A Design of an nterface Board between a MRC Thermistor Probe and a Personal Computer

The main purpose of this project was to design and build a prototype of an interface board between an MRC temperature probe (thermistor array) and a personal laptop computer. This interface board replaces and significantly improve the capabilities of an existing MRC RD100 readout instrument. The new interface board provides the user to test a new installation as well as read instantaneous thermistor array. The report also documents the outputs of the the MRC temperature probe for future and the operational characteristics of both the MRC RD100 and the new interface board.1. Introduction - 3 1.1 Objective - 3 1.2 Procedure - 3 2. Characterization of the MRC RD100 Temperature Read Out - 3 2.1 Objective - 3 2.2 Procedure and Results - 3 2.2.1 RD100 Operation - 5 2.2.2 Electrical characteristics - 5 3. Characterization of the MRC Thermistor Probe - 9 3.1 Objective - 9 3.2 Procedure and Results - 11 4. Implementation - Prototype #1 - 14 4.1 Objective - 14 4.2 Design Procedure and Justification - 14 4.3 Testing Results for Prototype #1 - 15 4.4 Conclusion - 15 5. Implementation - Prototype #2 - 16 5.1 Objective - 16 5.2 Design Procedure and Justification - 16 6. Improvements and Implementation - Prototype #3 (The Final Prototype) - 18 6.1 Simplified System Model - 18 6.2 Prototype #3 Design - 19 6.2.1 Observations, Discussion and Reasoning - 19 6.2.2 Details of Prototype #3 Hardware Implementation - 20 6.2.2.1 MSP430 Microcontroller - 20 6.2.2.2 USB Interface - 20 6.2.2.3 Voltage Regulation - 20 6.2.2.4 Signal adjusting - 21 6.2.2.5 References Voltage generation (not shown on the simplified model) - 22 7. Embedded Software Development - 23 7.1 Objective - 23 7.2 Design Procedure and Justification - 23 7.3 Calibration and Testing - 24 7.4 Printed Circuit Board Design - 25 8. Future Work - 26 Appendices - 2

Cross-cultural comparison of leadership practices from Slovenia and Portugal using the globe research program methodology

Leadership may account for up to 45 per cent of an organization's performance (Day and Lord, 1988). As a research strand, leadership has been subject to scientific research from various angles for over 100 years, providing a plethora of definitions and research typologies, which all give merit to its ambiguity and complexity {Stogdill, 1974). One of these research 'angles' cross-cultural leadership- examines the aspect of universal validity of leadership and its practices, arid questions the cultural context of leadership. This paper uses the GLOBE research program methodology {House et al., 2004) as one of the most frequent studies and research approaches to cross-culture comparison of leadership practices. By comparing Slovenia and Portugal, it aims to provide managerial implications for cross-cultural leadership practices between the two selected countries and expand empirical evidence, which until now has been predominantly from large, western countries

Methodology and estimation of tourism-related road toll expenditures : experience from the Slovene tourism satellite accounts

The implementation of the complex Tourism Satellite Accounts (TSA) methodology for Slovenia has posed considerable challenges in different areas of tourism statistics. Particularly, due to lack of data in some tourism areas (i.e. transit visitors, same-day visitors, etc.), various estimation methods had to be developed to fill in the gap, as it is often the case with complex socioeconomic phenomena. Within the TSA methodology, transportation-related expenditures, such as gas and road toll expenditures represent an important product and service category, often ranking among top 5 tourism expenditure categories. This is especially true for small countries like Slovenia, with strategic geographical position, making ideal transit and on-the-way tourism destinations to other top tourist destinations (i.e. Croatia). The purpose of this paper is to provide experience, estimation tools and best practices in evaluating tourism-related road toll expenditures for different visitor categories in Slovenia for the year 2006. As such, the goal of the paper is to explain, how tourism-related road toll expenditures have been estimated within the TSA methodology for Slovenia for 2006 and to outline an estimation approach, which can be used either within the TSA or individually on its own

