Counterterms for Static Lovelock Solutions

In this paper, we introduce the counterterms that remove the non-logarithmic divergences of the action in third order Lovelock gravity for static spacetimes. We do this by defining the cosmological constant in such a way that the asymptotic form of the metric have the same form in Lovelock and Einstein gravities. Thus, we employ the counterterms of Einstein gravity and show that the power law divergences of the action of Lovelock gravity for static spacetimes can be removed by suitable choice of coefficients. We find that the dependence of these coefficients on the dimension in Lovelock gravity is the same as in Einstein gravity. We also introduce the finite energy-momentum tensor and employ these counterterms to calculate the finite action and mass of static black hole solutions of third order Lovelock gravity. Next, we calculate the thermodynamic quantities and show that the entropy calculated through the use of Gibbs-Duhem relation is consistent with the obtained entropy by Wald's formula. Furthermore, we find that in contrast to Einstein gravity in which there exists no uncharged extreme black hole, third order Lovelock gravity can have these kind of black holes. Finally, we investigate the stability of static charged black holes of Lovelock gravity in canonical ensemble and find that small black holes show a phase transition between very small and small black holes, while the large ones are stable.Comment: arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1008.0102 by other author

Black Holes in (Quartic) Quasitopological Gravity

We construct quartic quasitopological gravity, a theory of gravity containing terms quartic in the curvature that yields second order differential equations in the spherically symmetric case. Up to a term proportional to the quartic term in Lovelock gravity we find a unique solution for this quartic case, valid in any dimensionality larger than 4 except 8. This case is the highest degree of curvature coupling for which explicit black hole solutions can be constructed, and we obtain and analyze the various black hole solutions that emerge from the field equations in $(n+1)$ dimensions. We discuss the thermodynamics of these black holes and compute their entropy as a function of the horizon radius. We then make some general remarks about $K$-th order quasitopological gravity, and point out that the basic structure of the solutions will be the same in any dimensionality for general $K$ apart from particular cases.Comment: LaTex, 9 figures, 27 pages. A new section on holographic hydrodynamics is added. Introduction and concluding remarks have been revise

Lovelock Thin-Shell Wormholes

We construct the asymptotically flat charged thin-shell wormholes of Lovelock gravity in seven dimensions by cut-and-paste technique, and apply the generalized junction conditions in order to calculate the energy-momentum tensor of these wormholes on the shell. We find that for negative second order and positive third order Lovelock coefficients, there are thin-shell wormholes that respect the weak energy condition. In this case, the amount of normal matter decreases as the third order Lovelock coefficient increases. For positive second and third order Lovelock coefficients, the weak energy condition is violated and the amount of exotic matter decreases as the charge increases. Finally, we perform a linear stability analysis against a symmetry preserving perturbation, and find that the wormholes are stable provided the derivative of surface pressure density with respect to surface energy density is negative and the throat radius is chosen suitable.Comment: 13 pages, 6 figure

Foodborne Listeriosis

Abstract: Foodborne listeriosis is a rare and very dangerous disease which is caused by Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium is found in the nature in very high population, but can cause disease only in certain groups of people. Listeriosis usually happens after consumption of unpasteurized dairy products especially soft and unripe cheeses and ready to eat meat products like hot dog by susceptible people. In general, pregnant women, infants, elderly people and immuno deficient patients are susceptible to this disease. Listeria monocytogenes is able to produce septicemia, meningitis and abortion in human. The important characteristic of this bacterium is its ability to live inside the cells of immune system and by this way, it is able to distribute through body easily. In order to prevent listeriosis, susceptible people should avoid eating unpasteurized dairy products and ready to eat meats. Keywords: Foodborne disease, Listeria infections, Listeria monocytogene

Fresh, Mechanical, and Durability Properties of Self-Compacting Mortar Incorporating Alumina Nanoparticles and Rice Husk Ash.

