Interacting Dark Energy and the Cosmic Coincidence Problem

The introduction of an interaction for dark energy to the standard cosmology offers a potential solution to the cosmic coincidence problem. We examine the conditions on the dark energy density that must be satisfied for this scenario to be realized. Under some general conditions we find a stable attractor for the evolution of the Universe in the future. Holographic conjectures for the dark energy offer some specific examples of models with the desired properties.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures, Phys. Rev. D versio

An Interacting Dark Energy Model for the Expansion History of the Universe

We explore a model of interacting dark energy where the dark energy density is related by the holographic principle to the Hubble parameter, and the decay of the dark energy into matter occurs at a rate comparable to the current value of the Hubble parameter. We find this gives a good fit to the observational data supporting an accelerating Universe, and the model represents a possible alternative interpretation of the expansion history of the Universe.Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures, Phys. Rev. D versio

Modulation der Tumorreaktivität humaner gd T Lymphozyten durch Toll-like Rezeptor Agonisten

TLR3 und -7 Liganden führten zu einer gesteigerten gd T-Zell-vermittelten Tumorzell-Lyse und einer…. ….verstärkte Produktion von Granzym A und -B Poly(I:C) verstärkt die Expression von CD54 auf Tumorzellen Imiquimod führt zur Runterregulation von HLA-Klasse I Molekülen in Tumorzellen und möglicherweise zu einer verminderten Bindungsaffinität des KIR NKG2A auf gd T-Zelle

Possible Equilibria of Interacting Dark Energy Models

Interacting dark energy and the holographic principle offer a possible way of addressing the cosmic coincidence problem as well as accounting for the size of the dark energy component. The equilibrium points of the Friedmann equations which govern the evolution behavior of dark energy, matter, and curvature components can determine the qualitative behavior of the cosmological models. These possible equilibria and their behavior are examined in a general framework, and some illustrative examples are presented.Comment: 18 pages, 5 figure

The Relation between Serum Level of Vitamin D and Dry Eye Disease

Purpose: To investigate the relation between serum level of vitamin D and dry eye disease. Patients and Methods:  In this cross-sectional case-control study, 40 patients with dry eye disease were enrolled.  Dry eye was diagnosed based on the slit lamp examination, tear meniscus height, tear break up time test, ocular surface disease index, and the results of Schirmer test. Forty age- and sex-matched healthy individuals served as controls. The serum level of vitamin D was measured and compared between patients with dry eye disease and controls. Results:  The mean age was 44.92  ± 11.4 and 44.07  ± 11.29 years in the case and control groups, respectively (P = 0.739). The mean serum level of vitamin D was 21.18  ± 11.83 ng/dl in the case group and 20.54 ± 9.98 ng/dl in the control group (P = 0.793). Ocular surface disease index had a positive correlation with age (r = + 0.363, P < 0.0001), but a negative correlation with the serum level of vitamin D (r = - 0.480, P = 0.002). Other investigated variables failed to demonstrate association with the serum level of vitamin D and dry eye. Conclusion: According to the present study results, no significant association between vitamin D deficiency and dry eye was detected. However, due to relatively small sample size in the present study further studies are recommended to better investigate this subject.Key words: Dry eye; Vitamin D; Schirmer test; Tear

Key performance indicators in hospital based on balanced scorecard model

Introduction: Performance measurement is receiving increasing verification all over the world. Nowadays in a lot of organizations, irrespective of their type or size, performance evaluation is the main concern and a key issue for top administrators. The purpose of this study is to organize suitable key performance indicators (KPIs) for hospitals’ performance evaluation based on the balanced scorecard (BSC). Method: This is a mixed method study. In order to identify the hospital’s performance indicators (HPI), first related literature was reviewed and then the experts’ panel and Delphi method were used. In this study, two rounds were needed for the desired level of consensus. The experts rated the importance of the indicators, on a five-point Likert scale. In the consensus calculation, the consensus percentage was calculated by classifying the values 1-3 as not important (0) and 4-5 to (1) as important. Simple additive weighting technique was used to rank the indicators and select hospital’s KPIs. The data were analyzed by Excel 2010 software. Results: About 218 indicators were obtained from a review of selected literature. Through internal expert panel, 77 indicators were selected. Finally, 22 were selected for KPIs of hospitals. Ten indicators were selected in internal process perspective and 5, 4, and 3 indicators in finance, learning and growth, and customer, respectively. Conclusion: This model can be a useful tool for evaluating and comparing the performance of hospitals. However, this model is flexible and can be adjusted according to differences in the target hospitals. This study can be beneficial for hospital administrators and it can help them to change their perspective about performance evaluation

The Feasibility of a BIM-Driven Approach to Support Building Subdivision Workflows—Case Study of Victoria, Australia

Cities are facing dramatic challenges due to population growth and the massive development of high-rises and complex structures, both above and below the ground surface. Decision-makers require access to an efficient land and property information system, which is digital, three-dimensional (3D), spatially accurate, and dynamic containing interests in land (rights, restrictions and responsibilities—RRRs) to manage the legal and physical complexities of urban environments. However, at present, building subdivision workflows only support the two-dimensional (2D) building subdivision plans in PDF or image formats. These workflows result in a number of issues, such as the plan preparation being complex, the examination process being labor intensive and requiring technical expertise, information not being easily reusable by all subdivision stakeholders, queries, analyses, and decision-making being inefficient, and the RRRs interpretation being difficult. The aim of this research is to explore the potential of using Building Information Modelling (BIM) and its open standards to support the building subdivision workflows. The research that is presented in this paper proposes a BIM-driven building subdivision workflow, evaluated through a case study in the state of Victoria, Australia. The results of the study confirmed that the proposed workflow could provide a feasible integrated mechanism for stakeholders to share, document, visualize, analyze, interpret, and reuse 3D digital cadastral data over the lifespan of a building subdivision project

Subcutaneous Emphysema as an Ominous Side Effect in COVID-19 Patients under Mechanical Ventilation, Report of 7 Cases

Today, due to the pandemic of novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), extensive information over all parts of the world is spreading rapidly. We present seven cases of COVID-19 patients with pneumothorax as one of the ominous side effects of the disease and a strong predictor of death which is a new challenge in controlling the transmission and distribution of the disease