234 research outputs found
Inducing two-way shape memory effect in Nitinol-Polymer Composite
No full textTitle: Inducing Two-way Shape Memory Effect in NiTi-polymer Composite Author: Jakub Zeman Supervisor: Sneha Manjaree Samal, Ph.D., Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences Abstract: Two-way shape memory effect (TWSME) allows material to ac- tively deform between two remembered shapes without the application of ex- ternal force. The most common stimulus is temperature change with several approaches to induce shape memory effect in the material. The approach stud- ied in this thesis utilizes Nitinol and shape memory polymer. By combining these two materials, bistable TWSME was induced in the composite. Bistable TWSME allows the material to be in both of its remembered shapes at a single temperature. The shape of the material depends on the temperature profile by which the target temperature was reached. To create the composite Nitinol foil was shape set and its surface laser lined to increase adhesion with the polymer. Out of the studied polymers, the best properties for the preparation of com- posite were exhibited by a blend of 60 % TPU and 40 % PCL by weight. The composite was then prepared by hot press and tested. Keywords: inducing two-way shape memory effect, Nitinol, shape memory polymer, composite
Immune mechanisms and potential immunological treatment in atherosclerosis
No full textOur immune system is an important and central part of the defence mechanisms of our body. It carries out various important functions such as protecting us from invading microorganisms, removing dead cells, and producing antibodies for future defence. For this, proper synchronization between the innate and adaptive immunity is required. Our innate immune system acts as the first line of defence by eliminating non-specifically various pathogens and by activating antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that inform B-cells and T-cells of the adaptive immune system. B-cells can exhibit more specific actions against pathogens by an intricately regulated production of antibodies directed against antigens expressed by the pathogens. T-cells can produce cytokines and chemokines to alarm the complete immune system recruiting immune cells such as natural killer cells, mast cells and neutrophils. The immune system can also produce antibodies against self-antigens (autoantibodies). Autoantibodies can have pathogenic effects that cause autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosis. Interestingly, it has been shown recently that autoantibodies can also have protective effects alleviating diseases such as lupus nephritis and atherosclerosis. This thesis focuses specifically on homeostatic functions of the human autoantibodies anti-phoshorylcholine (anti-PC) and anti-malondialdehyde (anti-MDA) and their prevalence in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).1. Study I: Investigates the role of anti-PC and anti-MDA antibodies in patients undergoing hemodialysis and explores the associations with all-cause mortality in both males and females, also their relation to inflammation.2. Study II: Evaluates the potential of natural immunization in hibernating bears, tigers, and polar bears with respect to the levels of anti-PC and anti-MDA antibodies.3. Study III: Evaluates the role of antibodies against anti-PC antibodies among 60-Year-Olds with its clinical role and simulated interactions.4. Study IV: Investigates the role of anti-PC antibody levels in Covid-19 patients and also investigates the interaction of spike protein with phosphorylcholine by using an in silico approach.List of scientific papersI. Samal SK, Qureshi AR, Rahman M, Stenvinkel P and Frostegard J. Different subclasses and isotypes of antibodies against phosphorylcholine in haemodialysis patients: association with mortality. Clin exp Immunol. 2020;201:94. https://doi.org/10.1111/cei.13441 II. Samal SK, Qureshi AR, Rahman M, Stenvinkel P and Frostegard J. Antibodies against Malondialdehyde in Haemodialysis Patients and Its Association with Clinical Outcomes: Differences between Subclasses and Isotypes. J Clin Med. 2020;9:753. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9030753 III. Samal SK, Frobert O, Kindberg J, Stenvinkel P and Frostegard J. Potential natural immunization against atherosclerosis in hibernating bears. Sci Rep. 2021;11:12120. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-91679-1 IV. Samal SK, Panda PK, Vikström M, et al. Antibodies Against Phosphorylcholine Among 60-Year-Olds: Clinical Role and Simulated Interactions. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine. 2022; 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2022.809007 V. Samal SK*, Busch M*, Panda KP, Kumar N, Timmermans S, Schurgers LJ, Reutelingsperger CR, Paassen PV*, Frostegård J*. Antibodies against phosphorylcholine are associated with less severe disease in COVID-19: clinical role and simulated interactions using In-silico methods. *Denotes equal author contribution. [Manuscript]</p
Vyvolání obousměrné tvarové paměti v NiTi-polymerovém kompozitu
