Role of Polar vs Non-polar Configurations in the Decay of 268Sg* Compound Nucleus Within the Skyrme Energy Density Formalism

The effect of polar and non-polar configurations is investigated in the decay of 268Sg* compound nucleus formed via spherical projectile (30Si) and prolate deformed target (238U) using the dynamical cluster decay model. The SSK and GSkI skyrme forces are used to investigate the impact of polar and nonpolar (equatorial) configurations on the preformation probability P0 and consequently on the fission cross-sections of 268Sg* nucleus. For non-polar configuration some secondary peaks corresponding to magic shells Z=28 and N=50 are observed, whose magnitude is significantly suppressed for the polar counterpart. The effect of polar and non-polar configurations is further analyzed in reference to barrier lowering parameter ΔVB. The calculated fission cross-section find adequate agreement with experimental data for chosen set of skyrme forces.

Inter-modality assessment of medial temporal lobe atrophy in a non-demented population: application of a visual rating scale template across radiologists with varying clinical experience

Objectives To assess inter-modality agreement and accuracy for medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) ratings across radiologists with varying clinical experience in a non-demented population. Methods Four raters (two junior radiologists and two senior neuroradiologists) rated MTA on CT and MRI scans using Scheltens’ MTA scale. Ratings were compared to a consensus rating by two experienced neuroradiologists for estimation of true positive and negative rates (TPR and TNR) and over- and underestimation of MTA. Inter-modality agreement expressed as Cohen’s κ (dichotomized data), Cohen’s κw, and two-way mixed, single measures, consistency ICC (ordinal data) were determined. Adequate agreement was defined as κ/κw ≥ 0.80 and ICC ≥ 0.80 (significance level at 95% CI ≥ 0.65). Results Forty-nine subjects (median age 72 years, 27% abnormal MTA) with cognitive impairment were included. Only junior radiologists achieved adequate agreement expressed as Cohen’s κ. All raters achieved adequate agreement expressed as Cohen’s κw and ICC. True positive rates varied from 69 to 100% and TNR varied from 85 to 100%. No under- or overestimation of MTA was observed. Ratings did not differ between radiologists. Conclusion We conclude that radiologists with varying experience achieve adequate inter-modality agreement and similar accuracy when Scheltens’ MTA scale is used to rate MTA on a non-demented population. However, TPR varied between radiologists which could be attributed to rating style differences. Key Points • Radiologists with varying experience achieve adequate inter-modality agreement with similar accuracy when Scheltens’ MTA scale is used to rate MTA on a non-demented population. • Differences in rating styles might affect accuracy, this was most evident for senior neuroradiologists, and only junior radiologists achieved adequate agreement on dichotomized (abnormal/normal) ratings. • The use of an MTA scale template might compensate for varying clinical experience which could make it applicable for clinical use.

Evaluation of the Feasibility of a Telemedical Examination of the Hip and Pelvis – Early Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the German Health Ministry has issued restrictions applying to the field of orthopaedics and trauma surgery. Besides postponement of elective surgeries, outpatient consultations have been drastically reduced. Parallel to these developments, an increase in telemedical consultations has reflected efforts to provide sufficient patient care. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a clinical examination of the hip joint and pelvis by way of a telemedical consultation. Materials and Methods Twenty-nine patients of a German university clinic were recruited and assessed in both telemedical and conventional examinations. Agreement between the two examinations was then assessed, and connections between the observed agreement and patient-specific factors such as age, BMI and ASA classification were investigated. Results The inspections agreed closely with a mean Cohenʼs kappa of 0.76 ± 0.37. Palpation showed adequate agreement with a mean Cohenʼs kappa of 0.38 ± 0.19. Function showed good agreement with a mean Cohenʼs kappa of 0.61 ± 0.26 and range of motion showed adequate agreement with a mean Cohenʼs kappa of 0.36 ± 0.19. A significant positive correlation was observed between the number of deviations in the different examinations and age (p = 0.05), and a significant positive correlation was shown between the number of non-feasible examinations and age (p < 0.01), BMI (p < 0.01) and ASA classification score (p < 0.01). Discussion Inspection and function can be reliably evaluated, whereas the significance of palpation, provocation and measurement of range of motion is limited. The small sample size puts limitations on the significance of a statistically relevant correlation between patient-specific factors such as age, BMI and ASA classification score and valid and successful implementation of a telemedical examination. The authors recommend targeted patient selection. If, however, patients are being evaluated who are very old (> 75 years), obese (BMI > 30) or with multiple comorbidities (ASA 3 and above), caution is advised. Large, prospective studies are needed in the future to fully validate telemedical consultations in the fields of orthopaedics and trauma surgery. Conclusion A telemedical examination of the hip joint and pelvis can be performed with certain limitations. Patient-specific factors such as age, BMI, and extent of comorbidities appear to have a relevant impact on validity and execution of the examination. Patients with multiple comorbidities (ASA 3 and above), advanced age (> 75 years) or obesity (BMI > 30) should, whenever possible, be examined in a conventional outpatient setting.

