Engaged Scholarship in Partnership with a Local Hospice: A Qualitative Case Study in a Radiation Therapy Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trad, Megan

2012-01-01

This qualitative case study focuses on providing answers to the following research questions. How do radiation therapy students respond to the implementation of an engaged scholarship partnership with the local hospice in relation to educational gains, experiential learning, transformational learning, and professional growth? This question is…

Youth Leadership Development through School-Based Civic Engagement Activities: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Horstmeier, Robin Peiter; Ricketts, Kristina G.

2009-01-01

Leadership development through a civic engagement activity in a local FFA chapter is explored. Through a case study design, researchers illuminate a project that encouraged youth leadership development through the creation and execution of a civic engagement project in their own local community. Holistically, FFA members viewed the project as a…

Thai English Teachers' Understanding of "Postmethod Pedagogy": Case Studies of University Lecturers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saengboon, Saksit

2013-01-01

This qualitative case study aimed to solicit Thai EFL university lecturers' opinions concerning postmethod pedagogy. It was motivated by an interest in how local teachers construe pedagogical innovations such as postmethod pedagogy vis-à-vis their own teaching conditions. More often than not, local teachers encounter many challenges in…

Identifying the Local Impacts of National ATE Centers on Their Host Institutions: An Exploratory Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Henderson, Charles; Fynewever, Herb; Petcovic, Heather; Bierema, Andrea

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study is to identify the local impacts of national advanced technological education (ATE) centers on their host institutions. A sample of three mature, national ATE centers are chosen, with each center serving as a case for a mixed-methods, collective case study research design. Results, drawn from interviews and surveys,…

Local Rural Product as a "Relic" Spatial Strategy in Globalised Rural Spaces: Evidence from County Clare (Ireland)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson, Geoff A.; Whitehead, Ian

2012-01-01

Using a case study from County Clare (Ireland), this study critically analyses notions of "local" rural production. It investigates where rural businesses source the different components of their products and how these interrelate with the locality, how local businesses use the notion of "local" in their product branding, and…

Occurrence of paresthesia after dental local anesthetic administration in the United States.

PubMed

Garisto, Gabriella A; Gaffen, Andrew S; Lawrence, Herenia P; Tenenbaum, Howard C; Haas, Daniel A

2010-07-01

Several studies have suggested that the likelihood of paresthesia may depend on the local anesthetic used. The purpose of this study was to determine if the type of local anesthetic administered had any effect on reports of paresthesia in dentistry in the United States. The authors obtained reports of paresthesia involving dental local anesthetics during the period from November 1997 through August 2008 from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System. They used chi(2) analysis to compare expected frequencies, on the basis of U.S. local anesthetic sales data, with observed reports of oral paresthesia. During the study period, 248 cases of paresthesia occurring after dental procedures were reported. Most cases (94.5 percent) involved mandibular nerve block. The lingual nerve was affected in 89.0 percent of cases. Reports involving 4 percent prilocaine and 4 percent articaine were 7.3 and 3.6 times, respectively, greater than expected (chi(2), P < .0001) on the basis of local anesthetic use by U.S. dentists. These data suggest that paresthesia occurs more commonly after use of 4 percent local anesthetic formulations. These findings are consistent with those reported in a number of studies from other countries. Until further research indicates otherwise, dentists should consider these results when assessing the risks and benefits of using 4 percent local anesthetics for mandibular block anesthesia.

Navigating Contested Terrain: Vernacular Education in a Papua New Guinean Village

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Troolin, David

2013-01-01

This paper describes a case study of language development in rural Papua New Guinea, in which parents felt the local school was not meeting the educational needs of their children. In this case study, the local, national and global narratives concerning use of the vernacular in education were apparent in the negotiation leading to an apparent…

Legal Rights, Local Wrongs: When Community Control Collides with Educational Equity. SUNY Series, Restructuring and School Change.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Welner, Kevin G.

This book challenges fundamental assumptions about the opportunities for equity-minded educational reform, using data from case studies of districts nationwide and their experiences with court-ordered detracking. The case studies show how white, upper middle class parents exercised a disproportionate amount of power in local school policy making…

Local Music Collections: Strategies for Digital Access, Presentation, and Preservation--A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doi, Carolyn

2015-01-01

The Saskatchewan Music Collection (SMC) is a local music collection held at the University of Saskatchewan. This case study examines a project to digitize and present this unique special collection in the online environment. The project aims to facilitate access to the collection, preserve the collection and promote scholarship and interest in the…

Public understandings of nature: a case study of local knowledge about "natural" forest conditions

Treesearch

R. Bruce Hull; David P. Robertson; Angelina Kendra

2001-01-01

This study is intended to serve as an explicit and specific example of the social construction of nature. It is motivated by the need to develop a more sophisticated language for a critical public dialogue about society's relationship with nature. We conducted a case study of environmental discourse in one local population in hopes of better understanding how a...

Local Government Solar Project Portal

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Local Government Solar Project Portal provides step-by-step guidance and resources to assist local governments in solar project development, including case studies, fact sheets, presentations, templates, and more.

Local brain herniation after partial membranectomy for organized chronic subdural hematoma in an adult patient: case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Kusano, Yoshikazu; Horiuchi, Tetsuyoshi; Seguchi, Tatsuya; Kakizawa, Yukinari; Tanaka, Yuichiro; Hongo, Kazuhiro

2010-01-01

Local brain herniation after removal of chronic subdural haematoma is extremely rare, especially in adult patients. This study reports a case of local brain herniation after partial membranectomy for organized chronic subdural haematoma. A 77-year-old man presented with dysarthria and dysphasia caused by local brain herniation of the right frontal lobe through a defect of the inner membrane. The herniated brain was detected by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The patient underwent a craniotomy to release the herniated and strangulated brain, which were consistent with the MR imaging findings. The patient recovered fully within 1 month after surgery. To date, five cases of brain herniation through the internal subdural membrane have been reported as complications of chronic subdural haematomas. All but one case occurred in the paediatric population. Urgent surgery should be performed, even if an adult patient suffers from local brain herniation, for preservation of brain function. This is the sixth reported case of brain herniation through a defect of the inner membrane and the second reported case in the adult population.

An outbreak of locally acquired Plasmodium vivax malaria among migrant workers in Oman

PubMed Central

Simon, Bruno; Sow, Fatimata; Al Mukhaini, Said K.; Al-Abri, Seif; Ali, Osama A.M.; Bonnot, Guillaume; Bienvenu, Anne-Lise; Petersen, Eskild; Picot, Stéphane

2017-01-01

Plasmodium vivax is the most widely distributed human malaria parasite. Outside sub-Saharan Africa, the proportion of P. vivax malaria is rising. A major cause for concern is the re-emergence of Plasmodium vivax in malaria-free areas. Oman, situated in the south-eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, has long been an area of vivax malaria transmission but no locally acquired cases were reported in 2004. However, local transmission has been registered in small outbreaks since 2007. In this study, a local outbreak of 54 cases over 50 days in 2014 was analyzed retrospectively and stained blood slides have been obtained for parasite identification and genotyping. The aim of this study was to identify the geographical origin of these cases, in an attempt to differentiate between imported cases and local transmission. Using circumsporozoite protein (csp), merozoite surface protein 1 (msp1), and merozoite surface protein 3 (msp3) markers for genotyping of parasite DNA obtained by scrapping off the surface of smears, genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis were performed. The study found that the samples had very low genetic diversity, a temperate genotype, and a high genetic distance, with most of the reference strains coming from endemic countries. We conclude that a small outbreak of imported malaria is not associated with re-emergence of malaria transmission in Oman, as no new cases have been seen since the outbreak ended. PMID:28695821

The diffusion of medical technology, local conditions, and technology re-invention: a comparative case study on coronary stenting.

PubMed

Hashimoto, Hideki; Noguchi, Haruko; Heidenreich, Paul; Saynina, Olga; Moreland, Abigail; Miyazaki, Shunichi; Ikeda, Shunya; Kaneko, Yoshihiro; Ikegami, Naoki

2006-12-01

Innovation of medical technology is a major driving force behind the increase in medical expenditures in developed countries. Previous studies identified that the diffusion of medical technology varied across countries according to the characteristics of regulatory policy and payment systems. Based on Roger's diffusion of innovation theory, this study purported to see how local practice norms, the evolving nature of diffusing technology, and local clinical needs in addition to differences in politico-economic systems would affect the process of innovation diffusion. Taking a case of coronary stenting, an innovative therapeutic technology in early 1990s, we provided a case study of hospital-based data between two teaching high-tech hospitals in Japan and the US for discussion. Stenting began to be widely used in both countries when complementary new technology modified its clinical efficacy, but the diffusion process still differed between the two hospitals due to (1) distinctive payment systems for hospitals and physicians, (2) practice norms in favor of percutaneous intervention rather than bypass surgery that was shaped by payment incentives and cultural attitudes, and (3) local patient's clinical characteristics that the technology had to be tailored for. The case study described the diffusion of stent technology as a dynamic process between patients, physicians, hospitals, health care systems, and technology under global and local conditions.

Local Skills Case Study. Research Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Green, Anne; Hogarth, Terence; Thom, Graham; MacLeod, Katie; Warhurst, Chris; Willis, Robert; Mackay, Susan

2017-01-01

This study, jointly conducted by the University of Warwick Institute for Employment Research (IER) and SQW Ltd., discusses the UK Government's intention to accelerate the process of ceding more responsibility for delivering a range of services to the local level. The logic is that local actors are better placed to identify local priorities. This…

The power of local action in occupational health: the adoption of local exhaust ventilation in the Chicago tuckpointing trade.

PubMed

Weinstein, Marc; Susi, Pam; Goldberg, Mark

2016-04-01

Silica is a pervasive and potentially deadly occupational hazard in construction. The occupational risk posed by silica has long been known, but efforts to use engineering controls to minimize dust generation in tuckpointing operations, a masonry restoration specialty, have been slow. The objective of this study is to explore how local innovation in occupational safety and health may emerge, absent the establishment of national standards. This study uses a case study to explore the adoption of local exhaust ventilation in tuckpointing operations in the Chicago area. Sources of data for this research include interviews with a diverse range of key informants and the review of archival material. This case study found local unions, municipal regulators, contractors, and major public users of construction services played a central role in the events and milestones that led to the early adoption of local exhaust ventilation in Chicago. The adoption of local exhaust ventilation technology in Chicago demonstrates the potential for local actors to fill an important void when rulemaking in vital areas of occupational of health impedes effective national regulation.

A prospective clinical study to evaluate the safety and performance of wireless localization of nonpalpable breast lesions using radiofrequency identification technology.

PubMed

Dauphine, Christine; Reicher, Joshua J; Reicher, Murray A; Gondusky, Christina; Khalkhali, Iraj; Kim, Michelle

2015-06-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and performance of localizing nonpalpable breast lesions using radiofrequency identification technology. Twenty consecutive women requiring preoperative localization of a breast lesion were recruited. Subjects underwent placement of both a hook wire and a radiofrequency identification tag immediately before surgery. The radiofrequency identification tag was the primary method used by the operating surgeon to localize each lesion during excision, with the hook wire serving as backup in case of tag migration or failed localization. Successful localization with removal of the intended lesion was the primary outcome measured. Tag migration and postoperative infection were also noted to assess safety. Twenty patients underwent placement of a radiofrequency identification tag, 12 under ultrasound guidance and eight with stereotactic guidance. In all cases, the radiofrequency identification tag was successfully localized by the reader at the level of the skin before incision, and the intended lesion was removed along with the radiofrequency identification tag. There were no localization failures and no postoperative infections. Tag migration did not occur before incision, but in three cases, occurred as the lesion was being retracted with fingers to make the final cut along the deep surface of the specimen. In this initial clinical study, radiofrequency tags were safe and able to successfully localize nonpalpable breast lesions. Radiofrequency identification technology may represent an alternative method to hook wire localization.

Local health department leadership strategies for healthy built environments.

PubMed

Kuiper, Heather; Jackson, Richard J; Barna, Stefi; Satariano, William A

2012-01-01

The built environment is an important but less-recognized health determinant, and local health departments need expanded guidance to address it. In such situations, leadership is particularly relevant. To assess whether and how local public and environmental health leaders increase their departments' health-promoting impact on built environment design, and what pitfalls they should avoid. Mixed-methods employing cross-sectional surveys and a comparative case study. Local public and environmental health departments. PARTICIPANTS SURVEY: A total of 159 (89%) health officers, health directors, and environmental health directors from all 62 local jurisdictions in California. Case-Study: Three departments, 12 cases, 36 health and land-use professionals, and 30 key informants. The study measured the influence of leadership practices on health departments' built environment-related collaborations, land use activities, policy developments, and contributions to physical changes. Quantitative multivariate linear and logistic regression were used. Case-study content analysis and pattern-matching, which related strong and weak leadership practices to outcomes, were also employed. Departments having highly innovative leaders with positive attitudes had greater odds of achieving physical changes to the built environment (OR: 4.5, 3.4, respectively). Leadership that most prepared their departments for built environment work (by updating staffing, structure, and strategy) tripled interagency and cross-sector collaboration (OR: 3.4). Leadership of successful departments consistently (1) established and managed a healthy built environment vision, (2) cultivated innovation, (3) supported, empowered and protected staff, (4) directly engaged in land use and transportation processes, (5) established direct contacts with directors in other departments, and (6) leveraged their professional reputation. Inconsistency in these practices was twice as common among failure as success cases (80%, 43%). Local health leadership underlies public and environmental health departments' community design efforts and should receive technical support and targeted resources to do so effectively.

Case studies on local orthodontic traction by minis-implants before implant rehabilitation

PubMed Central

Shen, Pei; Xu, Wei-Feng; Ma, Zhi-Gui; Zhang, Shan-Yong; Zhang, Ying

2015-01-01

Objective: Dentition defect with malocclusion is a common occurrence in the clinical work. To restore proper occlusion, preprosthetic corrections of these malposed teeth are often indispensible. The use of orthodontic mini-implants as temporary anchorage devices provides a plausible treatment for those patients with local problems. The aim of this study was to present two cases using local orthodontic traction in conjunction with mini-implants to provide necessary conditions for implant rehabilitation in three dimensional space. Clinical consideration: Two cases who had dentition defect with malocclusion were included in the present study. As both of them rejected crown reduction or orthodontics treatment, local orthodontic traction by mini-implants was used to restore normal space for implant rehabilitation in three dimensions. Careful mechanics analysis and personalized mechanical device were under consideration. The results showed that the biological responses of the corrected teeth and the surrounding bony structures appeared normal and acceptable. Moreover the patients achieved an ideal local occlusion with a short treatment time. Conclusion: In conclusion local orthodontic traction by mini-implants was a less-invasive and short-term method with favorable effects and less necessary occlusal adjustments. PMID:26221389

The Impacts of Using a Collaborative Evaluation Approach in Higher Education: A Case Study of Local YMCAs Providing College Access Services

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campbell, Johnavae E.

2013-01-01

This dissertation offers a case study of the YMCA of the USA's pilot Higher Education Service Project (YHESP) with 61 local YMCAs on how the collaborative evaluation approach functioned to facilitate an organizational culture around evaluation and reinvention strategies of YMCAs as college access service providers. Multiple data collection sources…

Addressing the Local in Localization: A Case Study of Open Textbook Adoption by Three South African Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jimes, Cynthia; Weiss, Shenandoah; Keep, Renae

2013-01-01

This article presents a case study of the adoption and use of open textbooks by three high school teachers in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The textbooks, collaboratively authored and distributed through the South African initiative, Siyavula, are available online and are openly licensed, allowing teachers to freely use, modify,…

Improving Music Teaching and Learning through Online Service: A Case Study of a Synchronous Online Teaching Internship

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pike, Pamela D.

2017-01-01

This case study explored the potential for using a synchronous online piano teaching internship as a service-learning project for graduate pedagogy interns. In partnership with the university, a local music retailer, and a local middle school, three pedagogy interns taught beginning piano to underprivileged teenaged students for 8 weeks. All…

A Community Organizes for Action: A Case Study of the Mon-Yough Region in Pennsylvania.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Avery, Robert W.; Chesler, Herbert A.

This case study examines the development and problems of the Mon-Yough Community Action Committee, Inc. (MYCAC), one of the local anti-poverty agencies in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The agency's major effort is to overcome problems created by the decline of the local steel industry by supporting existing welfare agencies, and through such…

Local bladder cancer clusters in southeastern Michigan accounting for risk factors, covariates and residential mobility.

PubMed

Jacquez, Geoffrey M; Shi, Chen; Meliker, Jaymie R

2015-01-01

In case control studies disease risk not explained by the significant risk factors is the unexplained risk. Considering unexplained risk for specific populations, places and times can reveal the signature of unidentified risk factors and risk factors not fully accounted for in the case-control study. This potentially can lead to new hypotheses regarding disease causation. Global, local and focused Q-statistics are applied to data from a population-based case-control study of 11 southeast Michigan counties. Analyses were conducted using both year- and age-based measures of time. The analyses were adjusted for arsenic exposure, education, smoking, family history of bladder cancer, occupational exposure to bladder cancer carcinogens, age, gender, and race. Significant global clustering of cases was not found. Such a finding would indicate large-scale clustering of cases relative to controls through time. However, highly significant local clusters were found in Ingham County near Lansing, in Oakland County, and in the City of Jackson, Michigan. The Jackson City cluster was observed in working-ages and is thus consistent with occupational causes. The Ingham County cluster persists over time, suggesting a broad-based geographically defined exposure. Focused clusters were found for 20 industrial sites engaged in manufacturing activities associated with known or suspected bladder cancer carcinogens. Set-based tests that adjusted for multiple testing were not significant, although local clusters persisted through time and temporal trends in probability of local tests were observed. Q analyses provide a powerful tool for unpacking unexplained disease risk from case-control studies. This is particularly useful when the effect of risk factors varies spatially, through time, or through both space and time. For bladder cancer in Michigan, the next step is to investigate causal hypotheses that may explain the excess bladder cancer risk localized to areas of Oakland and Ingham counties, and to the City of Jackson.

The Utilization of Local History in Teaching American Religious History: A Gilded Age and Progressive Era North Dakota Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Price, Christopher Neal

2013-01-01

Teachers of college-level courses on American religious history generally leave out the importance of local and regional histories when telling the story of religion in America. The study of local history provides a fertile ground for understanding broad national trends in a local context. This dissertation focuses upon a little-studied religious…

The Garment Industry Development Corporation: A Case Study of a Sectoral Employment Development Approach. Sectoral Employment Development Learning Project Case Studies Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Conway, Maureen

The Garment Industry Development Corporation (GIDC) was founded in 1984 by a 3-member partnership that included the local union, industry associations, and local government. GIDC's goal was to support New York City's garment industry, which had been steadily losing jobs. GIDC exhibits the following characteristics of sectoral initiatives: it…

SEASAT economic assessment. Volume 9: Ports and harbors case study and generalization. [economic benefits of SEASAT satellites to harbors and shipping industries through improved weather forecasting

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

This case study and generalization quantify benefits made possible through improved weather forecasting resulting from the integration of SEASAT data into local weather forecasts. The major source of avoidable economic losses to shipping from inadequate weather forecasting data is shown to be dependent on local precipitation forecasting. The ports of Philadelphia and Boston were selected for study.