This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation on self-compacting (SC) mortars incorporating 0, 1, 3, and 5% alumina nanoparticles (NA) as well as 0% and 30% rice husk ash (RHA) used as Portland cement replacement. To evaluate the workability, mechanical, and durability performance of SC mortars incorporating NA and RHA, the fresh properties (slump flow diameter and V-funnel flow time), hardened properties (compressive strength, flexural strength, and ultrasonic pulse velocity), and durability properties (water absorption, rapid chloride permeability, and electrical resistivity) were determined. The results indicated that the addition of NA and RHA has negligible effect on the workability and water absorption rate of the SC mortars. However, significant compressive and flexural strength development was observed in the SC mortars treated with NA or the combination of NA and RHA. The introduction of RHA and NA also reduced the rapid chloride permeability and enhanced the electrical resistivity of the SC mortars significantly. It is concluded that the coexistence of 30% RHA and 3% NA as cement replacement in SC mortars can provide the best mechanical and durability performance

Test-retest reliability of the Purdue Pegboard test in drug on-phase for patients with Parkinson's disease

Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common progressive neurodegenerative disorder, which its onset is later in adults and it's incidence increases in people aged between 55 and 60 years. Dexterity, because of it's role at upper extremity function and person independency in function, is assessed in rehabilitation. Purdue- Pegboard test often is used in rehabilitation clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability and practice effects of the Purdue Pegboard test in persons with PD. Materials and Methods: 24 PD patients aging 50-89 of both sexes were non-randomly selected from rehabilitation clinics and hospitals of Tehran. A demographic questionnaire was used for documenting patient's general data and the Purdue pegboard test and a timer were used for determining of reliability. Each subtest was administered three times in a row. The time distance between test and retest was one week. Results: The relative reliability in repeated measures was above 90 in different items of Purdue pegboard test in single and mean of testes in off phase, thus indicates an excellent reliability. The absolute reliability (SEM) was lower than 10 of maximum obtained scores at each subtest in one and three trial of test that indicates acceptable errors of measurement. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that Purdue Pegboard test is enough reliable in evaluating a manual dexterity of Parkinson patients in drug on- phase

The effect of rosemary extract on spatial memory, learning and antioxidant enzymes activities in the hippocampus of middle-aged rats

Background: The Rosemary extract (RE) possesses various antioxidant, cytoprotective and cognition-improving bioactivities. In this study, we postulated which doses of RE have a more effect on the hippocampus of middle-aged rats. Methods: In this experimental study, thirty-two middle-aged male Wistar rats were fed by different doses (50,100 and 200 mg/kg/day) of RE (containing 40 carnosic acid) or distilled water for 12 weeks. The effects of different RE doses on learning and spatial memory scores, hippocampal neuronal survival, antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation amount were evaluated by one and two way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: It seemed that RE (100mg/kg) could recover the spatial memory retrieval score (p< 0.05). The amount of activity of SOD, GPx and CAT enzymes in the hippocampus of animals of the RE (100mg/kg) group showed a significant increase compared to the normal group (p< 0.01), (p< 0.01) and (p< 0.05), respectively. Also, the amount of activity of GPx in the RE (50 mg/kg) group of animals showed a significant increase compared to the normal group (p< 0.05). No significant difference was found between the groups in the MDA level. Conclusion: The results revealed that rosemary extract (40 carnosic acid) may improve the memory score and oxidative stress activity in middle aged rats in a dose dependent manner, especially in 100mg/kg

The GP Tests of Competence assessment: which part best predicts fitness to practise decisions?

