The role of industry bodies in changing market practices through self-regulation: commercial property leasing in the UK

The UK government has sought to make changes to commercial property leasing practices. This has been the case since the recession of the 1990s. Industry self-regulation using an industry code of practice has been the vehicle for these changes. However, the code has had little direct success in changing practices. This is despite repeated threats of legislation as a constant backdrop to this initiative. The focus for this research is on the role of the industry bodies in the code initiative. They have been central to self-regulation in commercial leasing. Thus, the aim is to investigate the role of industry bodies in the process of institutional change. The context is industry self-regulation. The specific setting is commercial leasing. The main industry bodies in focus are the British Property Federation and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. An existing model of institutional change forms the framework for the research. A chronological narrative is constructed from secondary data. This is analysed, identifying the actions of the industry bodies within the conceptual stages of the model. The analysis shows that the industry bodies had not acted as convincing agents of change for commercial leasing. In particular there was a lack of theorisation, a key stage in the process. The industry bodies did not develop a framework necessary to guide their members through the change process. These shortcomings of the industry bodies are likely to have contributed to the failure of the Code. However, the main conclusion is that, if industry self-regulation is led by government, then the state must work with industry bodies to harness their potential as champions and drivers of institutional change. This is particularly important in achieving change in institutionalised environments.

Changes on degree of conversion of dual-cure luting light-cured with blue LED

The indirect adhesive procedures constitute recently a substantial portion of contemporary esthetic restorative treatments. The resin cements have been used to bond tooth substrate and restorative materials. Due to recently introduction of the self-bonding resin luting cement based on a new monomer, filler and initiation technology has become important to study the degree of conversion of these new materials. In the present work the polymerization reaction and the filler content of dual-cured dental resin cements were studied by means of infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermogravimetry (TG). Twenty specimens were made in a metallic mold (8 mm diameter x 1 mm thick) from each of 2 cements, PanaviaA (R) F2.0 (Kuraray) and RelyX (TM) Unicem Applicap (3M/ESPE). Each specimen was cured with blue LED with power density of 500 mW/cm(2) for 30 s. Immediately after curing, 24 and 48 h, and 7 days DC was determined. For each time interval 5 specimens were pulverized, pressed with KBr and analyzed with FT-IR. The TG measurements were performed in Netzsch TG 209 under oxygen atmosphere and heating rate of 10A degrees C/min from 25 to 700A degrees C. A two-way ANOVA showed DC (%) mean values statistically significance differences between two cements (p < 0.05). The Tukey`s test showed no significant difference only for the 24 and 48 h after light irradiation for both resin cements (p > 0.05). The Relx-Y (TM) Unicem mean values were significantly higher than PanaviaA (R) F 2.0. The degree of conversion means values increasing with the storage time and the filler content showed similar for both resin cements.

Symmetry in biology: from genetic code to stochastic gene regulation

Mathematical models, as instruments for understanding the workings of nature, are a traditional tool of physics, but they also play an ever increasing role in biology - in the description of fundamental processes as well as that of complex systems. In this review, the authors discuss two examples of the application of group theoretical methods, which constitute the mathematical discipline for a quantitative description of the idea of symmetry, to genetics. The first one appears, in the form of a pseudo-orthogonal (Lorentz like) symmetry, in the stochastic modelling of what may be regarded as the simplest possible example of a genetic network and, hopefully, a building block for more complicated ones: a single self-interacting or externally regulated gene with only two possible states: ` on` and ` off`. The second is the algebraic approach to the evolution of the genetic code, according to which the current code results from a dynamical symmetry breaking process, starting out from an initial state of complete symmetry and ending in the presently observed final state of low symmetry. In both cases, symmetry plays a decisive role: in the first, it is a characteristic feature of the dynamics of the gene switch and its decay to equilibrium, whereas in the second, it provides the guidelines for the evolution of the coding rules.

