Spectrophotometric determination of trace amounts of cadmium with iodide and methyl violet

445-446A selective spectrophotometric method based on the interaction of an anionic iodo complex of cadmium with methyl violet has been described for the determination of trace amounts of cadmium. The developed method is precise, accurate and has been applied to determination of cadmium at trace levels (25 ppb) in sea water and high purity samples of indium and zinc materials

An Empirical Framework for Understanding Human-Technology Interaction Optimisation for Route Planning

A number of interactive systems have been developed in the past to simulate or improve optimised route planning as part of problem solving (e.g. Vehicle Routing Problems (VRPs)) focussing mainly in the utilisation of computational algorithms. Main reasons for developing such interactive systems is that they combine the strengths both computerised systems and humans have, to aid the generation of optimal solutions and promote green logistics. Under a joint-cognitive perspective, the system and the human operator (user) become parts of a single ecosystem, co-operating to complete a task and in which cognitive technologies aid them to reach a decision. This paper reports the performance-based design of such an interactive tool that supports optimisation in route planning. It aims to identify human performance, behaviour and opportunities for designing innovative usercentred interactive optimisation tools for route planning. Twenty-six users evaluated the interactive route planner. Results suggest that switching strategies while planning routes lead to increase in route optimality while providing different levels of control for the user. Results lead to the extension of a joint-cognitive approach framework for optimisation routing problems that takes into account both performance metrics and contextual factors such as changes within the task environment. Related implications to optimisation systems’ design and evaluation are also discussed with a particular focus on how new ubiquitous navigation technologies can be improved to promote cooperation and more optimal route planning

Second asymptomatic carotid surgery trial (ACST-2) : a randomised comparison of carotid artery stenting versus carotid endarterectomy

Background: Among asymptomatic patients with severe carotid artery stenosis but no recent stroke or transient cerebral ischaemia, either carotid artery stenting (CAS) or carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can restore patency and reduce long-term stroke risks. However, from recent national registry data, each option causes about 1% procedural risk of disabling stroke or death. Comparison of their long-term protective effects requires large-scale randomised evidence. Methods: ACST-2 is an international multicentre randomised trial of CAS versus CEA among asymptomatic patients with severe stenosis thought to require intervention, interpreted with all other relevant trials. Patients were eligible if they had severe unilateral or bilateral carotid artery stenosis and both doctor and patient agreed that a carotid procedure should be undertaken, but they were substantially uncertain which one to choose. Patients were randomly allocated to CAS or CEA and followed up at 1 month and then annually, for a mean 5 years. Procedural events were those within 30 days of the intervention. Intention-to-treat analyses are provided. Analyses including procedural hazards use tabular methods. Analyses and meta-analyses of non-procedural strokes use Kaplan-Meier and log-rank methods. The trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN21144362. Findings: Between Jan 15, 2008, and Dec 31, 2020, 3625 patients in 130 centres were randomly allocated, 1811 to CAS and 1814 to CEA, with good compliance, good medical therapy and a mean 5 years of follow-up. Overall, 1% had disabling stroke or death procedurally (15 allocated to CAS and 18 to CEA) and 2% had non-disabling procedural stroke (48 allocated to CAS and 29 to CEA). Kaplan-Meier estimates of 5-year non-procedural stroke were 2·5% in each group for fatal or disabling stroke, and 5·3% with CAS versus 4·5% with CEA for any stroke (rate ratio [RR] 1·16, 95% CI 0·86-1·57; p=0·33). Combining RRs for any non-procedural stroke in all CAS versus CEA trials, the RR was similar in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (overall RR 1·11, 95% CI 0·91-1·32; p=0·21). Interpretation: Serious complications are similarly uncommon after competent CAS and CEA, and the long-term effects of these two carotid artery procedures on fatal or disabling stroke are comparable