12,545 research outputs found
Toward Win-Win Regionalism in Asia: Issues and Challenges in Forming Efficient Trade Agreements
No full textMany economists tend to be skeptical of the merits of Free-Trade Areas (FTAs) due to their second-best nature, while others support them under certain conditions, particularly as they allow for a more comprehensive treatment of trade- and investment-related issues than is currently possible under the 149-member WTO. This paper endeavors to bridge this analytical chasm by developing a blueprint for âÂÂfirst-bestâ regionalism based on âÂÂbest practices.â It then applies the associated set of rules to existing FTAs in Asia (both intra- and extra-regional) to guage the degree to which they approach best practices. In summary, we find that most accords receive high marks in most areas, with the exception of âÂÂrules of originâ and certain service sectors.Asian integration; free trade agreement; best practices; Asian development
The formation and function of ER-endosome membrane contact sites
No full textRecent advances in membrane contact site (MCS) biology have revealed key roles for MCSs in inter-organellar exchange, the importance of which is becoming increasingly apparent. Roles for MCSs in many essential physiological processes including lipid transfer, calcium exchange, receptor tyrosine kinase signalling, lipid droplet formation, autophagosome formation, organelle dynamics and neurite outgrowth have been reported. The ER forms an extensive and dynamic network of MCSs with a diverse range of functionally distinct organelles. MCSs between the ER and endocytic pathway are particularly abundant, suggesting important physiological roles. Here, our current knowledge of the formation and function of ER contact sites with endocytic organelles from studies in mammalian systems is reviewed. Their relatively poorly defined molecular composition and recently identified functions are discussed. In addition, likely, but yet to be established, roles for these contacts in lipid transfer and calcium signalling are considered. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The cellular lipid landscape edited by Tim Levine and Anant K. Menon
Gedragsinzichten bieden meer beleidskansen dan er nu worden benut
No full textGedragsinzichten zijn onontbeerlijk om te komen tot effectief beleid, de mens is immers geen homo economicus. Dat geldt echter niet alleen voor uitvoeringsvraagstukken, maar ook voor het ontwerpen van beleid. Hier ligt er nog een groot onbenut potentieel.Policy Analysi
Embedding research (ER) led by nurses, midwives and allied health professionals (NMAHPs): the NMAHP-ER model.
No full textPrevious embedded researcher models have focused predominantly on an individual being a temporary team member and embedded for a project-limited short-term placement. To develop an innovative research capacity building model to address the challenges of developing, embedding and sustaining, research led by Nurses, Midwives, and Allied Health Professionals (NMAHPs) in complex clinical environments. This healthcare and academic research partnership model offers an opportunity to support the 'how' of enabling NMAHP research capacity building from within the researchers' clinical area of expertise. Collaboration between three healthcare and academic organisations and the iterative process of cocreation, development and refinement took place over 6 months during 2021. The collaboration relied on virtual meetings, emails, telephone calls and document review. A codesigned NMAHP embedded research (ER) model is ready for trialling with the individual being an existing clinician working collaboratively within the healthcare setting and with academia to develop the skills to become the ER. This model supports NMAHP-led research activity in clinical organisations in a visible and manageable way. As a shared, long-term vision, the model will contribute to research capacity and capability of the wider healthcare workforce. It will lead, facilitate and support research in and across clinical organisations in collaboration with higher education institutions. [Abstract copyright: © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.
