Masticophis mentovarius

Number of Pages: 4Integrative BiologyGeological Science

Colloids Compared to Crystalloids in Emergent Stabilization of Critically Ill Adults

Background: With the advent of newer and safer fluids there have been numerous trials and studies conducted to test the safety and validity of colloids. Are colloids more effective then crystalloid for emergent resuscitation? The purpose of this systematic literature review is to assess the claims on treatment success and explore safety to gain clarity on which fluid is the best treatment for the patient. Methods: A systematic database search was conducted from 2006 to the present. The search utilized such sources as PubMed, UpToDate and ScienceDirect. This search included more than 70 journal articles, where 24 articles were selected for review for their credibility and usage within the medical community. Results: Considering the reviewed articles, it seems that the benefits may not outweigh the risks inherent with colloids. In summary, using colloids as an alternative to crystalloids made little to no difference in the cause of mortality. However, there was evidence that colloids can increase the need for renal therapies overall. Conclusion: Colloids were merely marginal, if at all, more effective than crystalloids in reducing the mortality rates, but with the added risk of renal dysfunction. There are instances where colloids might be selected, but those occurrences should be critically challenged. In the end, it appears to be left up to clinical judgement, provider experience, and accessibility on which fluid selection is optimal

A heuristic algorithm for the multi-terminal vehicle dispatch problem using the modified sweep algorithm

A heuristic algorithm is developed for solving the multi-terminal vehicle dispatch problem. The demand points are first assigned to terminals using a scheme that minimizes the cost of each assignment. Single-terminal vehicle dispatch problems are then solved at each terminal using a heuristic procedure, called the Sweep Algorithm. A sequence of trial reassignments are then attempted in order to obtain further improvements in the overall solution. Eleven multi-terminal vehicle dispatch problems are presented and their solutions, derived by this procedure, are given. Several changes are also proposed for the Sweep Algorithm in order to improve the solutions obtained and to decrease the computing time required. The effects of using different traveling salesman algorithms in the Sweep Algorithm are studied. Two recently published traveling salesman procedures as well as the one previously used in the Sweep Algorithm are compared. One of these new approaches, the Lin-Kernighan algorithm, is found to perform significantly better for routes with a large number of demand points, than the method previously used. Single-terminal vehicle dispatch problems are solved, and comparisons with the results of other single-terminal algorithms are presented --Abstract, page ii

Application of damage tolerance methodology in certification of the Piaggio P-180 Avanti

The Piaggio P-180 Avanti, a twin pusher-prop engine nine-passenger business aircraft was certified in 1990, to the requirements of FAR Part 23 and Associated Special Conditions for Composite Structure. Certification included the application of a damage tolerant methodology to the design of the composite forward wing and empennage (vertical fin, horizontal stabilizer, tailcone, and rudder) structure. This methodology included an extensive analytical evaluation coupled with sub-component and full-scale testing of the structure. The work from the Damage Tolerance Analysis Assessment was incorporated into the full-scale testing. Damage representing hazards such as dropped tools, ground equipment, handling, and runway debris, was applied to the test articles. Additional substantiation included allowing manufacturing discrepancies to exist unrepaired on the full-scale articles and simulated bondline failures in critical elements. The importance of full-scale testing in the critical environmental conditions and the application of critical damage are addressed. The implication of damage tolerance on static and fatigue testing is discussed. Good correlation between finite element solutions and experimental test data was observed

Credit Availability for Potential Irrigators in North Dakota

Agricultural Finance, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

Teacher Morale: The Magic Behind Teacher Performance

Educational progress depends upon the quality of teachers. Unfortunately most of the persons who enter teaching profession do not like their jobs at all. They are here because they could not be selected for any other profession, Hence, quite a number of rejected and dejected university degree holders seek admission in training colleges and become teachers. Their inner-self never wanted to become a teacher. Many teachers take no pleasure in the teaching and simply pass their time. They do not care to set worthwhile goals before their pupils. They never care for what the students say about them. They are easy-going and do not take pains in discharging their duties. Today’s education is concerned with the development of whole personality of an individual. How can we leave our children in the hands of these half-hearted teachers