An outbreak of locally acquired Plasmodium vivax malaria among migrant workers in Oman.

PubMed

Simon, Bruno; Sow, Fatimata; Al Mukhaini, Said K; Al-Abri, Seif; Ali, Osama A M; Bonnot, Guillaume; Bienvenu, Anne-Lise; Petersen, Eskild; Picot, Stéphane

2017-01-01

Plasmodium vivax is the most widely distributed human malaria parasite. Outside sub-Saharan Africa, the proportion of P. vivax malaria is rising. A major cause for concern is the re-emergence of Plasmodium vivax in malaria-free areas. Oman, situated in the south-eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, has long been an area of vivax malaria transmission but no locally acquired cases were reported in 2004. However, local transmission has been registered in small outbreaks since 2007. In this study, a local outbreak of 54 cases over 50 days in 2014 was analyzed retrospectively and stained blood slides have been obtained for parasite identification and genotyping. The aim of this study was to identify the geographical origin of these cases, in an attempt to differentiate between imported cases and local transmission. Using circumsporozoite protein (csp), merozoite surface protein 1 (msp1), and merozoite surface protein 3 (msp3) markers for genotyping of parasite DNA obtained by scrapping off the surface of smears, genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis were performed. The study found that the samples had very low genetic diversity, a temperate genotype, and a high genetic distance, with most of the reference strains coming from endemic countries. We conclude that a small outbreak of imported malaria is not associated with re-emergence of malaria transmission in Oman, as no new cases have been seen since the outbreak ended. © B. Simon et al., published by EDP Sciences, 2017.

fMRI for mapping language networks in neurosurgical cases

PubMed Central

Gupta, Santosh S

2014-01-01

Evaluating language has been a long-standing application in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, both in research and clinical circumstances, and still provides challenges. Localization of eloquent areas is important in neurosurgical cases, so that there is least possible damage to these areas during surgery, maintaining their function postoperatively, therefore providing good quality of life to the patient. Preoperative fMRI study is a non-invasive tool to localize the eloquent areas, including language, with other traditional methods generally used being invasive and at times perilous. In this article, we describe methods and various paradigms to study the language areas, in clinical neurosurgical cases, along with illustrations of cases from our institute. PMID:24851003

Local government funding and financing of roads : Virginia case studies and examples from other states.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-10-01

Several Virginia localities have used local funding and financing sources to build new roads or complete major street : improvement projects when state and/or federal funding was not available. Many others have combined local funding sources : with s...

The power of local action in occupational health: the adoption of local exhaust ventilation in the Chicago tuckpointing trade

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Background Silica is a pervasive and potentially deadly occupational hazard in construction. The occupational risk posed by silica has long been known, but efforts to use engineering controls to minimize dust generation in tuckpointing operations, a masonry restoration specialty, have been slow. Objectives The objective of this study is to explore how local innovation in occupational safety and health may emerge, absent the establishment of national standards. Method This study uses a case study to explore the adoption of local exhaust ventilation in tuckpointing operations in the Chicago area. Sources of data for this research include interviews with a diverse range of key informants and the review of archival material. Results This case study found local unions, municipal regulators, contractors, and major public users of construction services played a central role in the events and milestones that led to the early adoption of local exhaust ventilation in Chicago. The adoption of local exhaust ventilation technology in Chicago demonstrates the potential for local actors to fill an important void when rulemaking in vital areas of occupational of health impedes effective national regulation. PMID:27362634

How Dangerous Can Localized Corrosion Be? An Experiment that Studies Its Effects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Celdran, R.; Gonzalo, P.

1988-01-01

Considers three common cases of localized corrosion of metals: pitting, crevice, and stress corrosion. Provides experimental methods for studying all three methods. Includes a discussion of expected results. (ML)

Local Risk-Minimization for Defaultable Claims with Recovery Process

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Biagini, Francesca, E-mail: biagini@mathematik.uni-muenchen.de; Cretarola, Alessandra, E-mail: alessandra.cretarola@dmi.unipg.it

We study the local risk-minimization approach for defaultable claims with random recovery at default time, seen as payment streams on the random interval [0,{tau} Logical-And T], where T denotes the fixed time-horizon. We find the pseudo-locally risk-minimizing strategy in the case when the agent information takes into account the possibility of a default event (local risk-minimization with G-strategies) and we provide an application in the case of a corporate bond. We also discuss the problem of finding a pseudo-locally risk-minimizing strategy if we suppose the agent obtains her information only by observing the non-defaultable assets.

Hybridisation or Ousterisation? The Case of Local Accountability Policy in Finnish Early Childhood Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paananen, Maiju; Lipponen, Lasse; Kumpulainen, Kristiina

2015-01-01

Drawing on the analytic concept of imaginary, this study investigates policy hybridisation in the Finnish early childhood education. Specifically, it illuminates how the interplay between different imaginaries enabled the neoliberal imaginary to oust the social-democratic imaginary through a tripartite process in a case of local productivity…

Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity: A Review of Recent Case Reports and Registries.

PubMed

Gitman, Marina; Barrington, Michael J

2018-02-01

This review summarizes presenting features, management, and outcomes of local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) from published cases and those submitted to online registries capturing use of intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) therapy. The results of single-center and multicenter registries and epidemiologic studies complement this information. Between March 2014 and November 2016, 47 separate cases of LAST were described in 35 peer-reviewed articles. Local anesthetic systemic toxicity events occurred as a result of penile blocks (23%), local infiltration (17%), and upper/lower extremity, torso, and neuraxial blockade. Twenty-two patients (47%) were treated with ILE, and 2 patients (4.3%) died. During the same time period, 11 cases submitted to lipidrescue.org were treated with ILE and survived. The incidence of LAST reported in registries is 0.03% or 0.27 (95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.35) per 1000 peripheral nerve blocks (denominator of 251,325). Seizure (53% and 61% from case reports and registries, respectively) was the most common presenting feature.

Home Start Evaluation Study. Interim Case Studies IIa.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fein, Robert

This formative evaluation study of Home Start uses a case study approach. A brief case study focuses on the administrative structure and staff resources and responsibilities of National Home Start. Also included are reports on seven local programs developed after two field visits had been made to each program. In the first visit, objectives chosen…

Predicting Local Dengue Transmission in Guangzhou, China, through the Influence of Imported Cases, Mosquito Density and Climate Variability

PubMed Central

Sang, Shaowei; Yin, Wenwu; Bi, Peng; Zhang, Honglong; Wang, Chenggang; Liu, Xiaobo; Chen, Bin; Yang, Weizhong; Liu, Qiyong

2014-01-01

Introduction Each year there are approximately 390 million dengue infections worldwide. Weather variables have a significant impact on the transmission of Dengue Fever (DF), a mosquito borne viral disease. DF in mainland China is characterized as an imported disease. Hence it is necessary to explore the roles of imported cases, mosquito density and climate variability in dengue transmission in China. The study was to identify the relationship between dengue occurrence and possible risk factors and to develop a predicting model for dengue’s control and prevention purpose. Methodology and Principal Findings Three traditional suburbs and one district with an international airport in Guangzhou city were selected as the study areas. Autocorrelation and cross-correlation analysis were used to perform univariate analysis to identify possible risk factors, with relevant lagged effects, associated with local dengue cases. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to extract principal components and PCA score was used to represent the original variables to reduce multi-collinearity. Combining the univariate analysis and prior knowledge, time-series Poisson regression analysis was conducted to quantify the relationship between weather variables, Breteau Index, imported DF cases and the local dengue transmission in Guangzhou, China. The goodness-of-fit of the constructed model was determined by pseudo-R2, Akaike information criterion (AIC) and residual test. There were a total of 707 notified local DF cases from March 2006 to December 2012, with a seasonal distribution from August to November. There were a total of 65 notified imported DF cases from 20 countries, with forty-six cases (70.8%) imported from Southeast Asia. The model showed that local DF cases were positively associated with mosquito density, imported cases, temperature, precipitation, vapour pressure and minimum relative humidity, whilst being negatively associated with air pressure, with different time lags. Conclusions Imported DF cases and mosquito density play a critical role in local DF transmission, together with weather variables. The establishment of an early warning system, using existing surveillance datasets will help to control and prevent dengue in Guangzhou, China. PMID:25019967

Predicting local dengue transmission in Guangzhou, China, through the influence of imported cases, mosquito density and climate variability.

PubMed

Sang, Shaowei; Yin, Wenwu; Bi, Peng; Zhang, Honglong; Wang, Chenggang; Liu, Xiaobo; Chen, Bin; Yang, Weizhong; Liu, Qiyong

2014-01-01

Each year there are approximately 390 million dengue infections worldwide. Weather variables have a significant impact on the transmission of Dengue Fever (DF), a mosquito borne viral disease. DF in mainland China is characterized as an imported disease. Hence it is necessary to explore the roles of imported cases, mosquito density and climate variability in dengue transmission in China. The study was to identify the relationship between dengue occurrence and possible risk factors and to develop a predicting model for dengue's control and prevention purpose. Three traditional suburbs and one district with an international airport in Guangzhou city were selected as the study areas. Autocorrelation and cross-correlation analysis were used to perform univariate analysis to identify possible risk factors, with relevant lagged effects, associated with local dengue cases. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to extract principal components and PCA score was used to represent the original variables to reduce multi-collinearity. Combining the univariate analysis and prior knowledge, time-series Poisson regression analysis was conducted to quantify the relationship between weather variables, Breteau Index, imported DF cases and the local dengue transmission in Guangzhou, China. The goodness-of-fit of the constructed model was determined by pseudo-R2, Akaike information criterion (AIC) and residual test. There were a total of 707 notified local DF cases from March 2006 to December 2012, with a seasonal distribution from August to November. There were a total of 65 notified imported DF cases from 20 countries, with forty-six cases (70.8%) imported from Southeast Asia. The model showed that local DF cases were positively associated with mosquito density, imported cases, temperature, precipitation, vapour pressure and minimum relative humidity, whilst being negatively associated with air pressure, with different time lags. Imported DF cases and mosquito density play a critical role in local DF transmission, together with weather variables. The establishment of an early warning system, using existing surveillance datasets will help to control and prevent dengue in Guangzhou, China.

Case Studies in the Organizational Communication Course: Applying Textbook Concepts to Real Life Organizations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Byers, Peggy Yuhas

This paper urges the use of case study discussions in the organizational communication class as an effective instructional technique. The paper presents a variety of formats for bringing case studies to life for students in the organizational communication course. It first discusses sources for case studies such as the World Wide Web, local and…

[Central nervous system dysgerminoma: a clinicopathological study of 3 cases].

PubMed

Bellil, Selma; Braham, Emna; Limaiem, Faten; Bellil, Khadija; Chelly, Ines; Mekni, Amina; Haouet, Slim; Zitouna, Moncef; Jemel, Hafedh; Khaldi, Moncef; Kchir, Nidhameddine

2009-03-01

Intracranial germ cell tumors are rarely seen and typically localize in the pineal or suprasellar region. The largest category of germ cell tumors is dysgerminoma. to describe clinicopathological features and immunohistochemical profile of dysgerminomas. We report three cases of central nervous system dysgerminomas. There were two young women and a man who were 6, 11 and 23-year-old. They presented with symptoms of insipidus diabetes (n=3) with association to visual field defects in the third case. Radiological findings showed a supra seller lesion in two cases. Double localization in the pineal and suprasellar regions was seen in the third case. Histologic examination and immunohistochemical study of surgical specimen were consistent with primary central nervous system dysgerminoma.

How To Set Up Your Own Small Business. Service Company Case Study. Manufacturing Firm Case Study. Retail Store Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fallek, Max

This collection of case studies is intended for use in a course in setting up a small business. The first, a case study of the process of setting up a service company, covers analyzing the pros and cons of starting one's own business, assessing the competition and local market, and selecting a site for and financing the business. The principal…

Case study of the integration of a local health department and a community health center.

PubMed Central

Lambrew, J M; Ricketts, T C; Morrissey, J P

1993-01-01

As rural communities struggle to sustain health services locally, innovative alternatives to traditional programs are being developed. A significant adaptation is the rural health network or alliance that links local health departments and community health centers. The authors describe how a rural local health department and community health center, the core organizations in publicly sponsored primary care, came to share a building and administrative and service activities. Both the details of this alliance and its development are examined. The case history reveals that circumstance and State involvement were the catalysts for service integration, more so than the need for or the benefits of the arrangement. The closure of a county-owned hospital created a situation in which State officials were able to broker a cooperative agreement between the two agencies. This case study suggests two hypotheses: that need for integrated services alone may not be sufficient to catalyze the development of primary care alliances and that strong policy support may override any local and internal resistance to integration. PMID:8434093

Land before coal: class and regional development in southeast Kentucky

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pudup, M.B.

1987-01-01

At the turn of the century southeast Kentucky's economy was transformed from household subsistence farming and manufacturing to industrial coal production. During prior decades the economy had lapsed into subsistence, failing to generate demands for local industry, and blocking export-oriental development. Three county case studies reveal each possessed a resident middle class whose social bases were large property ownership, control over local commerce, and dominance of county politics. The emergence and constitution of the local middle class is explained in terms of longevity, kinship, and the political economic localisms endemic to the southern United States. Although it did not becomemore » a regional capitalist vanguard, the local middle class nonetheless became essential in the local edifice of capitalism by investing in county seat commercial and service industries and by continuing its control of local politics. The middle class also facilitated the capitalization of mountain resources. Case studies illuminate this role, distinguish among categories of resource investors, and describe geographical outcomes of capital investment.« less

Overshooting convection during TRO-pico: mesoscale modelling of two cases hydrating the lower stratosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rivière, Emmanuel; Marécal, Virginie; Khaykin, Sergey; Amarouche, Nadir; Ghysels, Mélanie; Mappe-Fogaing, Irène; Behera, Abhinna; Held, Gerhard; França, Hermes

2016-04-01

One of the main aims of the TRO-pico project (2010-2015) was to study the variability of overshooting convection at the local scale to try to deduce a typical impact on the TTL water at the global scale. In this study, we've identified local maximum in the water vapour profiles gathered by the balloon-borne hygrometers Pico-SDLA and Flash above Bauru, Brazil (22.3 S) during the TRO-pico campaign. We tried to link them to overshooting cells in the surrounding of Bauru with a trajectory analysis. In this study we select a couple of cases of overshooting convection both sampled by the Bauru S-Band radar and by one of the balloon-borne instruments of the TRO-pico campaign in 2012 and 2013. The selected cases are the case of March 13, 2012 (hereafter M12), sounded by both hygrometers Pico-SDLA and FLASH, and the case of January 26, 2013 (hereafter J13), sounded by Pico-SDLA. For the M12 case, local water vapour enhancements at two different altitudes due to two different cells were reported, with local enhancement of about 0.65 ppmv. For the J26 case, the water enhancement was about 1 ppmv. The corresponding mesoscale simulations with the Brazilian Regional Atmospheric Modelling System (BRAMS) using 3 nested grids with horizontal resolution down to 800 m were carried out. Simulation results are compared to Bauru's radar echo tops and and water vapour in situ measurements. As for the M12 simulation, the model is doing a rather good job in reproducing several overshooting cells, both in severity and timing. Associated stratospheric water budget are computed for each cases.

Blueprint for the development of low carbon society scenarios for Asian regions- case study of Iskandar Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ho, C. S.; Matsuoka, Y.; Chau, L. W.; Teh, B. T.; Simson, J. J.; Gomi, K.

2013-06-01

Malaysian government aims to reduce 40% reduction of carbon emission intensity by the year 2020 using 2005 as the base year. Several mitigation and adaptation strategies in addressing environmental and climate change are formulated at national, regional and local level to mitigate greenhouse gases. This paper aims to examine local and regional resilient policy actions to reduce greenhouse gases using the empirical case of Iskandar Malaysia. The study case is selected because it is one of the fast developing economic corridor regions in Malaysia. In this study, a low carbon society blueprint is initiated to guide the rapid development of this economic corridor towards low carbon green growth. The blueprint provides the sustainable green growth roadmap with major 12 actions for the region. It is done through a bottom-up approach where stakeholder discussions are carried out to allow local communities participation in the plan formulation.

Hazardous Waste Management and Community Involvement in Canada: The Case of Montreal's Rural-Urban Fringe.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Andre, Pierre; And Others

1995-01-01

Deals with conflicts associated with the management, disposal, and storage of hazardous wastes from the perspective of interests expressed in the local community. Analyzes three case studies to demonstrate the changing roles and relative importance of local and nonlocal interests. Draws conclusions regarding the significance of the analysis for…

Teleman localization of Hochschild homology in a singular setting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brasselet, J.-P.; Legrand, A.

2009-09-01

The aim of this paper is to generalize the Hochschild-Kostant-Rosenberg theorem to the case of singular varieties, more precisely, to manifolds with boundary and to varieties with isolated singularities. In these situations, we define suitable algebras of functions and study the localization of the corresponding Hochschild homology. The tool we use is the Teleman localization process. In the case of isolated singularities, the closed Hochschild homology corresponds to the intersection complex which relates the objects defined here to intersection homology.

The underutilization of street markets as a source of food security indicators in famine early warning systems: a case study of Ethiopia.

PubMed

Companion, Michèle

2008-09-01

Famine Early Warning Systems (EWS) are reliant on data aggregated from multiple sources. Consequently, they are often insensitive to localized changes in food security status, leading to delayed response or interventions. While price and infrastructural data are often gathered, this case study suggests that local street markets and vendor knowledge are underutilized. Few efforts have been made to monitor systematically the street markets as an indicator of local stressors. Findings from Ethiopia show that knowledge generated by expanding food security indicators in this sector can be used in combination with EWS to facilitate earlier intervention in, or to monitor more effectively, on-going humanitarian crises. Indicators developed from this study are accurate, cost effective, and sensitive to local climatic and food stressors.

Absence of asymptomatic cases of malaria in a historically endemic indigenous locality of the Department of Caaguazú, Paraguay: moving toward elimination.

PubMed

Barrios, Eugenia Duarte de; Russomando, Graciela; Puerto, Florencia Del

2016-01-01

Paraguay was among the 16 countries that reported zero indigenous malaria cases in 2014. A cross-sectional observational descriptive study was performed in 100 adults from Santa Teresa, Paraguay. Parasite detection was carried out using seminested multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microscopy. Among the participants, 44% were female and 56% were male, and 89% had a malaria history. No parasites were detected with either of the methods. There were no asymptomatic cases in Santa Teresa, and this finding is very promising. A longitudinal study should be performed to confirm that there are no asymptomatic cases in this locality.

Prediction of near-term breast cancer risk using local region-based bilateral asymmetry features in mammography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yane; Fan, Ming; Li, Lihua; Zheng, Bin

2017-03-01

This study proposed a near-term breast cancer risk assessment model based on local region bilateral asymmetry features in Mammography. The database includes 566 cases who underwent at least two sequential FFDM examinations. The `prior' examination in the two series all interpreted as negative (not recalled). In the "current" examination, 283 women were diagnosed cancers and 283 remained negative. Age of cancers and negative cases completely matched. These cases were divided into three subgroups according to age: 152 cases among the 37-49 age-bracket, 220 cases in the age-bracket 50- 60, and 194 cases with the 61-86 age-bracket. For each image, two local regions including strip-based regions and difference-of-Gaussian basic element regions were segmented. After that, structural variation features among pixel values and structural similarity features were computed for strip regions. Meanwhile, positional features were extracted for basic element regions. The absolute subtraction value was computed between each feature of the left and right local-regions. Next, a multi-layer perception classifier was implemented to assess performance of features for prediction. Features were then selected according stepwise regression analysis. The AUC achieved 0.72, 0.75 and 0.71 for these 3 age-based subgroups, respectively. The maximum adjustable odds ratios were 12.4, 20.56 and 4.91 for these three groups, respectively. This study demonstrate that the local region-based bilateral asymmetry features extracted from CC-view mammography could provide useful information to predict near-term breast cancer risk.

