A biomarker of n−3 compliance in patients taking fish oil for rheumatoid arthritis

Dietary fish oil supplements have been shown to have benefits in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), other inflammatory diseases, and in cardiovascular disease. As with any medical advice, variability will exist with regard to adherence and consequent biochemical or pharmacophysiologic effects. The aim was to explore the utility of plasma phospholipid EPA as a measure of n−3 PUFA intake and response to standardized therapeutic advice given in an outpatient or office practice setting, to increase dietary n−3 PUFA, including a fish oil supplement. Patients with early RA were given verbal and written advice to alter their dietary n−3 PUFA intake, including ingestion of 20 mL of bottled fish oil on juice daily. The advice included instructions to increase n−3 PUFA and to avoid foods rich in n−6 PUFA. Every 3 mon, blood samples were obtained for analysis of plasma phospholipid FA. Plasma phospholipid EPA was used as the primary index of n−3 PUFA intake. A diverse response was seen, with about one-third of patients achieving a substantial elevation of plasma phospholipid EPA over the 12-mon study period. A third had little change, with the remainder achieving intermediate levels. Data obtained longitudinally from individual patients indicated that substantial elevations of EPA (>5% total plasma phospholipid FA) could be maintained for more than 3 yr. Plasma phospholipid EPA is a convenient measure of adherence to advice to take a dietary n−3 PUFA-rich fish oil supplement. This measure may prove a useful adjunct to intention to treat analyses in determining the effect of dietary fish oil supplements on long-term outcomes in arthritis and other chronic inflammatory diseases. It may also provide a guide to the effectiveness of therapeutic and preventive messages designed to increase n−3 PUFA intake.     

Knowledge transfer in virtual settings: the role of individual virtual competency

Economic forces, competitive pressures and technological advances have created an environment within which firms have developed new ways of organizing (e.g. virtual work settings) and managing their resources (e.g. knowledge management) in order to maintain and improve firm performance. Extant research has highlighted the challenges associated with managing knowledge in virtual settings. However, researchers are still struggling to provide effective guidance to practitioners in this field. We believe that a better understanding of individual virtual competency is a potential avenue for managing the complexity of knowledge transfer in virtual settings. In particular, we suggest that optimal knowledge transfers can be achieved by individuals armed with the right personal capabilities and skills for virtual work, particularly when those knowledge transfers are emergent, bottom-up and cannot be specified a priori. The virtual competency exhibited by individuals can be the key to overcoming the constraints of knowledge transfers with such characteristics because underlying competency can facilitate effective action in unfamiliar and novel situations. In this conceptual research, we develop a theoretical model of individual virtual competence and describe its role in the communication process, which underpins effective knowledge transfer in virtual settings. Additionally, we consider the antecedent role that prior experience in virtual activity plays in aiding workers to develop virtual competence, which in turn engenders effective knowledge transfer. We conclude with implications for future research and for practicing managers.     

Modelling and condition-based control of a flexible and hybrid disassembly system with manual and autonomous workstations using reinforcement learning

Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing - Remanufacturing includes disassembly and reassembly of used products to save natural resources and reduce emissions. While assembly is widely understood in...     

Bonded concrete overlay of asphalt mechanical-empirical design procedure

Bonded concrete overlays of asphalt pavements (BCOAs) are becoming a common rehabilitation technique used for distressed hot mix asphalt (HMA) roadways. The original design procedures were based primarily on data from instrumented pavements and finite element modelling. They were governed by the assumption that the failure mechanism was a function of the overlay thickness. However, field observations have indicated that the actual failure modes are dictated by slab size. The newly developed Bonded Concrete Overlay of Asphalt Mechanistic-Empirical design procedure (BCOA-ME) presented here is valid for overlays that are between 2.5 and 6.5 in (64–154 mm), and includes five primary enhancements to the Portland Cement Association and Colorado Department of Transportation procedures that have been traditionally used: 1.) the failure mode is dictated by the joint spacing; 2.) a new structural model for longitudinal cracking for 6-ft × 6-ft (1.8 m × 1.8 m) concrete overlays has been developed to better predict the critical stresses; 3.) the stress adjustment factors have been calibrated with performance data; 4.) the equivalent temperature gradients used as design input are defined based on the pavement structure and geographical location of the project; and 5.) the effect of temperature change on underlying HMA stiffness is considered. Finally, validation studies were completed on the new procedure and comparisons made between the revised procedure and actual performance data for five separate projects showed reasonable results. A sensitivity analysis also revealed that the predicted thickness obtained using the revised procedure was sensitive to HMA thickness, the modulus of rupture of the Portland cement concrete, and the level of traffic, as would be expected.     

The effects of different roster schedules on sleep in miners

Shiftwork involving early morning starts and night work can affect both sleep and fatigue. This study aimed to assess the impact of different rostering schedules at an Australian mine site on sleep and subjective sleep quality. Participants worked one of four rosters;

4 × 4 (n = 14) 4D4O4N4O

7 × 4 (n = 10) 7D4O7N40

10 × 5 (n = 17) 5D5N50

14 × 7 (n = 12) 7D7N70

Sleep (wrist actigraphy and sleep diaries) was monitored for a full roster cycle including days off. Total sleep time (TST) was longer on days off (7.0 ± 1.9) compared to sleep when on day (6.0 ± 1.0) and nightshifts (6.2 ± 1.6). Despite an increase in TST on days off, this may be insufficient to recover from the severe sleep restriction occurring during work times. Restricted sleep and quick shift-change periods may lead to long-term sleep loss and associated fatigue.     

Even in virtual environments women shop and men build: A social role perspective on Second Life

The present study examined whether traditional gender role expectations (Eagly, 1987) influence behaviors in non-traditional contexts such as online virtual environments. Participants were 352 Second Life users who reported their activities and experiences in Second Life. Results indicated that men and women differed in the types of activities they engaged in a manner predicted by social role theory. Specifically, as compared to women, men were more likely to report building things (e.g. objects), to own and work on their own virtual property, and were less likely to change their avatar’s appearance. Women, as compared to men, were more likely to meet people, shop, regularly change their avatar’s appearance, and buy clothes/objects for their avatar. The present study adds to our understanding of how traditional gender role expectations may carry over to online virtual worlds and influence online behavior.