Torrenting values, feelings and thoughts : cyber nursing and virtual self care in a breast augmentation forum

Earlier research shows that breast augmentation is positively correlated with positive psychological states. The aim of this study was to explore the shared values, feelings, and thoughts within the culture of breast enlargement among women visiting Internet-based forums when considering and/or undergoing esthetic plastic surgery. The study used a netnographic method for gathering and analyzing data. The findings show that the women used the Internet forum to provide emotional support to other women. Through electronic postings, they cared for and nursed each others’ anxiety and feelings throughout the whole process. Apart from the process, another central issue was that the women's relationships were frequently discussed; specifically their relationship to themselves, their environment, and with the surgeons. The findings suggest that Internet forums represent a channel through which posters can share values, feelings, and thoughts from the position of an agent of action as well as from a position as the object of action. These dual positions and the medium endow the women with a virtual nursing competence that would otherwise be unavailable. By introducing the concept of torrenting as a means of sharing important self-care information, the authors provide a concept that can be further explored in relation to post modern self-care strategies within contemporary nursing theories and practice.

Two heads may not be better than one : corporate board structure, managerial self-dealing,and common agency

This paper compares the effects on corporate performance and managerial self-dealing in a situation in which the CEO reports to a single Board that is responsible for both monitoring management and establishing performance targets to an alternative in which the CEO reports to two Boards, each responsible for a different task. The equilibrium set of the common agency game induced by the dual board structure is fully characterized. Compared to a single board, a dual board demands less aggressive performance targets from the CEO, but exerts more monitoring. A consequence of the first feature is that the CEO always exerts less effort toward production with a dual board. The effect of a dual board on CEO self-dealing is ambiguous: there are equilibria in which, in spite of the higher monitoring, self-dealing is higher in a dual system. The model indicates that the strategic interdependence generated by the assignment of different tasks to different boards may yield results that are far from the desired ones.

Influence of the activation mode of a self-etch resin-based luting cement upon the metabolism of odontoblast-like cells

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

The adhesive system and root canal region do not influence the degree of conversion of dual resin cement

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

BOND STRENGTH DURABILITY of SELF-ETCHING ADHESIVES and RESIN CEMENTS TO DENTIN

Objectives: To evaluate the microtensile bond strength (mu TBS) of one-(Xeno III, Dentsply) and two-step (Tyrian-One Step Plus, Bisco) self-etching adhesive systems bonded to dentin and cemented to chemically cured (C&B Metabond) or light-cured paste of a dual-cure resin cement (Variolink II, Ivoclar) within a short (24 h) and long period of evaluation (90 days). Material and Methods: Forty recently extracted human molars had their roots removed and their occlusal dentin exposed and ground wet with 600-grit SiC paper. After application of one of the adhesives, the resin cement was applied to the bonded surface and a composite resin block was incrementally built up to a height of 5 mm (n = 10). The restored teeth were stored in distilled water at 37 C for 7 days. The teeth were then cut along two axes (x and y), producing beam-shaped specimens with 0.8 mm(2) cross-sectional area, which were subjected to mu TBS testing at a crosshead speed of 0.05 mm/min and stressed to failure after 24 h or 90 days of storage in water. The mu TBS data in MPa were subjected to three-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05). Results: The interaction effect for all three factors was statistically significant (three-way ANOVA, p < 0.001). All eight experimental means (MPa) were compared by the Tukey's test (p < 0.05) and the following results were obtained: Tyrian-One Step Plus /C&B/24 h (22.4 +/- 7.3); Tyrian-One Step Plus /Variolink II/24 h (39.4 +/- 11.6); Xeno III/C&B/24 h (40.3 +/- 12.9); Xeno III/Variolink II/24 h (25.8 +/- 10.5); Tyrian-One Step Plus / C&B/90 d (22.1 +/- 12.8) Tyrian-One Step Plus/VariolinkII/90 d (24.2 +/- 14.2); Xeno III/C&B/90 d (27.0 +/- 13.5); Xeno III/Variolink II/90 d (33.0 +/- 8.9). Conclusions: Xeno III/Variolink II was the luting agent/adhesive combination that provided the most promising bond strength after 90 days of storage in water.

