111 research outputs found
Networking historic environmental standards to address modern challenges for sustainable conservation in HBIM
Awareness of the logic and context of original (and subsequent) design priorities is critical to informing decisions relating to valorisation, repair, refurbishment, energy retrofit or re-use of built heritage. A key benefit of collating data through HBIM should be to assist others facing similar challenges. Here, examples for sharing understanding of how components belong to a system are outlined in the context of a newly completed dataset of public library buildings in the UK funded by Andrew Carnegie, predominantly built between 1900 and 1914. Demands for functionality and economy of public library buildings coupled with the emergent standardisation of building components at the time provide a specific condition with potential for further iteration to other buildings of the period or related typologies. The work highlights the urgency of providing cost-efficient knowledge sharing structures in an era of altered priorities with respect to energy use for modern heritage. We propose the means for mapping common features to network knowledge amongst stakeholders through relevant open source pathways. The results demonstrate that integrating geographic approaches to knowledge sharing in HBIM with environmental considerations also supports wider questions of risk management related to the stewardship of historic buildings in the context of climate change
DiFair: A Benchmark for Disentangled Assessment of Gender Knowledge and Bias
Numerous debiasing techniques have been proposed to mitigate the gender bias
that is prevalent in pretrained language models. These are often evaluated on
datasets that check the extent to which the model is gender-neutral in its
predictions. Importantly, this evaluation protocol overlooks the possible
adverse impact of bias mitigation on useful gender knowledge. To fill this gap,
we propose DiFair, a manually curated dataset based on masked language modeling
objectives. DiFair allows us to introduce a unified metric, gender invariance
score, that not only quantifies a model's biased behavior, but also checks if
useful gender knowledge is preserved. We use DiFair as a benchmark for a number
of widely-used pretained language models and debiasing techniques. Experimental
results corroborate previous findings on the existing gender biases, while also
demonstrating that although debiasing techniques ameliorate the issue of gender
bias, this improvement usually comes at the price of lowering useful gender
knowledge of the model
A model Apparatus for Isolation of Volatile Oils from Various Plant Materials
see pdf please A description is given of apparatu's for isdation vo1atile oils form various parts of plants. The detennination of volatiie oil in the as Ticultura! products were made by distilling the materials with water, collecting the distillate in a graduated tube in which the aqueous portion of the distillate is uatomatically separted and returned to the distilling flask) and measuring the volurne of the oil. the averaqe percetage of volatile oil content ~'as calculated on dried plant material by volum.a\weghit (v\w). the concentrate was then examined by gas liquid chromatogaphy.Volatile oils are the odorus principles found in various plant parts. Because they evaporate when exoosed to the air at ordinary tem.pefati.lr8i ti'.ey called voiatile ~ oils! ethereal oils or essential oils. volatile oils consists of mixtures of chemical 11hich are often quite cOlllplex and 'TaI'y widely in chemical compoition(1 ) 2) 3J 4). Several meti-rods were used for isolation or extraction the volatile o11s from the plant. materials. Distillation was tbe most common m.ethod used by industrial firms: Three types of distilation were used(1) 'l)latir distillation is applied to thedried plant ulatsrial and not subjected to injUl'Y by boiling . (2) vater and stem distillation is employed for Subsuillces eitiler dried or fresh that may rnay be injured by boiling. (3) direct steam distillation applicable to fresh plant materials (5)6)4). In the perfume industry the solvent extraction method was used for extraction of the volatile Oils by using organic solvent such as petroletUll etiler or benzen. however) becaus of the high cost involved the extraction process probably will not be adopted by firftl,S producing \1r)latila oil. ~~ establisged distillation r.r..ethod is a 10v cost operation compared to the extraction process (7) 8). Identification of the volatile constituents were carried out by gas liquid chromatography (9)0)The present paper givas a detailed description of apparatus which were sutable for isola.tion the lighter and tile heavier u.('-m water volatile oils fronl differenet plant materials. Meanwhile tbe purity of tile concentrates were ex lrined by g-aS liquid chromato graphy( GLe)