Validation of content of guidelines for people with peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes

Objective: A quantitative methodological approach with the objective of elaborating and validating the content of an educational instrument with health promotion actions for self-care of people with peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes. Methods: A bibliographic survey was realized on the subject in the databases of the Virtual Health Library, SciELO and LILACS/ Database of Nursing (BDENF) and elaborated a guide of recommendations for health promotion of people with diabetes, with educational texts and original photos. Validation oftheeducationalguide was performed by a judges’ committee for clarity, relevance and comprehensiveness, andthe content validity index (CVI) of all items and subitems was calculated. Results: The instrument obtained the CVI of 0.89. Items and subitems <0.8 were modified or excluded, and the appearance of the material was considered good. Conclusion: The educational instrument obtained adequate agreement between the judges and was validated.

The Impact of Brexit on Financial Markets—Taking Stock

The UK’s withdrawal from the EU will have far-reaching consequences on the European economy. However, the ultimate consequences of Brexit, especially for financial markets, depend on the final agreement, which is still under negotiation. Currently, regulated financial services can be provided across borders under simplified conditions. Without a special agreement, these EU passports cease to apply for business activities between both jurisdictions after Brexit. The EU third-country regimes for non-EEA companies are too few and too unsecure for intensive relations in trade and services. Knowing that London is the leading global financial center, an adequate agreement needs to be found, to ensure affordable and sufficient financial services for business, investors, and consumers. Unfortunately, it appears almost impossible to find solutions for the often contrary interests and various thematic areas in the remaining negotiating period—a no deal scenario becomes more likely. As a result, market participants have started to adapt structures and processes accordingly, by relocating certain functions to the EU27. Nevertheless, it is up to the negotiators to reach an agreement, which achieves the best possible outcome for all affected parties taking into account the opportunity costs of a failure in present Brexit negotiations.

COMPARISON OF AXIAL FAN ROTOR EXPERIMENTAL DATA WITH CFD SIMULATION

Data obtained from an experimental simulation on a new test rig for axial fans are compared to a CFD simulation. The Edge solver is used and the development needed for the simulation (boundary conditions, free stream consistency) is described. Adequate agreement between the measured and calculated data is observed.

An Investigation on the Excitation of Yaw Parametric Resonance of a Tension Leg Platform

The paper summarizes some aspects of a series of model experiments conducted with a Tension Leg Platform (in fact a Tension Leg Wellhead Platform) in close proximity with a FPSO emphasizing the types of coupled motions taking place. It is observed that as the yaw motion develops increasing amplitudes the sway motion is reduced, pointing out to an interesting exchange of energy between the sway and yaw modes. This should be recognized as a revealing aspect of strongly non-linear coupled parametric resonant motions. A mathematical model is proposed to describe the main aspects of the two-body moored system and hydrodynamic interactions. In principle a 12-DOF model is contemplated. Numerical simulations are compared to the time series obtained from the experiments showing adequate agreement. However, in this paper the essential coupling of sway and yaw is distinguished in order to typify the Mathieu-type instability as being the main mechanism behind the onset of large yaw motions of the TLP unit.

Heat transfer by rapidly rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection

Turbulent, rapidly rotating convection has been of interest for decades, yet there exists no generally accepted scaling law for heat transfer behaviour in this system. Here, we develop an exact scaling law for heat transfer by geostrophic convection, $\mathit{Nu}= \mathop{ (\mathit{Ra}/ {\mathit{Ra}}_{c} )}\nolimits ^{3} = 0. 0023\hspace{0.167em} {\mathit{Ra}}^{3} {E}^{4} $, by considering the stability of the thermal boundary layers, where $\mathit{Nu}$, $\mathit{Ra}$ and $E$ are the Nusselt, Rayleigh and Ekman numbers, respectively, and ${\mathit{Ra}}_{c} $ is the critical Rayleigh number for the onset of convection. Furthermore, we use the scaling behaviour of the thermal and Ekman boundary layer thicknesses to quantify the necessary conditions for geostrophic convection: $\mathit{Ra}\lesssim {E}^{\ensuremath{-} 3/ 2} $. Interestingly, the predictions of both heat flux and regime transition do not depend on the total height of the fluid layer. We test these scaling arguments with data from laboratory and numerical experiments. Adequate agreement is found between theory and experiment, although there is a paucity of convection data for low $\mathit{Ra}\hspace{0.167em} {E}^{3/ 2} $.

Assessing caffeine exposure in pregnant women

Studies on the effects of caffeine on health, while numerous, have produced inconsistent results. One of the most uncertain and controversial effects is on pregnancy outcome. Studies have produced conflicting results due to a number of methodological variations. The major challenge is the accurate assessment of caffeine intake. The aim of the present study was to explore different methods of assessing caffeine exposure in pregnant women. Twenty-four healthy pregnant women from the UK city of Leeds completed both a detailed questionnaire, the caffeine assessment tool (CAT) designed specifically to assess caffeine intake and a prospective 3 d food and drink diary. The women also provided nine saliva samples over two consecutive days for estimation of caffeine and a metabolite (paraxanthine). Caffeine intakes from the CAT and diary showed adequate agreement (intra-class correlation coefficient of 0·5). For saliva caffeine and paraxanthine measures, the between-sample variation (within the same woman) was greater than between-woman and between-day variation. However, there was still adequate agreement between these measures and the CAT. The CAT is a valuable tool that is now being used in a large prospective study investigating caffeine's role in pregnancy outcome.