Plastic compression of collagen: development and assessment of a new biomaterial in nerve repair

Nerve reconstruction is a surgical challenge. Current neural conduits provide sub-optimal clinical results. We have developed a device from a composite material comprising a fibronectin core and a collagen outer layer, using collagen made by a new technique called plastic compression. This collagen element has the strength to improve the mechanical properties of nerve repair devices which is an important design consideration. Preliminary studies have been performed to assess the suitability of the new collagen material for use in nerve repair conduits

Electronic energy spectra and wave functions on the square Fibonacci tiling

We study the electronic energy spectra and wave functions on the square Fibonacci tiling, using an off-diagonal tight-binding model, in order to determine the exact nature of the transitions between different spectral behaviors, as well as the scaling of the total bandwidth as it becomes finite. The macroscopic degeneracy of certain energy values in the spectrum is invoked as a possible mechanism for the emergence of extended electronic Bloch wave functions as the dimension changes from one to two

Periodic features in the Dynamic Structure Factor of the Quasiperiodic Period-doubling Lattice

We present an exact real-space renormalization group (RSRG) method for evaluating the dynamic structure factor of an infinite one-dimensional quasiperiodic period-doubling (PD) lattice. We observe that for every normal mode frequency of the chain, the dynamic structure factor $S(q,\omega)$ always exhibits periodicity with respect to the wave vector $q$ and the presence of such periodicity even in absence of translational invariance in the system is quite surprising. Our analysis shows that this periodicity in $S(q,\omega)$ actually indicates the presence of delocalized phonon modes in the PD chain. The Brillouin Zones of the lattice are found to have a hierarchical structure and the dispersion relation gives both the acoustic as well as optical branches. The phonon dispersion curves have a nested structure and we have shown that it is actually the superposition of the dispersion curves of an infinite set of periodic lattices.Comment: 9 pages, 3 postscript figures, REVTeX, To appear in Phys. Rev. B (1 February 1998-I

Hidden dimers and the matrix maps: Fibonacci chains re-visited

The existence of cycles of the matrix maps in Fibonacci class of lattices is well established. We show that such cycles are intimately connected with the presence of interesting positional correlations among the constituent `atoms' in a one dimensional quasiperiodic lattice. We particularly address the transfer model of the classic golden mean Fibonacci chain where a six cycle of the full matrix map exists at the centre of the spectrum [Kohmoto et al, Phys. Rev. B 35, 1020 (1987)], and for which no simple physical picture has so far been provided, to the best of our knowledge. In addition, we show that our prescription leads to a determination of other energy values for a mixed model of the Fibonacci chain, for which the full matrix map may have similar cyclic behaviour. Apart from the standard transfer-model of a golden mean Fibonacci chain, we address a variant of it and the silver mean lattice, where the existence of four cycles of the matrix map is already known to exist. The underlying positional correlations for all such cases are discussed in details.Comment: 14 pages, 2 figures. Submitted to Physical Review

A study on customer satisfaction in Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal / Mohd Nizam S. Ashraff

This thesis is submitted to the Faculty of Business Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sabah Campus as part of requirement for the fulfillment of Marketing Research subject (MKT 660). This paper is entitled, "A STUDY ON THE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IN JESSELTON POINT FERRY TERMINAL". Basically, a questionnaires was given to the customers of Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, who came there to purchase boat and ferry tickets, to play indoor-soccer, to eat at the restaurant available, to park their car there, and of course, fishing. So this research aimed to uncover the factor that influences their satisfactions level. The last part of the questionnaire was basically to analyze the customer's recommendations and suggestions. These recommendations and suggestion will be useful for the company in order for them to improve based on the customer preference. The Data is collected from two sources. The first data was from the visitor of Jesselton Point (International and Local tourist), and the second data was from the tenants or retailers of Jesselton Point. These data was systematically analyzed and processed by using the SPSS 15.0. Finally, the results of the survey are converted into findings that are presented in term of tables and charts that are easy to understand. The entire objective stated by the researcher has been achieved through this research

The purchasing behavior of UiTM students on hair gel / Mohd Nizam S. Ashraff

This research is mainly about the Purchasing Behavior of UiTM Male Students on Hair Gel. The research gives a clear bird view on the matters at hand. From this research, we can see many findings and data on the subject. These data is important for any hair gel marketers, so that they can see what factors caused and influenced the consumer or in this case, UiTM students. The data is collected through questionnaires that were given to 120 male students. The data or the answer from the questionnaire were then transferred to a Software called SPSS 12.0.1 for Windows. These data was being processed, and the actual data were made (Tables, pie chart and bar chart). During the process of completing the research, I encounter many problems which lead to confusion. Problems or obstacle that I encounter is in terms of understanding about the system or the software. But after countless 'strike', I manage to get a grip on myself and manage to complete this research. So, I hope this research can meet its main purpose and hopefully it can give a good information on the subject to anyone who reads it