SYNTHESIS, Spectroscopic Characterization and Evaluation (Antibacterial & (GOT, G pT) Enzyme )Activity of Mixed Ligand Complexes of M(II) with Amino Acid (L-Asparagine) and Schiff Bases Derived from (Sulfamethoxazo Drug with 2,4Dimethoxybenzaldehyde)
Mixed ligand Mn(II),Co(II), Ni(II),Cu(II) , Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II)complexes with a bidendate Schiff base prepared by condensation of (Sulfamethoxazo Drug With 2,4Dimethoxybenzaldehyde) as a primary ligand and potassium asparaginate as secondary ligand were synthesized and characterized on the basis of molar conductance measurements, magnetic susceptibility values, UV-Vi s ,FT- IR, spectral data wherever possible. Electronic spectra and magnetic susceptibility measurement reveal octahedral geometry for all M(II) complexes. The complexes are found to be non-electrolytic in nature on the basis of low molar conductance. The antibacterial activity of the free ligands HL and there metal complexes were tested against the bacterial ( E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Psedomonas and Acinetobactera) Keywords:: biidendate, Schiff base, Antibacterial
The Impact of Creative Accounting on the Qualitative Characteristics of Accounting Information according to the Joint Project – Exploratory Study
يهدف الباحث إلى معرفة مفهوم المحاسبة الابداعية والممارسات التي تستخدمها الادارة عند القياس والافصاح عن المعلومات المحاسبية في القوائم المالية لتحقيق غايتها، والكشف عن مدى تأثير هذه الممارسات على الخصائص النوعية للمعلومات المحاسبية التي حددها المشروع المشترك للـ FASB & IASB واي من هذه الخصائص تتأثر اكثر من غيرها من خلال ايجاد العلاقات البينية التي تربط ممارسات المحاسبة الابداعية بالخصائص النوعية والتأثير المشترك بين متغيراتها وتفرعاتها.
اعتمد الباحث في الاطار النظري وصياغة تساؤلات مشكلة البحث وفرضياته على المنهج الاستنباطي من خلال الاستعانة بما هو متاح من مصادر عربية واجنبية من الكتب والدراسات السابقة التي لها علاقة بموضوع البحث.
وفي الدراسة الاستطلاعية بهدف اختبار فرضيات البحث اجرى الباحث استبياناً لعينة من الاكاديميين والمهنيين لتحديد تأثير وجود هذه الممارسات على الخصائص النوعية للمعلومات المحاسبية واذا كانت هذه الخصائص وفق المشروع المشترك تساهم بشكل او آخر في الحد من ممارسات المحاسبة الابداعية.
واهم ما توصل اليه الباحث هو ان مفاهيم الخصائص النوعية للمعلومات المحاسبية التي وضعها المشروع المشترك بين ال (FASB, IASB) جاءت من خلال التوافق في الخصائص القديمة لكل من المجلسين نحو تحسين جودة المعلومات المحاسبية ولتكون اكثر ارتباطاً بجوهر المعلومات وقيمتها بالنسبة لمتخذ القرار (جوهرية او مساندة) وليس بطبيعتها (اساسية او ثانوية). ومع ذلك فمن وجهة نظر المستجيبين عينة البحث من الاكاديميين والمهنيين ان الجهود التي بذلها المشروع المشترك لتطوير مفاهيم الخصائص النوعية للمعلومات المحاسبية لم تحد من تأثير ممارسات المحاسبة الابداعية، فقد اظهرت نتائج التحليل الاحصائي وجود تاثير ذي دلالة احصائية معنوية للمتغير المستقل ممارسات المحاسبة الابداعية في كل من الخصائص الجوهرية الملائمة والتمثيل الصادق بوصفه متغيراً معتمداً.The research aims to know the concept of creative accounting and the practices used by the management in measuring and disclosing accounting information in the financial statements to achieve its objective. Also, aim to explore the extent to which these practices affect the qualitative characteristics of accounting information identified by the joint venture of FASB & IASB, by establishing the interrelationship between creative accounting practices with the qualitative characteristics and the combined effect of their variables and their branches.
The researcher adopted in the theoretical framework and formulating the questions of the research problem and its hypotheses on the deductive approach by using the available resources from Arab and foreign sources of books and previous studies related to the subject of research.
