A survey on health-promoting lifestyle among community-dwelling older people with hypertension in Macau

2007-2008 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalVersion of RecordPublishe

Possible implications of the channeling effect in NaI(Tl) crystals

The channeling effect of low energy ions along the crystallographic axes and planes of NaI(Tl) crystals is discussed in the framework of corollary investigations on WIMP Dark Matter candidates. In fact, the modeling of this existing effect implies a more complex evaluation of the luminosity yield for low energy recoiling Na and I ions. In the present paper related phenomenological arguments are developed and possible implications are discussed at some extent.Comment: 16 pages, 10 figures, preprint ROM2F/2007/15, submitted for publicatio

Effect of potassium-chromate and sodium-nitrite on concrete steel-rebar degradation in sulphate and saline media

In this paper, effect of potassium-chromate (K2CrO4) and sodium-nitrite (NaNO2) on concrete steel-rebar degradation in sulphuric-acid and in sodium-chloride media were studied. Electrochemical monitoring of open circuit potential and compressive strength effect of the different concentrations of these admixtures in steel-reinforced concretes immersed in the acidic/marine-simulating environments were analysed for detailing admixture performance. Results subjected to ASTM C876 interpretations showed that concrete admixed with 0.145 M potassium-chromate exhibited optimum inhibition effectiveness with good compressive strength improvement in the acidic medium. In the saline medium, the concrete admixed with 0.679 M sodium-nitrite exhibited optimal inhibition performance, but with reduction in concrete compressive strength

Stepwise assembly of an adamantoid Ru4Ag6 cage by control of metal coordination geometry at specific sites

The geometrically pure ‘complex ligand’ fac-[Ru(Lph)3]2+, in which three pendant bidentate binding sites are located on one face of the complex, reacts with Ag(I) ions to form the adamantoid decanuclear cage [{Ru(Lph)3}4Ag6](PF6)14 which contains a 6-coordinate Ru(II) ion at each vertex of a large tetrahedron and a 4-coordinate Ag(I) ion along each edge

Guidance on noncorticosteroid systemic immunomodulatory therapy in noninfectious uveitis: fundamentals of care for uveitis (focus) initiative

Topic: An international, expert-led consensus initiative to develop systematic, evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of noninfectious uveitis in the era of biologics. Clinical Relevance: The availability of biologic agents for the treatment of human eye disease has altered practice patterns for the management of noninfectious uveitis. Current guidelines are insufficient to assure optimal use of noncorticosteroid systemic immunomodulatory agents. Methods: An international expert steering committee comprising 9 uveitis specialists (including both ophthalmologists and rheumatologists) identified clinical questions and, together with 6 bibliographic fellows trained in uveitis, conducted a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol systematic reviewof the literature (English language studies from January 1996 through June 2016; Medline [OVID], the Central Cochrane library, EMBASE,CINAHL,SCOPUS,BIOSIS, andWeb of Science). Publications included randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective studies with sufficient follow-up, case series with 15 cases or more, peer-reviewed articles, and hand-searched conference abstracts from key conferences. The proposed statements were circulated among 130 international uveitis experts for review.Atotal of 44 globally representativegroupmembersmet in late 2016 to refine these guidelines using a modified Delphi technique and assigned Oxford levels of evidence. Results: In total, 10 questions were addressed resulting in 21 evidence-based guidance statements covering the following topics: when to start noncorticosteroid immunomodulatory therapy, including both biologic and nonbiologic agents; what data to collect before treatment; when to modify or withdraw treatment; how to select agents based on individual efficacy and safety profiles; and evidence in specific uveitic conditions. Shared decision-making, communication among providers and safety monitoring also were addressed as part of the recommendations. Pharmacoeconomic considerations were not addressed. Conclusions: Consensus guidelines were developed based on published literature, expert opinion, and practical experience to bridge the gap between clinical needs and medical evidence to support the treatment of patients with noninfectious uveitis with noncorticosteroid immunomodulatory agents

