The effect of an internet option and single-sided printing format to increase the response rate to a population-based study : a randomized controlled trial

Acknowledgements We would like to thank the Institute of Applied Health Sciences (IAHS) at the University of Aberdeen for funding the PhD studentship of EF. Furthermore, we would like to thank everyone who was involved in the study, including Professor Sir Lewis Ritchie (Director of Public Health, NHS Grampian), John Lemon (University of Aberdeen), Dr. Fiona Garton (University of Aberdeen) and the Aberdeen Service User Group. Lastly, we would like to acknowledge all data entry clerks (Maxx Livingstone, Rory Macfarlane, Georgia Mannion-Krase and Hazel Reilly) and participants of the study.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

The Oil Shale Transformation in the Presence of an Acidic BEA Zeolite under Microwave Irradiation

The transformation of an oil shale sample from the Autun Basin in the Massif Central, France, was studied using two different heating strategies: microwave irradiation and conventional heating. Microwave heating was performed using a single-mode cavity operating at a frequency of 2.45 GHz under an inert atmosphere. Heating of the sample generated liquid products of similar composition using either microwave or conventional heating. The yields of liquid products were similar in the two cases, while the overall energy requirements were much lower using microwave irradiation. The influence of water vapor on the oil shale decomposition was also studied under microwave energy. In order to simulate conversion of the organic fraction of the oil shale in the presence of an acidic zeolite catalyst, the oil shale sample was mixed with 5 wt % BEA zeolite and heated under microwave irradiation. It was found that the liquid products yield decreased along with an increase in the amount of coke produced. Gaseous and liquid products recovered showed a tendency for the production of lighter components in the presence of zeolite. The aromatic character of the oils was more important when microwaves were used, especially in the presence of zeolite

Advanced Reprocessing – The Potential for Continuous Chromatographic Separations

This concept paper, discusses the challenges and opportunities for an extractive chromatographic process for the separation of fission products and minor actinides from uranium and plutonium isotopes in irradiated nuclear fuel. The paper highlights the constraints of the PUREX process, a process that is universally accepted for reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel now and for GEN IV reactor systems. It also identifies the challenges that a new separation process would have to overcome to dislodge its acceptance by both the operators and regulators. Although the concept of using a chromatography technique for this separation is challenging, recent developments of continuous chromatography such as simulated moving bed (SMB) and/or continuous annular chromatography (CAC) provides a degree of encouragement. Equally the development of new stationary phases in particular inorganic exchangers, many of which have not been examined for this application enhances confidence that an alternative to the PUREX process is possible

Adapting IPS for Young Adults: The Threshold Study

This webinar describes the Adapting Individual Placement Support (IPS) for Young Adults: The Thresholds study. The mission of the Transitions RTC is to improve the supports for youth and young adults, ages 14-30, with serious mental health conditions who are trying to successfully complete their schooling and training and move into rewarding work lives. The project with Thresholds tested a peer mentoring model for young people with serious mental health conditions who are working and going to school

Development of a Measure of Model Fidelity for Mental Health Crisis Resolution Teams

Crisis Resolution Teams (CRTs) provide short-term intensive home treatment to people experiencing mental health crisis. Trial evidence suggests CRTs can be effective at reducing hospital admissions and increasing satisfaction with acute care. When scaled up to national level however, CRT implementation and outcomes have been variable. We aimed to develop and test a fidelity scale to assess adherence to a model of best practice for CRTs, based on best available evidence

Enhancing Icing Training for Pilots Through Web-Based Multimedia

The Aircraft Icing Project of the NASA Aviation Safety Program has developed a number of in-flight icing education and training aids designed to increase pilot awareness about the hazards associated with various icing conditions. The challenges and advantages of transitioning these icing training materials to a Web-based delivery are discussed. Innovative Web-based delivery devices increased course availability to pilots and dispatchers while increasing course flexibility and utility. These courses are customizable for both self-directed and instructor-led learning. Part of our goal was to create training materials with enough flexibility to enable Web-based delivery and downloadable portability while maintaining a rich visual multimedia-based learning experience. Studies suggest that using visually based multimedia techniques increases the effectiveness of icing training materials. This paper describes these concepts, gives examples, and discusses the transitional challenges

The Global business cycle, commodity prices and the small open economy : a monetary approach

The analyses contained in this Thesis seek to provide insight into the complex mechanisms through which global monetary disturbances affect the small open economy. The key insight provided by this study is that the adjustment response within the small open economy depends critically on both the characteristics of the economy itself and the transmission linkages affected by the monetary shock. An important contribution lies in the analysis of the case where the small open economy possesses no market power and must face terms of trade determined on world markets. The analysis demonstrates how a non-neutral monetary disturbance in the world economy can lead to relative price changes among traded goods which in turn imply terms of trade adjustments for the small economy. From this emerges additional perspectives on the transmission of global business cycle effects to small economies than have been previously established. Within this framework, a number of other relevant considerations are investigated, such as the role of non-traded goods in the transmission of foreign disturbances, the implications of supply versus demand induced export growth, and the domestic consequences of supply versus monetary induced commodity price increases. Wherever possible, the analytical results are examined against established empirical findings. This provides not only a 'real world' perspective on matters which might otherwise be regarded as purely hypothetical, but adds relevance to consideration of policy responses as well

A Case Report of Water Hemlock Poisoning

Introduction: Water hemlock poisoning is an uncommon cause of seizures, gastrointestinal upset, and renal failure. This poisoning occurs infrequency and is likely to go unrecognized without a proper history and consideration in the differential diagnosis. Clinical Findings: A 23-year-old male with an unremarkable past medical history presented to the emergency department after being found unresponsive at a farm where he was employed. He had several tonic-clonic seizures en route. Initial evaluation was unremarkable and included toxicology screening, lumbar puncture, and brain imaging. Main diagnoses, therapeutics, interventions, and outcomes: The patient was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and antivirals with a suspected diagnosis of viral encephalitis. Over the next several days of hospitalization, he developed severe rhabdomyolysis and renal failure, and dialysis was anticipated. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that on the morning of his presentation, the patient made himself tea with a plant he had dug up while fly fishing. He believed the plant was valerian root after researching it on the Internet. The plant was later identified as water hemlock. With supportive care, the patient’s mentation cleared, and his renal failure spontaneously resolved without the need for dialysis. His symptoms fully resolved, and he was discharged home. Conclusions: This case illustrates an unusual etiology of seizures and rhabdomyolysis and the need for careful history taking. The interest in nontraditional medicine and the ease of finding amateur foraging data on the internet have greatly raised the possibility of accidental toxic ingestions