Self-consistent equilibrium calculation through a direct variational technique in tokamak plasmas

A self-consistent equilibrium calculation, valid for arbitrary aspect ratio tokamaks, is obtained through a direct variational technique that reduces the equilibrium solution, in general obtained from the 2D Grad-Shafranov equation, to a 1D problem in the radial flux coordinate rho. The plasma current profile is supposed to have contributions of the diamagnetic, Pfirsch-Schluter and the neoclassical ohmic and bootstrap currents. An iterative procedure is introduced into our code until the flux surface averaged toroidal current density (J(T)), converges to within a specified tolerance for a given pressure profile and prescribed boundary conditions. The convergence criterion is applied between the (J(T)) profile used to calculate the equilibrium through the variational procedure and the one that results from the equilibrium and given by the sum of all current components. The ohmic contribution is calculated from the neoclassical conductivity and from the self-consistently determined loop voltage in order to give the prescribed value of the total plasma current. The bootstrap current is estimated through the full matrix Hirshman-Sigmar model with the viscosity coefficients as proposed by Shaing, which are valid in all plasma collisionality regimes and arbitrary aspect ratios. The results of the self-consistent calculation are presented for the low aspect ratio tokamak Experimento Tokamak Esferico. A comparison among different models for the bootstrap current estimate is also performed and their possible Limitations to the self-consistent calculation is analysed.

The influence of chemical activation on hardness of dual-curing resin cements.

During the cementation of metallic restorations, the polymerization of dual-curing resin cements depends exclusively on chemical activation. This study evaluated the influence of chemical activation compared with dual-curing (chemical and light activation), on the hardness of four dual-curing resin cements. In a darkened environment, equal weight proportions of base and catalyst pastes of the cements Scotchbond Resin Cement, Variolink II, Enforce and Panavia F were mixed and inserted into moulds with cavities of 4 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height. Subsequently, the cements were: 1) not exposed to light (chemical activation = self-cured groups) or 2) photoactivated (dual-curing = dual-cured groups). The Vickers hardness number was measured at 1 hour, 24 hours and 7 days after the start time of cements' spatulation. For all the cements, the hardness values of self-cured groups were lower than those of the respective dual-cured groups at 1 hour and 24 hours. At 7 days, this behavior continued for Variolink II and Panavia F, whilst for Scotchbond Resin Cement and Enforce there was no statistical difference between the two activation modes. All cements showed a significant increase in their hardness values from 1 hour to 7 days for both activation modes. Of the self-cured groups, Scotchbond Resin Cement and Variolink II presented the highest and the lowest hardness values, respectively, for all three times tested. Within the limitations of this study, up to the time of 24 h, chemical activation alone was unable to promote similar hardness as to that obtained with dual-curing.

Influence of activation modes on diametral tensile strength of dual-curing resin cements.

In metallic restorations, the polymerization of dual-curing resin cements depends exclusively on chemical activation. The effect of the lack of photoactivation on the strength of these cements has been rarely studied. This study evaluated the influence of activation modes on the diametral tensile strength (DTS) of dual-curing resin cements. Base and catalyst pastes of Panavia F, Variolink II, Scotchbond Resin Cement, Rely X and Enforce were mixed and inserted into cylindrical metal moulds (4 x 2 mm). Cements were either: 1) not exposed to light (chemical activation = self-cured groups) or 2) photoactivated through mylar strips (chemical and photo-activation = dual-cured groups) (n = 10). After a 24 h storage in 37 masculineC distilled water, specimens were subjected to compressive load in a testing machine. A self-curing resin cement (Cement-It) and a zinc phosphate cement served as controls. Comparative analyses were performed: 1) between the activation modes for each dual-curing resin cement, using Students t test; 2) among the self-cured groups of the dual-curing resin cements and the control groups, using one-way ANOVA and Tukeys test (alpha = 0.05). The dual-cured groups of Scotchbond Resin Cement (53.3 MPa), Variolink II (48.4 MPa) and Rely X (51.6 MPa) showed higher DTS than that of self-cured groups (44.6, 40.4 and 44.5 MPa respectively) (p < 0.05). For Enforce (48.5 and 47.8 MPa) and Panavia F (44.0 and 43.3 MPa), no significant difference was found between the activation modes (p > 0.05). The self-cured groups of all the dual-curing resin cements presented statistically the same DTS as that of Cement-It (44.1 MPa) (p > 0.05), and higher DTS than that of zinc phosphate (4.2 MPa). Scotchbond Resin Cement, Variolink II and Rely X depended on photoactivation to achieve maximum DTS. In the absence of light, all the dual-curing resin cements presented higher DTS than that of zinc phosphate and statistically the same as that of Cement-It (p > 0.05).