Plummer‒Vinson Syndrome with Ascending Colon Cancer : A Case Report
No full textIron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia in Jap an, and iron deficiency inhibits blood pigment production, resulting in microcytic hypochromic anemia. Glossitis and angular cheilitis occur owing to the atrophy of the oral mucosa and poor regeneration of the mucosal epithelium. When this is accompanied by dysphagia, it is called Plummer‒Vinson syndrome. Regarding the diagnosis of the iron deficiency anemia, peripheral blood tests reveal microcytic hypopigmented anemia (MCV, ≤80 ; MCHC, ≤30), and the hemoglobin level (Hb) decreases. Biochemical tests reveal a decreased serum iron (Fe) level of <60 μg/dL, decreased serum ferritin levels, and increased total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC). We report a case of Plummer‒Vinson syndrome with the considerable improvement of oral symptoms by iron replacement therapy, and ascending colon cancer was found to be the cause of the iron deficiency anemia. A 70-year-old woman complained of abnormal taste. Her eyelid co njunctiva was pale, and her oral cavity showed a partial atrophy of the tongue papillae. Blood test results at h er first visit were as follows: MCV, 69; MCHC, 24.6; Fe, 6 μg/dL; Hb, 4.1 g/dL; TIBC, 445 μg/dL; and UIBC, 437 μg/dL. With the Plummer‒Vinson syndrome diagnosis, the iron replacement therapy with sodium ferrous citrate (Feromia®) and ferric pyrophosphate (Incremin®) was started and blood tests were performed over time. Two months after starting the iron replacement therapy, the hyperemia of the palpebral conjunctiva, recovery of the tongue papillae, and imp rovement of oral symptoms were observed. Blood test results are as follows: Fe, 99 μg/dL; Hb, 10 g/dL; TIB C, 329 μg/dL; and UIBC, 230 μg/dL. Incr eased Fe and Hb levels and decreased TIBC and UIBC levels were observed. Thereafter, ascending colon cancer was confirmed based on the results of a detailed examination of the cause of the iron deficiency anemia at the Department of Gastroenterology. These results suggest that the appropriate iron replacement the rapy for Plummer‒Vinson syndrome improves oral symptoms and blood test results at an early stage. Moreover, the active examination of the cause of the iron deficiency anemia was suggested to be necessary for refractory cases not showing long-term improvement.【目的】鉄欠乏性貧血は，鉄不足により血色素産生が阻害され，小球性低色素性貧血を示す疾患である．口腔粘膜の萎縮や再生不良による舌炎や口角炎が生じるが，これに嚥下障害を伴った場合Plummer-Vinson症候群と呼ばれる．鉄欠乏性貧血の診断に関して，末梢血液検査では，小球性低色素性貧血（MCV 80以下，MCHC 30以下）を示しヘモグロビン値（Hb）が低下し，生化学的検査では，血清鉄（Fe）60 μg/dL以下，血清フェリチン値の低下，総鉄結合能（TIBC）および不飽和鉄結合能（UIBC）が増加する．今回，味覚異常を主訴として嚥下困難感，舌の疼痛に加えて鉄欠乏性貧血を合併した患者に対して，鉄補充療法により各症状が著明に改善し，鉄欠乏性貧血の原因として上行結腸癌を認めた症例を経験したので報告する． 【症例】70歳，女性．味覚異常と嚥下困難感を主訴に来院した．眼瞼結膜蒼白，舌乳頭の一部萎縮を認め，初診時の血液検査の結果は，MCV 69 f l，MCHC 24.6 pg，Fe 6 μg/dL，Hb 4.1 g/dL，TIBC 445 μg/dL，UIBC 437 μg/dLであった．Plummer-Vinson症候群の診断のもと，クエン酸第一鉄ナトリウムおよびピロリン酸第二鉄により鉄補充療法を行い，経時的に血液検査を実施した． 【経過】鉄補充療法開始2 か月後，眼瞼結膜の充血，舌乳頭の回復，口腔内症状の改善が認められた．また，血液検査にてFeおよびHbの上昇，TIBCおよびUIBCの減少が認められた．その後，消化器内科にて鉄欠乏性貧血の原因に関して精査を行った結果，上行結腸癌が認められた． 【結論】Plummer-Vinson症候群に対し適切に鉄補充療法を行うことで，早期に口腔内症状および血液検査値の改善が認められるが，長期的な改善を認めない難治性の症例に対しては，鉄欠乏性貧血に関して積極的な原因精査の必要があると示唆された
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No full textN.B.: When citing this work, cite the original article. This is a pre-copy-editing, author-produced PDF of an article accepted for publication in Radiation Protection Dosimetry following peer review. The definitive publisher-authenticated version
How has the art education that I have received impacted on my practice as an art maker?
