BACKGROUND The SF-6D and EQ-5D are widely used generic index measures as health-related quality of life. We assessed within-subject agreement between SF-6D and EQ-5D utilities with different preference weights, and their validities in measuring Chinese rural residents, before and after standardization scores. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Rural residents over 18 years old were interviewed us...

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Ceria-stabilized tetragonal ZrO(2)/Al(2)O(3) nanocomposite (Ce-TZP/A) offers superior properties compared to yttria-stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP). However, the bond quality to veneering ceramics has not been investigated. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bond strength of different veneering ceramics to Ce-TZP/A. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cubes of Ce-TZP/A ...

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between helmet component characteristics with frequency and distribution of head and brain injury (diffuse and focal) among motorcyclists in Klang Valley, Malaysia. In Malaysia, helmet law was implemented in 1973 (MIROS, 2008). To date, high helmet wearing rate was observed among Malaysian motorcyclists (i.e. 90% among riders) (World Heal...

Tests were conducted to determine thickness of smooth, nonreinforced geomembranes using three methods: mechanical (according to ASTM and European standards), ultrasonic, and magnetic methods. The mechanical method is the standard procedure used for determining thickness of geomembranes. The ultrasonic and magnetic methods are not commonly used for geomembranes; however, they are used for testin...

Introduction: Proper fitting of the stump inside the socket and appropriate selection of prosthetic suspension have positive effects on amputees’ satisfaction and could decrease gait deviation, skin problems, and stump atrophy. The suction sockets are commonly prescribed for transtibial amputees to have better suspension compared to the Pin and lock systems. The Seal-In® X5 (suction system) is ...

background and aims. there are many edentulous people with severely resorbed residual ridges and non-resilient lining mucosa that are unable to tolerate occlusal forces during functional and parafunctional movements. lining the tissue surface of dentures with a flexible material can theoretically distribute and absorb forces with cushioning effect. the aim of this study was to evaluate the effe...

A classification scheme for routing and scheduling problems in liner shipping is developed and subsequently used to classify existing literature on the subject. Based on the classification the articles are grouped, and the main characteristics of each group and article are described. The grouping may serve as a catalyst towards developing a model or a group of models that covers the main proble...

This systematic review of the literature summarises the clinical experience with ceramic-on-ceramic hip bearings over the past 40 years and discusses the concerns that exist in relation to the bearing combination. Loosening, fracture, liner chipping on insertion, liner canting and dissociation, edge-loading and squeaking have all been reported, and the relationship between these issues and impl...