A systematic review on identifying factors influencing total quality management implementation

In the era of globalization and advanced international trade, the importance of using total quality management (TQM) in the manufacturing companies is growing rapidly. This paper systematically reviews previous literature on the factors influencing total quality management implementation. While introducing TQM, previous studies have measured critical success factors. A systematic review of previous literature was performed from 2007-2020 and the analysis of 153 studies revealed that there are 10 key dimensions of TQM that are widely used as a measurement. Our examination shows that, despite having a shared relationship with its customers and "consumer attention/satisfaction" being unmistakably recognized as one of the major CSFs of TQM. The linkages between TQM Critical success factors, TQM and leadership and promotion, have received minimal research so far. People are the most important emphasis of business, even though consumer happiness may be thought of as the Quality management philosophy's main goal. Positive results are anticipated when cultures and quality management systems attempted to demonstrate are taken into account together. TQM literature from the past has noted that systemic behavior results either via the creation of an attitude or through the primary aspect of the quality management system. Businesses invest in cultural and structural resources to provide the right environment for TQM

Determinants of Total Quality Management and Institutional Pressure towards Project Performance: A Review of Literature

The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the literature published on various aspects of project performance. This paper highlights the importance of total quality management (TQM) with respect to project success. The study is based on secondary information collected through the review of existing literature. It was found that TQM factors are important factor in the organization's performance and improved efficiency. It is crucial since concentrating on the execution and success of the project helps the organisation, employers, and project managers. Project managers can make better decisions, recognise their rights and obligations, and comprehend and manage risk when TQM is combined with suitable governance. This study provides theoretical framework that includes TQM factors, institutional elements, project governance and project performance. Based on the comprehensive review of literature it is suggested that future research should aim on confirming the developed framework for project performance and success

Investigating factors affecting project performance moderated by project governance

The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the impact of total quality management, institutional pressure, and organizational citizenship behavior on project performance moderated by project governance in ongoing construction projects. Empirical data were collected from 162 respondents engaged in ongoing construction projects in Oman using a self-administered questionnaire. The partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique was used to analyze the data. The findings show that TQM significantly impacts project performance. In contrast, organizational citizenship behavior did not mediate between total quality management and project performance. Project governance partially moderated the impact of total quality management on project performance. This study offers practical implications for the construction industry that wants to improve its project performance. This paper recognizes the significance of TQM practices by developing an industry-wide culture of successful project performance. It is vital to support the ongoing efforts of the project managers to promote and apply quality management principles, particularly in the construction industry

Plasticity of the Muscle Stem Cell Microenvironment

Satellite cells (SCs) are adult muscle stem cells capable of repairing damaged and creating new muscle tissue throughout life. Their functionality is tightly controlled by a microenvironment composed of a wide variety of factors, such as numerous secreted molecules and different cell types, including blood vessels, oxygen, hormones, motor neurons, immune cells, cytokines, fibroblasts, growth factors, myofibers, myofiber metabolism, the extracellular matrix and tissue stiffness. This complex niche controls SC biology-quiescence, activation, proliferation, differentiation or renewal and return to quiescence. In this review, we attempt to give a brief overview of the most important players in the niche and their mutual interaction with SCs. We address the importance of the niche to SC behavior under physiological and pathological conditions, and finally survey the significance of an artificial niche both for basic and translational research purposes

New genetic signals for lung function highlight pathways and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associations across multiple ancestries

Reduced lung function predicts mortality and is key to the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In a genome-wide association study in 400,102 individuals of European ancestry, we define 279 lung function signals, 139 of which are new. In combination, these variants strongly predict COPD in independent populations. Furthermore, the combined effect of these variants showed generalizability across smokers and never smokers, and across ancestral groups. We highlight biological pathways, known and potential drug targets for COPD and, in phenome-wide association studies, autoimmune-related and other pleiotropic effects of lung function–associated variants. This new genetic evidence has potential to improve future preventive and therapeutic strategies for COPD