A Giant Vulvar Mass: A Case Study of Cellular Angiofibroma

PubMed Central

Aydın, Ümit; Terzi, Hasan; Turkay, Ünal; Eruyar, Ahmet Tuğrul; Kale, Ahmet

2016-01-01

Cellular angiofibroma is a mesenchymal tumor that affects both genders. Nucci et al. first described it in 1997. Cellular angiofibroma is generally a small and asymptomatic mass that primarily arises in the vulvar-vaginal region, although rare cases have been reported in the pelvic and extrapelvic regions. It affects women most often during the fifth decade of life. The treatment requires simple local excision due to low local recurrence and no chance of metastasization. The current study presents a case of angiofibroma in the vulvar region that measured approximately 20 cm. PMID:27293929

[Relations between extraction of wisdom teeth and temporomandibular disorders: a case/control study].

PubMed

Duval, Florian; Leroux, Agathe; Bertaud, Valérie; Meary, Fleur; Le Padellec, Clément; Refuveille, Laura; Lemaire, Arnaud; Sorel, Olivier; Chauvel-Lebret, Dominique

2015-09-01

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of extraction of third molars on the occurrence of temporo-mandibular disorders (TMD). A review of the literature and a case-control study have been conducted. The case-control study compares the frequency of extraction of third molars between the sample with TMD (case) and the sample without TMD (control). The proportion of patients who had undergone extractions of wisdom teeth was higher in the case group than in the control group. The difference was statistically significant when patients had undergone extraction of all four wisdom teeth or when the extraction of four wisdom teeth underwent in one sitting or under general anesthesia. The study of patients in case sample shows that all signs of TMD were more common in patients who had undergone extractions in several sessions and under local anesthesia. The temporomandibular joint sounds are significantly more frequent with local anesthesia. In the case group, 85 to 92% of patients have parafunctions and 5 to 11% have malocclusion. This demonstrates the multifactorial etiology of temporomandibular disorders. © EDP Sciences, SFODF, 2015.

Findings from case studies of state and local immunization programs.

PubMed

Fairbrother, G; Kuttner, H; Miller, W; Hogan, R; McPhillips, H; Johnson, K A; Alexander, E R

2000-10-01

As part of its examination of federal support for immunization services during the past decade, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Committee on Immunization Finance Policies and Practices (IFPP) commissioned eight case studies of the states of Alabama, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington; and a two-county study of Los Angeles and San Diego in California. Specifically, the IOM Committee and these studies reviewed the use of Section 317 grants by the states. Section 317 is a discretionary grant program that supports vaccine purchase and other immunization-related program activities. These studies afforded the Committee an in-depth look at local policy choices, the performance of immunization programs, and federal and state spending for immunization during the past decade. The case-study reports were developed through interviews with state and local health department officials, including immunization program directors, Medicaid agency staff, budget analysts, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public health advisors to the jurisdiction. Other sources included state and federal administrative records and secondary sources on background factors and state-level trends. The case studies were supplemented by site visits to Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, and San Diego. The nature of immunization "infrastructure" supported by the Section 317 program is shifting from primarily service delivery to a broader set of roles that puts the public effort at the head of a broad immunization partnership among public health, health financing, and other entities in both the public and private sectors. The rate and intensity of transition vary across the case-study areas. In the emerging pattern, service delivery increasingly takes place in the private sector and is related to managed care. "Infrastructure" is moving beyond supporting a core state staff and local health department service delivery to include such activities as immunization registries, quality improvement, and coordination with programs outside public health agencies. At the same time, the recent decline in federal Section 317 support is forcing difficult choices between old and new activities at the state and local levels. Immunization programs function as an organic component of the local health care financing and delivery systems of which they are a part. Immunization efforts are organized and conducted within distinctive state and local fiscal, economic, and health care contexts. Section 317 Financial Assistance grants, while playing a vital role in supporting immunization "infrastructure," have been too unstable and unpredictable to elicit the strategic planning, programming, and own-source spending that would be optimal for state and local programs. The predominant immunization function of state and local public health agencies is becoming assurance of age-appropriate immunization throughout the lifespan. To be successful in this emerging role, the health agencies must be supported with appropriate staffing, interagency collaboration, and clearly articulated authority.

[Determinants of dengue transmission in Veracruz: an ecological approach to its control].

PubMed

Escobar-Mesa, Javier; Gómez-Dantés, Héctor

2003-01-01

To assess the ecological, social, and demographic factors associated with the transmission of dengue virus infection in Veracruz, Mexico, and to identify risk areas to target control measures. This ecological study included data for 1,249 localities within the 11 Health Jurisdictions of the State of Veracruz, Mexico, for the 1995-1998 period. The following data were collected for each locality: total number of cases per year, population by sex, number of households, provision of public services, altitude, latitude, longitude, and deprivation index. Dengue transmission was registered in 17% of the localities in the State; 70% of the cases were concentrated in only 6% of the localities. Recurrent localities were urban centers with adequate availability of public services and low deprivation indices. Dengue transmission was detected in rural areas, but it was not common. The average number of cases differed according to the size of the locality and the number of years dengue was reported. A population threshold to maintain transmission was found. Recurrent localities concentrating 70% of dengue fever cases were identified, as well as the ecological and demographic factors associated with dengue transmission. The risk stratification approach to dengue transmission may improve control and prevention of this disease in high-risk areas.

A Case Study of Local Needs for Information on Industrial Development. Extension Studies 55.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fuller, Theodore E.; Turner, Francis C.

In order to identify some basic types of information concerning industrial development which might be useful to decision-makers at the local level, an opinion survey was conducted in five bordering nonmetropolitan Pennsylvania counties. A 13-item questionnaire was mailed to 222 local organizations, categorized by response rate as follows: (1)…

Lessons Learned from a Decade of Sudden Oak Death in California: Evaluating Local Management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexander, Janice; Lee, Christopher A.

2010-09-01

Sudden Oak Death has been impacting California’s coastal forests for more than a decade. In that time, and in the absence of a centrally organized and coordinated set of mandatory management actions for this disease in California’s wildlands and open spaces, many local communities have initiated their own management programs. We present five case studies to explore how local-level management has attempted to control this disease. From these case studies, we glean three lessons: connections count, scale matters, and building capacity is crucial. These lessons may help management, research, and education planning for future pest and disease outbreaks.

Lessons Learned from a Decade of Sudden Oak Death in California: Evaluating Local Management

PubMed Central

Alexander, Janice

2010-01-01

Sudden Oak Death has been impacting California’s coastal forests for more than a decade. In that time, and in the absence of a centrally organized and coordinated set of mandatory management actions for this disease in California’s wildlands and open spaces, many local communities have initiated their own management programs. We present five case studies to explore how local-level management has attempted to control this disease. From these case studies, we glean three lessons: connections count, scale matters, and building capacity is crucial. These lessons may help management, research, and education planning for future pest and disease outbreaks. PMID:20559634

The economic impact of shale gas development on state and local economies: benefits, costs, and uncertainties.

PubMed

Barth, Jannette M

2013-01-01

It is often assumed that natural gas exploration and development in the Marcellus Shale will bring great economic prosperity to state and local economies. Policymakers need accurate economic information on which to base decisions regarding permitting and regulation of shale gas extraction. This paper provides a summary review of research findings on the economic impacts of extractive industries, with an emphasis on peer-reviewed studies. The conclusions from the studies are varied and imply that further research, on a case-by-case basis, is necessary before definitive conclusions can be made regarding both short- and long-term implications for state and local economies.

Localized modes in optics of photonic liquid crystals with local anisotropy of absorption

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Belyakov, V. A., E-mail: bel1937@mail.ru, E-mail: bel@landau.ac.ru; Semenov, S. V.

2016-05-15

The localized optical modes in spiral photonic liquid crystals are theoretically studied for the certainty at the example of chiral liquid crystals (CLCs) for the case of CLC with an anisotropic local absorption. The model adopted here (absence of dielectric interfaces in the structures under investigation) makes it possible to get rid of mixing of polarizations on the surfaces of the CLC layer and of the defect structure and to reduce the corresponding equations to only the equations for light with polarization diffracting in the CLC. The dispersion equations determining connection of the edge mode (EM) and defect mode (DM)more » frequencies with the CLC layer parameters (anisotropy of local absorption, CLC order parameter) and other parameters of the DMS are obtained. Analytic expressions for the transmission and reflection coefficients of CLC layer and DMS for the case of CLC with an anisotropic local absorption are presented and analyzed. It is shown that the CLC layers with locally anisotropic absorption reduce the EM and DM lifetimes (and increase the lasing threshold) in the way different from the case of CLC with an isotropic local absorption. Due to the Borrmann effect revealing of which is different at the opposite stop-band edges in the case of CLC layers with an anisotropic local absorption the EM life-times for the EM frequencies at the opposite stop-bands edges may be significantly different. The options of experimental observations of the theoretically revealed phenomena are briefly discussed.« less

Localized modes in optics of photonic liquid crystals with local anisotropy of absorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belyakov, V. A.; Semenov, S. V.

2016-05-01

The localized optical modes in spiral photonic liquid crystals are theoretically studied for the certainty at the example of chiral liquid crystals (CLCs) for the case of CLC with an anisotropic local absorption. The model adopted here (absence of dielectric interfaces in the structures under investigation) makes it possible to get rid of mixing of polarizations on the surfaces of the CLC layer and of the defect structure and to reduce the corresponding equations to only the equations for light with polarization diffracting in the CLC. The dispersion equations determining connection of the edge mode (EM) and defect mode (DM) frequencies with the CLC layer parameters (anisotropy of local absorption, CLC order parameter) and other parameters of the DMS are obtained. Analytic expressions for the transmission and reflection coefficients of CLC layer and DMS for the case of CLC with an anisotropic local absorption are presented and analyzed. It is shown that the CLC layers with locally anisotropic absorption reduce the EM and DM lifetimes (and increase the lasing threshold) in the way different from the case of CLC with an isotropic local absorption. Due to the Borrmann effect revealing of which is different at the opposite stop-band edges in the case of CLC layers with an anisotropic local absorption the EM life-times for the EM frequencies at the opposite stop-bands edges may be significantly different. The options of experimental observations of the theoretically revealed phenomena are briefly discussed.

Considerations on the surgical treatment of Duct Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) of the breast from DRG system perspective.

PubMed

Nistor-Ciurba, Codruţ Cosmin; Cheptea, Marilena

2014-01-01

Medical services for the treatment of Duct Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) may be delivered in inpatient or outpatient care conditions. The aim of this study was to identify services recommended during patient hospitalization, and those more suitable for outpatient health care services, as well as measures to optimize the management of these cases from the reimbursement of medical services system perspective. We conducted our study on the case records of the Oncological Institute "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuţă" Cluj-Napoca (IOCN) over a period of five years (2008-2012). Analysis of the 129 cases of patient hospitalization showed that for the mastectomies performed the mean relative value (VR) for the discharged cases was slightly greater that the referential VR stated in the reimbursement framework contract (VR for IOCN discharged case was 1.2529 vs. 1.2097 referential VR in the contract). VR for the cases discharged after hospitalization in which a local excision had been performed was 0.6778 compared to 0.5482 the referential VR from the reimbursement contract. In the same period, the entity-specific flat-rate reimbursement for local excisions varied from 539 RON to 360 RON, depending on the year. Our study concludes that the treatment of DCIS cases did not negatively influence IOCN funding. In addition, it recommends the negotiation of combined services packages for the lesions that require imaging localization.

Princess Nourah Bint Abudulrhman University's Challenge: Transition from a Local to a Global Institution

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Almansour, Sana; Kempner, Ken

2015-01-01

This case study addresses the transition of a university from a local to a global institution in the unique cultural and economic circumstances of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Specifically, the authors investigate the case of Princess Nourah Bint Abudulrhman University (PNU), the largest women's university in the world with over 39,000 students.…

Complications of intra-articular injections of triamcinolone hexacetonide in chronic arthritis in children.

PubMed

Job-Deslandre, C; Menkes, C J

1990-01-01

Intra-articular injections of triamcinolone hexacetonide (THA) are a useful therapy in JRA and HLA B 27 related arthritis (B 27 RA). Published data have indicated good results and few side effects. We evaluate here the frequency of occurrence of local side effects in 35 children with JRA (115 joints treated) and 13 children with B 27 RA (29 joints treated). With a mean follow up of 25 months in JRA and 18 months in B 27 RA, we observed 12 cases (8.3%) of subcutaneous tissue atrophy with local depigmentation (knees 5 cases, wrists 2 cases, ankles 3 cases, metatarsophalangeal joints 2 cases) and 7 cases (4.9%) of intra-articular calcifications all in the JRA group (wrists 3 cases, knees 2 cases, ankles 2 cases). Youth and joint size are possible predisposing factors for subcutaneous tissue atrophy and intra-articular calcification. Spontaneous improvement previously reported for these local side effects was not observed in our study. These results underline the necessity of discussing on a case by case basis whether intra-articular, non long-acting corticosteroid or THA are indicated. THA must be injected with a rigorous technique and with a dosage adapted to the articular volume.

The contribution of a non-governmental organisation's Community Based Tuberculosis Care Programme to case finding in Myanmar: trend over time.

PubMed

Maung, Htet Myet Win; Saw, Saw; Isaakidis, Petros; Khogali, Mohammed; Reid, Anthony; Hoa, Nguyen Binh; Zaw, Ko Ko; Thein, Saw; Aung, Si Thu

2017-04-03

It is estimated that the standard, passive case finding (PCF) strategy for detecting cases of tuberculosis (TB) in Myanmar has not been successful: 26% of cases are missing. Therefore, alternative strategies, such as active case finding (ACF) by community volunteers, have been initiated since 2011. This study aimed to assess the contribution of a Community Based TB Care Programme (CBTC) by local non-government organizations (NGOs) to TB case finding in Myanmar over 4 years. This was a descriptive study using routine, monitoring data. Original data from the NGOs were sent to a central registry within the National TB Programme and data for this study were extracted from that database. Data from all 84 project townships in five regions and three states in Myanmar were used. The project was launched in 2011. Over time, the number of presumptive TB cases that were referred decreased, except in the Yangon Region, although in some areas, the numbers fluctuated. At the same time, there was a trend for the proportion of cases treated, compared to those referred, that decreased over time (P = 0.051). Overall, among 84 townships, the contribution of CBTC to total case detection deceased from 6% to 4% over time (P < 0.001). Contrary to expectations and evidence from previous studies in other countries, a concerning reduction in TB case finding by local NGO volunteer networks in several areas in Myanmar was recorded over 4 years. This suggests that measures to support the volunteer network and improve its performance are needed. They may include discussion with local NGOs human resources personnel, incentives for the volunteers, closer supervision of volunteers and improved monitoring and evaluation tools.

Implementing case management in New York State's partnerships for publicly funded breast cancer screening.

PubMed

Lillquist, Patricia P

2008-04-01

This research aimed to explore differences in the implementation of case management among local breast cancer screening partnerships in New York State after changes in federal public policy in 1998 and to achieve a better understanding of case management in a new and distinct practice setting. Capacity and willingness to implement change were theorized to explain local differences in implementation. Local breast cancer screening programs that received federal funding through the New York State Department of Health were invited to participate in the study. A mail survey was administered to the directors of New York's 53 local breast cancer screening partnerships in 2003. The survey included questions about willingness and capacity to implement case management and a scale to assess case management program philosophy. Factor analysis and correlations were used to compare willingness and capacity with differences in implementation. Two common factors--task focus and self-identity focus--were identified as factors that differentiated case management programs. Task-focus partnerships undertook a broader range of tasks but were less likely to report autonomy in making program changes. Self-identity partnerships were less likely to report difficulties with other agencies and scored highly on innovation, involvement in work, and interest in client service. Having a nurse as the case manager, being aware of the standards of case management, and providing health education were associated with both task focus and self-identity focus. The study identified distinct styles of implementation. These styles have implications for the breadth of services provided, such as whether client-level services only are offered. Interagency coordination was facilitated in partnerships with comprehensive case management.

A Case Report of Successful Treatment of Recalcitrant Childhood Localized Scleroderma with Infliximab and Leflunomide.

PubMed

Ferguson, Ian D; Weiser, Peter; Torok, Kathryn S

2015-01-01

Herein we report successful treatment of an adolescent Caucasian female with severe progressive localized scleroderma (mixed subtype, including generalized morphea and linear scleroderma of the trunk/limb) using infliximab and leflunomide. The patient demonstrated improvement after the first 9 months of therapy based on her clinical examination, objective measures, and patient and parent global assessments. Infliximab is a potential treatment option for pediatric localized scleroderma patients who have progression of disease or who are unable to tolerate the side effect profile of more standard systemic therapy. Larger longitudinal studies or case series are needed to confirm and further investigate infliximab's role in localized scleroderma.

Evaluation of tumor localization in respiration motion-corrected cone-beam CT: Prospective study in lung

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dzyubak, Oleksandr; Kincaid, Russell; Hertanto, Agung

Purpose: Target localization accuracy of cone-beam CT (CBCT) images used in radiation treatment of respiratory disease sites is affected by motion artifacts (blurring and streaking). The authors have previously reported on a method of respiratory motion correction in thoracic CBCT at end expiration (EE). The previous retrospective study was limited to examination of reducing motion artifacts in a small number of patient cases. They report here on a prospective study in a larger group of lung cancer patients to evaluate respiratory motion-corrected (RMC)-CBCT ability to improve lung tumor localization accuracy and reduce motion artifacts in Linac-mounted CBCT images. A secondmore » study goal examines whether the motion correction derived from a respiration-correlated CT (RCCT) at simulation yields similar tumor localization accuracy at treatment. Methods: In an IRB-approved study, 19 lung cancer patients (22 tumors) received a RCCT at simulation, and on one treatment day received a RCCT, a respiratory-gated CBCT at end expiration, and a 1-min CBCT. A respiration monitor of abdominal displacement was used during all scans. In addition to a CBCT reconstruction without motion correction, the motion correction method was applied to the same 1-min scan. Projection images were sorted into ten bins based on abdominal displacement, and each bin was reconstructed to produce ten intermediate CBCT images. Each intermediate CBCT was deformed to the end expiration state using a motion model derived from RCCT. The deformed intermediate CBCT images were then added to produce a final RMC-CBCT. In order to evaluate the second study goal, the CBCT was corrected in two ways, one using a model derived from the RCCT at simulation [RMC-CBCT(sim)], the other from the RCCT at treatment [RMC-CBCT(tx)]. Image evaluation compared uncorrected CBCT, RMC-CBCT(sim), and RMC-CBCT(tx). The gated CBCT at end expiration served as the criterion standard for comparison. Using automatic rigid image registration, each CBCT was registered twice to the gated CBCT, first aligned to spine, second to tumor in lung. Localization discrepancy was defined as the difference between tumor and spine registration. Agreement in tumor localization with the gated CBCT was further evaluated by calculating a normalized cross correlation (NCC) of pixel intensities within a volume-of-interest enclosing the tumor in lung. Results: Tumor localization discrepancy was reduced with RMC-CBCT(tx) in 17 out of 22 cases relative to no correction. If one considers cases in which tumor motion is 5 mm or more in the RCCT, tumor localization discrepancy is reduced with RMC-CBCT(tx) in 14 out of 17 cases (p = 0.04), and with RMC-CBCT(sim) in 13 out of 17 cases (p = 0.05). Differences in localization discrepancy between correction models [RMC-CBCT(sim) vs RMC-CBCT(tx)] were less than 2 mm. In 21 out of 22 cases, improvement in NCC was higher with RMC-CBCT(tx) relative to no correction (p < 0.0001). Differences in NCC between RMC-CBCT(sim) and RMC-CBCT(tx) were small. Conclusions: Motion-corrected CBCT improves lung tumor localization accuracy and reduces motion artifacts in nearly all cases. Motion correction at end expiration using RCCT acquired at simulation yields similar results to that using a RCCT on the treatment day (2–3 weeks after simulation)« less

Evaluation of tumor localization in respiration motion-corrected cone-beam CT: prospective study in lung.