No full textNázev práce: Vyvolání obousměrné tvarové paměti v NiTi-polymerovém kompozitu Autor: Jakub Zeman Katedra: Katedra fyziky materiálů, Matematicko-fyzikální fakulta, Uni- verzita Karlova Vedoucí bakalářské práce: Sneha Manjaree Samal, Ph.D., Fyzikální ústav Akademie věd České republiky Abstrakt: Obousměrná tvarová paměť umožňuje deformaci materiálu mezi dvěma zapamatovatelnými tvary bez působení vnějších sil, přičemž aktivaci změny tvaru se využívá nejčastěji změna teploty. Mezi řadou způsobů, jak dosáhnout obousměrné tvarové paměti, byla v této práci využita kombinace kovového materiálu Nitinol a vybraného polymeru s tvarovou pamětí. V kom- pozitním materiálu z těchto dvou složek bylo dosaženo bistabilní obousměrné tvarové paměti. Bistabilní obousměrná tvarová paměť je unikátní tím, že umožňuje existenci materiálu v obou zapamatovaných stavech při stejné teplotě. Bylo prokázáno, že rozhodujícím faktorem pro dosažení určitého tvaru je předešlý teplotní průběh kompozitního materiálu. Pro zlepšené spojení kovového Niti- nolu a polymerního materiálu byl povrch NiTi upraven laserem. Mezi několika studovanými polymery prokázal nejlepší vlastnosti polymer vyrobený ze dvou složek, a to 60...Title: Inducing Two-way Shape Memory Effect in NiTi-polymer Composite Author: Jakub Zeman Supervisor: Sneha Manjaree Samal, Ph.D., Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences Abstract: Two-way shape memory effect (TWSME) allows material to ac- tively deform between two remembered shapes without the application of ex- ternal force. The most common stimulus is temperature change with several approaches to induce shape memory effect in the material. The approach stud- ied in this thesis utilizes Nitinol and shape memory polymer. By combining these two materials, bistable TWSME was induced in the composite. Bistable TWSME allows the material to be in both of its remembered shapes at a single temperature. The shape of the material depends on the temperature profile by which the target temperature was reached. To create the composite Nitinol foil was shape set and its surface laser lined to increase adhesion with the polymer. Out of the studied polymers, the best properties for the preparation of com- posite were exhibited by a blend of 60 % TPU and 40 % PCL by weight. The composite was then prepared by hot press and tested. Keywords: inducing two-way shape memory effect, Nitinol, shape memory polymer, composite 1Department of Physics of MaterialsKatedra fyziky materiálůMatematicko-fyzikální fakultaFaculty of Mathematics and Physic
Chaos in classical string dynamics in γˆ deformed AdS5×T1,1
No full textAbstractWe consider a circular string in γˆ deformed AdS5×T1,1 which is localized in the center of AdS5 and winds around the two circles of deformed T1,1. We observe chaos in the phase space of the circular string implying non-integrability of string dynamics. The chaotic behaviour in phase space is controlled by energy as well as the deforming parameter γˆ. We further show that the point like object exhibits non-chaotic behaviour. Finally we calculate the Lyapunov exponent for both extended and point like object in support of our first result
Innovations in Healthcare Management: Balancing Cost, Quality, and Access
No full textIntroduction: The innovations in healthcare management have been phenomenal over the last few years, and we highlight some of them here to combat with the challenges surrounding the cost, quality, and access dilemma. I hope to provide insight with this post illuminating the three pivotal components within the Health System and the roles they play on one another in navigating those gears.Methods: The authors identified numerous innovations in healthcare management that seek to balance cost, quality, and access. Such steps may involve the use of technology, including electronic health records and telemedicine, along with value-based care models and population health management strategies. This has been a key aspect of reformed policies, regulations and decision-making processes that have been put in place as a result of reform efforts to go towards cost-effective and efficient management of healthcare.Results: The authors found that various innovations have been introduced in healthcare management to address the challenges of balancing cost, quality, and access. These include implementing technological advancements, such as electronic health records and telemedicine, as well as adopting value-based care models and population health management strategies. Additionally, changes in healthcare policies and regulations have also played a significant role in promoting cost-effective and efficient healthcare management.Conclusions: The management innovations in healthcare have proven to be effective in enhancing the health outcomes and in solving the problems regarding cost, quality, and access. But healthcare leaders need to keep a close watch over and assess when and how they put these innovations to use, to make sure that they are put to good use and continue over the long haul. Additionally, it is through collaboration between different stakeholders - such as healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients - where we will find an equilibrium in cost, quality, and access in healthcare management. Healthcare systems can work towards high-quality, affordable, and safe care for everyone by integrating these novel approaches, measuring the outcomes over time, and repeat
