplets emitters placed in parallel, which give rise to chaotic and quasi-periodic regimes and synchronized regimes.
Abstract: We study the dynamics of two microfluidic droplets emitters placed in parallel. We observe complex dynamical behavior, including synchronization, quasiperiodicity, and chaos. This dynamics has a considerable impact on the properties of the resulting emulsions: chaotic and quasi-periodic regimes give rise to polydispersed emulsions with poorly controllable characteristics, whereas synchronized regimes generate well-controlled monodispersed emulsions. We derive a dynamical model that reproduces the trends observed in the experiment.
TL;DR: Urinary daidzein recovery was similar for all three foods ingested with total urinary output of 33-34% of ingested dose, and peak genistein concentrations were attained in serum earlier following consumption of a liquid matrix rather than a solid matrix, although there was a lower total urinary recovery of geniste in following ingestion of juice than that of the two other foods.
Abstract: If soy isoflavones are to be effective in preventing or treating a range of diseases, they must be bioavailable, and thus understanding factors which may alter their bioavailability needs to be elucidated. However, to date there is little information on whether the pharmacokinetic profile following ingestion of a defined dose is influenced by the food matrix in which the isoflavone is given or by the processing method used. Three different foods (cookies, chocolate bars and juice) were prepared, and their isoflavone contents were determined. We compared the urinary and serum concentrations of daidzein, genistein and equol following the consumption of three different foods, each of which contained 50 mg of isoflavones. After the technological processing of the different test foods, differences in aglycone levels were observed. The plasma levels of the isoflavone precursor daidzein were not altered by food matrix. Urinary daidzein recovery was similar for all three foods ingested with total urinary output of 33-34% of ingested dose. Peak genistein concentrations were attained in serum earlier following consumption of a liquid matrix rather than a solid matrix, although there was a lower total urinary recovery of genistein following ingestion of juice than that of the two other foods.
TL;DR: It is shown that relatively high polydispersity in the block copolymer does not preclude efficient self-assembly and the effect of increasing the concentration of NaCl in the systems is discussed and can result in a shift from one morphology to another.
Abstract: A series of poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(N,N-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PEO−PDEAMA) block copolymers with relatively high polydispersity (1.36 < PDI < 1.96) have been prepared to determine the effect that polydispersity has on the self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers in dilute solution. Because monodisperse macroinitiators were used for the ATRP reactions, the polydispersity resides within the hydrophobic block. By adjusting the relative block lengths, spherical micelles, wormlike micelles, vesicles, or a precipitate is formed. Here, we show that relatively high polydispersity in the block copolymer does not preclude efficient self-assembly. We also discuss the effect of increasing the concentration of NaCl in the systems and show that this can result in a shift from one morphology to another. These shifts are reversible in some cases, but for PEO12−PDEAMA39, this method allows access to giant vesicles of between 500 nm and 1 μm in diameter.
TL;DR: Evidence from RCTs suggests that the choice of sclerosant, dose, formulation (foam versus liquid), local pressure dressing, degree and length of compression have no significant effect on the efficacy of Sclerotherapy for varicose veins.
Abstract: Background Injection sclerotherapy is widely used for superficial varicose veins. The treatment aims to obliterate the lumen of varicose veins or thread veins. There is limited evidence regarding its efficacy. Objectives To determine whether sclerotherapy is effective in improving symptoms and cosmetic appearance and has an acceptable complication rate; to define rates of symptomatic or cosmetic varicose vein recurrence following sclerotherapy. Search strategy We searched the Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group trials register (April 2006), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2006), MEDLINE and EMBASE (both inception to April 2006) and reference lists of articles. Manufacturers of sclerosants were contacted for additional trial information. Selection criteria Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of injection sclerotherapy versus graduated compression stockings (GCS) or 'observation', or comparing different sclerosants, doses, formulations and post-compression bandaging techniques on people with symptomatic and/or cosmetic varicose veins or thread veins were considered for inclusion in the review. Data collection and analysis Data were extracted by authors and Review Group Co-ordinators independently. Main results Seventeen studies were included. One study comparing sclerotherapy to GCS in pregnancy found that sclerotherapy improved symptoms and cosmetic appearance. Three studies comparing sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STD) to alternative sclerosants found no significant differences in outcome or complication rates; another study found that sclerotherapy with STD led to improved cosmetic appearance compared with polidocanol, although there was no difference in symptoms. Sclerosant plus local anaesthetic reduced the pain from injection (one study) but had no other effects. Two studies compared foam- to conventional sclerotherapy; one found no difference in failure rate or recurrent varicose veins; a second showed short-term benefit from foam in terms of elimination of venous reflux. The recanalisation rate was no different between the two treatments. One study comparing Molefoam and Sorbo pad pressure dressings found no difference in erythema or successful sclerosis. The degree and duration of elastic compression had no significant effect on varicose vein recurrence rates, cosmetic appearance or symptomatic improvement. Authors' conclusions Evidence from RCTs suggests that the choice of sclerosant, dose, formulation (foam versus liquid), local pressure dressing, degree and length of compression have no significant effect on the efficacy of sclerotherapy for varicose veins. The evidence supports the current place of sclerotherapy in modern clinical practice, which is usually limited to treatment of recurrent varicose veins following surgery and thread veins. Surgery versus sclerotherapy is the subject of a further Cochrane Review.
