The ISCIP Analyst, Volume II, Issue 5

This repository item contains a single issue of The ISCIP Analyst, an analytical review journal published from 1996 to 2010 by the Boston University Institute for the Study of Conflict, Ideology, and Policy

The ISCIP Analyst, Volume II, Issue 14

This repository item contains a single issue of The ISCIP Analyst, an analytical review journal published from 1996 to 2010 by the Boston University Institute for the Study of Conflict, Ideology, and Policy

The ISCIP Analyst, Volume II, Issue 15

This repository item contains a single issue of The ISCIP Analyst, an analytical review journal published from 1996 to 2010 by the Boston University Institute for the Study of Conflict, Ideology, and Policy

The ISCIP Analyst, Volume II, Issue 22

This repository item contains a single issue of The ISCIP Analyst, an analytical review journal published from 1996 to 2010 by the Boston University Institute for the Study of Conflict, Ideology, and Policy

The ISCIP Analyst, Volume II, Issue 3

This repository item contains a single issue of The ISCIP Analyst, an analytical review journal published from 1996 to 2010 by the Boston University Institute for the Study of Conflict, Ideology, and Policy

Biocide Use in the Antimicrobial Era: A Review

Biocides are widely used in healthcare and industry to control infections and microbial contamination. Ineffectual disinfection of surfaces and inappropriate use of biocides can result in the survival of microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses on inanimate surfaces, often contributing to the transmission of infectious agents. Biocidal disinfectants employ varying modes of action to kill microorganisms, ranging from oxidization to solubilizing lipids. This review considers the main biocides used within healthcare and industry environments and highlights their modes of action, efficacy and relevance to disinfection of pathogenic bacteria. This information is vital for rational use and development of biocides in an era where microorganisms are becoming resistant to chemical antimicrobial agents.</jats:p

A polytetrafluoroethylene porous membrane and dimethylhexadecylamine quaternized poly (vinyl benzyl chloride) composite membrane for intermediate temperature fuel cells

AbstractA composite material for phosphoric acid (PA) loaded membrane was prepared using a porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) thin film. N, N-Dimethylhexadecylamine partially quaternized poly (vinyl benzyl chloride) (qPVBzCl−) was synthesized as the substrate for the phosphoric acid loaded polymer membrane. SEM observation indicated that the pores were filled with the qPVBzCl−. The maximum PA loading level was calculated to be 4.67–5.12 per repeat unit on average. TGA results showed that resultant composite membrane was stable in the intermediate temperature from 100 °C to 200 °C. The composite membrane tensile stress was 56.23 MPa, and the Young's Modulus was 0.25 GPa, and the fractured elongation was 23%. The conductivity of the composite membrane after the PA addition (H3PO4@PTFE/qPVBzCl−) increased from 0.085 S cm−1 to 0.11 S cm−1 from 105 °C to 180 °C. The peak power density of the H2/O2 at 175 °C under low humidity condition (<1%) for H3PO4@PTFE/qPVBzCl− membranes was 360 mW cm−2

PROtocolized care to reduce HYpotension after spinal anaesthesia (ProCRHYSA randomized trial): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

AbstractBackgroundThe PROtocolized Care to Reduce HYpotension after Spinal Anaesthesia (ProCRHYSA trial) is an unblinded, randomized, monocentric, prospective, three-arm, parallel-group trial aimed at assessing the role of a controlled volemic repletion in reducing both clinically significant hypotension rate and total amount of fluid administered in patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia.Methods/DesignAim of the study is assessing the effectiveness of a non-invasive tests to guide a titrated volemic repletion before spinal anesthesia in order to reduce post-spinal hypotension rate. After local ethical committee approval of the study (Comitato Etico Cantonale Ref. N. CE2796), we will randomize patients undergoing elective surgery under spinal anesthesia into two parallel groups: in the first vena cava ultrasound will be used in order to assess adequacy of patients’ volemic status and consequently guide the administration of crystalloids boluses; in the second passive legs raising test will be used instead of ultrasound for the same purpose.DiscussionThe hypothesis we want to test is that the using of these two experimental methods before spinal anaesthesia, compared to the standard method (empirical fluid administration) can reduce the impact of systemic hypotension through an adequate titrated volemic repletion, avoiding both hypotension and fluid overload. The final purpose is to ensure that spinal anaesthesia is performed in the safest way possible.ConclusionsThe study will offer a new insight on the possible role of vena cava ultrasound and passive legs raising test as screening tools to prevent hypotension after spinal anesthesia. These tests were already validated in a critical environment, but to the best of our knowledge this is the first time they are applied to an elective surgical population.Trial registrationThe trial was registered on May 2014 on www.clinicalstrial.gov with the number NCT02070276

Intelligence within BAOR and NATO's Northern Army Group

During the Cold War the UK's principal military role was its commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) through the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR), together with wartime command of NATO's Northern Army Group. The possibility of a surprise attack by the numerically superior Warsaw Pact forces ensured that great importance was attached to intelligence, warning and rapid mobilisation. As yet we know very little about the intelligence dimension of BAOR and its interface with NATO allies. This article attempts to address these neglected issues, ending with the impact of the 1973 Yom Kippur War upon NATO thinking about warning and surprise in the mid-1970s. It concludes that the arrangements made by Whitehall for support to BAOR from national assets during crisis or transition to war were - at best - improbable. Accordingly, over the years, BAOR developed its own unique assets in the realm of both intelligence collection and special operations in order to prepare for the possible outbreak of conflict