Prädiktion der Präeklampsie mit Hilfe der Biomarker sFlt-1 und PlGF

Einleitung: Die Präeklampsie ist eine der Hauptursachen für maternale und perinatale Morbidität und Mortalität weltweit. Trotz intensiver Bemühungen ist es bis heute nicht gelungen, die Pathophysiologie dieser Erkrankung vollständig zu klären. Ein wesentlicher Mechanismus in der Entstehung scheint jedoch ein Ungleichgewicht aus anti- und proangiogenen Faktoren zu sein. Hierbei wurden in letzter Zeit vor allem im Serum der Schwangeren zirkulierende Biomarker, wie die lösliche fms-ähnliche Tyrosinkinase-1 sFlt 1 (engl. soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1) und der plazentare Wachstumsfaktor PlGF (engl. placental growth factor) in Hinblick auf eine sichere Diagnostik und Prognose der Präeklampsie untersucht. Ziel unserer Studie war es, mit Hilfe des Quotienten aus sFlt-1 und PlGF das Auftreten einer Präeklampsie innerhalb von ein bis vier Wochen vorherzusagen oder ausschließen zu können. Methodik: Im Rahmen einer weltweiten prospektiven nicht-interventionellen Multicenter-Studie wurden insgesamt 209 Schwangere mit Anzeichen und Symptomen für Präeklampsie untersucht. Es erfolgte die Bestimmung des sFlt-1/PlGF-Quotienten im Serum bei Erstvorstellung und daraufhin in wöchentlichen Abständen. Bei der Auswertung wurden sowohl die absoluten Werte, als auch die Differenz zwischen zwei Messzeitpunkten betrachtet. Ergebnisse: Von den 209 untersuchten Schwangeren entwickelten 18 eine frühe und 12 eine späte Präeklampsie. Anhand der absoluten Werte des sFlt 1/PlGF-Quotienten lässt sich das Auftreten einer Präeklampsie innerhalb einer Woche nach Erstvorstellung bei einem Trennwert von 80,3 mit einem NPV von 99 % und einem PPV 17 % bei einer Sensitivität und Spezifität von 80 % ausschließen bzw. vorhersagen. Bei einer Erweiterung des Diagnosezeitraumes auf vier Wochen ergeben sich bei einem Trennwert von 30,4 ein NPV von 98 % und ein PPV von 23 %, bei einer Sensitivität von 90 % und einer Spezifität von 66 %. Die Betrachtung der Differenz des Quotienten zwischen zwei Messungen brachte keine statistisch signifikanten Daten. Schlussfolgerung: Es konnte in unserer Studie bestätigt werden, dass der absolute Wert des sFlt 1/PlGF-Quotient vor allem in Bezug auf den Ausschluss einer Präeklampsie hilfreich ist. Eine positive Vorhersage ist nur sehr eingeschränkt möglich. Dass ein bestimmter Anstieg des Quotienten ebenfalls Hinweise für das Auftreten einer Präeklampsie geben kann, konnte in unserer Studie nicht gezeigt werden. Bisher ergibt sich demzufolge keine Möglichkeit, den Anstieg des sFlt 1/PlGF-Quotienten in die klinische Bewertung mit einzubeziehen.Introduction: Preeclampsia is one of the main causes for maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite intensive efforts the pathophysiology isn’t completely clarified yet but the imbalance between antiangiogenic and angiogenic factors seems to be a key element in the development of preeclampsia. Many studies investigated circulating biomarkers in pregnancy like the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt 1) and the placental growth factor (PlGF) for their potential in diagnosis and prognosis of preeclampsia. The main aim of our study was to predict or rule out the onset of preeclampsia in between one to four weeks. Methods: As part of an international prospective non-interventional multicenter study we examined 209 patients with signs and symptoms of preeclampsia. We measured the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in the serum at the first visit and after that at weekly intervals. The absolute values and the difference between two measurements were evaluated. Results: In our patient cohort of 209 pregnant women we found 18 patients with early onset and 12 with late onset preeclampsia. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio of 80,3 or higher had a NPV of 99 % and a PPV of 17 % with 80 % sensitivity and specificity for the onset of preeclampsia within one week after the first visit. For the onset within four weeks we found a NPV of 98 % and a PPV of 23 % with 90 % sensitivity and 66 % specificity underlying a cut off of 30,4. The difference between two measurements didn’t show any statistical relevant results. Conclusion: We demonstrated the relevance of the absolute value of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in ruling out preeclampsia but ruling in wasn’t possible. The consideration of a rising ratio for prediction of preeclampsia didn’t bring any additional benefit. Therefore, we don’t see a possibility to include the rising ratio into clinical decision making

Histologija jetre i variranje površine jedara hepatocita pastrmke gajene u kaveznom sistemu