TL;DR: It is suggested that while PPD may act as a prohapten, there is probably a spectrum of antigenic determinants in vivo that are 10 times more potent than PPD, taking into account the molarity.
Abstract: p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) is a commonly used hair-dye and a potent skin allergen. The mechanism of sensitization is unknown, as PPD is protein unreactive. We studied Bandrowski's base (BB), a PPD trimer, as well as 1,4-benzoquinone (BQ), a PPD hapten. PPD patch-test positive patients were patch-tested to BB and BQ. All tests were negative to 0.01% BQ and 0.01% BB. Five of 14 (35.7%) tested had true positive reactions to 0.1% BQ. One percent BQ was found to be irritant. Seven of 43 tested (16%) were positive to either 0.1% or 1% BB. The positive reactions to BB were weak, even when PPD reactions were strong. Mice lymph node assay gave EC3 values of 0.14% for PPD compared with 0.03% for BB. Therefore, BB is approximately 10 times more potent than PPD, taking into account the molarity. We suggest that while PPD may act as a prohapten, there is probably a spectrum of antigenic determinants in vivo. BB may be bound or metabolized by keratinocytes before it reacts with Langerhans cells.
TL;DR: Clinical audit, in conjunction with education, and prescribing guidelines can favourably change antibiotic prescribing patterns among general dental practitioners.
Abstract: Objective To reduce the number of antibiotics inappropriately prescribed by general dental practitioners, and to increase overall prescription accuracy. Design A prospective clinical audit carried out between September and March of 2002-3 and 2003-4. Setting General dental practices in Eastern England. Subjects and methods The pre-audit antibiotic prescribing practices of 212 general dental practitioners were recorded over an initial six week period. On each occasion this included which antibiotic had been chosen, together with its dose, frequency and duration, as well as the clinical condition and reason for which the prescription had been raised. When related to prophylaxis, the patient's medical history was also noted. Following education on contemporary prescribing guidelines, presentations which illustrated the practitioners' previous errors, and the agreement of standards to be achieved, the process was repeated for another six weeks, and the results compared. Results In the pre-audit period, 2,951 antibiotic prescriptions were issued, and during the audit this was reduced by 43.6% to 1,665. The majority were for therapeutic reasons, with only 10.5% and 13.6% for medical prophylaxis during the pre-audit and audit periods respectively. Over both periods, amoxicillin and metronidazole were the two most commonly prescribed antimicrobials (63.4% and 21.2% respectively). In the pre-audit period, only 43% of all prescriptions were error free in dose, frequency, and/or duration of use, but this rose significantly to 78% during the audit. Equally, using contemporary published guidelines, out of all the prescriptions made in the pre-audit period, only 29.2% were deemed to be justified, as compared to 48.5% during the audit. Conclusions Clinical audit, in conjunction with education, and prescribing guidelines can favourably change antibiotic prescribing patterns among general dental practitioners.
TL;DR: A review of human clinical data on the interactions between the antiepileptic drugs carbamazepine, valproic acid (sodium valproate), vigabatrin, lamotrigine, gabapentin, topiramate, tiagabine, oxcarbazepines, levetiracetam, pregabalin, felbamate, zonisamide, phenobarbital and phenytoin is presented.