THE INFLUENCE OF SERVICE BRANDING PERCEPTION ONCUSTOMER SATISFACTION OF LOW COST AIRLINES: AIR ASIA AND MALINDO AIR

The main challenge of low cost airline such as Air Asia and Malindo Air is to make the brand of the airline echoes with quality. Both airlines are perceived differently even though they are in the same industry due to their branding efforts. Thus, this study aims to understand the relationships of service branding (amenities, word-of-mouth, employee, feelings, reliability and publicity) with customer satisfaction amongst Air Asia and Malindo Air customers. A total of 270 questionnaires were distributed to the customers in the airport through a convenience sampling. The multiple regression analysis indicated only three variables of service branding have significant relationships with customer satisfaction namely amenities, word of mouth and employee. Low cost airlines in general will find this data or information helpful particularly in their endeavour to best serve their customers through service branding efforts which in the long run will help them to sustain and expand their business to another level.Â

Current practice of trabeculectomy in a cohort of experienced glaucoma surgeons in Australia and New Zealand

Background/Objectives: To evaluate current routine trabeculectomy technique preferences among Australian and New Zealand Glaucoma Society surgeons regularly performing trabeculectomy surgery. Subjects/Methods: Survey of experienced surgeons who perform trabeculectomy. Results: Forty-nine surgeons (33 male:16 female) participated in the survey. Trabeculectomy was performed as day surgery (39/47, 83.0%) under local anesthesia (44/47, 93.6%). The surgical techniques most commonly used were a corneal traction suture (44/47, 93.6%), fornix-based conjunctival flap (43/47, 91.5%) and half-thickness scleral flap (38/47, 81.0%). Mitomycin C antifibrotic agent was used in routine cases by 45/46 (97.8%) surgeons. Surgeons applied the antifibrotic agent under the Tenon layer with a pledget (36/46, 78.2%) with a concentration of 0.02% (37/46, 80.4%) for 2 (11/46, 23.9%) or 3 min (30/46, 65.2%). The Kelly (26/46, 56.5%) and the Khaw Descemet (19/46, 41.3%) punches were used to perform the sclerostomy. Most surgeons performed a peripheral iridectomy in all phakic patients (46/47, 97.9%), but less commonly in pseudophakic patients (34/47, 72.3%). Techniques for closure of the limbal conjunctival edge were quite varied with a combination of suturing including purse string (21/47, 57.4%), wing (20/47, 42.6%) and horizontal mattress sutures (33/47, 70.2%). Surgeons reviewed their routine patients four times in the first month (29/47, 61.7%) and continued the postoperative topical steroids for 3–4 months (28/47, 59.6%). Conclusions: Although a wide range of techniques for trabeculectomy exists among surgeons, there are consistent procedures currently in use to optimize patient outcomes. This report will assist surgeons in choosing which surgical techniques fit their best practice

A Review of Surgical Informed Consent: Past, Present, and Future. A Quest to Help Patients Make Better Decisions

Contains fulltext : 87422.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access)BACKGROUND: Informed consent (IC) is a process requiring a competent doctor, adequate transfer of information, and consent of the patient. It is not just a signature on a piece of paper. Current consent processes in surgery are probably outdated and may require major changes to adjust them to modern day legislation. A literature search may provide an opportunity for enhancing the quality of the surgical IC (SIC) process. METHODS: Relevant English literature obtained from PubMed, Picarta, PsycINFO, and Google between 1993 and 2009 was reviewed. RESULTS: The body of literature with respect to SIC is slim and of moderate quality. The SIC process is an underestimated part of surgery and neither surgeons nor patients sufficiently realize its importance. Surgeons are not specifically trained and lack the competence to guide patients through a legally correct SIC process. Computerized programs can support the SIC process significantly but are rarely used for this purpose. CONCLUSIONS: IC should be integrated into our surgical practice. Unfortunately, a big gap exists between the theoretical/legal best practice and the daily practice of IC. An optimally informed patient will have more realistic expectations regarding a surgical procedure and its associated risks. Well-informed patients will be more satisfied and file fewer legal claims. The use of interactive computer-based programs provides opportunities to improve the SIC process.1 juli 201