PubMed

Dzyubak, Oleksandr; Kincaid, Russell; Hertanto, Agung; Hu, Yu-Chi; Pham, Hai; Rimner, Andreas; Yorke, Ellen; Zhang, Qinghui; Mageras, Gig S

2014-10-01

Target localization accuracy of cone-beam CT (CBCT) images used in radiation treatment of respiratory disease sites is affected by motion artifacts (blurring and streaking). The authors have previously reported on a method of respiratory motion correction in thoracic CBCT at end expiration (EE). The previous retrospective study was limited to examination of reducing motion artifacts in a small number of patient cases. They report here on a prospective study in a larger group of lung cancer patients to evaluate respiratory motion-corrected (RMC)-CBCT ability to improve lung tumor localization accuracy and reduce motion artifacts in Linac-mounted CBCT images. A second study goal examines whether the motion correction derived from a respiration-correlated CT (RCCT) at simulation yields similar tumor localization accuracy at treatment. In an IRB-approved study, 19 lung cancer patients (22 tumors) received a RCCT at simulation, and on one treatment day received a RCCT, a respiratory-gated CBCT at end expiration, and a 1-min CBCT. A respiration monitor of abdominal displacement was used during all scans. In addition to a CBCT reconstruction without motion correction, the motion correction method was applied to the same 1-min scan. Projection images were sorted into ten bins based on abdominal displacement, and each bin was reconstructed to produce ten intermediate CBCT images. Each intermediate CBCT was deformed to the end expiration state using a motion model derived from RCCT. The deformed intermediate CBCT images were then added to produce a final RMC-CBCT. In order to evaluate the second study goal, the CBCT was corrected in two ways, one using a model derived from the RCCT at simulation [RMC-CBCT(sim)], the other from the RCCT at treatment [RMC-CBCT(tx)]. Image evaluation compared uncorrected CBCT, RMC-CBCT(sim), and RMC-CBCT(tx). The gated CBCT at end expiration served as the criterion standard for comparison. Using automatic rigid image registration, each CBCT was registered twice to the gated CBCT, first aligned to spine, second to tumor in lung. Localization discrepancy was defined as the difference between tumor and spine registration. Agreement in tumor localization with the gated CBCT was further evaluated by calculating a normalized cross correlation (NCC) of pixel intensities within a volume-of-interest enclosing the tumor in lung. Tumor localization discrepancy was reduced with RMC-CBCT(tx) in 17 out of 22 cases relative to no correction. If one considers cases in which tumor motion is 5 mm or more in the RCCT, tumor localization discrepancy is reduced with RMC-CBCT(tx) in 14 out of 17 cases (p = 0.04), and with RMC-CBCT(sim) in 13 out of 17 cases (p = 0.05). Differences in localization discrepancy between correction models [RMC-CBCT(sim) vs RMC-CBCT(tx)] were less than 2 mm. In 21 out of 22 cases, improvement in NCC was higher with RMC-CBCT(tx) relative to no correction (p < 0.0001). Differences in NCC between RMC-CBCT(sim) and RMC-CBCT(tx) were small. Motion-corrected CBCT improves lung tumor localization accuracy and reduces motion artifacts in nearly all cases. Motion correction at end expiration using RCCT acquired at simulation yields similar results to that using a RCCT on the treatment day (2-3 weeks after simulation).

Prosumer-Citizenship and the Local: A Critical Case Study of Consumer Reviewing on Yelp.com

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kuehn, Kathleen M.

2011-01-01

Over the past few years, content developers searching for new markets have found a potentially lucrative consumer base in local and location-based services as new media platforms have begun to "expand" their focus to hyper-local place-based communities. This shift to "local 2.0" has given birth to "local listing sites," an emerging social medium…

44 CFR 66.3 - Establishment of community case file and flood elevation study docket.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... case file and flood elevation study docket. 66.3 Section 66.3 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INSURANCE AND HAZARD MITIGATION National Flood Insurance Program CONSULTATION WITH LOCAL OFFICIALS § 66.3 Establishment of community case...

44 CFR 66.3 - Establishment of community case file and flood elevation study docket.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... case file and flood elevation study docket. 66.3 Section 66.3 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INSURANCE AND HAZARD MITIGATION National Flood Insurance Program CONSULTATION WITH LOCAL OFFICIALS § 66.3 Establishment of community case...

44 CFR 66.3 - Establishment of community case file and flood elevation study docket.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... case file and flood elevation study docket. 66.3 Section 66.3 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INSURANCE AND HAZARD MITIGATION National Flood Insurance Program CONSULTATION WITH LOCAL OFFICIALS § 66.3 Establishment of community case...

Position of the Translator as an Agent in Website Localization: The Case of Turkey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alkan, Sinem Canim

2017-01-01

The rapid growth of e-commerce has contributed to the development of website localization activity as a major professional industry. Despite the high volume of website localization practices, there is little research on translators participating in website localization projects. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the position of…

Demographics and Case Studies of Galactic Outflows in the Local Universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rupke, David

2017-07-01

Galactic outflows driven by both star formation and active black holes are an important driver of galaxy evolution. The local universe is a sensitive laboratory for understanding the scaling relations that characterize these winds and the physics that govern them. I will review what we know from statistical studies about the prevalance and properties of nearby galactic winds and how these properties depend on those of the host galaxy or power source. I will also highlight detailed case studies of key objects that illustrate the multiphase structure of these winds.

Diagnostic value of CT-localizer and axial low-dose computed tomography for the detection of drug body packing.

PubMed

Aissa, Joel; Kohlmeier, Antonia; Rubbert, Christian; Hohn, Ulrich; Blondin, Dirk; Schleich, Christoph; Kröpil, Patric; Boos, Johannes; Antoch, Gerald; Miese, Falk

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of CT-localizers in the detection of intracorporal containers. This study was approved by the research ethics committee of our clinic. From March 2012 to March 2013, 108 subjects were referred to our institute with suspected body packing. The CT-localizer and the axial CT-images were compared by two blinded observers retrospectively. Presence of body packs was assessed in consensus. Sensitivity and specificity, PPV and NPV of the CT-localizer were calculated. Packets were detected in the CT-localizer of 19 suspects. In 28 of 108 cases packs were detected in axial CT-images. Sensitivity of CT-localizer for detection of packs was 0.68, and specificity was 1.00. There were no cases rated as false positive. The PPV was 1.0 and the NPV was 0.89. The omission of the axial CT-images would have led to a mean radiation dose reduction of 1.94 ± 0.5 mSv. The value of CT-localizers lies in their high PPV. Localizers are limited by low sensitivity, compared to axial CT-images in screening of potential body packers. However, in positive cases their high PPV may possibly allow to omit the complete axial abdominal CT to achieve even lower radiation exposure. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.

Food system sustainability for health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples.

PubMed

Kuhnlein, Harriet V

2015-09-01

To describe how Indigenous Peoples understand how to enhance use of their food systems to promote sustainability, as demonstrated in several food-based interventions. Comments contributed by partners from case studies of Indigenous Peoples and their food systems attending an international meeting were implemented with public health interventions at the community level in nine countries. The Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Conference Center in Bellagio, Italy, where experiences from case studies of Indigenous Peoples were considered and then conducted in their home communities in rural areas. Leaders of the Indigenous Peoples' case studies, their communities and their academic partners. Reported strategies on how to improve use of local food systems in case study communities of Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous Peoples' reflections on their local food systems should be encouraged and acted upon to protect and promote sustainability of the cultures and ecosystems that derive their food systems. Promoting use of local traditional food biodiversity is an essential driver of food system sustainability for Indigenous Peoples, and contributes to global consciousness for protecting food biodiversity and food system sustainability more broadly. Key lessons learned, key messages and good practices for nutrition and public health practitioners and policy makers are given.

The political economy of noncompliance in China: The case of industrial energy policy

DOE PAGES

Van Aken, Tucker; Lewis, Orion A.

2015-03-18

One of the greatest challenges facing China today is the central government's ability to ensure that policies are implemented effectively at the local level, particularly policies that seek to make China's economic growth model more sustainable. These policies face resistance from local authorities and enterprises that benefit from the status quo. This raises a key research question: why do some provinces more fully implement these central policies? We argue the extent of local implementation is best conceptualized as a rational balance between economic and political incentives: localities with regulatory autonomy, low regulatory capacity and alternative interests will not fully implementmore » policies that are at odds with local economic imperatives. By examining a critical case of central policy implementation—industrial energy intensity reduction in the eleventh five-year plan—this article demonstrates that, regardless of industrial makeup or economic development, provinces that have greater regulatory autonomy for noncompliance coupled with alternative economic interests do not, on average, perform as well. As a result, using a nested analysis approach this study illustrates this argument with both quantitative analysis and original case study evidence from fieldwork interviews.« less

The Challenges in Measuring Local Immunization Coverage: A Statewide Case Study

PubMed Central

Rowhani-Rahbar, Ali; Duchin, Jeffrey; DeHart, M. Patricia; Opel, Douglas

2016-01-01

There are many forms of existing immunization surveillance in the United States and Washington state, but all are limited in their ability to provide timely identification of clusters of unimmunized individuals and assess the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases. This article aims to: (1) describe challenges to measuring immunization coverage at a local level in the United States using Washington State as a case study; and (2) propose improvements to existing surveillance systems that address the challenges identified. PMID:27244807

Localized malignant pleural mesothelioma: report of two cases.

PubMed

Tanzi, Silvia; Tiseo, Marcello; Internullo, Eveline; Cacciani, Giancarlo; Capra, Roberto; Carbognani, Paolo; Rusca, Michele; Rindi, Guido; Ardizzoni, Andrea

2009-08-01

Localized malignant pleural mesothelioma is very rare tumor disease. There are sporadic reports in the literature showing that this entity has a different biologic behavior compared with diffuse pleural mesothelioma. We report two cases of radically resected localized pleural malignant mesothelioma, with a previous history of asbestos exposure. Both cases showed a microscopic and immunohistochemical findings of malignant mesothelioma, biphasic and sarcomatoid lympho-histiocitoid variant type, respectively, without evidence of diffuse pleural spread. The first is very peculiar case of bilateral localized malignant pleural mesothelioma with complete response to chemotherapy and localized late recurrence, radically resected and treated with adjuvant radiotherapy. The second case revealed as a solitary localized mass, underwent a complete en bloc resection and adjuvant radiotherapy. Both cases demonstrate that the localized malignant mesothelioma should be distinguished from diffuse form and that complete resection is associated with good prognosis.

Testing MODFLOW-LGR for simulating flow around buried Quaternary valleys - synthetic test cases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vilhelmsen, T. N.; Christensen, S.

2009-12-01

In this study the Local Grid Refinement (LGR) method developed for MODFLOW-2005 (Mehl and Hill, 2005) is utilized to describe groundwater flow in areas containing buried Quaternary valley structures. The tests are conducted as comparative analysis between simulations run with a globally refined model, a locally refined model, and a globally coarse model, respectively. The models vary from simple one layer models to more complex ones with up to 25 model layers. The comparisons of accuracy are conducted within the locally refined area and focus on water budgets, simulated heads, and simulated particle traces. Simulations made with the globally refined model are used as reference (regarded as “true” values). As expected, for all test cases the application of local grid refinement resulted in more accurate results than when using the globally coarse model. A significant advantage of utilizing MODFLOW-LGR was that it allows increased numbers of model layers to better resolve complex geology within local areas. This resulted in more accurate simulations than when using either a globally coarse model grid or a locally refined model with lower geological resolution. Improved accuracy in the latter case could not be expected beforehand because difference in geological resolution between the coarse parent model and the refined child model contradicts the assumptions of the Darcy weighted interpolation used in MODFLOW-LGR. With respect to model runtimes, it was sometimes found that the runtime for the locally refined model is much longer than for the globally refined model. This was the case even when the closure criteria were relaxed compared to the globally refined model. These results are contradictory to those presented by Mehl and Hill (2005). Furthermore, in the complex cases it took some testing (model runs) to identify the closure criteria and the damping factor that secured convergence, accurate solutions, and reasonable runtimes. For our cases this is judged to be a serious disadvantage of applying MODFLOW-LGR. Another disadvantage in the studied cases was that the MODFLOW-LGR results proved to be somewhat dependent on the correction method used at the parent-child model interface. This indicates that when applying MODFLOW-LGR there is a need for thorough and case-specific considerations regarding choice of correction method. References: Mehl, S. and M. C. Hill (2005). "MODFLOW-2005, THE U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MODULAR GROUND-WATER MODEL - DOCUMENTATION OF SHARED NODE LOCAL GRID REFINEMENT (LGR) AND THE BOUNDARY FLOW AND HEAD (BFH) PACKAGE " U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods 6-A12

Software for real-time localization of baleen whale calls using directional sonobuoys: A case study on Antarctic blue whales.

PubMed

Miller, Brian S; Calderan, Susannah; Gillespie, Douglas; Weatherup, Graham; Leaper, Russell; Collins, Kym; Double, Michael C

2016-03-01

Directional frequency analysis and recording (DIFAR) sonobuoys can allow real-time acoustic localization of baleen whales for underwater tracking and remote sensing, but limited availability of hardware and software has prevented wider usage. These software limitations were addressed by developing a module in the open-source software PAMGuard. A case study is presented demonstrating that this software provides greater efficiency and accessibility than previous methods for detecting, localizing, and tracking Antarctic blue whales in real time. Additionally, this software can easily be extended to track other low and mid frequency sounds including those from other cetaceans, pinnipeds, icebergs, shipping, and seismic airguns.

Spatio-temporal distribution of injured elephants in Masai Mara and the putative negative and positive roles of the local community.

PubMed

Mijele, Domnic; Obanda, Vincent; Omondi, Patrick; Soriguer, Ramón C; Gakuya, Francis; Otiende, Moses; Hongo, Peter; Alasaad, Samer

2013-01-01

Very few studies have ever focused on the elephants that are wounded or killed as local communities attempt to scare these animals away from their settlements and farms, or on the cases in which local people take revenge after elephants have killed or injured humans. On the other hand, local communities live in close proximity to elephants and hence can play a positive role in elephant conservation by informing the authorities of the presence of injured elephants. Between 2007 and 2011, 129 elephants were monitored in Masai Mara (Kenya), of which 54 had various types of active (intentionally caused) or passive (non-intentionally caused) injuries. Also studied were 75 random control samples of apparently unaffected animals. The observed active injuries were as expected biased by age, with adults suffering more harm; on the other hand, no such bias was observed in the case of passive injuries. Bias was also observed in elephant sex since more males than females were passively and actively injured. Cases of passive and active injuries in elephants were negatively related to the proximity to roads and farms; the distribution of injured elephants was not affected by the presence of either human settlements or water sources. Overall more elephants were actively injured during the dry season than the wet season as expected. Local communities play a positive role by informing KWS authorities of the presence of injured elephants and reported 43% of all cases of injured elephants. Our results suggest that the negative effect of local communities on elephants could be predicted by elephant proximity to farms and roads. In addition, local communities may be able to play a more positive role in elephant conservation given that they are key informants in the early detection of injured elephants.

Mucosal melanomas in the elderly: challenging cases and review of the literature

PubMed Central

Baderca, Flavia; Vincze, Dana; Balica, Nicolae; Solovan, Caius

2014-01-01

Melanomas are malignant tumors that originate from melanocytes. They are most frequently localized in the skin, but 5% of all melanomas interest also extracutaneous sites as mucosal surfaces, parenchymatous organs, the retroperitoneum area, and the ocular ball. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiologic and morphologic data of mucosal melanomas diagnosed at Emergency City Hospital (Timisoara, Romania) during a period of 12 years. The study included 17 cases of extracutaneous, extraocular melanomas, with 16 primary melanomas and one secondary melanoma. All our patients were older than 53 years and were mostly men. Most of the patients presented with localized disease; only one case had regional lymph node metastases, and another one had systemic metastases at the time of diagnosis. Regarding localization, nine of 16 melanomas were in the head and neck region, six were diagnosed in the gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts (three cases each), and one case had a rare localization (retroperitoneum). The most common histologic type was represented by epithelioid cells, and the majority of the tumors were achromic. Mucosal melanoma is a tumor associated with aging, all our patients being older than 53 years. Because of unspecific symptoms and low incidence, the diagnosis is often delayed and requires teamwork among the clinician, pathologist, radiologist, and oncologist. Different genetic fingerprints impose a correct diagnosis to offer the patient the best novel, personalized therapy. PMID:24959073

Mucosal melanomas in the elderly: challenging cases and review of the literature.

PubMed

Baderca, Flavia; Vincze, Dana; Balica, Nicolae; Solovan, Caius

2014-01-01

Melanomas are malignant tumors that originate from melanocytes. They are most frequently localized in the skin, but 5% of all melanomas interest also extracutaneous sites as mucosal surfaces, parenchymatous organs, the retroperitoneum area, and the ocular ball. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiologic and morphologic data of mucosal melanomas diagnosed at Emergency City Hospital (Timisoara, Romania) during a period of 12 years. The study included 17 cases of extracutaneous, extraocular melanomas, with 16 primary melanomas and one secondary melanoma. All our patients were older than 53 years and were mostly men. Most of the patients presented with localized disease; only one case had regional lymph node metastases, and another one had systemic metastases at the time of diagnosis. Regarding localization, nine of 16 melanomas were in the head and neck region, six were diagnosed in the gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts (three cases each), and one case had a rare localization (retroperitoneum). The most common histologic type was represented by epithelioid cells, and the majority of the tumors were achromic. Mucosal melanoma is a tumor associated with aging, all our patients being older than 53 years. Because of unspecific symptoms and low incidence, the diagnosis is often delayed and requires teamwork among the clinician, pathologist, radiologist, and oncologist. Different genetic fingerprints impose a correct diagnosis to offer the patient the best novel, personalized therapy.

The role of a food policy coalition in influencing a local food environment: an Australian case study.

PubMed

McCartan, Julia; Palermo, Claire

2017-04-01

To explore how an Australian rural food policy coalition acts to influence a local food environment, focusing specifically on its composition, functions and processes as well as its food-related strategies and policy outputs. A qualitative case study approach was undertaken. Three sources were used to triangulate data: eleven semi-structured in-depth interviews with coalition members, analysis of thirty-seven documents relating to the coalition and observation at one coalition meeting. Data were analysed using a thematic and constant comparison approach. Community Coalition Action Theory provided a theoretical framework from which to interpret findings. Two rural local government areas on the south-eastern coast of Victoria, Australia. Eleven members of the food policy coalition. Five themes emerged from the data analysis. The themes described the coalition's leadership processes, membership structure, function to pool resources for food system advocacy, focus on collaborative cross-jurisdictional strategies and ability to influence policy change. This Australian case study demonstrates that with strong leadership, a small-sized core membership and focus on collaborative strategies, food policy coalitions may be a mechanism to positively influence local food environments.

Higher concentration local anaesthetics causing prolonged anaesthesia. Do they? A literature review and case reports.

PubMed

Kingon, A; Sambrook, P; Goss, A

2011-12-01

Higher concentration dental local anaesthetics (3% and 4%) have become more available in Australia in recent years. Benefits claimed include a faster onset of anaesthesia and improved success with injections compared to 2% solutions. Recent reports suggest that the higher concentration carries a greater risk of prolonged anaesthesia to the mandibular and particularly the lingual nerves. The literature was reviewed and those studies which demonstrated adverse effects of different concentrations of local anaesthetics were analysed. Recent cases are presented. There is an extensive international literature which confirms increased concentration of local anaesthetic does show an increased risk, by about ×6, of prolonged anaesthesia. Five case reports illustrate the impact of this complication on patients' quality of life. Careful consideration needs to be given before using higher concentration local anaesthetic agents for mandibular and lingual blocks as lower concentration local anaesthetics are safer. If acceptable to individual patients, avoidance of block injections or any local anaesthetic for minor restorative tasks could be encouraged given the severity of the complication. It is safe to use the higher concentration agents for infiltrations away from major nerves. © 2011 Australian Dental Association.

Case management: developing practice through action research.

PubMed

Smith, Annetta; Mackay, Seonaid; McCulloch, Kathleen

2013-09-01

This article is a report of an action research study carried out with community nurses to help develop case management within their practice. Using action research principles, nurses reviewed and analysed their current practice and developed recommendations for further embedding case management as a means of supporting patients with complex care needs in their own homes. Findings indicate that a number of factors can influence the community nurse's ability to implement case management. These factors include approaches to case finding, availability of resources and interprofessional working. Important considerations for nurses were the influence of the context of care, the geographical location and the health needs of the local patient population, which meant that case management may need to be adapted to meet local circumstances.

The Decision to Send Local Children to International Schools in Hong Kong: Local Parents' Perspectives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ng, Vinci

2012-01-01

This article reports the findings of a qualitative study that investigates why some local Hong Kong parents decide to give up local education and send their children to international schools in Hong Kong. Data were gathered from 25 parents across eight selected school sites grouped as four cases based on the continental origins of those…

Understanding similarities in the local implementation of a healthy environment programme: insights from policy studies.

PubMed

Clavier, Carole; Gendron, Sylvie; Lamontagne, Lise; Potvin, Louise

2012-07-01

This paper reports findings from an evaluation of the local implementation of a procedural public health programme whose objective is to create healthy environments (HE) for vulnerable families in the province of Quebec (Canada) through the funding of local projects. Considering the potential issue of programme-context interaction, our research question was the following: Does the procedural nature of this HE programme result in variation between local cases in terms of the types of projects and collaborations it subsidizes? Given that the creation of healthy environments requires intersectoral health action to address social determinants of health, the data were analysed with respect to intersectorality and cooperation. Results of this qualitative multiple case study (n = 8), for the period 2004-2009, show that the majority of subsidized projects were in the health and social services sector and focused on parenting, parent-child attachment, nutrition and the social networks of families. Only a few initiatives reached beyond the health and social services sector to address social health determinants such as education, housing and transportation. Membership and mandates of the local groups responsible for programme implementation also showed little intersectorality. The limited variation between these eight cases can be attributed to the configuration of the local networks, as well as to specific issues in urban and rural areas. To explain the overall similarity of results across cases, we turned to the literature on policy instruments which suggests that particular characteristics of a programme may produce effects that are independent of its intended objective. In our study, several programme mechanisms, such as those framing the definition of «healthy environment» and budget management rules, could have encouraged the local development of initiatives that focus on individual skills related to parenting and attachment rather than the development of intersectoral health action to address social determinants of health. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Implementation of Schools' Policy in the Development of the Local Content Curriculum in Primary Schools in Pacitan, Indonesia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maryono

2016-01-01

This study aims to describe the culture and local potential in Pacitan, East Java, as well as the implementation of local content in primary schools in the area, and some factors that support and hinder their implementation. This research is a qualitative case study. There were five primary schools used as samples obtained through purposive…

Sonographic findings of localized Castleman disease of the abdomen and pelvis.

PubMed

Zhou, Wei; Zhan, Weiwei; Zhou, Jianqiao; Zhu, Ying; Yao, Jiejie

2015-09-01

The purpose of this study was to sonographically evaluate the diagnosis of localized Castleman disease in the abdomen and pelvis. This was a retrospective analysis of 18 cases of Castleman disease localized in the abdomen and pelvis. The following features of the lesions were assessed on sonography (US): location, size, margin, echogenicity, echotexture, intralesional cystic necrosis, intralesional calcification, posterior acoustic enhancement, and blood supply. Of the 18 tumors, 16 were located in the abdomen and 2 were located in the pelvis close to iliac vessels. The most frequent appearance of localized Castleman disease in the abdomen and pelvis on US was of a single, well-defined, hypoechoic solid mass with no intralesional cystic necrosis. The internal echotexture was homogeneous in 4 cases and heterogeneous in 14 cases, with thin hyperechoic septa (n = 14) or calcifications (n = 3). Posterior acoustic enhancement was seen in 17 of the 18 cases (94%). Ninety-four percent of the lesions (17/18) had marked vascularity on color Doppler US. Localized Castleman disease in the abdomen and pelvis usually appears on US as a heterogeneously hypoechoic lesion containing thin septa, and more commonly than not, demonstrates posterior acoustic enhancement and marked vascularity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Application of hotspot detection using spatial scan statistic: Study of criminality in Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Runadi, Taruga; Widyaningsih, Yekti

2017-03-01

According to the police registered data, the number of criminal cases tends to fluctuate during 2011 to 2013. It means there is no significant reduction cases number of criminal acts during that period. Local government needs to observe whether their area was a high risk of criminal case. The objectives of this study are to detect hotspot area of certain criminal cases using spatial scan statistic. This study analyzed the data of 22 criminal types cases based on province in Indonesia that occurred during 2013. The data was obtained from Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) that was released in 2014. Hotspot detection was performed according to the likelihood ratio of the Poisson model using SaTScanTM software and then mapped using R. The spatial scan statistic method successfully detected provinces that was categorized as hotspot for 22 crime types cases being analyzed with p-value less than 0.05. The local governments of province that were detected as hotspot area of certain crime cases should provide more attention to improve security quality.

Gauge Field Localization on Deformed Branes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tofighi, A.; Moazzen, M.; Farokhtabar, A.

2016-02-01

In this paper, we utilise the Chumbes-Holf da Silva-Hott (CHH) mechanism to investigate the issue of gauge field localization on a deformed brane constructed with one scalar field, which can be coupled to gravity minimally or non-minimally. The study of deformed defects is important because they contain internal structures which may have implications in braneworld models. With the CHH mechanism, we find that the massless zero mode of gauge field, in the case of minimal or non-minimal coupling is localized on the brane. Moreover, in the case of non-minimal coupling, it is shown that, when the non-minimal coupling constant is larger than its critical value, then the zero mode is localized on each sub brane.

Primary health-care teams as adaptive organizations: exploring and explaining work variation using case studies in rural and urban Scotland.

PubMed

Farmer, Jane; West, Christina; Whyte, Bruce; Maclean, Margaret

2005-08-01

It is acknowledged, internationally, that health-care practitioners' work differs between and urban areas. While several factors affect individual teams' activities, there is little understanding about how patterns of work evolve. Consideration of work in relation to local circumstances is important for training, devising contracts and redesigning services. Six case studies centred on Scottish rural and urban general practices were used to examine, in-depth, the activity of primary health-care teams. Quantitative workload data about patient contacts were collected over 24 months. Interviews and diaries revealed insightful qualitative data. Findings revealed that rural general practitioners and district nurses tended to conduct more consultations per practice patient compared with their urban counterparts. Conditions seen and work tasks varied between case study teams. Qualitative data suggested that the key reasons for variation were: local needs and circumstances; choices made about deployment of available time, team composition and the extent of access to other services. Primary care teams might be viewed as adaptive organization, with co-evolution of services produced by health professionals and local people. The study highlights limitations in the application of workload data and suggests that understanding the nature of work in relation to local circumstances is important in service redesign.

Indochinese Refugees in America: Profiles of Five Communities. A Case Study. Executive Seminar in National and International Affairs (22nd).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gim, Wever; Litwin, Tybel

Five case studies describe experiences in the resettlement of Indochinese refugees in Albuquerque, New Mexico; San Diego, California; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota; and Des Moines, Iowa. The case studies focus on local government and community attitudes toward the refugees; patterns of resettlement; and the nature and…

Metastasis of ovarian cancer to the breast: A report of two cases and a review of the literature

PubMed Central

TEMPFER, CLEMENS B.; EL FIZAZI, NARIMAN; ERGONENC, HASSAN; SOLASS, WIEBKE

2016-01-01

Metastasis of ovarian cancer to the breast (MOCB) is a rare event. Clinical presentations of MOCB vary and surgery is the mainstay of treatment. The current study presents two cases of MOCB in women with recurrent ovarian cancer first diagnosed in April 2011 and October 2013, respectively. The patients presented to the clinic with a localized, palpable, painful mass in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast and a centrally localized, palpable, painful mass of the left breast, respectively. Breast sonography and mammography showed a singular, round, homogenous tumor with irregular borders in each case. An ipsilateral enlarged axillary node was palpable in one case. Tumor biopsy revealed an undifferentiated adenocarcinoma of unknown origin in one case and a moderately-differentiated adenocarcinoma suspected to be breast cancer in the other case. Tumor cells were positive for estrogen receptor and paired box 8, and negative for GATA binding protein 3 in the two cases. Palliative mastectomy was performed in one case and lumpectomy with ipsilateral axillary sentinel node biopsy in the other case, and the final histology revealed MOCB in each. The post-operative course of the disease was uneventful and the patients continued with their ovarian cancer-specific chemotherapy. One patient succumbed to disease progression 2 months after breast surgery. The other patient remains alive and is currently undergoing systemic chemotherapy. The current study also presents a review of 110 cases of MOCB identified in a literature search of Pubmed. Data from these studies, including the clinical and histological characteristics of MOCB, and the clinical management and prognosis are discussed. Overall, MOCB is rare, with distinct clinical and histological features. The disease is usually treated with local surgical excision or mastectomy and has a poor prognosis. PMID:27313731

Classical and quantum localization and delocalization in the Fermi accelerator, kicked rotor and two-sided kicked rotor models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaslavsky, M.

1996-06-01

The phenomena of dynamical localization, both classical and quantum, are studied in the Fermi accelerator model. The model consists of two vertical oscillating walls and a ball bouncing between them. The classical localization boundary is calculated in the case of ``sinusoidal velocity transfer'' [A. J. Lichtenberg and M. A. Lieberman, Regular and Stochastic Motion (Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1983)] on the basis of the analysis of resonances. In the case of the ``sawtooth'' wall velocity we show that the quantum localization is determined by the analytical properties of the canonical transformations to the action and angle coordinates of the unperturbed Hamiltonian, while the existence of the classical localization is determined by the number of continuous derivatives of the distance between the walls with respect to time.

Creating Synergies: Local Government Facilitating Learning and Development through Partnerships--Support Document

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waterhouse, Peter; Virgona, Crina; Brown, Richard

2006-01-01

This research sought to document and better understand four evolving learning communities in Victoria. It was based upon an earlier study by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) (Snelling, 2003). The study was qualitative in nature, based on face-to-face interviews and case studies. This supporting document provides the literature…

Local Sociality in Young People's Mobile Communications: A Korean Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yoon, Kyongwon

2006-01-01

Drawing upon ethnographic data, this article explores how young Koreans appropriate mobile phones. By examining the role of local norms of sociality among young people, the study shows that this "individualizing" technology is articulated through "traditionalizing" forces. Despite dominant representations of young people's…

Treatment of Acute Periodontal Abscesses Using the Biofilm Decontamination Approach: A Case Report Study.

PubMed

Pini-Prato, Giovanpaolo; Magnani, Cristina; Rotundo, Roberto

2016-01-01

The aim of this preliminary study was to show the treatment effect of the biofilm decontamination approach on acute periodontal abscesses. Clinical cases showing acute periodontitis were treated using an oral tissue decontaminant material that contains a concentrated aqueous mixture of hydroxybenzenesulfonic and hydroxymethoxybenzene acids and sulfuric acid. The material was positioned into the pocket on the root surface and left in the site for 30 seconds. No instrumentation was performed before the treatment. No systemic or local antibiotics were used in any of the cases. A questionnaire was used for each patient to record the pain/discomfort felt when the material was administered. All of the treated cases healed well and very rapidly. The infections were quickly resolved without complications, and the pockets associated with marginal tissue recession were also reduced. The momentary pain upon introduction of the material was generally well tolerated in the nonsurgically treated cases, and it completely disappeared after a few seconds. The biofilm decontamination approach seems to be a very promising technique for the treatment of acute periodontal abscess. The local application of this material avoids the use of systemic or local antibiotics.

Global, local and focused geographic clustering for case-control data with residential histories

PubMed Central

Jacquez, Geoffrey M; Kaufmann, Andy; Meliker, Jaymie; Goovaerts, Pierre; AvRuskin, Gillian; Nriagu, Jerome

2005-01-01

Background This paper introduces a new approach for evaluating clustering in case-control data that accounts for residential histories. Although many statistics have been proposed for assessing local, focused and global clustering in health outcomes, few, if any, exist for evaluating clusters when individuals are mobile. Methods Local, global and focused tests for residential histories are developed based on sets of matrices of nearest neighbor relationships that reflect the changing topology of cases and controls. Exposure traces are defined that account for the latency between exposure and disease manifestation, and that use exposure windows whose duration may vary. Several of the methods so derived are applied to evaluate clustering of residential histories in a case-control study of bladder cancer in south eastern Michigan. These data are still being collected and the analysis is conducted for demonstration purposes only. Results Statistically significant clustering of residential histories of cases was found but is likely due to delayed reporting of cases by one of the hospitals participating in the study. Conclusion Data with residential histories are preferable when causative exposures and disease latencies occur on a long enough time span that human mobility matters. To analyze such data, methods are needed that take residential histories into account. PMID:15784151

Local public health agency funding: money begets money.

PubMed

Bernet, Patrick Michael

2007-01-01

Local public health agencies are funded federal, state, and local revenue sources. There is a common belief that increases from one source will be offset by decreases in others, as when a local agency might decide it must increase taxes in response to lowered federal or state funding. This study tests this belief through a cross-sectional study using data from Missouri local public health agencies, and finds, instead, that money begets money. Local agencies that receive more from federal and state sources also raise more at the local level. Given the particular effectiveness of local funding in improving agency performance, these findings that nonlocal revenues are amplified at the local level, help make the case for higher public health funding from federal and state levels.

Local interaction strategies and capacity for better care in nursing homes: a multiple case study

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background To describe relationship patterns and management practices in nursing homes (NHs) that facilitate or pose barriers to better outcomes for residents and staff. Methods We conducted comparative, multiple-case studies in selected NHs (N = 4). Data were collected over six months from managers and staff (N = 406), using direct observations, interviews, and document reviews. Manifest content analysis was used to identify and explore patterns within and between cases. Results Participants described interaction strategies that they explained could either degrade or enhance their capacity to achieve better outcomes for residents; people in all job categories used these ‘local interaction strategies’. We categorized these two sets of local interaction strategies as the ‘common pattern’ and the ‘positive pattern’ and summarize the results in two models of local interaction. Conclusions The findings suggest the hypothesis that when staff members in NHs use the set of positive local interaction strategies, they promote inter-connections, information exchange, and diversity of cognitive schema in problem solving that, in turn, create the capacity for delivering better resident care. We propose that these positive local interaction strategies are a critical driver of care quality in NHs. Our hypothesis implies that, while staffing levels and skill mix are important factors for care quality, improvement would be difficult to achieve if staff members are not engaged with each other in these ways. PMID:24903706

Diagnostic performance of multidetector computed tomography in distinguishing unilateral from bilateral abnormalities in primary hyperaldosteronism: comparison of multidetector computed tomography with adrenal vein sampling.

PubMed

Raman, Siva P; Lessne, Mark; Kawamoto, Satomi; Chen, Yifei; Salvatori, Roberto; Prescott, Jason D; Fishman, Elliot K

2015-01-01

The management of patients with primary hyperaldosteronism (PH) varies depending on whether the unregulated aldosterone secretion localizes to a single unilateral adrenal gland, traditionally determined using adrenal vein sampling (AVS). This study seeks to determine if the performance of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) examinations performed using the latest scanner technology can reasonably match the results of AVS, and potentially avoid AVS in some patients. Computed tomographic scans in 56 patients with PH were independently reviewed by 2 radiologists for the presence of adrenal nodules and qualitative adrenal thickening. Results were correlated with AVS results. Of 35 patients with MDCT evidence of unilateral nodules, the imaging findings correctly predicted AVS localization in only 23 (65.7%) cases. When stratified by size, MDCT was accurate in only 71.4% of cases for nodules measuring 10 mm or less, and only 55.0% of cases for nodules measuring 11 to 20 mm. Of the 12 cases where MDCT did not correctly localize, AVS localized to the contralateral adrenal gland in 4 cases, whereas AVS suggested no lateralization in 8 cases. In patients with normal bilateral adrenal glands on MDCT, 2/7 (28.6%) of cases demonstrated unilateral localization on AVS, and in patients with bilateral adrenal nodules, only 3/14 (21.4%) did not demonstrate lateralization on AVS. Multidetector computed tomography, even when performed with the latest generation of MDCT scanners, does not offer sufficient diagnostic accuracy to replace AVS in patients with PH.

IVHS Institutional Issues And Case Studies: Help/Cresent Case Study

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-04-01

This report presents the results of research on procurement-related legal and non-technical issues which may be viewed as constraints to the deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). It focuses on state and local practices when federal ...

Estrogen and progesterone receptor testing in breast carcinoma: concordance of results between local and reference laboratories in Brazil.

PubMed

Wludarski, Sheila Cristina Lordelo; Lopes, Lisandro Ferreira; Duarte, Ivison Xavier; Carvalho, Filomena Marino; Weiss, Lawrence; Bacchi, Carlos Eduardo

2011-01-01

Breast cancer accounts for approximately one quarter of all cancers in females. Estrogen and progesterone receptor testing has become an essential part of the clinical evaluation of breast carcinoma patients, and accurate results are critical in identifying patients who may benefit from hormone therapy. The present study had the aim of investigating the concordance of the results from hormone receptor tests between a reference laboratory and local (or community) laboratories in Brazil. Retrospective study at a reference pathology laboratory. The concordance in the results from hormone receptor tests between a reference laboratory and 146 local laboratories in Brazil was compared in relation to 500 invasive breast carcinoma cases, using immunohistochemistry. There was concordance in 89.4% (447/500 cases) and 85.0% (425/500 cases) of the results from estrogen (κ = 0.744, P < 0.001) and progesterone (κ = 0.688, P < 0.001) receptor tests, respectively, between local and reference laboratories. This was similar to findings in other countries. The false negative rates from estrogen and progesterone receptor tests in local laboratories were 8.7% and 14.4%, respectively. The false positive rates from estrogen and progesterone receptor tests in local laboratories were 15.5% and 16.0%, respectively. Technical and result interpretation issues may explain most of the discordances in hormone receptor testing in local laboratories. Validation of estrogen and progesterone receptor tests at local laboratories, with rigorous quality control measures, is strongly recommended in order to avoid erroneous treatment of breast cancer patients.

An examination of Eyal & Hurst’s (2008) framework for promoting retention in resource-poor settings through locally-relevant training: A case study for the University of Guyana Surgical Training Program

PubMed Central

Prashad, Anupa J.; Cameron, Brian H.; McConnell, Meghan; Rambaran, Madan; Grierson, Lawrence E. M.

2017-01-01

Background Eyal and Hurst proposed that locally relevant medical education can offset the prevalence of physician “brain drain” in resource-poor regions of the world, and presented a framework of the ethical and pragmatic benefits and concerns posed by these initiatives. The present study explored the framework’s utility through a case study of the University of Guyana Diploma in Surgery (UGDS) program Methods The framework’s utility was evaluated using a case study design that included review and analysis of documents and semi-structured interviews with graduates, trainees, faculty members, and policy makers associated with the UGDS program. Data were analyzed from constructivist and interpretivist perspectives, and compared against the benefits and concerns described by Eyal and Hurst. Results The framework is a useful template for capturing the breadth of experience of locally relevant training in the Guyanese setting. However, the results suggest that delineating the framework factors as either beneficial or concerning may constrict its applicability. The case study design also provided specific insights about the UGDS program, which indicate that the Program has promoted the retention of graduates and a sustainable culture of postgraduate medical education in Guyana. Conclusion It is suggested that the framework be modified so as to represent the benefits and concerns of locally relevant training along a continuum of advantage. These approaches may help us understand retention within a resource-poor country, but also within particularly remote areas and public health care systems generally. PMID:29114344

Excess electrons in ice: a density functional theory study.

PubMed

Bhattacharya, Somesh Kr; Inam, Fakharul; Scandolo, Sandro

2014-02-21

We present a density functional theory study of the localization of excess electrons in the bulk and on the surface of crystalline and amorphous water ice. We analyze the initial stages of electron solvation in crystalline and amorphous ice. In the case of crystalline ice we find that excess electrons favor surface states over bulk states, even when the latter are localized at defect sites. In contrast, in amorphous ice excess electrons find it equally favorable to localize in bulk and in surface states which we attribute to the preexisting precursor states in the disordered structure. In all cases excess electrons are found to occupy the vacuum regions of the molecular network. The electron localization in the bulk of amorphous ice is assisted by its distorted hydrogen bonding network as opposed to the crystalline phase. Although qualitative, our results provide a simple interpretation of the large differences observed in the dynamics and localization of excess electrons in crystalline and amorphous ice films on metals.

Approaches to dog health education programs in Australian rural and remote Indigenous communities: four case studies.

PubMed

Constable, S E; Dixon, R M; Dixon, R J; Toribio, J-A

2013-09-01

Dog health in rural and remote Australian Indigenous communities is below urban averages in numerous respects. Many Indigenous communities have called for knowledge sharing in this area. However, dog health education programs are in their infancy, and lack data on effective practices. Without this core knowledge, health promotion efforts cannot progress effectively. This paper discusses a strategy that draws from successful approaches in human health and indigenous education, such as dadirri, and culturally respectful community engagement and development. Negotiating an appropriate education program is explored in its practical application through four case studies. Though each case was unique, the comparison of the four illustrated the importance of listening (community consultation), developing and maintaining relationships, community involvement and employment. The most successful case studies were those that could fully implement all four areas. Outcomes included improved local dog health capacity, local employment and engagement with the program and significantly improved dog health.

Epidemiological review of scorpion stings in Qatar. The need for regional management guidelines in emergency departments.

PubMed

Alkahlout, Baha H; Abid, Muhammad M; Kasim, Mohammad M; Haneef, Shumaila M

2015-07-01

To review the epidemiology of scorpion sting in Qatar, to explore both the clinical significance, and the role of the emergency department (ED) in the management of such cases. In this retrospective study, we reviewed the records of all scorpion sting cases presented to the ED of Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar between October 2010 and May 2013. A total of 111 cases of scorpion stings were reviewed, 81 (72.9%) were males and 30 (27.1%) were females, with a mean age of 38 years. Localized pain was the most frequent presenting complaint (89 [80.2%]), whereas localized redness (44 [39.6%]) and swelling (38 [34.2%]) were the most common clinical signs. Abroug's classification was used, and all cases  were found to be class I. All patients received symptomatic treatment and were sent home. Scorpion sting problem in Qatar has a low clinical significance. Data from such studies should be utilized to create more specific (local) management guidelines, which should be more efficient with more rational utilization of ED resources.

Studies On Endoscopic Local Hyperthermia Using Nd-YAG Laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsunekawa, H.; Kanemaki, N.; Furusawa, A.; Hotta, M.; Kuroiwa, A.; Nishida, M.; Mori, N.; Watanabe, Y.; Morise, K.; Iizuka, A.

1987-03-01

Attempting a new method of laser irradiation for depressed gastric carcinoma, using a newly developed interstitial probe and laser attenuator, we applied local hyperthermia with prolonged low watt contact irradiation. Experimental studies were performed with this probe, using BDF1 mice injected hypodermically with Lewis lung carcinoma. A laser power of 2.0 w at the tip of fiber produced the most desirable temperature curve, about 43 - 60°C at the irradiation site. Clinical applications were carried out on 15 patients with early gastric carcinoma (mainly depressed), 10 preoperative pilot cases and 5 inoperable cases. In follow-up operations and biopsies gastric carcinoma was found to have completely dis-appeared in 2 of the preoperative and 4 of the inoperable cases. In the remaining 8 preoperative cases residual traces of carcinoma were found at the margin of the laser ulcer, but not at the bottom of it. We propose that endoscopic local hyperthermia using interstitial probe and low power irradiation (2.0 W) is the safest and most suitable method of dealing with depressed carcinoma.

Structures, History and Hope: A Case Study of Mechanisms that Maintain Advantage in Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Male, Alan

2011-01-01

International partners must always realise that local education systems interact with local social environments. Local perspectives are active agents in shaping the effectiveness of educational change. Underlying cultural, symbolic and social structures set the elastic limits of change and impact the formulation and implementation of policy…

Pennsylvania School Improvement Program. Linkage Case Study. Intermediate Unit A.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barnette, J. Jackson

The Pennsylvania School Improvement Program (PSIP) was created to assist local schools and school districts in the development of curriculum improvement strategies. The process involves the use of "linkers," curriculum specialists who work with teams from the local level to ascertain needs, then connect the local teams with the research…

Silencing the Center: Local Knowledge and Imported Model in Learning Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bazna, Maysaa

2009-01-01

This qualitative study investigates the interaction between local and imported knowledges in a specific case of transnational importation; the whole-sale importation of the American medical learning disabilities (LDs) model in Kuwait. A discourse analysis of the narratives of local educators at the only school for LDs in the country reveals a…

Alternative Fuels Data Center: Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Science.gov Websites

in this section... Search Federal State Local Examples Summary Tables Federal and State Laws and Legislation Find Local Laws and Incentives Find examples of laws and incentives from local governments. For ) Requirements by Year More Laws & Incentives Data | All Maps & Data Case Studies Deploying Clean Buses

Working Locally as a True Professional: Case Studies in the Development of Local Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sahasewiyon, Kirin

2004-01-01

This article investigates the dynamic overall picture concerning the development of local curriculum in Thailand through action research conducted by 27 Thai elementary school teachers in three private schools in Fang District, Chiang Mai Province. This was the teachers' first experience with action research. The article examines the following…

A Case Study of School District Consolidation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cronin, Joseph M.

2010-01-01

Several New England states have been rethinking the system whereby small towns make the key decisions about school budgets and staffing under the banner of local control. Maine already has mandated a reduction in the number of local school districts from 290 to 80, allowing localities to vote on the larger districts. This consolidation, unpopular…

Retrospective review of voluntary reports of nonsurgical paresthesia in dentistry.

PubMed

Gaffen, Andrew S; Haas, Daniel A

2009-10-01

Paresthesia is an adverse event that may be associated with the administration of local anesthetics in dentistry. The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze cases of paresthesia associated with local anesthetic injection that were voluntarily reported to Ontario"s Professional Liability Program (PLP) from 1999 to 2008 inclusive, to see if the findings were consistent with those from 1973 to 1998 from this same source. All cases of nonsurgical paresthesia reported from 1999 to 2008 were reviewed; cases involving surgical procedures were excluded. Variables examined included patient age and gender, type and volume of local anesthetic, anatomic site of nerve injury, affected side and pain on injection or any other symptoms. During the study period, 182 PLP reports of paresthesia following nonsurgical procedures were made; all but 2 were associated with mandibular block injection. There was no significant gender predilection, but the lingual nerve was affected more than twice as frequently as the inferior alveolar nerve. During 2006-2008 alone, 64 cases of nonsurgical paresthesia were reported to PLP, a reported incidence of 1 in 609,000 injections. For the 2 local anesthetic drugs available in dental cartridges as 4% solutions, i.e., articaine and prilocaine, the frequencies of reporting of paresthesia were significantly greater than expected (chi2, exact binomial distribution; p < 0.01) based on their level of use by Ontario dentists. These data suggest that local anesthetic neurotoxicity may be at least partly involved in the development of postinjection paresthesia.

Analysis of spatial mobility in subjects from a Dengue endemic urban locality in Morelos State, Mexico.

PubMed

Falcón-Lezama, Jorge Abelardo; Santos-Luna, René; Román-Pérez, Susana; Martínez-Vega, Ruth Aralí; Herrera-Valdez, Marco Arieli; Kuri-Morales, Ángel Fernando; Adams, Ben; Kuri-Morales, Pablo Antonio; López-Cervantes, Malaquías; Ramos-Castañeda, José

2017-01-01

Mathematical models and field data suggest that human mobility is an important driver for Dengue virus transmission. Nonetheless little is known on this matter due the lack of instruments for precise mobility quantification and study design difficulties. We carried out a cohort-nested, case-control study with 126 individuals (42 cases, 42 intradomestic controls and 42 population controls) with the goal of describing human mobility patterns of recently Dengue virus-infected subjects, and comparing them with those of non-infected subjects living in an urban endemic locality. Mobility was quantified using a GPS-data logger registering waypoints at 60-second intervals for a minimum of 15 natural days. Although absolute displacement was highly biased towards the intradomestic and peridomestic areas, occasional displacements exceeding a 100-Km radius from the center of the studied locality were recorded for all three study groups and individual displacements were recorded traveling across six states from central Mexico. Additionally, cases had a larger number of visits out of the municipality´s administrative limits when compared to intradomestic controls (cases: 10.4 versus intradomestic controls: 2.9, p = 0.0282). We were able to identify extradomestic places within and out of the locality that were independently visited by apparently non-related infected subjects, consistent with houses, working and leisure places. Results of this study show that human mobility in a small urban setting exceeded that considered by local health authority's administrative limits, and was different between recently infected and non-infected subjects living in the same household. These observations provide important insights about the role that human mobility may have in Dengue virus transmission and persistence across endemic geographic areas that need to be taken into account when planning preventive and control measures. Finally, these results are a valuable reference when setting the parameters for future mathematical modeling studies.

Analysis of spatial mobility in subjects from a Dengue endemic urban locality in Morelos State, Mexico

PubMed Central

Falcón-Lezama, Jorge Abelardo; Santos-Luna, René; Román-Pérez, Susana; Martínez-Vega, Ruth Aralí; Herrera-Valdez, Marco Arieli; Kuri-Morales, Ángel Fernando; Adams, Ben; Kuri-Morales, Pablo Antonio; López-Cervantes, Malaquías

2017-01-01

Introduction Mathematical models and field data suggest that human mobility is an important driver for Dengue virus transmission. Nonetheless little is known on this matter due the lack of instruments for precise mobility quantification and study design difficulties. Materials and methods We carried out a cohort-nested, case-control study with 126 individuals (42 cases, 42 intradomestic controls and 42 population controls) with the goal of describing human mobility patterns of recently Dengue virus-infected subjects, and comparing them with those of non-infected subjects living in an urban endemic locality. Mobility was quantified using a GPS-data logger registering waypoints at 60-second intervals for a minimum of 15 natural days. Results Although absolute displacement was highly biased towards the intradomestic and peridomestic areas, occasional displacements exceeding a 100-Km radius from the center of the studied locality were recorded for all three study groups and individual displacements were recorded traveling across six states from central Mexico. Additionally, cases had a larger number of visits out of the municipality´s administrative limits when compared to intradomestic controls (cases: 10.4 versus intradomestic controls: 2.9, p = 0.0282). We were able to identify extradomestic places within and out of the locality that were independently visited by apparently non-related infected subjects, consistent with houses, working and leisure places. Conclusions Results of this study show that human mobility in a small urban setting exceeded that considered by local health authority’s administrative limits, and was different between recently infected and non-infected subjects living in the same household. These observations provide important insights about the role that human mobility may have in Dengue virus transmission and persistence across endemic geographic areas that need to be taken into account when planning preventive and control measures. Finally, these results are a valuable reference when setting the parameters for future mathematical modeling studies. PMID:28225820

Evaluating performance of local case-mix system by international comparison: a case study in Beijing, China.

PubMed

Jian, Wei-Yan; Lu, Ming; Cui, Tao; Hu, Mu

2011-01-01

Case-mix is an important tool for health planning and management in many countries. As a major developing country, China is considering the introduction of the case-mix system in the health reform. Beijing, the capital of China, developed a local case-mix version whose performance needs to be evaluated before utilization. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the case-mix system developed in Beijing by comparing it with those used in Australia and the U.S.A. A total of 1.3 million inpatient records from 154 hospitals in Beijing in 2008 were grouped respectively using three case-mix systems: (i) Beijing Diagnosis Related Groups (BJ-DRGs); (ii) US-based All Patient DRGs; and (iii) Australian Refined DRGs. Coefficient of variation (CV) and reduction in variance (RIV) were used to measure the performance of DRGs system. The BJ-DRGs produced the best CV and RIV results for expenditure. However, at the level of Major Diagnostic Category (MDC), three MDCs of BJ-DRGs gave the poorest RIVs for both expenditure and length of stay. Although the performance of BJ-DRGs was acceptable, further revision and improvement is needed. Comparisons with other mature DRGs versions can assist in identifying the improvement priorities of the local version. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Case Study Analysis of the Impacts of Water Acquisition for Hydraulic Fracturing on Local Water Availability

EPA Science Inventory

Hydraulic fracturing (HF) is used to develop unconventional gas reserves, but the technology requires large volumes of water, placing demands on local water resources and potentially creating conflict with other users and ecosystems. This study examines the balance between water ...

Success Factors for Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM): Lessons from Kenya and Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Measham, Thomas G.; Lumbasi, Jared A.

2013-09-01

Recent concerns over a crisis of identity and legitimacy in community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) have emerged following several decades of documented failure. A substantial literature has developed on the reasons for failure in CBNRM. In this paper, we complement this literature by considering these factors in relation to two successful CBNRM case studies. These cases have distinct differences, one focusing on the conservation of hirola in Kenya on community-held trust land and the other focusing on remnant vegetation conservation from grazing pressure on privately held farm land in Australia. What these cases have in common is that both CBNRM projects were initiated by local communities with strong attachments to their local environments. The projects both represent genuine community initiatives, closely aligned to the original aims of CBNRM. The intrinsically high level of "ownership" held by local residents has proven effective in surviving many challenges which have affected other CBNRM projects: from impacts on local livelihoods to complex governance arrangements involving non-government organizations and research organizations. The cases provide some signs of hope among broader signs of crisis in CBNRM practice.

GIS and local knowledge in disaster management: a case study of flood risk mapping in Viet Nam.

PubMed

Tran, Phong; Shaw, Rajib; Chantry, Guillaume; Norton, John

2009-03-01

Linking community knowledge with modern techniques to record and analyse risk related data is one way of engaging and mobilising community capacity. This paper discusses the use of the Geographic Information System (GIS) at the local level and the need for integrating modern technology and indigenous knowledge into disaster management. It suggests a way to mobilise available human and technical resources in order to strengthen a good partnership between local communities and local and national institutions. The paper also analyses the current vulnerability of two communes by correlating hazard risk and loss/damage caused by disasters and the contribution that domestic risk maps in the community can make to reduce this risk. The disadvantages, advantages and lessons learned from the GIS flood risk mapping project are presented through the case study of the Quang Tho Commune in Thua Thien Hue province, central Viet Nam.

Biodiversity and ecosystem stability across scales in metacommunities

PubMed Central

Wang, Shaopeng; Loreau, Michel

2016-01-01

Although diversity-stability relationships have been extensively studied in local ecosystems, the global biodiversity crisis calls for an improved understanding of these relationships in a spatial context. Here we use a dynamical model of competitive metacommunities to study the relationships between species diversity and ecosystem variability across scales. We derive analytic relationships under a limiting case; these results are extended to more general cases with numerical simulations. Our model shows that, while alpha diversity decreases local ecosystem variability, beta diversity generally contributes to increasing spatial asynchrony among local ecosystems. Consequently, both alpha and beta diversity provide stabilizing effects for regional ecosystems, through local and spatial insurance effects, respectively. We further show that at the regional scale, the stabilizing effect of biodiversity increases as spatial environmental correlation increases. Our findings have important implications for understanding the interactive effects of global environmental changes (e.g. environmental homogenization) and biodiversity loss on ecosystem sustainability at large scales. PMID:26918536

The political economy of a public health case management program's transition into medical homes.

PubMed

Wells, Rebecca; Cilenti, Dorothy; Issel, L Michele

2015-11-01

Throughout the United States, public health leaders are experimenting with how best to integrate services for individuals with complex needs. To that end, North Carolina implemented a policy incorporating both local public health departments and other providers into medical homes for low income pregnant women and young children at risk of developmental delays. To understand how this transition occurred within local communities, a pre-post comparative case study was conducted. A total of 42 people in four local health departments across the state were interviewed immediately before the 2011 policy change and six months later: 32 professionals (24 twice) and 10 pregnant women receiving case management at the time of the policy implementation. We used constant comparative analysis of interview and supplemental data to identify three key consequences of the policy implementation. One, having medical homes increased the centrality of other providers relative to local health departments. Two, a shift from focusing on personal relationships toward medical efficiency diverged in some respects from both case managers' and mothers' goals. Three, health department staff re-interpreted state policies to fit their public health values. Using a political economy perspective, these changes are interpreted as reflecting shifts in public health's broader ideological environment. To a large extent, the state successfully induced more connection between health department-based case managers and external providers. However, limited provider engagement may constrain the implementation of the envisioned medical homes. The increased focus on medical risk may also undermine health departments' role in supporting health over time by attenuating staff relationships with mothers. This study helps clarify how state public health policy innovations unfold at local levels, and why front line practice may in some respects diverge from policy intent. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Distance Learning Case Studies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barker, Bruce O.