Abstract: Antiepileptic and antipsychotic drugs are often prescribed together. Interactions between the drugs may affect both efficacy and toxicity. This is a review of human clinical data on the interactions between the antiepileptic drugs carbamazepine, valproic acid (sodium valproate), vigabatrin, lamotrigine, gabapentin, topiramate, tiagabine, oxcarbazepine, levetiracetam, pregabalin, felbamate, zonisamide, phenobarbital and phenytoin with the antipsychotic drugs risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, clozapine, amisulpride, sulpiride, ziprasidone, aripiprazole, haloperidol and chlorpromazine; the limited information on interactions between antiepileptic drugs and zuclopenthixol, periciazine, fluphenazine, flupenthixol and pimozide is also presented. Many of the interactions depend on the induction or inhibition of the cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, but other important mechanisms involve the uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase isoenzymes and protein binding. There is some evidence for the following effects. Carbamazepine decreases the plasma concentrations of both risperidone and its active metabolite. It also decreases concentrations of olanzapine, clozapine, ziprasidone, haloperidol, zuclopenthixol, flupenthixol and probably chlorpromazine and fluphenazine. Quetiapine increases the ratio of carbamazepine epoxide to carbamazepine and this may lead to toxicity. The data on valproic acid are conflicting; it may either increase or decrease clozapine concentrations, and it appears to decrease aripiprazole concentrations. Chlorpromazine possibly increases valproic acid concentrations. Lamotrigine possibly increases clozapine concentrations. Phenobarbital decreases clozapine, haloperidol and chlorpromazine concentrations. Phenytoin decreases quetiapine, clozapine, haloperidol and possibly chlorpromazine concentrations. There are major gaps in the data. In many cases there are no published clinical data on interactions that would be predicted on theoretical grounds.
TL;DR: The authors examines post-migration mobilities of a Pakistani diaspora (Luton, UK) by identifying the embodiment of the "myth of return" in tourism participation to the homeland, Pakistan.
TL;DR: The hypothesis that dietary quality, measured by adherence to the Dietary Guidelines, was related to weight change in adults was found to be correct.
Abstract: Objective: We tested the hypothesis that dietary quality, measured by adherence to the Dietary Guidelines, was related to weight change in adults.
Research Methods and Procedures: Dietary intake was assessed among 2245 adult men and women (average age, 49 to 56 years) in the Framingham Offspring cohort. Three-day dietary records were collected in 1984 to 1988 and again in 1991 to 1996. Weight change was measured over 8 years after each assessment. A five-point diet quality index (DQI) was computed based on mean nutrient intake levels from each set of diet records. One DQI point was contributed for each of five nutrients if intake met Dietary Guidelines for total and saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and carbohydrate. Gender-specific generalized estimating equations pooled data across the two assessments to relate DQI to 8-year weight gain.
Results: Men and women with higher DQI scores gained less weight during follow-up (p < 0.05). Average gain over 8 years was ∼3 pounds among those with highest scores, compared with 5 to 8 pounds among those with lower scores. Smoking cessation was an important predictor of weight gain, accounting for about a 5- to 9-pound difference in weight gain.
Discussion: A high-quality diet, one that is consistent with the Dietary Guidelines, may help curb rising rates of obesity at the population level. Poor compliance with the Guidelines, rather than the guidelines themselves, is likely responsible for the weight gain observed in the American population. Adoption of an eating pattern consistent with the Dietary Guidelines should facilitate population weight control if sustained long term.
01 Feb 2006
TL;DR: In this paper, a rolling-sliding, lubricated, steel ball on elastomer flat contact is investigated and two different types of friction are identified: rolling friction which results from the movement of the surfaces relative to the contact, and sliding or interfacial friction which arises from relative motion of the two contacting surfaces.
Abstract: Friction is investigated in a rolling-sliding, lubricated, steel ball on elastomer flat contact. Two different types of friction are identified: rolling friction, which results from the movement of the surfaces relative to the contact, and sliding or interfacial friction, which arises from relative motion of the two contacting surfaces. A novel experimental technique is described to measure these two types of friction simultaneously in a single test. This enables separate rolling and interfacial 'Stribeck-type' friction curves to be produced for Newtonian lubricants. These curves are compared with theoretical predictions of friction. The results show that rolling friction originates primarily from two sources: Poiseuille flow of lubricant in the contact and elastic hysteresis. There are also two main types of interfacial friction; due to Couette flow and solid surface adhesion. For compliant elastomer-on-steel contacts, rolling friction forms a significant proportion of the total friction even at quite high slide-roll ratios.
TL;DR: It was concluded that the use of a front pack results in a more upright posture in gait, when compared to a backpack carrying the same load.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine if posture during gait can be affected by position of the load. It was hypothesized that the front pack would result in postural changes in the gait cycle, compared to a similarly loaded backpack. Thirteen healthy adults, free of any injury, volunteered to participate in this study. Two dimensional video data were collected at 50 Hz using a MacReflex video system. A backpack and a front pack were compared using loads of 10 and 15% of body weight. Markers were placed on the ear, acromion, greater trochanter and lateral joint line of the knee, lateral malleolus and fifth metatarsophalangeal joint. Data were collected while the participants walked at 0.75 stride/s. The data were used to calculate joint angles and displacements during each gait cycle. There was a significant difference noted in angles of the hip flexion, with the backpack condition demonstrating a greater flexion in each stride than either the control or front pack. Both backpack and front pack conditions demonstrated a significant change in neck motion compared to the control condition. The results of the position analysis over time also revealed an increase in the forward head position when participants were wearing the backpack compared to either the control or the front pack condition. It was concluded that the use of a front pack results in a more upright posture in gait, when compared to a backpack carrying the same load.
TL;DR: A new QSAR technique for complex substances, which interprets the mixture toxicity with regard to the "ethoxymers" distribution rather than the average structure, was developed and applied to develop new AE ecotoxicityQSARs for invertebrates, fish, and mesocosms.
TL;DR: Analysis of the results indicated that the most important factor driving the induction of skin sensitization was the number of exposures, and it was observed that infrequent but longer duration and higher concentration exposure to PPD was significantly less likely to induce sensitization.
Abstract: Whereas many investigations of the variables associated with the elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis have been undertaken, to the point where we can begin to predict the likelihood of elicitation occurring in a given situation, the same is not true for the induction of skin sensitization. Studies have demonstrated that increasing dose has an impact; in an experimental setting, a number of variables received attention some decades ago. However, in the work reported here, the relative importance of the frequency and the duration of exposure is highlighted. In an investigation using a human repeated insult patch test, it was demonstrated that reduction of the exposure duration from 48 hr to 5 min decreased the rate of sensitization to 1% p-phenylenediamine (PPD) from 54% to 3%. However, in an extended clinical study, it was observed that infrequent but longer duration and higher concentration exposure to PPD was significantly less likely to induce sensitization compared to more frequent, short duration, and lower concentration exposure. Detailed statistical analysis of the results indicated that the most important factor driving the induction of skin sensitization was the number of exposures.
TL;DR: There are several organizational factors UCD practitioners and their management should consider and special attention should be paid to communication inside and outside the company so as to clarify the outcomes and benefits of the UCD approach.
Abstract: The aim of this article is to improve our understanding of user-centered design (UCD) adoption and provide accordingly useful advice to the UCD community. UCD adoption was investigated through a Web survey. The results show that the early involvement of UCD practitioners in the product life cycle is more frequent compared to 10 years ago. It is also true that the methods and the techniques employed have shifted their focus from summative evaluation to rapid development cycles and from quantitative to qualitative evaluation methods. Based on the survey, there are several organizational factors UCD practitioners and their management should consider. UCD should be part of the business strategy and supported by higher management. Usability goals must be set through competitive analysis and practitioners should be rewarded if goals are reached or exceeded. For bespoke systems, usability goals should be explicitly discussed with the customer. Special attention should be paid to communication inside and outside ...
TL;DR: The findings suggest that either ES surfactants act by a different mode of action to LAS and other anionic surfactant or the log P calculation method introduces a systematic overestimate when applied to ES.
TL;DR: The results of the present study do not indicate that increased PYY has a major role in the regulation of body weight, at least in healthy postmenopausal women, and a larger and more rigorous appetite experiment might detect smaller differences in energy intake after isoflavone consumption.
Abstract: Background: Soy isoflavones show structural and functional similarities to estradiol. Available data indicate that estradiol and estradiol-like components may interact with gut "satiety hormones" such as peptide YY (PYY) and ghrelin, and thus influence body weight. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial with 34 healthy postmenopausal women (59 ± 6 years, BMI: 24.7 ± 2.8 kg/m2), isoflavone-enriched cereal bars (50 mg isoflavones/day; genistein to daidzein ratio 2:1) or nonisoflavone-enriched control bars were consumed for 8 weeks (wash-out period: 8-weeks). Seventeen of the subjects were classified as equol producers. Plasma concentrations of ghrelin and PYY, as well as energy intake and body weight were measured at baseline and after four and eight weeks of each intervention arm.
TL;DR: Spatial provision of minimal illuminance could potentially improve pig welfare by providing a preferred light environment for resting and also by creating a resting area distinct from dunging areas, thus improving hygiene.