Determination of hydroxyl content in impure magnesium oxide

Three-step thermal process quantitatively determines the hydroxyl content in samples of magnesium oxide. Analytical method can be adapted to large-scale production of hydroxyl-free magnesium oxide

Application of Fuzzy-Parametric Linear Programming Problem

In this paper, we have created a link between the fuzzy linear programming and parametric linear programming by a new procedure for solving fuzzy-parametric linear programming problems, where the matrix coefficients are uncertain values .....................

Survival estimation for singly type one censored sample based on generalized Rayleigh distribution

This paper interest to estimation the unknown parameters for generalized Rayleigh distribution model based on censored samples of singly type one . In this paper the probability density function for generalized Rayleigh is defined with its properties . The maximum likelihood estimator method is used to derive the point estimation for all unknown parameters based on iterative method , as Newton – Raphson method , then derive confidence interval estimation which based on Fisher information matrix . Finally , testing whether the current model ( GRD ) fits to a set of real data , then compute the survival function and hazard function for this real data

Baysian and NonBaysian Methods to Estimate the two parameters of Logistic Distribution

In this paper ,the problem of point estimation for the two parameters of logistic distribution has been investigated using simulation technique. The rank sampling set estimator method which is one of the Non_Baysian procedure and Lindley approximation estimator method which is one of the Baysian method were used to estimate the parameters of logistic distribution. Comparing between these two mentioned methods by employing mean square error measure and mean absolute percentage error measure .At last simulation technique used to generate many number of samples sizes to compare between these methods

Process change projects: a study of Norwegian practice

Process change, in various incarnations, has been a central topic in the IS field for several decades. This paper presents an overview of Norwegian model-supported process-change practice, based on in-depth interviews of 33 informants, each describing a different process-change effort in one of 30 Norwegian enterprises. The overview focusses on use of process models, present versus future focus, ICT as enabler of change, participation, resistance to change and process ownership. Norwegian practice is then compared with the predominantly North-American process-change literature from a national-culture perspective. In particular, we find that stakeholder participation is high in Norwegian process-change projects and that resistance tends to be low, a finding consistent with theory on national-culture differences. The paper presents the first results from a larger project that aims to contribute towards a theory of model-based process change

Less is more: The impact of deprescribing psychotropic drugs on behavioral and psychological symptoms and daily functioning in nursing home patients. Results from the Cluster-Randomized Controlled COSMOS Trial

Objective: To investigate the impact of medication reviews using collegial mentoring and systematic clinical evaluation on psychotropic prescriptions, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), and activities of daily living (ADL). Design: Four-month multicenter, multicomponent, cluster-randomized, single-blinded controlled trial. Setting: Thirty-three Norwegian nursing homes including 67 nursing home wards (clusters). Participants: A total of 723 enrolled patients, of which 428 participated in the study; 217 were randomized to the intervention and 211 to care as usual (control). Intervention: The COSMOS intervention consisted of Communication, Systematic pain management, Medication reviews, Organization of activities, and Safety. During medication review, the nursing home physician evaluated treatment with colleagues systematically using the results from validated clinical assessments. Measurements: Mean changes from baseline to month 4 in the number of prescribed psychotropic drugs (antipsychotics, anxiolytics, hypnotics or sedatives, antidepressants, and antidementia drugs); Neuropsychiatric Inventory Nursing Home Version (NPI-NH) and Cornell Scale of Depression in Dementia (CSDD); Lawton and Brody's Physical Self Maintenance Scale (PSMS). Results: Compared to control, the mean change in prescribed psychotropic drugs was reduced both in total and regular number, while mean changes in NPI-NH and CSDD scores did not differ between the groups. Mean change in PSMS showed improvement in the intervention group, and deterioration in the control group. Conclusion: Medication reviews using collegial mentoring and systematic clinical evaluation led to safe deprescribing, as the reductions in psychotropic drug use did not negatively affect BPSD, while ADL improved.publishedVersio

Comparison between Modified Weighted Pareto Distribution and Many other Distributions