In the exploratory study, in order to test hypotheses, the researcher conducted a questionnaire for a sample of academics and professionals to determine the impact of these practices on the qualitative characteristics of the accounting information, and if these characteristics according to the joint venture contribute in one way or another to the reduction of creative accounting practices.
The most important conclusion of this study is that the concepts of the qualitative characteristics of the accounting information developed by the FASB and the IASB have been achieved by reconciling the old characteristics of both chambers to improve the quality of accounting information, and to be more relevant to the substance of the information and its value to the decision-maker (Fundamental and Enhancing) not by its nature (primary and secondary). However, from the point of view of research sample respondents from academics and professionals, that the efforts of the joint venture to develop the concepts of qualitative characteristics of the accounting information did not limit the impact of creative accounting practices, where the results of the statistical analysis showed a statistically significant effect of the independent variable; the creative accounting practices in each of Fundamental characteristics; relevance and faithful representation as an dependent variables
Preparation, Characterization, and Antibacterial Properties of mixed ligand Complexes of L-leucine and Sulfamethoxazole with Mn(II),Co(II),Ni(II),Cu(II),Zn(II),Cd(II)and Hg(II) ions
The research includes the synthesis and identification of the mixed ligands complexes of M+2 Ions in general composition ,[M(Leu)2(SMX)] Where L-leucine(C6H13NO2)symbolized (LeuH) as a primary ligand and Sulfamethoxazole (C10H11N3O3S)symbolized (SMX)) as a secondary ligand . The ligands and the metal chlorides were brought in to reaction at room temperature in(v/v) ethanol /water as solvent containing NaOH. The reaction required the following [(metal: 2(Na+ Leu-): (SMX)] molar ratios with M(II) ions, Were M(II) = Mn(II),Co(II),Ni(II),Cu(II),Zn(II),Cd(II)and Hg(II). The UV–Vis and magnetic moment data revealed an octahedral geometry around M(II), The conductivity data show a non-electrolytic nature of the complexes. The antimicrobial activities of ligands and their mixed ligand complexes were screened by disc diffusion method. Keywords: Sulfamethoxazole(antibiotic), L-leucine, Mixed ligand, Metal complexes, Antimicrobial activity
Long term video-EEG monitoring findings in children and adolescents with intractable epilepsy
Introduction: In spite of appropriate management, seizures are not controlled in10 to 20 percent of epileptic children. If we can find the epileptogenic focus and resect it by surgery, patient may be cured from refractory seizures. Long Term Video-EEG Monitoring (LTM) may give us important information in the preoperative assessment of these patients. We performed this study for the first time in pediatric age group in Iran.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 43 children between 4 to 18 years, with intractable epilepsy who were Referred to Shefa Neuroscience Research Center between 1386_1391, were enrolled to study in order to evaluate their long-term video EEG findings.Results: Forty-three children were enrolled to this study with mean age of 10.07 years, that 24(65.9%) were boys and 19(44.1%) were girls.Seven patients with definite epileptogenic zone were advised to perform lesionectomy surgery, in 2 patients there was not any seizure onset focus but corpus callosotomy was advised to control their frequent falling. Eight cases were recommended to perform Electrocorticography or invasive EEG monitoring. Twenty-six cases were recommended to adjust medical treatment. In 3 cases there was not any electrical seizure activity during clinical attacks, so discontinuing anti-epileptic drugs were recommended with diagnosis of conditions that mimic epilepsy.Conclusions: It is necessary to perform LTM in patients with refractory epilepsy in order to determine their treatment strategy. If there is any doubt about pseudoseizure LTM can help to differentiate epilepsy from conditions that mimic epilepsy
Fluorescence‐based bowel anastomosis perfusion evaluation: results from the IHU‐IRCAD‐EAES EURO‐FIGS registry
Background
Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the dreaded complications following surgery in the digestive tract. Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging is a means to intraoperatively visualize anastomotic perfusion, facilitating fluorescence image-guided surgery (FIGS) with the purpose to reduce the incidence of AL. The aim of this study was to analyze the current practices and results of NIRF imaging of the anastomosis in digestive tract surgery through the EURO-FIGS registry.
Methods
Analysis of data prospectively collected by the registry members provided patient and procedural data along with the ICG dose, timing, and consequences of NIRF imaging. Among the included upper-GI, colorectal, and bariatric surgeries, subgroup analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with complications.
