Significance of work studies in construction industry

Proučava se i analizira uloga studija rada u proizvodnim procesima u graditeljskim projektima. U skladu s težnjom da se postignu što povoljniji rezultati u građevinskoj djelatnosti, skraćenjem vremena, smanjenjem troškova i povećanjem kvalitete proizvodnje, prikazani se elementi racionalne studije rada kako bi se mogli uključiti u procese građenja. Opisano je optimalno uključenje kontinuiranosti proizvodnje s ciljem smanjenja zastoja i postizanja najkraćeg vremena građenja.The role of the study of work in production processes normally applied on construction projects is studied and analyzed. In keeping with present trends aiming at improving results in construction industry, both by reducing time and cost requirements, and by increasing the quality of production, the authors present elements of a rational work study that could well be implemented in current construction processes. An optimum improvement in the sphere of production continuity, aimed at reducing downtime and shortening time of construction, is described

Investigation of Aerosols Released at High Temperature from Nuclear Reactor Core Models.

Abstract not availableJRC.(EI)-Environment Institut

Methodical Challenges and a Possible Resolution in the Assessment of Receptor Reserve for Adenosine, an Agonist with Short Half-Life

The term receptor reserve, first introduced and used in the traditional receptor theory, is an integrative measure of response-inducing ability of the interaction between an agonist and a receptor system (consisting of a receptor and its downstream signaling). The underlying phenomenon, i.e., stimulation of a submaximal fraction of receptors can apparently elicit the maximal effect (in certain cases), provides an opportunity to assess the receptor reserve. However, determining receptor reserve is challenging for agonists with short half-lives, such as adenosine. Although adenosine metabolism can be inhibited several ways (in order to prevent the rapid elimination of adenosine administered to construct concentration–effect (E/c) curves for the determination), the consequent accumulation of endogenous adenosine biases the results. To address this problem, we previously proposed a method, by means of which this bias can be mathematically corrected (utilizing a traditional receptor theory-independent approach). In the present investigation, we have offered in silico validation of this method by simulating E/c curves with the use of the operational model of agonism and then by evaluating them using our method. We have found that our method is suitable to reliably assess the receptor reserve for adenosine in our recently published experimental setting, suggesting that it may be capable for a qualitative determination of receptor reserve for rapidly eliminating agonists in general. In addition, we have disclosed a possible interference between FSCPX (8-cyclopentyl-N3-[3-(4-(fluorosulfonyl)benzoyloxy)propyl]-N1-propylxanthine), an irreversible A1 adenosine receptor antagonist, and NBTI (S-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine), a nucleoside transport inhibitor, i.e., FSCPX may blunt the effect of NBTI

Reducing Avoidable Hospital Transfers From Nursing Homes in Austria

Hospital transfers from nursing homes (NHs) are frequent, burdensome for residents, and often avoidable. The evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions to reduce avoidable transfers is limited, and most projects focus on nurses’ knowledge and skills. In the present project, interventions focusing on nurses and physicians are integrated, elaborated, and implemented in 17 NHs. Results of the 6 months preintervention period are reported. Hospital transfer rates ( N = 1,520) and basic data on all residents ( N = 1,238) were collected prospectively. Nurses’ preintervention knowledge and self-efficacy were assessed using standardized questionnaires ( N = 330). Many hospital transfers were initiated by nurses without physician involvement, polypharmacy was common, and a high potential for reducing transfers by increasing physician presence was observed. Nurses showed rather low knowledge but high self-efficacy. The results are discussed against the background of the interventions including enhancement of physician presence and geriatric quality circles

Methodical Challenges and a Possible Resolution in the Assessment of Receptor Reserve for Adenosine, an Agonist with Short Half-Life

The term receptor reserve, first introduced and used in the traditional receptor theory, is an integrative measure of response-inducing ability of the interaction between an agonist and a receptor system (consisting of a receptor and its downstream signaling). The underlying phenomenon, i.e., stimulation of a submaximal fraction of receptors can apparently elicit the maximal effect (in certain cases), provides an opportunity to assess the receptor reserve. However, determining receptor reserve is challenging for agonists with short half-lives, such as adenosine. Although adenosine metabolism can be inhibited several ways (in order to prevent the rapid elimination of adenosine administered to construct concentration-effect (E/c) curves for the determination), the consequent accumulation of endogenous adenosine biases the results. To address this problem, we previously proposed a method, by means of which this bias can be mathematically corrected (utilizing a traditional receptor theory-independent approach). In the present investigation, we have offered in silico validation of this method by simulating E/c curves with the use of the operational model of agonism and then by evaluating them using our method. We have found that our method is suitable to reliably assess the receptor reserve for adenosine in our recently published experimental setting, suggesting that it may be capable for a qualitative determination of receptor reserve for rapidly eliminating agonists in general. In addition, we have disclosed a possible interference between FSCPX (8-cyclopentyl-N³-[3-(4-(fluorosulfonyl)benzoyloxy)propyl]-N¹-propylxanthine), an irreversible A₁ adenosine receptor antagonist, and NBTI (S-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine), a nucleoside transport inhibitor, i.e., FSCPX may blunt the effect of NBTI

FSCPX, a Chemical Widely Used as an Irreversible A1 Adenosine Receptor Antagonist, Modifies the Effect of NBTI, a Nucleoside Transport Inhibitor, by Reducing the Interstitial Adenosine Level in the Guinea Pig Atrium

Based on in silico results, recently we have assumed that FSCPX, an irreversible A1 adenosine receptor antagonist, inhibits the action of NBTI that is apparent on E/c curves of adenosine receptor agonists. As a mechanism for this unexpected effect, we hypothesized that FSCPX might modify the equilibrative and NBTI-sensitive nucleoside transporter (ENT1) in a way that allows ENT1 to transport adenosine but impedes NBTI to inhibit this transport. This assumption implies that our method developed to estimate receptor reserve for agonists with short half-life such as adenosine, in its original form, overestimates the receptor reserve. In this study, therefore, our goals were to experimentally test our assumption on this effect of FSCPX, to improve our receptor reserve-estimating method and then to compare the original and improved forms of this method. Thus, we improved our method and assessed the receptor reserve for the direct negative inotropic effect of adenosine with both forms of this method in guinea pig atria. We have found that FSCPX inhibits the effects of NBTI that are mediated by increasing the interstitial concentration of adenosine of endogenous (but not exogenous) origin. As a mechanism for this action of FSCPX, inhibition of enzymes participating in the interstitial adenosine production can be hypothesized, while modification of ENT1 can be excluded. Furthermore, we have shown that, in comparison with the improved form, the original version of our method overestimates receptor reserve but only to a small extent. Nevertheless, use of the improved form is recommended in the future