RESULTS An unstructured model was proposed for model parameters that are independent of initial operating conditions, but have a highly predictive click here capability that can be used in process optimization and control. The predictions of the proposed models were compared with experimental data and against the results of other models presented in the literature. CONCLUSION A technique of gradually expanding the

search domain combined with a genetic algorithm was proposed to successfully speed up the optimization computation of parameter estimation. Compared with an earlier model presented in the literature, the proposed model shows more versatility with fewer numbers of parameters and fixed values of parameters, and provides a satisfactory prediction capability. The proposed model was used to investigate the process optimization of batch culture. Numerical results may provide various process alternatives for planning the productivity of bioethanol. (c) 2012 Society of Chemical Industry”
“Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate factors influencing quality of life (QOL) in Moroccan

postmenopausal BAY 1895344 mw women with osteoporotic vertebral fracture assessed by the Arabic version of ECOS 16 questionnaire.

Methods: 357 postmenopausal women were included in this study. The participants underwent bone mineral density (BMD) measurements by DXA of the lumbar this website spine and the total hip as well as X-ray examination of the thoraco-lumbar spine to identify subclinical vertebral fractures. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire on clinical and sociodemographic parameters, and osteoporosis risk factors. The Arabic version of the ECOS16 (Assessment of health related quality of life in osteoporosis questionnaire) was used to assess quality of life.

Results: The mean age was 58 +/- 7.8 years, and the mean BMI was 28.3 +/- 4.8 kg/m(2). One hundred and eight women (30.1%) were osteoporotic

and 46.7% had vertebral fractures. Most were categorized as Grade1 (75%). Three independent factors were associated with a poor quality of life: low educational level (p = 0,01), vertebral fracture ( p = 0,03), and history of peripheral fracture (p = 0,006). Worse QOL was observed in the group with vertebral fracture in all domains except “”pain”": Physical functioning (p = 0,002); Fear of illness (p = 0,001); and Psychosocial functioning (p = 0,007). The number of fractures was a determinant of a low QOL, as indicated by an increased score in physical functioning (p = 0,01), fear of illness (p = 0,007), and total score (p = 0,01) after adjusting on age and educational level. Patients with higher Genant score had low QOL in these two domains too (p = 0,002; p = 0,001 respectively), and in the total score (p = 0,01) after adjusting on age and educational level.