U hidroakumulacionom jezeru ”Bočac” gajena je kalifornijska pastrmka (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum, 1792) u dva odvojena eksperimenta u trajanju od po 90 dana – jedan u periodu jesen – zima, a drugi u periodu proleće – leto. Pastrmke su hranjene sa šest različitih komercijalnih hraniva i ispitivan je njihov uticaj na histološku gradju jetre riba. U eksperimentu je preovladavala normalna histološka građa jetre, a malobrojne histopatološke promene koje su uočene se mogu pripisati periodu godine i sastavu hrane. Kvantifikacija rezultata je pokazala da se sa rastom temperature vode i količine hrane kojom su ribe hranjene, prosečna površina jedara hepatocita povećava, dok se sa opadanjem temperature i količine hrane prosečna površina jedara hepatocita povećava, nezavisno od tipa hrane koja je korišćena

Biological drugs targeting the immune response in the therapy of psoriasis

Chronic plaque psoriasis affects more than 2% of world population, has a chronic recurrent behavior, gives a heavy burden to the patients’ quality of life, and hence remains a huge medical and social problem. The clinical results of conventional therapies of psoriasis are not satisfactory. According to the current knowledge of the molecular and cellular basis of psoriasis, it is defined as an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory and hyperproliferative skin disease. A new generation of biological drugs, targeting molecules and cells involved into perturbed pro-inflammatory immune response in the psoriatic skin and joints, has been recently designed and applied clinically. These biological agents are bioengineered proteins such as chimeric and humanized antibodies and fusion proteins. In particular, they comprise the antitumor necrosis factor-α agents etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab, with clinical efficacy in both moderate-severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and the anti-CD11a efalizumab with selective therapeutic action exclusively in the skin. Here, we overview recent findings on the molecular pathways relevant to the inflammatory response in psoriasis and present our clinical experience with the drugs currently employed in the dermatologic manifestations, namely etanercept, infliximab, and efalizumab. The growing body of clinical data on the efficacy and safety of antipsoriasis biological drugs is reviewed as well. Particular focus is given to long-term safety concerns and feasibility of combined therapeutic protocols to ameliorate clinical results

The use of digital tablets eases the way to compassionate care during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: A patient communication program was implemented as a response to hospitals visiting restrictive policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the program was to facilitate communication between patients and families, mainly through the use of digital tablets; thus program performance was evaluated by selecting the number of calls performed, the average call time, and the percentage of patients that used the program more than once. Methods: A communication service for hospitalized patients who did not have access to a personal electronic device or were unable to use their electronic device was launched at different MUHC hospitals. A dedicated team of re-deployed employees was available to help patients connect with their loved ones using a hospital tablet or telephone. Results: A total of 806 calls were performed between April and November 2020. Eighty one percent of the calls were performed during the non-visitors policy implementation, being video calls preferred over phone calls. The average call time was 15 min, 34% of the patients had a video call with their loved one more than once and 40% of the calls were performed in the intensive care unit. Conclusion: The patient communication program can be described as a new delivery model of compassionate care. It was effective, helped reduce patients’ isolation and met the needs of family members and caregivers during the hospital non-visitors policy directed by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services Sociaux de Québec during the Covid-19 pandemic. &nbsp