Interaction between total-etch and self-etch adhesives and conventional and self-adhesive resin cements

The aim of this study was to compare the bond strength to enamel between resin cements combined with total-etch and self-etch adhesive systems and a self-adhesive cement. Eighty bovine incisors had their buccal surface ground flat exposing a plane area in the enamel. Eighty Artglass resin cylinders measuring 3 mm in diameter and 4 mm in height were fabricated. The teeth were divided into eight groups of 10 teeth each and the resin cylinders were cemented with different adhesive systems and resin cements; G1: RelyX Unicem (self-adhesive cement); G2: H 3PO 4 + Single Bond + RelyX ARC; G3: AdheSE + Variolink II; G4: H 3PO 4 + Excite + Variolink II; G5: Xeno III + Enforce; G6: H 3PO 4 + Prime&Bond NT + Enforce; G7: Biatite Primers 1 and 2 + Bistite II DC; G8: H 3PO 4 + Bistite Primers 1 and 2 + Bistite II DC. After application of the adhesives, the cylinders were cemented according to manufacturer instructions. The specimens were submitted to 2000 thermal cycles at a temperature ranging from 5±5°C to 55±5°C, and shear bond strength was then tested at a variety of 1 mm/min. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and the Tukey's test (á=5%), obtaining a p value of 0.00. The following mean (±standard deviation) bond strength values were observed for each group: G1: 5.14(±0.99)a; G3: 16.23(±4.69)b; G7: 17.82(±3.66)b; G5: 18.48(±2.88)bc; G8: 20.15(±4.12)bc; G4: 22.85(±3.08)cd; G2: 24.96(±2.89)d; G6: 26.07(±1.69)d. Groups followed by the same letters did not differ significantly. For most of the resin cements tested, the application of adhesive systems using acid etching resulted in a higher bond strength when compared to the self-etch adhesive systems and to the self-adhesive cement.

Changes on degree of conversion of dual-cure luting light-cured with blue LED

The indirect adhesive procedures constitute recently a substantial portion of contemporary esthetic restorative treatments. The resin cements have been used to bond tooth substrate and restorative materials. Due to recently introduction of the self-bonding resin luting cement based on a new monomer, filler and initiation technology has become important to study the degree of conversion of these new materials. In the present work the polymerization reaction and the filler content of dual-cured dental resin cements were studied by means of infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermogravimetry (TG). Twenty specimens were made in a metallic mold (8 mm diameter × 1 mm thick) from each of 2 cements, Panavia® F2.0 (Kuraray) and RelyX™ Unicem Applicap (3M/ESPE). Each specimen was cured with blue LED with power density of 500 mW/cm 2 for 30 s. Immediately after curing, 24 and 48 h, and 7 days DC was determined. For each time interval 5 specimens were pulverized, pressed with KBr and analyzed with FT-IR. The TG measurements were performed in Netzsch TG 209 under oxygen atmosphere and heating rate of 10°C/min from 25 to 700°C. A two-way ANOVA showed DC (%) mean values statistically significance differences between two cements (p < 0.05). The Tukey's test showed no significant difference only for the 24 and 48 h after light irradiation for both resin cements (p > 0.05). The Relx-Y™ Unicem mean values were significantly higher than Panavia® F 2.0. The degree of conversion means values increasing with the storage time and the filler content showed similar for both resin cements. © 2009 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.

ENCORE: Enhanced Galileo code receiver for surveying applications

In this paper we describe the development of a low-cost high-accuracy Galileo Code receiver, user application software and positioning algorithms for land management applications, which have been implemented using a dedicated FPGA board and dual frequency Galileo E5/L1 Radio Frequency Front-End. The current situation of rural property surveying in Brazil is described and the use of code measurements from the new Galileo signals E5 AltBOC combined with E1 MBOC for use in land management applications is explored. We explain how such approach is expected to allow delivering an absolute positioning solution which could bridge the gap between receivers of high cost/complexity/accuracy based on carrier phase and receivers of lower cost/accuracy based on pseudorange observables. The system is presented together with a detailed description of main components: the Code Receiver and the Application Software. The work presented is part of an ongoing European-Brazilian consortium effort to explore the use of new Galileo for land management applications in Brazil and sponsored by the GNSS Supervisory Authority (GSA).

Avaliação da eficiência de adesão de um cimento resinoso autocondicionante (self-adhesive) sobre esmalte e dentina: efeito termociclagem e condicionamento dental : estudo in vitro

Pós-graduação em Odontologia Restauradora - ICT