Innovations in Healthcare Management: Balancing Cost, Quality, and Access
No full textIntroduction: The innovations in healthcare management have been phenomenal over the last few years, and we highlight some of them here to combat with the challenges surrounding the cost, quality, and access dilemma. I hope to provide insight with this post illuminating the three pivotal components within the Health System and the roles they play on one another in navigating those gears.Methods: The authors identified numerous innovations in healthcare management that seek to balance cost, quality, and access. Such steps may involve the use of technology, including electronic health records and telemedicine, along with value-based care models and population health management strategies. This has been a key aspect of reformed policies, regulations and decision-making processes that have been put in place as a result of reform efforts to go towards cost-effective and efficient management of healthcare.Results: The authors found that various innovations have been introduced in healthcare management to address the challenges of balancing cost, quality, and access. These include implementing technological advancements, such as electronic health records and telemedicine, as well as adopting value-based care models and population health management strategies. Additionally, changes in healthcare policies and regulations have also played a significant role in promoting cost-effective and efficient healthcare management.Conclusions: The management innovations in healthcare have proven to be effective in enhancing the health outcomes and in solving the problems regarding cost, quality, and access. But healthcare leaders need to keep a close watch over and assess when and how they put these innovations to use, to make sure that they are put to good use and continue over the long haul. Additionally, it is through collaboration between different stakeholders - such as healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients - where we will find an equilibrium in cost, quality, and access in healthcare management. Healthcare systems can work towards high-quality, affordable, and safe care for everyone by integrating these novel approaches, measuring the outcomes over time, and repeat.Introducción: las innovaciones en la gestión sanitaria han sido fenomenales en los últimos años, y aquí destacamos algunas de ellas para combatir los retos que plantea el dilema del coste, la calidad y el acceso. Con este artículo, espero aportar una visión que ilumine los tres componentes fundamentales del sistema sanitario y el papel que desempeñan unos sobre otros a la hora de navegar por estos engranajes. Método: los autores identificaron numerosas innovaciones en la gestión de la atención sanitaria que tratan de equilibrar el coste, la calidad y el acceso. Estas medidas pueden implicar el uso de la tecnología, incluidas las historias clínicas electrónicas y la telemedicina, junto con modelos de atención basados en el valor y estrategias de gestión de la salud de la población. Este ha sido un aspecto clave de las políticas reformadas, las normativas y los procesos de toma de decisiones que se han puesto en marcha como resultado de los esfuerzos de reforma para ir hacia una gestión rentable y eficiente de la asistencia sanitaria. Resultados: los autores descubrieron que se han introducido diversas innovaciones en la gestión de la asistencia sanitaria para hacer frente a los retos de equilibrar el coste, la calidad y el acceso. Entre ellas figuran la implantación de avances tecnológicos, como la historia clínica electrónica y la telemedicina, así como la adopción de modelos de atención basados en el valor y estrategias de gestión de la salud de la población. Además, los cambios en las políticas y normativas sanitarias también han desempeñado un papel importante en la promoción de una gestión sanitaria rentable y eficiente. Conclusiones: las innovaciones en la gestión de la sanidad han demostrado su eficacia para mejorar los resultados sanitarios y resolver los problemas de coste, calidad y acceso. Pero los responsables sanitarios deben vigilar de cerca y evaluar cuándo y cómo ponen en práctica estas innovaciones, para asegurarse de que se aprovechan y se mantienen a largo plazo. Además, es a través de la colaboración entre las distintas partes interesadas -como los proveedores de asistencia sanitaria, los responsables políticos y los pacientes- como encontraremos un equilibrio en el coste, la calidad y el acceso en la gestión de la asistencia sanitaria. Los sistemas sanitarios pueden avanzar hacia una asistencia de alta calidad, asequible y segura para todos integrando estos novedosos enfoques, midiendo los resultados a lo largo del tiempo y repitiendo el proceso
Growth of thin film containing high density ZnO nanorods with low temperature calcinated seed layer
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