BACKGROUND: The General Medical Council (GMC) conducts Tests of Competence (ToC) for doctors referred for Fitness to Practise (FtP) issues. GPs take a single best answer knowledge test, an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), and a Simulated Surgery (SimSurg) assessment which is a simulated GP consultation. The aim of this study was to examine the similarities between OSCEs and SimSurg to determine whether each assessment contributed something unique to GP ToCs. METHODS: A mixed methods approach was used. Data were collated on 153 GPs who were required to undertake a ToC as a part of being investigated for FtP issues between February 2010 and October 2016. Using correlation analysis, we examined to what degree performance on the knowledge test, OSCE, and SimSurg related to case examiner recommendations and FtP outcomes, including the unique predictive power of these three assessments. The outcome measures were case examiner recommendations (i) not fit to practise; ii) fit to practise on a limited basis; or iii) fit to practise) as well as FtP outcomes (i) erased/removed from the register; ii) having restrictions/conditions; or iii) be in good standing). For the qualitative component, 45 GP assessors were asked to rate whether they assess the same competencies and which assessment provides better feedback about candidates. RESULTS: There was significant overlap between OSCEs and SimSurg, p < 0.001. SimSurg had additional predictive power in the presence of OSCEs and the knowledge test (p = 0.030) in distinguishing doctors from different FtP categories, while OSCEs did not (p = 0.080). Both the OSCEs (p = 0.004) and SimSurg (p < 0.001) had significant negative correlations with case examiner recommendations when accounting for the effects of the other two assessments. Inductive thematic analysis of the responses to the questionnaire showed that assessors perceived OSCEs to be better suited to target specific knowledge and skills. SimSurg was thought to produce a more global picture as the scenarios more accurately portray a patient consultation. CONCLUSION: While all three assessments are strong predictors of both case examiner recommendations and FtP outcomes, our findings suggest that the efficiency of GP ToCs can be improved by removing some of this overlapping content

Comparing the Effects of E-Learning and Conventional Training on Learning and Motivation in Continuing Medical Education

Abstract: this study is carried out to investigate the effect of application of computer-assisted concept mapping on high school students’ immediate and long-term geology learning compared to conventional (Paper & pen) method. “pretest-post-test” semi experimental design with control group has been used at the study. Two classes of G11 grade students were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Participants in Experimental group were asked to create several concept-maps with use of C-map software on Geology topics and students in control group were asked to do the same with conventional (Paper & Pen) method of concept mapping. After performing pre-test, students in both groups were asked to create concept map diagrams for 6 sessions (2 hours length), and then immediately the first post-test and after three weeks the second post-test were performed to assess their immediate and long-term learning on geology concepts and topics. Three teacher-made tests each contain 25 questions were used to assess students’ learning. The cronbach alpha reliability coefficient was 0.79. Analysis of covariance and t-test were performed to analyze the data. Results revealed that the mean scores of both students’ immediate and long-term learning in experimental group were significantly higher than the control group. Considering Eta square coefficient indicates that implementing computer-assisted concept mapping in geology education can account for 33 percent of students’ immediate and 49 percent of their longterm learning. It can be concluded that computer-assisted mapping can improve students’ learning

Designing and building a teledermatology system

Background and purpose: Teledermatology means specialized skin care (diagnosis, treatment and follow-up) using information technology and telecommunications. This system facilitates communication between patients, doctors, nurses and primary care providers with dermatologists. The purpose of this study was to design and build a software for remote diagnosis of skin diseases. Materials and methods: In the first phase of study, based upon a literature review, a questionnaire was designed to determine the items needed for software design and was completed by dermatologists in Razi Hospital. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS V.19. In next phase, according to the results of first phase, the prototype was designed and Think Aloud usability test was applied. Then, the final version of the software was designed. Results: In the section of patient's identity, the respondents listed all data elements except the National Identification Number, address, and weight. They also suggested patient's job as an essential item. All items for clinical data and functionality of the software were found necessary. Considering the results obtained from the questionnaires and usability test, the final version of the web-based store and forward software was created. Conclusion: This kind of platform could help dermatologists in providing rapid diagnosis and treatment plan for each patient since it enables electronic transmission of patient images and clinical history. Also, this system requires limited technical equipment and is cheap to run which could be applied with little training to nurses or referral physicians. © 2015, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved