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Smarter ways to encourage people to take part in medical research

The Apple iPhone is charting new territory as it enters the world of medical research thanks to its medical platform called ResearchKit, which was launched back in March 2015.

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GlaxoSmithKline will be Apple’s first partner in medical research, using the iPhone to track data on rheumatoid arthritis. Participants in the study will use an app created by GSK and based on ResearchKit to track how the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis affect people on a day-to-day basis.

How it works

Patients will use the app, which is called Patient Rheumatoid Arthritis Data from the Real World, or PARADE for short, to track data on their daily symptoms. When participants perform a specific wrist exercise, the iPhone’s sensors will collect data on joint pain, mood, and fatigue, which are common to rheumatoid arthritis.

In addition, participants will be asked a series of questions about their symptoms in order to track how they feel from day to day. The study will follow 300 patients, who will participate in the study for three months.

Study benefits

One of the aspects of the iPhone medical research platform that attracted GSK is that it makes it easier for people to participate in a medical study. According to the Clinical Leader, in a typical study, patients would be required to visit a hospital or research facility, where doctors, nurses or other staff would have to question patients and record data. The iPhone eliminates staff, paperwork, and travel from the equation, making it more cost-effective and less intrusive for study participants.

The iPhone can open new doors to research for a contract research organization or those in Patient Recruitment Services such as https://www.richmondpharmacology.com/specialist-services/patient-recruitment as it may become easier for people to participate in these kinds of trials in the future.


Benefits for Apple

The study with GSK will be an important step for Apple in its attempt to increase its presence in the healthcare technology field. In addition to the ResearchKit app, Apple has tried to bring health tracking to the public through its Apple Watch, which allows users to monitor their physical exertion and heart activity.

The use of ResearchKit, however, offers an attractive, cost-effective option for medical companies and research facilities, which could significantly increase profits if it is adopted on a large scale and becomes widely accepted in the industry.

 

admin by — June 25, 2019 in Health
Should I Participate in Paid Medical Trials as a Patient Volunteer?

Deciding whether or not to participate in paid medical trials as a patient volunteer can be a difficult choice. On one hand, you may find a more effective method of treatment than the standard option. However, you may also leave yourself open to experiencing discomforting side effects as a result of the trial.  You should ensure that you talking to professional companies in order to find out the pros and cons of taking part in each study. You will then be able to identify the studies that may be most appropriate for you and your current medical history.  trials 4 us offer paid medical trials and can provide you with any information that you may need in order to make an educated decision.

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Clinical trials are carried out with the intention to decide whether or not a new medical treatment, such as a drug or device, can be used effectively on humans. Another important factor to discover during the research process is whether or not this new treatment is safe. After all, the FDA will not approve the treatment if the clinical trials carried out cannot prove the safety of the treatment.

Work with a Team of Professionals

Participating in a clinical trial means that you will be in constant contact with experts from the medical industry. This close proximity to expert medical advisors and researchers gives participants a unique opportunity to benefit from their specialist care, advice, support, and guidance. In addition to this, they will be able to offer you advice on the best course of treatment following the clinical trial.

Experience New Treatments

As a volunteer testing a new medical treatment or device of some kind, you could be amongst the first group of people to benefit from such a treatment. This could be incredibly exciting, especially if the treatment turns out to be really effective and perhaps even more so than the standard treatment.

Clinical Trial Risks

Despite the fact that participating in a trial comes with a range of great advantages, there are a few risks that you should be aware of before agreeing to volunteer:

  • Possible side effects that could come with the treatment.
  • Uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of the new treatment.
  • You may require additional check-ups and have to be monitored regularly.
  • The treatment may be ineffective and prove to be no better than the standard treatment.
  • The process can be time-consuming.
  • You may have to spend more on transport to and from the clinic or trial site.
  • The new treatment could be potentially harmful and deemed unsafe after the clinical trial.
admin by — June 24, 2019 in Health
Benefits of using a wine cooler

A wine cooler is a must for even the smallest of restaurants or cafés. A cooler is designed to replicate the cool, dark and humid conditions of a wine cellar, ensuring the wine is kept at its best. Some restaurants, or domestic customers, do not have space or capacity for a wine cellar; therefore, a cooler is a great alternative.

When talking about restaurants that offer wine and a beautiful meal you could think about visiting an Italian Restaurant Dublin company to see what they offer and maybe pop to sites such as http://www.toscanarestaurant.ie/.

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Getting the temperature right

If you are serious about serving wine, you will know how important it is for wine to be kept at the right temperature and humidity level to get the best flavor and aroma out of each glass. If wine gets too cold or dries out, it can lose a great deal of its complexity of taste.
Why buy commercial wine coolers? Isn’t a fridge enough? A fridge will do the job of keeping white, rose, sparkling and even some red wines cool; however, wine coolers do a better job of keeping the wine away from light and maintain higher levels of humidity, which the wine needs. As coolers are warmer than fridges, they use less energy.

Wine coolers can double up as drinks fridges for beer, lager, cider, and soft drinks; in addition, they are ideal for storing some foods, especially cheese, thanks to the higher temperature and humidity. It is really worth considering a wine fridge, even if you are concerned about not having enough space.

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Commercial wine coolers for all spaces

If space is an issue and deterring you from investing in one, you can get small coolers that hold 11 bottles and are no bigger than a normal under-counter drinks fridge. Slightly larger under-counter ones can hold between around 25 and 50 bottles. You can also get slimline coolers that are only 30cm wide, which will squeeze into the tightest of spaces.

Far larger, full-height coolers are also available, of course, which can hold around 70-80 standard bottles of wine. If you have space for more than one cooler, you can maintain them at different temperatures to meet the different chilling requirements of different wines; however, if you are limited by space, some chillers have the capacity to chill at two different temperatures in the same cooler. This is useful as some wines will need less chilling than others.

admin by — June 21, 2019 in Home
Top gifts for budding artists

We all like to indulge in our passions from time to time. From love for all things horticultural to a penchant for the drums, the chances are that we all have a special something we use to escape the rat race; however, our passions and hobbies are rarely cheap.

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The average art student in the UK spends hundreds of pounds annually on subsidized materials, while hobbyists may spend even more. Art remains one of the worst-paid jobs in the UK and across Europe, however, with just £10,000 as an average annual wage.

You may want to show your artistic friend you care with a thoughtful gift, but what items should you choose to help them stretch their artistic muscles?

Art equipment

If you have ever visited a friend’s studio, you will have seen just how all-encompassing art can be. It is not uncommon to find a pal buried under mountains of pens, paint, and cardstock. This equipment is essential, with a creative mind probably saying that it is necessary to add even more.

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Storage can become a huge problem. Purchasing an item such as a canvas brush roll to keep your friend’s paint brushes pristine would be a huge help, or how about an antique plan chest for your artistic chum to squirrel away their paper? Your friend can free up space in their room to relax in and be creative. Artists often use their surroundings as inspiration to draw and there is nothing like the outdoors. Looking through a window in a conservatory or through your garden doors and drawing nature would be an artists dream come true. To make this a possible option can be found at a Double Glazing in Cheltenham company.  Notebooks are also a good item for budding artists to carry to improve their shading techniques. Some like to rest their notebook on inexpensive lap trays so that they can draw in comfort.

The techy gift

More and more artists are embracing the technical side of art. With a laptop and some software, you can recreate the effects of many art mediums. The benefits are obvious. With less equipment comes more space to work. You also only have to maintain one item rather than replenish materials as they run out.

An artist can refine their drawing techniques by using add-on equipment, making this an excellent gift. A drawing tablet and stylus simplifies fine detail work – due to their similarity to a pencil and paper, the artist can control their pencil or brush pressure, pressing harder for a darker effect and relaxing the hand for a lighter stroke. This is the perfect digital artist’s companion.

admin by — June 18, 2019 in Lifestyle
Six Reasons To Love The Maxi Dress

There is something universally elegant about a maxi dress. Depending on the style you choose, it is something that really can suit every occasion.

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It’s easy and practical

A maxi gives you space to move without the tight waistband of your favorite jeans. They’re also really easy if you need to use a public bathroom while you’re out and about – you’ll be in and out in no time!

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It’s flattering

Above all, they’re really flattering! There are people who think they’re too short or too tall, too thin or too fat, but everyone can look good in a maxi dress – you just need to find the right style and fabric for your body type.

If you like bold colours, the AX Paris red maxi dress was designed with you in mind!

There are no seasonal restrictions

They’re ideal for all seasons – cool in the summer and warm in the winter – especially if you wear leggings or tights underneath. If you prefer to have bare legs, no one will know either way.

It’s versatile

They really are a wear-anywhere garment. Dress up a neutral-colored dress with some bold accessories, or choose something a little more subdued if your dress has more to say on its own. On the other hand, you can dress down your maxi dress with a pair of lace-up canvas shoes. Wear it to the supermarket or a wedding!

Hurry up!

We’re all busy people, so having a “grab and go” wardrobe staple is a definite asset. When you can’t decide what to wear, you’ll know there is something you can instantly pull over your head to look amazing and ready for anything.

There’s something for everyone

Whatever your size or shape, there is something for you as long as you know how to accentuate your good points and play down the bits you’re not so keen on. Choose a fitted waist to draw attention to that area, which can be an asset whatever your size. If you are conscious about a big bust, avoid a strapless dress. Wide straps can always hide bra straps.

For more reasons to love a gorgeous red maxi dress and other summer dresses, see https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/what-to-wear/news/g30493/summer-dresses/.

Your dress can be a wonderful way to express your personality, and that might change with your mood, too.

 

admin by — June 2, 2019 in Lifestyle
The most expensive jeans in the world

Jeans have a very humble origin, starting out as trousers worn by laborers and workers. It didn’t take long for them to become subject to the whims of fashion and trends, becoming more ornamental even as early as 1935, when people began practicing the distressing of their jeans to make them look more fashionable. Jeans have never lost their appeal and remain as popular as ever. It should also come as no surprise that some of these jeans are becoming increasingly expensive. Here are some of the priciest jeans in the world:

APO Jeans

At $4000 a pair, you’d be expecting something a little bit special. Many of APO’s jeans do indeed sell for a whopping $4000 per pair because they are customized to suit the individual customer’s requirements. However, that’s not all you’re paying for as APO Jeans like to include some pretty expensive material when they make their jeans. They use the finest denim, make the pockets from silk and the rivets can be made from gold, platinum or silver! You even choose a diamond for the button. The jeans come with a certificate of authenticity to prove the use of such precious materials.

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Escada Custom Made Jeans

Like the jeans from APO, Escada jeans offer a custom-made service at a cost of around $10,000 for top-end customization. If a customer wants a personalized embroidered pattern, they can have whatever they like as long as they are prepared to pay for it. Whilst there are different price ranges to suit a variety of budgets, Escada jeans make this list because they once completed an order for jeans encrusted with Swarovski crystals that cost $10,000. Don’t worry though, as you can get your hands on an exquisite pair of designer jeans for a lot less than these. Check out the Mens Farah Jeans at https://www.ejmenswear.com/men/farah/jeans

Levi’s

What started life as a pair of trousers designed for a laborer, Levi Strauss & Co. are seen as the father of the jean’s phenomenon. For that reason, they can command huge price tags because of the history attached to them. For example, jeans from the 19th century are sold for large amounts at auctions. Original Levi Jeans that have stood the test of time can fetch up to $60,000.

Dussault Apparel

The Trashed Denim jeans from this brand can set you back a cool quarter of a million dollars. Each pair of their jeans has been washed no less than 13 times before even more processing to give them that iconic distressed appearance. The treatment doesn’t stop there, however, as each pair is then decorated with one diamond and two rubies and detailing in white and rose gold. It’s not the denim you’re paying for but the precious metal and gems!

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Secret Circus

A pair of these jeans smashes the one million mark at $1.3 million and are available in a range of patterns. Each pair has a pattern sewn into the rear pockets using a number of top-quality diamonds. They look good, yes but whether they are worth the hefty price tag is a matter of opinion.

 

admin by — May 31, 2019 in Lifestyle
What Is Mobile Home Insurance?

Mobile home insurance is very similar to an insurance policy for homeowners in that it gives financial protection should your home be damaged. Although it is not necessary to obtain such a policy by law, communities within the mobile home sector and mortgage companies often require that coverage be purchased.

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Policies usually protect personal belongings and your home. They also offer liability coverage. Prices can vary greatly, so it is a good idea to get lots of different quotes in order to find reasonably priced mobile home insurance.

Is Mobile Home Insurance Needed?

As it is thought that the current answer to the homeless crisis could be the installation of park homes, more and more people may, therefore, be considering whether mobile home insurance is necessary.

Although mobile home insurance is not necessary by law, parks containing mobile homes usually require some proof that insurance has been obtained. Therefore, anybody who wishes to have their home within a park for mobile homes will need to obtain insurance.

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What Is Covered by Mobile Home Insurance?

Mobile home insurance covers the belongings and home of the policyholder. It also includes protection for liability. Most providers are agreeable to policyholders customizing their policies via endorsements. They are supplemental to the standard policy. Endorsements can give coverage that will not come as standard in an insurance policy for homeowners, such as removal of debris or water damage caused by sewers.

As manufactured homes can be susceptible to fire damage, some companies do not include fire damage for policies taken out within regions that are considered to be of high risk.

As with all documents, it is always a wise idea to scrutinize all the details of the policy so you have a very clear idea of what is and what is not covered.

For those considering park homes, Gloucestershire has a lot of options. You can find many Gloucester park homes for sale.

Older Mobile Homes

It is hard to obtain insurance for mobile homes that are older, as mobile homes that are built prior to 1976 did not have regulated building standards. It is still possible, however, for homeowners wishing to obtain such insurance to get in touch with an independent agent who should hopefully be able to assist.

 

admin by — May 30, 2019 in Finance
The bronze bust of a musical visionary

If you were ever inclined to make an award for the best position of where a bronze bust was placed then surely the one of Sir Henry Wood would be a front runner. Wood, along with the concert impresario Robert Newman, made the “The Proms” what they are today and brought classical music and it’s appreciation into the twentieth century and beyond. It is perfectly fitting then that his Bronze bust sits in front of the organ of the Royal Albert Hall so that he can “hear” the glory of the Proms and the other concerts that occur there. A Bronze piece of art is a great investment to have and there are many great examples of the work such as a Horse Sculpture. A visit to www.gillparker.com/will gives you plenty of ideas and inspiration.

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Sir Henry was not born into a rich family, in fact, they were of quite modest means his Father being a small jeweler and optician and prior to that a pawnbroker. However, the senior Woods were keen musicians, his Father could play the cello and sang tenor for the local operatic society and his mother was a pianist and singer too. The young Wood was regaled with Welsh native songs by her and when they saw that there Son was gifted musically they actively encouraged him to pursue it. With the considerable purchase of a piano that he was taught to play by his, Mother Wood was also given lessons in the playing of both the Violin and the Viola.

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His first gig was playing the organ at St Mary Aldermanbury where he was paid half a crown (about 75p) to entertain the congregation. Ironically it was not the only place he played in that was subsequently destroyed by the Blitz of the Second World War. He was also asked to play in an exhibition in Kensington and after school, he attended the Royal Academy of Music studying the art of singing. He was not a success and was told he had a “conductor’s voice” so decide to teach it instead on his departure.

He found a love of opera and was a huge fan of Gilbert and Sullivan who were combining the art of the operatic style with the drama and comedy of the stage to reinvent it. He started to conduct for companies and got his first big break conducting Tchaikovsky’s work but the run fell through and it seemed that singing lessons would be his lot.

However, Robert Newman asked him to front a season of Promenade music he was planning over the summer months with a view to making it an annual fixture. The easy-going nature of the Proms appealed to Wood and he accepted.  Together they built the Proms up to the level it is today albeit weathering two world wars, the bombing of the Proms “home” the Queens Hall and a move to the Royal Albert Hall and Newman’s bankruptcy.

 

admin by — May 29, 2019 in Entertainment
What are isocyanates?

While many people have probably heard of polyurethane, they may not be aware of isocyanates. Isocyanates are used as one of the raw materials when producing polyurethane and are a component in varnishes, paints, and adhesives.

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Formation and characteristics

The isocyanate molecule will include nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen as a group of atoms in what is referred to as an alkyl chain or sometimes as an aromatic ring. Isocyanates can be mono, double or more depending on how many aromatic rings they have. The most popular tend to be diisocyanates, which feature two active alkyd groups. Polyurethane is generated when a diisocyanate is combined with another substance, called a polyol, that has active hydroxyl groups.

Working with isocyanates

Isocyanates are versatile, as they occur in powder and liquid form. Certain precautions need to be taken when working with liquid isocyanates, as they can give off vapors that should not be inhaled. Preventative measures need to be implemented when working with these substances to avoid damage to human health and the environment. An article in the Guardian explains more about the dangers of toxic chemical fumes.

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There are ways of making isocyanates safer to work with, which include making them less reactive and volatile. The main ways of doing this are by a process of blocking the isocyanates or pre-polymerising them, meaning that larger and easier to handle molecules are generated.

Polyurethane and isocyanates are very useful compounds, especially when it comes to making metal bonding adhesives. Polyurethane is also used in many other types of adhesive where a strong and lasting bond is required. This will be effective on a wide range of materials, depending on the precise composition of the adhesive. If you want to discover more about the specifics of metal bonding adhesives, a useful starting point would be to contact a reputable metal bonding adhesives supplier to obtain advice about the best products to use in particular circumstances.

Isocyanates have wide applications in the industrial world. As a fundamental component of polyurethane, they are incredibly useful and their versatility means a huge range of products, including adhesives, can be manufactured using them. While some precautions need to be adopted when working with these compounds, the end results make modern life easier by providing a range of sought-after solutions.

admin by — May 27, 2019 in General
Buy-to-Let Lenders Crack Down on Landlords Suspected of Tax Avoidance

With the latest government tightening of tax rules for buy-to-let investors, it is surprising that there are still people willing to put their money into real estate. In the tax year 2019/20, mortgage interest payments relief against rental income had been reduced to 25%. Come 2020/21, that relief disappears and will be replaced by a 20% tax credit which may adversely affect profits of many landlords.

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The Bug-Bear for Mortgage Lenders

There’s general talk in the industry of mortgage lenders declining loans to landlords who could be breaking HMRC’s anti-avoidance rules. The problem starts when a landlord decides that to make the most of his investment he should transfer ownership of his buy-to-let into a limited company. The advantage of rental income earned by a company is immediate. All mortgage interest, repairs, and maintenance, managing agent fees and outlay for property inventory software are tax deductible in one form or another. However, mortgage lenders, despite charging higher fees and interest rates on buy-to-let mortgages, regard these beneficial interest mortgages with alarm – basically because most prefer dealing with individuals who they can see rather than a company with shareholders who have the advantage of hiding behind the corporate veil.

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Negotiating the Mechanics of a Transfer

This is a minefield and not for the faint-hearted. Professional tax/legal advisers must be consulted. We’re talking here of possible Capital Gains Tax, Stamp Duty Land Tax, Corporation Tax, Income Tax, and even National Insurance if you make yourself an employee. At first, glance, applying for and obtaining a Capital Gains Tax rollover relief when transferring the property into a company would be the ideal. However, get it wrong and you might end up fighting your case in court.

Business Tools to Manage Your Portfolio

As with any well-run business, investing in property investment software is vital to keep track of everything you own. If you think this is a step too far for you, consider which businesses would use property inventory software and the benefits thereof. Tenants, lease records, contracts, communication history, repairs and maintenance requests, late-payment records, inventories with photos and on-site property inspection records can all be updated and accessed at the click of a button.

At the end of the day, the decision to incorporate is all down to careful tax planning – not tax avoidance.

admin by — May 24, 2019 in Business
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