No full textThis thesis is a written account of my analysis of the art education that I received during my undergraduate Interdisciplinary Art and Design BA(hon)s degree and University Campus Barnsley. The investigation and written thesis were undertaken as part of a Practice led research degree at Huddersfield University. The aim of the research was twofold. First to develop an understanding of the History of Art Education in the area of South Yorkshire and secondly to return to analyse the art work I made as part of my undergraduate degree. This study then became the focus of the series of practical Paintings and drawings which were the main focal point of the Master degree.
The thesis is an account of my analysis of how my art practice developed in response to the practical type of education that I received. It identifies specific art makers and art movements that have had a direct impact on how my painting process matured and changed. The thesis goes on to identify the specific genre of literature that influenced my practical development and the use of metaphor in paintings and drawings . It then goes on to give a written account of the specific examples of visual metaphors in my practical Masters work and analyses their origins, continued development and what they represent.
The issue of class and social equality is identified and the metaphor clearly dissected and explained. The thesis then outlines the development of the class metaphor into an education metaphor which represents my belief that a university education can aid the act of social mobility. This theory is justified by my experience of having returned to full time higher education as a working class mature woman and having achieved a level of social mobility which was aided by my gaining a first class BA(hon)s degree which enabled me to apply for and complete a Masters Degree
Valt er geld te verdienen aan het voorspellen van Voetbaluitslagen?
No full textIn dit verslag is onderzocht of er geld te verdienen valt aan het spelen van online voetbaltoto. Er zijn twee modellen onderzocht; één op basis van onderlinge resultaten en de ander op basis van achtergrondvariabelen. Vervolgens zijn deze getest op fictieve en historische data en met elkaar vergeleken. Als conclusie is er gevonden dat er zeker een kans bestaat dat de modellen winstgevend kunnen zijn, maar dat er te weinig data is om dit met zekerheid te zeggen.StatisticsApplied mathematicsElectrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Scienc
Actuation and control for robotic physiotherapy
No full textOver the last few years researchers have developed prototype robots that are capable of administering physiotherapy, however, these devices tend to be complex and
expensive. The use of modem pneumatic servo systems as actuators would make such devices simpler and cheaper. This thesis assesses the feasibility of a pneumatically actuated robotic physiotherapy device through the implementation of force and position control strategies.
Traditional pneumatic servo systems consist of a pneumatic cylinder prone to stiction effects and a single spool valve. Here the performance of modem pneumatic
servo system, consisting of a low friction pneumatic cylinder and two electropneumatic proportional valves has been evaluated. The increased linearity of the modem pneumatic system enabled a self-tuning pole-placement controller to be implemented that would be unsuitable for conventional pneumatic systems. The selftuning pole-placement controller enabled consistent and accurate position control.
Other researchers have achieved force control of pneumatic systems, however their force models are not applicable on this modem configuration. Accurate control of the
servo system force output, while the position of the cylinder piston is fixed, has been achieved through an open-loop force controller, however applications for fixed
position force control are limited. The servo system force output, during motion, has been found to be a function of the piston velocity and input control signal.
A pneumatic robot has been designed and fabricated with a position workspace that enables the average male to perform upper limb reach and retrieve exercises when attached to the robot. The pneumatically actuated robot, combined with a simple three degree-of-freedom force sensor, form a device capable of administering upper-limb robotic physiotherapy. Impedance control has been identified as the most suitable force and position control strategy for implementing physiotherapy.
Applying the impedance control strategy, to a single link of the robot, resulted in accurate implementation of the desired force and position relationship.
Extending the controller to two and three degrees of freedom has resulted in degradation of the controller performance due to limitations of the three degree-offreedom
force sensor. The controller performance is also found to be dependent upon selection of the impedance characteristics. Low stiffness and high damping, along
with high stiffness and high damping have been identified as particular low points in controller performance due to the requirement for the system to provide large forces
with little resulting motion.
It was concluded that the pneumatic robot and impedance control strategy have the potential to administer physiotherapy. However, further work incorporating a force
sensor with greater accuracy that is robust to torque inputs and a rigorous stability analysis would be required before the device could be clinically evaluated
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