The Office of Technology Assessment authorized a series of case studies in 1989 to investigate how technologies, services, and programs are implemented in distance education projects. The studies were also intended to look at the role of local, state, and federal agencies, and other public and private entities in providing educational services to…

Adolescent suicide prevention.

PubMed

Novick, Lloyd F; Cibula, Donald A; Sutphen, Sally M

2003-05-01

This case-prevention of adolescent suicide-is one of a series of teaching cases in the Case-Based Series in Population-Oriented Prevention (C-POP). It has been developed for use in medical school and residency prevention curricula. The complete set of cases is presented in this supplement to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. This teaching case examines the issue of prevention of adolescent and young adult suicide both at an individual and at a population or community level, using data from the Onondaga County Health Department. In the first section of the case, students are asked to determine whether five deaths related to falling or jumping at a local shopping mall should be considered to be suicidal deaths. Students then develop skills in the reporting as well as in the epidemiology of adolescent suicidal deaths in Onondaga County. As the case progresses, students analyze the results of a local surveillance study of suicidal attempts and ideation. The case concludes with students evaluating a hypothetical screening study intended to reduce the risk of suicidal death and discussing a research design to examine the effectiveness of this prevention strategy.

Investigating potential transferability of place-based research in land system science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Václavík, Tomáš; Langerwisch, Fanny; Cotter, Marc; Fick, Johanna; Häuser, Inga; Hotes, Stefan; Kamp, Johannes; Settele, Josef; Spangenberg, Joachim H.; Seppelt, Ralf

2016-09-01

Much of our knowledge about land use and ecosystem services in interrelated social-ecological systems is derived from place-based research. While local and regional case studies provide valuable insights, it is often unclear how relevant this research is beyond the study areas. Drawing generalized conclusions about practical solutions to land management from local observations and formulating hypotheses applicable to other places in the world requires that we identify patterns of land systems that are similar to those represented by the case study. Here, we utilize the previously developed concept of land system archetypes to investigate potential transferability of research from twelve regional projects implemented in a large joint research framework that focus on issues of sustainable land management across four continents. For each project, we characterize its project archetype, i.e. the unique land system based on a synthesis of more than 30 datasets of land-use intensity, environmental conditions and socioeconomic indicators. We estimate the transferability potential of project research by calculating the statistical similarity of locations across the world to the project archetype, assuming higher transferability potentials in locations with similar land system characteristics. Results show that areas with high transferability potentials are typically clustered around project sites but for some case studies can be found in regions that are geographically distant, especially when values of considered variables are close to the global mean or where the project archetype is driven by large-scale environmental or socioeconomic conditions. Using specific examples from the local case studies, we highlight the merit of our approach and discuss the differences between local realities and information captured in global datasets. The proposed method provides a blueprint for large research programs to assess potential transferability of place-based studies to other geographical areas and to indicate possible gaps in research efforts.

Doing Cultural Work: Local Postcard Production and Place Identity in a Rural Shire

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mayes, Robyn

2010-01-01

Studies of place construction in the rural studies literature have largely privileged the role of professionals over that of local lay actors. This paper contributes to redressing this imbalance through a critical case-study of lay postcard production in a rural shire. Drawing on original, qualitative research conducted in the Shire of…

Local Farmers' Organisations: A Space for Peer-to-Peer Learning? The Case of Milk Collection Cooperatives in Morocco

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Faysse, Nicolas; Srairi, Mohamed Taher; Errahj, Mostafa

2012-01-01

Purpose: The study investigated to what extent local farmers' organisations are spaces where farmers discuss, learn and innovate. Design/methodology/approach: Two milk collection cooperatives in Morocco were studied. The study analysed the discussion networks, their impacts on farmers' knowledge and innovation, and the performance of collective…

Psychosocial drivers for change: Understanding and promoting stakeholder engagement in local adaptation to climate change in three European Mediterranean case studies.

PubMed

Luís, Sílvia; Lima, Maria Luísa; Roseta-Palma, Catarina; Rodrigues, Nuno; P Sousa, Lisa; Freitas, Fabiana; L Alves, Fátima; Lillebø, Ana I; Parrod, Camille; Jolivet, Vincent; Paramana, Theodora; Alexandrakis, George; Poulos, Serafim

2018-06-18

Stakeholder engagement in the processes of planning local adaptation to climate change faces many challenges. The goal of this work was to explore whether or not the intention of engaging could be understood (Study 1) and promoted (Study 2), by using an extension of the theory of planned behaviour. In Study 1, stakeholders from three European Mediterranean case studies were surveyed: Baixo Vouga Lagunar (Portugal), SCOT Provence Méditerranée (France), and the island of Crete (Greece) (N = 115). Stakeholders' intention of engaging was significantly predicted by subjective norm (which was predicted by injunctive normative beliefs towards policy-makers and stakeholders) and by perceived behavioural control (which was predicted by knowledge of policy and instruments). Study 2 was conducted in the Baixo Vouga Lagunar case study and consisted of a two-workshop intervention where issues on local and regional adaptation, policies, and engagement were presented and discussed. A within-participants comparison of initial survey results with results following the workshops (N T1  = 12, N T2  = 15, N T3  = 12) indicated that these were successful in increasing stakeholders' intention of engaging. This increase was paired with a) an increase in injunctive normative beliefs towards policy-makers and consequently in subjective norm, and to b) a decrease in perceived complexity of planning local adaptation and an increase in knowledge regarding adaptation to climate change. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Encouraging Sudanese Schoolboys to Learn English Effectively--A Case Study of Learning EFL in Eddueim Locality's Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gawi, Elsadig Mohamed Khalifa

2013-01-01

This study is aiming at investigating the impact of encouragement on Sudanese learners when learning EFL. The main question of the present study is asking about the influence of encouragement on learning EFL in Sudanese setting. Population of this study are English teachers and students in Eddueim Locality's schools in Sudan. Questionnaire was…

Investigating the governance of autonomous public hospitals in England: multi-site case study of NHS foundation trusts.

PubMed

Allen, Pauline; Keen, Justin; Wright, John; Dempster, Paul; Townsend, Jean; Hutchings, Andrew; Street, Andrew; Verzulli, Rossella

2012-04-01

To investigate the external and internal governance of NHS foundation trusts (FTs), which have increased autonomy, and local members and governors unlike other NHS trusts. In depth, three-year case studies of four FTs; and analysis of national quantitative data on all FT hospitals and NHS Trust hospitals to give national context. Data included 111 interviews with managers, clinicians, governors and members, and local purchasers; observation of meetings; and analysis of FTs' documents. The four case study FTs were similar to other FTs. They had used their increased autonomy to develop more business-like practices. The FT regulator, Monitor, intervened only when there were reported problems in FT performance. National targets applying to the NHS also had a large effect on FT behaviour. FTs saw themselves as part of the local health economy and tried to maintain good relationships with local organisations. Relationships between governors and the FTs' executives were still developing, and not all governors felt able to hold their FT to account. The skills and experience of staff members and governors were under-used in the new governance structures. It is easier to increase autonomy for public hospitals than to increase local accountability. Hospital managers are likely to be interested in making decisions with less central government control, whilst mechanisms for local accountability are notoriously difficult to design and operate. Further consideration of internal governance of FTs is needed. In a deteriorating financial climate, FTs should be better placed to make savings, due to their more business-like practices.

Pelvic floor muscles training to reduce symptoms and signs of vulvovaginal atrophy: a case study.

PubMed

Mercier, Joanie; Morin, Mélanie; Lemieux, Marie-Claude; Reichetzer, Barbara; Khalifé, Samir; Dumoulin, Chantale

2016-07-01

Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), caused by decreased levels of estrogen, is a common problem in aging women. Main symptoms of VVA are vaginal dryness and dyspareunia. First-line treatment consists of the application of local estrogen therapy (ET) or vaginal moisturizer. In some cases however, symptoms and signs persist despite those interventions. This case study describes a 77-year-old woman with severe VVA symptoms despite use of local ET and the addition of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training to her treatment. A patient with stress urinary incontinence and VVA was referred to a randomized clinical trial on PFM training. On pretreatment evaluation while on local ET, she showed VVA symptoms on the ICIQ Vaginal Symptoms questionnaire and the ICIQ-Female Sexual Matters associated with lower urinary tract Symptoms questionnaire, and also showed VVA signs during the physical and dynamometric evaluation of the PFM. She was treated with a 12-week PFM training program. The patient reported a reduction in vaginal dryness and dyspareunia symptoms, as well as a better quality of sexual life after 12 weeks of PFM training. On posttreatment physical evaluation, the PFMs' tone and elasticity were improved, although some other VVA signs remained unchanged. Pelvic floor muscle training may improve some VVA symptoms and signs in women taking local ET. Further study is needed to investigate and confirm the present case findings and to explore mechanisms of action of this intervention for VVA.

Effective conservative treatment of umbilical pilonidal sinus disease: Silver nitrate? Salt?

PubMed

Sözen, Selim; Kanat, Burhan Hakan; Kanat, Zekiye; Bali, Ilhan; Polat, Yilmaz

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the three different treatment methods and investigate The effectiveness of the therapeutic effect of common salt. This retrospective study involved patients who were treated in our clinic for umbilical pilonidal sinus disease between January 2010 and December 2011. The patients were divided to three subgroups according to treatment methods. Group I: Cases treated with only local debridement and systemic antibiotic, group II: cases treated with local debridement, systemic antibiotic and silver nitrate, group 3: cases treated with debridement, systemic antibiotic and salt. In this study, 63 patients with the diagnosis of UPS were treated in our clinic. The patients were classified into three groups; group I included 20 patients, group II included 18 patients and group III included 18 patients. During 16-24 months of follow-up, 4 (20%) recurrences in group1 and 2 (11.1%) recurrences in group 2 were detected. Recurrence rate of group 3 was significantly different (5.55%) when compared to group 2. The mean period for returning to daily activities and work was 1 day for the patients. In conclusion, we suggest that pilonidal sinus cases which are not complicated by abcess and cellulitis can be treated by local removal of umbilical hairs, debridement and dressing without surgery. We conclude that application of common salt (table/ cooking salt) to umbilical pilonidal sinus with granuloma is a simple and highly effective way of treatment without any relapse and complications. Conservative treatment, Local debridement, Umblical pilonidal sinus.

Clinical manifestations of reported Lyme disease cases in Ontario, Canada: 2005–2014

PubMed Central

Nelder, Mark P.; Russell, Curtis; Li, Ye; Badiani, Tina; Sander, Beate; Sider, Douglas; Patel, Samir N.

2018-01-01

Lyme disease (LD) is the most common vector-borne disease in Ontario, Canada. We describe the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of LD in Ontario and examine trends in the incidence of non-disseminated and disseminated LD. LD surveillance data from the integrated Public Health Information System (iPHIS) from 2005–2014 were mapped to symptoms according to syndrome groups (erythema migrans (EM), flu-like, cardiac, neurologic or arthritic) and disease stages (early localized, early disseminated or late disseminated). During the study period, 1,230 cases due to Borrelia burgdoferi were reported in Ontario with annual incidence rates ranging from 0.32 (2006) to 2.16 (2013) cases per 100,000 population. Seventy percent of cases had EM and the proportion of cases with EM increased over time. Other clinical manifestations included flu-like (75%), arthritic (42%), neurologic (41%) and cardiac (6%) symptoms. Early localized disease (n = 415) manifested with EM (87%) and flu-like (57%) symptoms; early disseminated disease (n = 216) manifested with neurologic (94%), cardiac (10%) and EM (63%) symptoms; and late disseminated disease (n = 475) manifested with EM (62%), neurologic (55%), cardiac (9%), and arthritic symptoms (i.e., arthralgia (93%) and arthritis (7%)). Early localized and early disseminated cases (88% each) occurred primarily from May through September, compared to late disseminated cases (81%). The proportion of cases reported to public health within 30 days of illness onset increased during the study period, while the proportion of cases reported within 1–3 months and >3 months decreased. Geographical variations characterized by higher incidence of early localized disease and earlier public health notification (within 30 days of illness onset) occurred in regions with established or recently established LD risk areas, while later public health notification (>3 months after illness onset) was reported more frequently in regions with recently established or no identified risk areas. This is the first study to describe the clinical manifestations of LD in Ontario, Canada. The observed geographical variations in the epidemiology of LD in Ontario reinforce the need for regionally focused public health strategies aimed at increasing awareness, promoting earlier recognition and reporting, and encouraging greater uptake of preventive measures. PMID:29856831

Measuring Up: How to Track and Evaluate Local Sustainability Projects

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Learn about two new federal resources to help you measure, track, and report progress, based directly on the experiences of local governments across the country, and hear from one case study taking place in northwest Washington.

Radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma measuring 2 cm or smaller: results and risk factors for local recurrence.

PubMed

Kono, Masashi; Inoue, Tatsuo; Kudo, Masatoshi; Chishina, Hirokazu; Arizumi, Tadaaki; Takita, Masahiro; Kitai, Satoshi; Yada, Norihisa; Hagiwara, Satoru; Minami, Yasunori; Ueshima, Kazuomi; Nishida, Naoshi; Murakami, Takamichi

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for local recurrence with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) measuring ≤2 cm. This study involved 234 patients with 274 HCCs measuring ≤2 cm who had undergone RFA as the initial treatment. The mean tumor diameter was 1.478 cm. The median follow-up period was 829 days. We evaluated the post-RFA cumulative local recurrence rate and analyzed the risk factors contributing to clinical outcomes. Cumulative local recurrence rates were 9, 19 and 19% at 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively. Among the 145 cases with a complete safety margin (SM) after RFA, only 4 developed local tumor recurrence and the cumulative rates of local tumor recurrence at 1, 2 and 3 years were 2, 3 and 3%, respectively. Among the 129 cases with incomplete SM, local tumor recurrence developed in 34 and the cumulative rates of local tumor progression at 1, 2 and 3 years were 14, 36 and 36%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, significant risk factors were tumor location (liver surface), irregular gross type and SM <5 mm. Even with HCC measuring ≤2 cm, location and gross type of tumor should be carefully evaluated before RFA is performed.

Pathological characteristics and clinical specifications in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: a study of 68 cases.

PubMed

Stoica-Mustafa, Elena; Pechianu, C; Iorgescu, Andreea; Hortopan, Monica; Dima, Simona Olimpia; Tomulescu, V; Dumitraşcu, T; Ungureanu, C; Andronesi, D; Popescu, I; Herlea, V

2012-01-01

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) represent a group of tumors, having their origin in cells of diffuse endocrine system, with particular clinical course, diagnosis and treatment. In our study, were included 68 patients with neuroendocrine digestive tumors admitted, diagnosed and treated in Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, in the last ten years--2000-2010 (retrospective study). Thirty-three (49%) patients were males, 35 (51%) females, and the main age was 58.9 years. In 62 (90.3%) cases was possible to find the primary tumor. The examined tumors had different localizations: pancreas--32 (47.04%) cases (head--17 (24.99%) cases, and body and tail--15 (22.05%) cases), stomach--7 (10.29%) cases, small intestine--7 (10.29%) cases, 6 (8.82%) cases--unknown primary site (diagnosis was established on metastases), right colon--6 (8.82%) cases, liver--6 (8.82%) cases, rectum--2 (2.94%) cases, and retroperitoneum--2 (2.94%) cases. Microscopic examination revealed 59 (86.8%) malignant tumors and 9 (13.2%) benign tumors. Using WHO 2000 Classification, 28 cases of malignant tumors were well-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas, and 31 cases were poor differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas. From malignant cases, 25 (42.3%) have distant metastases and 15 (25.9%) lymph node metastases. Cases of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors included in our study had clinical and histopathological features in correspondence with data from literature--slight predominance in women, predominance in 5th and 6th decades of life, the most frequent localizations were at pancreatic level--both head and body and tail, but the rarest were in colon and retroperitoneum. Most of the cases studied, were malignant tumors, from these more than a half were poor differentiated, and a quarter of them having lymph node or distant metastases.

Resection for secondary malignancy of the pancreas.

PubMed

Hung, Jui-Hsia; Wang, Shin-E; Shyr, Yi-Ming; Su, Cheng-Hsi; Chen, Tien-Hua; Wu, Chew-Wun

2012-01-01

This study tried to clarify the role of pancreatic resection in the treatment of secondary malignancy with metastasis or local invasion to the pancreas in terms of surgical risk and survival benefit. Data of secondary malignancy of the pancreas from our 19 patients and cases reported in the English literature were pooled together for analysis. There were 329 cases of resected secondary malignancy of the pancreas, including 241 cases of metastasis and 88 cases of local invasion. The most common primary tumor metastatic to the pancreas and amenable to resection was renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (73.9%). More than half (52.3%) of the primary cancers with local invasion to the pancreas were colon cancer, and nearly half (40.9%) were stomach cancer. The median metastatic interval was 84 months (7 years) for overall primary tumors and 108 months (9 years) for RCC. The 5-year survival for secondary malignancy of the pancreas after resection was 61.1% for metastasis and 58.9% for local invasion, with 72.8% for RCC metastasis, 69.0% for colon cancer, and 43.8% for stomach cancer with local invasion to the pancreas. Pancreatic resection should not be precluded for secondary malignancy of the pancreas because long-term survival could be achieved with acceptable surgical risk in selected patients.

It's real sustainable rural tourism development: case studies from the Heartland

Treesearch

Steven W. Burr

1998-01-01

In order to be sustainable, tourism development must involve the local population, proceed only with their approval, and provide a degree of local control. The most promising approach involves development which is low impact, small in scale and careful in progress, appropriate and sensitive to the local natural and socio-cultural environment, and readily integrated...

Local Adaptation of Central Policies: The Policymaking and Implementation of Compulsory Education for Migrant Children in China

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wang, Lihua

2016-01-01

This article looks at the central and local governments' policymaking and implementation of compulsory education for migrant children in China. Three distinct models of policy implementation were identified through a case study approach. They indicated a selective adaptation of central policy objective and principles by the local governments and…

The Difficulties and Possibilities of Cross-Cultural Communication: A Case Study of the Global Development of the Confucius Institutes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Qili, Lei; Dong, Chang

2016-01-01

Cultural communication is rooted in fusion: multicultural fusion requires that incoming cultures participate in various cultural activities at their place of arrival, such as cementing collaboration with local universities, reinforcing cooperation with local social groups, and strengthening collaboration with civil forces and local governments,…

Spatial Variability of Mercury Wet Deposition in Eastern Ohio: Summertime Meteorological Case Study Analysis of Local Source Influences

EPA Science Inventory

Extensive exploration of event precipitation data in the Ohio River Valley indicates that coal combustion emissions play an important role in mercury (Hg) wet deposition. During July-September 2006, an intensive study was undertaken to discern the degree of local source influence...

Generic Behavioural Criteria of Managerial Effectiveness: An Empirical and Comparative Case Study of UK Local Government

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hamlin, Robert G.; Serventi, Susan A.