Uloga i značaj zooplanktona u poluintenzivnom sistemu gajenja šarana

Jedan od svetski najzastupljenijih sistema za gajenje riba je poluintenzivni sistem koji čini više od 80% (Tacon and De Silva, 1997). U najtradicionalnijem obliku, prisutnom uglavnom u Aziji, veći deo nutritivnih potreba riba se zadovoljava iz prirodne hrane, prisutne u jezeru, dok se manji deo zadovoljava kroz dodatnu hranu. Osnovna ideja ovog sistema je da se potrebe riba u proteinima zadovoljavaju konzumiranjem zooplanktona, zoobentosa i druge prirodne hrane, dok se energetske potrebe zadovoljavaju žitaricama i drugim lokalnim proizvodima u obliku dodatne hrane. Poslednjih godina u zemljama jugoistočne Evrope (Srbiji, BiH, Bugarskoj, Rumuniji) sve se više koristi peletirana i ekstrudirana hrana, umesto žitarica ili u kombinaciji sa žitaricama uz iskorišćavanje prirodne hrane iz samog ribnjaka. Zooplankton predstavlja važanu prirodnu hranu za larve i odrasle stadijume mnogih vrsta riba koje se gaje u akvakulturi. On je i glavna prirodna hrana za larve i mesečnjake šarana, a zajedno sa faunom dna, predstavlja hranu za mlađ i gajenog konzumnog šarana. Zooplankton je značajan izvor proteina, amino kiselina, lipida, masnih kisenina, minerala i enzima (Kibria et al., 1997). U novim ribnjacima zooplankton je uglavnom poreklom iz vode za vodosnabdevanje, dok u starijim objektima, deo ovih organizama potiče iz banke trajnih jaja koja se nalaze u sedimentu, najčešće do dubine od 2 do 10 cm, odakle se jedan deo svake sezone razvija i prelazi u vodu. Razvitak zooplanktonskih organizama (Rotatoria, Cladocera, Copepoda), ima izraženu sezonalnost, pa je maksimum produkcije karakterističan za maj i jun (Paterson, 1993). Na žalost, tokom letnjih meseci (jul i avgust), kada postoje optimalni temperaturni uslovi za rast šarana, najčešće se javlja značajan pad uglavnom svih grupa zooplanktona a naročito kladocera i kopepoda. Ovaj pad u produktivnosti je pre svega rezultat sezonalnosti zooplanktonskih organizama a može biti i posledica velikog pritiska riba na zooplankton u uslovim gustog nasada riba. Do izvesne mere se produkcija prirodne hrane može podstaći upotrebom veštačkih đubriva ili stajnjaka, koji zapravo dovode do porasta produkcije fitoplanktona koji je osnov ishrane za zooplanktonske organizme. Larve šarana mogu da konzumiraju manje oblike zooplanktona kao što su rotatorije i nauplius larve kopepoda. Sa porastom, šaran počinje da konzumira krupnije oblike kladocera i kopepoda, a potom i organizme faune dna, hironomide i oligohete. Za šarana i druge vrste Teleostea, krupniji oblici zooplanktona, naročito krupne kladocere (Daphni magna i D. pulex) predstavljaju lako uočljiv plen, ne samo zbog dimenzija tela, već i zbog dobro pigmentisanog i krupnog oka. Osim toga, starije uzrasne kategorije šarana imaju tako razvijeni usni aparat koji je prilagođen za sakupljanje hrane koja je veća od 250 μm (Sibbing et al., 1986). Usled ovoga, na početku proizvodne sezone, na većini ribnjaka nasađenih sa jedno- i dvogodišnjom mlađi, vrlo brzo dolazi do istrebljenja krupnih zooplanktonskih organizama, što dovodi do dominacije rotatorija, larvi kopepoda kao i malih kladocera, kao što je Bosmina longirostris, jer više nema kompeticije za hranom. U slučajevima kada postoji niska produkcija prirodne hrane, a ne postoji mogućnost đubrenja, usled npr. visoke temperature vode, dodatni objekti kao što su neupotrebljiva ribnjačka jezera, jame ili pak veliki tankovi, mogu poslužiti za dodatnu produkciju prirodne hrane – zooplanktonskih organizama. Masovna proizvodnja prirodne hrane na ovaj način može biti relativno jeftina posebno kada se kao đubrivo koristi stajnjak. Za manje količine zooplanktona, sakupljanje se može obaviti pomoću velikih planktonskih mreža zakačenih za čamac ili se mogu vući sa obale. Ukoliko su u pitanju veći objekti u kojima se gaji zooplankton, za sakupljanje se može koristiti adaptiran čamac po ugledu na "Baleen sistem" koji je poseduje deo koji zahvata vodu i mrežu za proceđivanje, nakon čega se organizmi propuštaju kroz seriju mrežica čime se raspoređuju po veličinskim klasama. Razmatrajući svetski problem nedostatka vode i potrebe za održivom upotrebom vode i nutrijenata u akvakulturi neophodno je unapređenje dosadašnje prakse poluintenzivnog gajenja šarana. Prirodna hrana predstavlja obnovljiv izvor proteina, amino kiselina, masti i masnih kiselina, za gajene ribe i zato usavršavanje poluinteinzivnog sistema između ostalih mera unapređenja treba da ide i u pravcu njihovog većeg korišćenja bilo iz samih ribnjačkih objekata za gajenje šarana ili iz planktonskih jama, jezera ili tankova za njihovo gajenje. Na ovaj način će se omogućiti ekonomičnije iskorišćavanje prirodne hrane, a u kombinaciji sa optimalnom dodatnom hranom će nutritivne potrebe riba biti u potpunosti zadovoljene