Waring's problem for Beatty sequences and a local to global principle

Cataloged from PDF version of article.We investigate in various ways the representation of a large natural number N as a sum of s positive k-th powers of numbers from a fixed Beatty sequence. Inter alia, a very general form of the local to global principle is established in additive number theory. Although the proof is very short, it depends on a deep theorem of M. Kneser

“A long-term mortality analysis of subsidized firms in rural areas: an empirical study in the Portuguese Alentejo region”

Studies have demonstrated that public policies to support private firms’ investment have the ability to promote entrepreneurship, but the sustainability of subsidized firms has not often been analysed. This paper aims to examine this dimension specifically through evaluating the mortality of subsidized firms in the long-term. The analysis focuses on a case study of the LEADER+ Programme in the Alentejo region of Portugal. With this purpose, the paper examines the activity status (active or not active) of 154 private, rural, for-profit firms in Alentejo that had received a subsidy to support investment between 2002 and 2008 under the LEADER+ Programme. The methodology is based on binary choice models in order to study the probability of these firms still being active. The explanatory variables used are the following: (1) the characteristics of entrepreneurs and managers’ strategic decisions, (2) firm profile and characteristics, (3) regional economic environment. Data assessment showed that the cumulative mortality rate of firms on 31st December 2013 is over 20 %. Interpretation of the regression model revealed that he probability of firms’ survival increases with higher investment, firm age and regional business concentration, whereas the number of applications made by firms has a negative impact on their survival. So it seems that for subsidized firms the amount of investment is as important as its frequency

Presentations of patients of poisoning and predictors of poisoning-related fatality: Findings from a hospital-based prospective study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Poisoning is a significant public health problem worldwide and is one of the most common reasons for visiting emergency departments (EDs), but factors that help to predict overall poisoning-related fatality have rarely been elucidated. Using 1512 subjects from a hospital-based study, we sought to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of poisoning patients and to identify predictors for poisoning-related fatality.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Between January 2001 and December 2002 we prospectively recruited poisoning patients through the EDs of two medical centers in southwest Taiwan. Interviews were conducted with patients within 24 hours after admission to collect relevant information. We made comparisons between survival and fatality cases, and used logistic regressions to identify predictors of fatality.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 1512 poisoning cases were recorded at the EDs during the study period, corresponding to an average of 4.2 poisonings per 1000 ED visits. These cases involved 828 women and 684 men with a mean age of 38.8 years, although most patients were between 19 and 50 years old (66.8%), and 29.4% were 19 to 30 years. Drugs were the dominant poisoning agents involved (49.9%), followed by pesticides (14.5%). Of the 1512 patients, 63 fatalities (4.2%) occurred. Paraquat exposure was associated with an extremely high fatality rate (72.1%). The significant predictors for fatality included age over 61 years, insufficient respiration, shock status, abnormal heart rate, abnormal body temperature, suicidal intent and paraquat exposure.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In addition to well-recognized risk factors for fatality in clinical settings, such as old age and abnormal vital signs, we found that suicidal intent and ingestion of paraquat were significant predictors of poisoning-related fatality. Identification of these predictors may help risk stratification and the development of preventive interventions.</p

Stability of tunnels in hard rock as assessed from field, numerical and physical model studies

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:D66308/86 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Colon injury following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube insertion

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is used to provide a safe route for enteral feeding. However, serious complications may occur during the procedure, such as transverse colon injuries. It can be difficult to diagnose a colon injury after the procedure in a patient with cobormidities. Herein, we present a case of transverse colon injury following insertion of a PEG tube, discuss the possible complications of PEG, and review the recent literature. This case demonstrates the importance of careful PEG tube insertion and close follow-up of the patient's clinical status after a PEG procedure

Subphrenic abscess resulting in resection of the lower basal segment of the right lung: A severe complication following laparoscopic appendectomy

We report the case of an 18-year-old boy who developed an intrathoracic abscess with rupture of the diaphragm following a laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) for a perforated appendicitis. LA is an established procedure in the treatment of appendicitis. It is a safe and efficacious technique, but several complications can occur with this procedure, and surgeons should be aware of the potential dangers. Herein, we present a previously unreported thoracic complication following an LA