Results
A total of 1240 patients were included in the study. The included patients, 74.8% of whom were operated on for cancer, originated from 8 European countries and 30 hospitals. A total of 54 surgeons performed the procedures. In 83.8% of cases, a pre-anastomotic ICG dose was administered, and in 60.1% of cases, a post-anastomotic ICG dose was administered. A significant difference (p < 0.001) was found in the ICG dose given in the four pathology groups registered (range: 0.013–0.89 mg/kg) and a significant (p < 0.001) negative correlation was found between the ICG dose and BMI. In 27.3% of the procedures, the choice of the anastomotic level was guided by means of NIRF imaging which means that in these cases NIRF imaging changed the level of anastomosis which was first decided based on visual findings in conventional white light imaging. In 98.7% of the procedures, the use of ICG partly or strongly provided a sense of confidence about the anastomosis. A total of 133 complications occurred, without any statistical significance in the incidence of complications in the anastomoses, whether they were ICG-guided or not.
Conclusion
The EURO-FIGS registry provides an insight into the current clinical practice across Europe with respect to NIRF imaging of anastomotic perfusion during digestive tract surgery
The effect of oil prices, oil demand, oil licensing round, oil product capacity, oil sector development, and inflation on the economic development of Iraq's economy
The oil-producing nations contribute significantly to the economic expansion of the oil exporting business. Political instability and infrastructure degradation have negatively impacted Iraq's economic growth. Less economic stability is a significant factor in Iraq's inflation rate. This study aims to determine the impact of oil prices, oil demand, licensing rounds, oil product capacity, oil sector development, and inflation on Iraq's economic development. This research uses secondary data from papers and surveys to determine its findings. The study indicated that oil prices, oil demand, the oil licensing round, oil product capacity, oil sector development, and inflation have an essential impact on Iraq's economic growth. This work is novel from a theoretical standpoint because previous research has ignored this gap in the literature. This study has produced empirical proof of economic growth in Iraq due to the oil industry and the issuance of oil licenses to various enterprises, which has significant consequences for practice.Mohammad Drai Ahmed (The University of Mashreq/ Baghdad/ Iraq), Maki Mahdi Abdulhasan (Al-Nisour University College/Baghdad/Iraq), Hassan Taher Braiber (Accounting Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon, Iraq), Zainab Abed Almoussawi (College of Islamic Science /Ahl Al Bayt University /Kerbala / Iraq), Nidhal Raheem Mardood (Accounting and Economics/ Al-Esraa University College, Baghdad, Iraq), Hareth Shallan Moshref Alaamery (Al-Amarah University College/ Al-Amarah, Iraq)Includes bibliographical references
Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging for Real-Time Intraoperative Guidance in Anastomotic Colorectal Surgery:A Systematic Review of Literature
Purpose: The aims of this review are to determine the feasibility of near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) angiography in anastomotic colorectal surgery and to determine the effectiveness of the technique in improving imaging and quantification of vascularization, thereby aiding in decision making as to where to establish the anastomosis. Methods: A systematic literature search of PubMed and EMBASE was conducted. Searching through the reference lists of selected articles identified additional studies. All English language articles presenting original patient data regarding intraoperative NIRF angiography were included without restriction of type of study, except for case reports, technical notes, and video vignettes. The intervention consisted of intraoperative NIRF angiography during anastomotic colorectal surgery to assess perfusion of the colon, sigmoid, and/or rectum. Primary outcome parameters included ease of use, added surgical time, complications related to the technique, and costs. Other relevant outcomes were whether this technique changed intraoperative decision making, whether effort was taken by the authors to quantify the signal and the incidence of postoperative complications. Results: Ten studies were included. Eight of these studies make a statement about the ease of use. In none of the studies complications due to the use of the technique occurred. The technique changed the resection margin in 10.8% of all NIRF cases. The anastomotic leak rate was 3.5% in the NIRF group and 7.4% in the group with conventional imaging. Two of the included studies used an objective quantification of the fluorescence signal and perfusion, using ROIs (Hamamatsu Photonics) and IC-Calc® respectively. Conclusions: Although the feasibility of the technique seems to be agreed on by all current research, large clinical trials are mandatory to further evaluate the added value of the technique
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