Knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to carrier screening for the Ashkenazi Jewish panel: a Florida experience

The knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to Jewish genetic diseases (JGDs) and screening and their relative importance in reproductive decision-making were assessed in a population-based sample of Ashkenazi Jewish young adults in Florida. These adults attended educational screening fairs hosted by The Victor Center for the Prevention of Jewish Genetic Diseases at the University of Miami. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used as appropriate to analyze data from a single group pretest/posttest design. Four hundred twelve individuals (mean age = 24.9; 54.7 % female, 45.3 % male) completed the questionnaires. Participants' level of knowledge increased from pre- to post-intervention (81.4 vs. 91.0 %; p < 0.0001). Concern about the possibility of being a carrier of a JGD was significantly higher after an educational session (5-point Likert scale mean difference = 0.45; p < 0.0001), as was their level of concern regarding having an affected child (mean difference = 0.20; p < 0.0001). The number of participants who agreed or strongly agreed that the test results would not have any influence on their reproductive behavior was lower after the session (17.2 vs. 20.8 %; p < 0.0001). This study demonstrates that an educational carrier screening program increased knowledge and elucidated awareness of the attitudes and barriers toward JGDs and carrier screening

Power electronics for renewable energy sources

This chapter focuses on solar photovoltaic and wind power. Stand-alone PV energy system requires storage to meet the energy demand during periods of low solar irradiation and nighttime. Blocking diodes in series with PV modules are used to prevent the batteries from being discharged through the PV cells at night when there is no sun available to generate energy. Two of the main factors that have been identified as limiting criteria for the cycle life of batteries in PV power systems are incomplete charging and prolonged operation at a low state-of-charge (SOC). The power output of the PV array is sampled at an every definite sampling period and compared with the previous value. Voltage source inverters are usually used in stand-alone applications. They can be single phase or three phase. There are three switching techniques commonly used: square wave, quasi-square wave, and pulse width modulation. Centrifugal pumps are used for low-head applications especially if they are directly interfaced with the solar panels. Centrifugal pumps are designed for fixed-head applications and the pressure difference generated increases in relation to the speed of pump

Design of effective immunotherapy for human autoimmunity.

A better understanding of the molecules involved in immune responses has identified many potential targets for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. But although successful therapies have been found for immune disorders in animal studies, few have passed the much harder test of treating human diseases. So far, non-antigen-specific approaches, such as the blocking of tumour-necrosis factor, are achieving some success but the same is not true for antigen-specific approaches. Future therapies will probably include both non-antigen-specific strategies that target cytokines (cell-cell signalling molecules) or block the molecules that stimulate immune responses, and antigen-specific therapies that induce tolerance to self antigens