  In 2020 one of the researchers in this paper, in his first research, tried to find out the Modified Weighted Pareto Distribution of Type I by using the Azzalini method for weighted distributions, which contain three parameters, two of them for scale while the third for shape.This research compared the distribution with two other distributions from the same family; the Standard Pareto Distribution of Type I and the Generalized Pareto Distribution by using the Maximum likelihood estimator which was derived by the researchers for Modified Weighted Pareto Distribution of Type I, then the Mont Carlo method was used–that is one of the simulation manners for generating random samples data in different sizes ( n= 10,30,50), and in different initial values for each Pareto distribution family being used in the research. A comparison was done by using Akaike Information Criteria, Corrected Akaike Information Criteria, and Bayesian Information Criteri

Impact of COVID-19 restrictions on behavioural and psychological symptoms in home-dwelling people with dementia: A prospective cohort study (PAN.DEM)

Objectives To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 restrictions on behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Design Prospective cohort study (PAN.DEM) nested within the halted parent trial ([email protected]). Setting Households in Norway immediate before and 6–9 weeks into the COVID-19 restrictions. Participants 104 dyads (persons with mild to moderate dementia aged ≥65 and their informal carers) completed both prepandemic and pandemic assessments, among 237 in the parent trial. Mini-Mental Status Examination score 15–26 or Functional Assessment Staging score 3–7 covered dementia severity. Main outcome measures Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI-12) total (range 0–144), psychosis (range 0–24), hyperactive behaviour (range 0–60) and mood subsyndrome (range 0–48) scores; Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD) total score (range 0–38). Results We found an overall increase in BPSD by NPI-12 total score comparing prepandemic to pandemic levels (median 16 IQR (4.5–29) to 20 (7–32.5), p=0.03) over a mean of 86 days (SD 19). NPI-12 total score worsened in 57 (55%) of people with dementia and was associated with postponed or averted contacts with healthcare professionals (logistic regression, OR 3.96, 95% CI 1.05 to 14.95). Psychosis subsyndrome levels increased (0 (0–3) to 0.5 (0–6), p=0.01) in 37 (36%) persons; this worsening was associated with partial insight (9.57, 1.14 to 80.71) and reduced informal carer contact (4.45, 1.01 to 19.71). Moreover, depressive symptoms increased as assessed by CSDD total score (5 (3–9) to 7 (4–12), p=0.01) and worsened for 56 (54%), which was inversely associated with psychotropic drugs on-demand (0.16, 0.03 to 0.75). Conclusions BPSD worsened during the first months of the COVID-19 restrictions, most pronounced for psychosis and depression. These BPSD exacerbations have implications for pandemic policies, emphasising that restrictions must balance COVID-19 morbidity and mortality against dementia deterioration.publishedVersio

Prüfung von Perkolations- und Elutionsversuchen zur Schadstofffreisetzung aus mineralischen Ersatzbaustoffen

In einem groß angelegten Ringversuch wurden die DIN-Normen DIN 19528 und DIN 19529 verifiziert. In dieser Arbeit haben wir die darin vorgesehenen Experimente durchgeführt, das Versuchsprogramm erweitert und die Ergebnisse mittels verschiedener mathematischer Verfahren ausgewertet. Schüttelversuche, wie in DIN 19529 vorgesehen, haben wir durch Ansätze mit weiteren Wasser-/Feststoffverhältnissen erweitert. Diese Ergebnisse wurden zur Ermittlung der das Verteilungsverhalten bestimmenden Parameter mittels MuBaX (Iden und Durner, 2007) ausgewertet. Die Säulenversuche nach DIN 19528 wurden ebenfalls in ihrer zeitlichen Dauer erweitert und durch Fließunterbrechungen ergänzt. Für die Abschätzung der kurz- bis mittelfristigen Freisetzungen wurden reproduzierbare und zwischen den unterschiedlichen Methoden vergleichbare Ergebnisse erzielt

Environmental considerations and current status of grouping and regulation of engineered nanomaterials

This article reviews the current status of nanotechnology with emphasis on application and related environmental considerations as well as legislation. Application and analysis of nanomaterials in infrastructure (construction, building coatings, and water treatment) is discussed, and in particular nanomaterial release during the lifecycle of these applications. Moreover, possible grouping approaches with regard to ecotoxicological and toxicological properties, and the fate of nanomaterials in the environment are evaluated. In terms of potential exposure, the opportunities that arise from leveraging advances in several key areas, such as water treatment and construction are addressed. Additionally, this review describes challenges with regard to the European Commission’s definition of ‘nanomaterial’. The revised REACH information requirements, intended to enable a comprehensive risk assessment of nanomaterials, are outlined