2008-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a "partnership-research" study of effective and ineffective managerial behaviour within the "local government" setting of the Wolverhampton City Council Social Care Department, and to describe how the research supports and challenges the organisation's existing…

Usefulness of composite methionine-positron emission tomography/3.0-tesla magnetic resonance imaging to detect the localization and extent of early-stage Cushing adenoma.

PubMed

Ikeda, Hidetoshi; Abe, Takehiko; Watanabe, Kazuo

2010-04-01

Fifty to eighty percent of Cushing disease is diagnosed by typical endocrine responses. Recently, the number of diagnoses of Cushing disease without typical Cushing syndrome has been increasing; therefore, improving ways to determine the localization of the adenoma and making an early diagnosis is important. This study was undertaken to determine the present diagnostic accuracy for Cushing microadenoma and to compare the differences in diagnostic accuracy between MR imaging and PET/MR imaging. During the past 3 years the authors analyzed the diagnostic accuracy in a series of 35 patients with Cushing adenoma that was verified by surgical pituitary exploration. All 35 cases of Cushing disease, including 20 cases of "overt" and 15 cases of "preclinical" Cushing disease, were studied. Superconductive MR images (1.5 or 3.0 T) and composite images from FDG-PET or methionine (MET)-PET and 3.0-T MR imaging were compared with the localization of adenomas verified by surgery. The diagnostic accuracy of superconductive MR imaging for detecting the localization of Cushing microadenoma was only 40%. The causes of unsatisfactory results for superconductive MR imaging were false-negative results (10 cases), false-positive results (6 cases), and instances of double pituitary adenomas (3 cases). In contrast, the accuracy of microadenoma localization using MET-PET/3.0-T MR imaging was 100% and that of FDG-PET/3.0-T MR imaging was 73%. Moreover, the adenoma location was better delineated on MET-PET/MR images than on FDG-PET/MR images. There was no significant difference in maximum standard uptake value of adenomas evaluated by MET-PET between preclinical Cushing disease and overt Cushing disease. Composite MET-PET/3.0-T MR imaging is useful for the improvement of the delineation of Cushing microadenoma and offers high-quality detectability for early-stage Cushing adenoma.

Western U.S.-Canada crossborder case study : activity 2 : task D : conduct regional and local trucking case studies

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-08-01

This report presents the test plan for conducting the Technical Capability Analysis for the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) evaluation of the San Diego Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative Demonstration. The ICM proje...

New trends in transportation and land use scenario planning : five case studies of regional and local scenario planning efforts

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-04-01

This report summarizes important findings from a literature review on scenario planning processes and a scan of stakeholders. It also presents case studies on innovative, next generation scenario planning efforts. The project team defined next ...

Is There a Risk of Suburban Transmission of Malaria in Selangor, Malaysia?

PubMed Central

Braima, Kamil A.; Sum, Jia-Siang; Ghazali, Amir-Ridhwan M.; Muslimin, Mustakiza; Jeffery, John; Lee, Wenn-Chyau; Shaker, Mohammed R.; Elamin, Alaa-Eldeen M.; Jamaiah, Ibrahim; Lau, Yee-Ling; Rohela, Mahmud; Kamarulzaman, Adeeba; Sitam, Frankie; Mohd-Noh, Rosnida; Abdul-Aziz, Noraishah M.

2013-01-01

Background The suburban transmission of malaria in Selangor, Malaysia’s most developed and populous state still remains a concern for public health in this region. Despite much successful control efforts directed at its reduction, sporadic cases, mostly brought in by foreigners have continued to occur. In addition, cases of simian malaria caused by Plasmodium knowlesi, some with fatal outcome have caused grave concern to health workers. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of local malaria transmission in suburban regions of Selangor, which are adjacent to secondary rainforests. Findings A malaria survey spanning 7 years (2006 - 2012) was conducted in Selangor. A total of 1623 laboratory confirmed malaria cases were reported from Selangor’s nine districts. While 72.6% of these cases (1178/1623) were attributed to imported malaria (cases originating from other countries), 25.5% (414/1623) were local cases and 1.9% (31/1623) were considered as relapse and unclassified cases combined. In this study, the most prevalent infection was P. vivax (1239 cases, prevalence 76.3%) followed by P. falciparum (211, 13.0%), P. knowlesi (75, 4.6%), P. malariae (71, 4.4%) and P. ovale (1, 0.06%). Mixed infections comprising of P. vivax and P. falciparum were confirmed (26, 1.6%). Entomological surveys targeting the residences of malaria patients’ showed that the most commonly trapped Anopheles species was An. maculatus. No oocysts or sporozoites were found in the An. maculatus collected. Nevertheless, the possibility of An. maculatus being the malaria vector in the investigated locations was high due to its persistent occurrence in these areas. Conclusions Malaria cases reported in this study were mostly imported cases. However the co-existence of local cases and potential Plasmodium spp. vectors should be cause for concern. The results of this survey reflect the need of maintaining closely monitored malaria control programs and continuous extensive malaria surveillance in Peninsula Malaysia. PMID:24194901

Is there a risk of suburban transmission of malaria in Selangor, Malaysia?

PubMed

Braima, Kamil A; Sum, Jia-Siang; Ghazali, Amir-Ridhwan M; Muslimin, Mustakiza; Jeffery, John; Lee, Wenn-Chyau; Shaker, Mohammed R; Elamin, Alaa-Eldeen M; Jamaiah, Ibrahim; Lau, Yee-Ling; Rohela, Mahmud; Kamarulzaman, Adeeba; Sitam, Frankie; Mohd-Noh, Rosnida; Abdul-Aziz, Noraishah M

2013-01-01

The suburban transmission of malaria in Selangor, Malaysia's most developed and populous state still remains a concern for public health in this region. Despite much successful control efforts directed at its reduction, sporadic cases, mostly brought in by foreigners have continued to occur. In addition, cases of simian malaria caused by Plasmodium knowlesi, some with fatal outcome have caused grave concern to health workers. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of local malaria transmission in suburban regions of Selangor, which are adjacent to secondary rainforests. A malaria survey spanning 7 years (2006 - 2012) was conducted in Selangor. A total of 1623 laboratory confirmed malaria cases were reported from Selangor's nine districts. While 72.6% of these cases (1178/1623) were attributed to imported malaria (cases originating from other countries), 25.5% (414/1623) were local cases and 1.9% (31/1623) were considered as relapse and unclassified cases combined. In this study, the most prevalent infection was P. vivax (1239 cases, prevalence 76.3%) followed by P. falciparum (211, 13.0%), P. knowlesi (75, 4.6%), P. malariae (71, 4.4%) and P. ovale (1, 0.06%). Mixed infections comprising of P. vivax and P. falciparum were confirmed (26, 1.6%). Entomological surveys targeting the residences of malaria patients' showed that the most commonly trapped Anopheles species was An. maculatus. No oocysts or sporozoites were found in the An. maculatus collected. Nevertheless, the possibility of An. maculatus being the malaria vector in the investigated locations was high due to its persistent occurrence in these areas. Malaria cases reported in this study were mostly imported cases. However the co-existence of local cases and potential Plasmodium spp. vectors should be cause for concern. The results of this survey reflect the need of maintaining closely monitored malaria control programs and continuous extensive malaria surveillance in Peninsula Malaysia.

The role of localities in karsten’s works in architecture and city of Semarang

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sidharta Muljadinata, Albertus; Antariksa; Salura, Purnama

2018-03-01

Herman Thomas Karsten architectural masterpiece becomes objects of cultural heritage that must be appreciated, it covers town planning and architectural design. On progress, Karsten’s masterpiece hasn’t changed much as a result of globalization that hits Semarang city; his masterpiece is considered well, valued by the society, it is possibly because of the conceptual approach that prioritizes and blends the local aspects of wealth. Collecting data including literature study, synchronic and diachronic method, will produce a red thread ideology that influences Karsten’s way of thinking. History shows, the architectural work that survives is that have the local aspect in the concept of planning. Through the literature review of the Theory of the City and Local Aspects, and by taking the case on the cities of Karsten design, there will be a relation between the Local Aspect and the Concept of Town Planning by Karsten. Case Study in Semarang city, which is also the best or the most completed masterpiece of Karsten, becomes a reference that corresponds to the literature study, so we get the scope of the local aspect that consists of Place, People and Period always related with cultural, social and economic aspect, and all of these have correlation with the town planning and architectural work of Karsten.

Localized Quality Assurance and Certification for Cross-Border Education: A Shanghai Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yadong, Li; Yanqiao, Jiang

2009-01-01

The authors present a case study of Sino-foreign cooperation in education to illustrate how developments in the management of licensing and the approval of programs can contribute to better quality assurance. The study demonstrates how the Shanghai municipal education authority has jettisoned traditional dependence on administrative management and…

A Case Study in Collaboration for Curriculum Reform.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Markowitz, Nancy Lourie; Crane, Beverley

This paper presents a case study describing the collaboration between a state university, a local school district, and Dialog Information Services, Inc. that was designed to include the use of online searching in a social studies methodology course and to encourage school curriculum reform in the area of technology by integrating online searching…

The growth of a culture of evidence-based obstetrics in South Africa: a qualitative case study

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background While the past two decades have seen a shift towards evidence-based obstetrics and midwifery, the process through which a culture of evidence-based practice develops and is sustained within particular fields of clinical practice has not been well documented, particularly in LMICs (low- and middle-income countries). Forming part of a broader qualitative study of evidence-based policy making, this paper describes the development of a culture of evidence-based practice amongst maternal health policy makers and senior academic obstetricians in South Africa Methods A qualitative case-study approach was used. This included a literature review, a policy document review, a timeline of key events and the collection and analysis of 15 interviews with policy makers and academic clinicians involved in these policy processes and sampled using a purposive approach. The data was analysed thematically. Results The concept of evidence-based medicine became embedded in South African academic obstetrics at a very early stage in relation to the development of the concept internationally. The diffusion of this concept into local academic obstetrics was facilitated by contact and exchange between local academic obstetricians, opinion leaders in international research and structures promoting evidence-based practice. Furthermore the growing acceptance of the concept was stimulated locally through the use of existing professional networks and meetings to share ideas and the contribution of local researchers to building the evidence base for obstetrics both locally and internationally. As a testimony to the extent of the diffusion of evidence-based medicine, South Africa has strongly evidence-based policies for maternal health. Conclusion This case study shows that the combined efforts of local and international researchers can create a culture of evidence-based medicine within one country. It also shows that doing so required time and perseverance from international researchers combined with a readiness by local researchers to receive and actively promote the practice. PMID:21443794

Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Injured Elephants in Masai Mara and the Putative Negative and Positive Roles of the Local Community

PubMed Central

Mijele, Domnic; Obanda, Vincent; Omondi, Patrick; Soriguer, Ramón C.; Gakuya, Francis; Otiende, Moses; Hongo, Peter; Alasaad, Samer

2013-01-01

Background Very few studies have ever focused on the elephants that are wounded or killed as local communities attempt to scare these animals away from their settlements and farms, or on the cases in which local people take revenge after elephants have killed or injured humans. On the other hand, local communities live in close proximity to elephants and hence can play a positive role in elephant conservation by informing the authorities of the presence of injured elephants. Methodology/Principal Findings Between 2007 and 2011, 129 elephants were monitored in Masai Mara (Kenya), of which 54 had various types of active (intentionally caused) or passive (non-intentionally caused) injuries. Also studied were 75 random control samples of apparently unaffected animals. The observed active injuries were as expected biased by age, with adults suffering more harm; on the other hand, no such bias was observed in the case of passive injuries. Bias was also observed in elephant sex since more males than females were passively and actively injured. Cases of passive and active injuries in elephants were negatively related to the proximity to roads and farms; the distribution of injured elephants was not affected by the presence of either human settlements or water sources. Overall more elephants were actively injured during the dry season than the wet season as expected. Local communities play a positive role by informing KWS authorities of the presence of injured elephants and reported 43% of all cases of injured elephants. Conclusions Our results suggest that the negative effect of local communities on elephants could be predicted by elephant proximity to farms and roads. In addition, local communities may be able to play a more positive role in elephant conservation given that they are key informants in the early detection of injured elephants. PMID:23936262

Assessing Local Risk of Rifampicin-Resistant Tuberculosis in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Using Lot Quality Assurance Sampling.

PubMed

Heidebrecht, Christine L; Podewils, Laura J; Pym, Alexander; Mthiyane, Thuli; Cohen, Ted

2016-01-01

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has the highest burden of notified multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB cases in South Africa. A better understanding of spatial heterogeneity in the risk of drug-resistance may help to prioritize local responses. Between July 2012 and June 2013, we conducted a two-way Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) study to classify the burden of rifampicin (RIF)-resistant TB among incident TB cases notified within the catchment areas of seven laboratories in two northern and one southern district of KZN. Decision rules for classification of areas as having either a high- or low-risk of RIF resistant TB (based on proportion of RIF resistance among all TB cases) were based on consultation with local policy makers. We classified five areas as high-risk and two as low-risk. High-risk areas were identified in both Southern and Northern districts, with the greatest proportion of RIF resistance observed in the northernmost area, the Manguzi community situated on the Mozambique border. Our study revealed heterogeneity in the risk of RIF resistant disease among incident TB cases in KZN. This study demonstrates the potential for LQAS to detect geographic heterogeneity in areas where access to drug susceptibility testing is limited.

Assessing Local Risk of Rifampicin-Resistant Tuberculosis in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Using Lot Quality Assurance Sampling

PubMed Central

Heidebrecht, Christine L.; Podewils, Laura J.; Pym, Alexander; Mthiyane, Thuli; Cohen, Ted

2016-01-01

Background KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has the highest burden of notified multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB cases in South Africa. A better understanding of spatial heterogeneity in the risk of drug-resistance may help to prioritize local responses. Methods Between July 2012 and June 2013, we conducted a two-way Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) study to classify the burden of rifampicin (RIF)-resistant TB among incident TB cases notified within the catchment areas of seven laboratories in two northern and one southern district of KZN. Decision rules for classification of areas as having either a high- or low-risk of RIF resistant TB (based on proportion of RIF resistance among all TB cases) were based on consultation with local policy makers. Results We classified five areas as high-risk and two as low-risk. High-risk areas were identified in both Southern and Northern districts, with the greatest proportion of RIF resistance observed in the northernmost area, the Manguzi community situated on the Mozambique border. Conclusion Our study revealed heterogeneity in the risk of RIF resistant disease among incident TB cases in KZN. This study demonstrates the potential for LQAS to detect geographic heterogeneity in areas where access to drug susceptibility testing is limited. PMID:27050561

Enhancing economic competiveness of dish Stirling technology through production volume and localization: Case study for Morocco

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larchet, Kevin; Guédez, Rafael; Topel, Monika; Gustavsson, Lars; Machirant, Andrew; Hedlund, Maria-Lina; Laumert, Björn

2017-06-01

The present study quantifies the reduction in the levelized cost of electricity (LCoE) and capital expenditure (CAPEX) of a dish Stirling power plant (DSPP) through an increase in localization and unit production volume. Furthermore, the localization value of the plant is examined to determine how much investment is brought into the local economy. Ouarzazate, Morocco, was chosen as the location of the study due to the country's favorable regulatory framework with regards to solar power technologies and its established industry in the concentrating solar power (CSP) field. A detailed techno-economic model of a DSPP was developed using KTH's in-house modelling tool DYESOPT, which allows power plant evaluation by means of technical and economic performance indicators. Results on the basis of LCoE and CAPEX were compared between two different cases of production volume, examining both a minimum and maximum level of localization. Thereafter, the DSPP LCoE and localization value were compared against competing solar technologies to evaluate its competitiveness. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was conducted around key design parameters. The study confirms that the LCoE of a DSPP can be reduced to values similar to solar photovoltaic (PV) and lower than other CSP technologies. Furthermore, the investment in the local economy is far greater when compared to PV and of the same magnitude to other CSP technologies. The competiveness of a DSPP has the potential to increase further when coupled with thermal energy storage (TES), which is currently under development.

New findings and concepts about the G-spot in normal and absent vagina: precautions possibly needed for preservation of the G-spot and sexuality during surgery.

PubMed

Thabet, Saeed Mohamad Ahmad

2013-08-01

The aim of this study was to extend the clinicohistological study to involve the whole normal and absent vagina for confirming the presence of the G-spot and its relation to the surrounding organs and sexuality and to identify certain precautions for its preservation during surgery. This study was a descriptive randomized prospective study conducted at Kasr El Aini School of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt. The G-spot was examined in 1500 women, 500 of them having vaginal and vulval surgery done for gynecological reasons. The G-spot was examined for its clinical and histological features and for determining the effect of surgery on its state and function. The G-spot was found to be present in all women. It was a localized spot in 58% and diffuse in 42% of cases. Associated ejaculation was reported in all cases of the localized type and in 24.5% of the diffuse types. Clinical examination was found to be associated with certain local response in 52.7% of the local types. The G-spot was also found to be connected to the hymen in 100%, the urethra in 52.7%, the vulva in 82.2% and the cervix in 10.8% of cases. The mean of the sex scores and sexuality were significantly decreased in surgery involving the G-spot area. Recorded figures were 93.6 ± 3.4 and 88.2 ± 3.3 before and after surgery, respectively. The corresponding figures in the cases having a general spot were 86.4 ± 4.4 and 84.5 ± 2.4, respectively. The G-spot was found in cases of absent vagina to be localized in 59%, generalized in 28.2% and absent in 12.8% of cases. The G-spot is actually present in all women. It is originally related to the lower urinary tract and it is connected to different parts of the genital tract. It may be localized or generalized. Its integrity is essential for obtaining normal physiological sexuality. Surgery may affect the integrity of the G-spot, so surgical precautions must be carried out to maintain the integrity of this spot and the patient's sexuality. © 2013 The Author. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research © 2013 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Oxaliplatin-containing Preoperative Therapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Local Response, Toxicity and Long-term Outcome.

PubMed

Dueland, S; Ree, A H; Grøholt, K K; Saelen, M G; Folkvord, S; Hole, K H; Seierstad, T; Larsen, S G; Giercksky, K E; Wiig, J N; Boye, K; Flatmark, K

2016-08-01

This non-randomised study was undertaken to examine oxaliplatin as possibly an intensifying component of sequential neoadjuvant therapy in locally advanced rectal cancer for improved local and metastatic outcome. Ninety-seven patients (57 T2-3 cases, 40 T4 cases) received two cycles of the Nordic FLOX regimen (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m(2) day 1 and bolus 5-fluorouracil 500 mg/m(2) and folinic acid 100 mg days 1 and 2) before long-course chemoradiotherapy with concomitant oxaliplatin and capecitabine, followed by pelvic surgery. Treatment toxicity, local tumour response and long-term outcome were recorded. Good histologic tumour regression was obtained in 72% of patients. Implementing protocol-specific dose adjustments, tolerance was acceptable and 95% of patients received the total prescribed radiation dose. Estimated 5 year progression-free and overall survival were 61% and 83%, respectively. T4 stage was associated with an inferior local response rate, which again was highly associated with impaired long-term outcome. In this cohort of rectal cancer patients dominated by T4 and advanced T3 cases given sequential oxaliplatin-containing preoperative therapy with acceptable toxicity, high tumour response rates and overall survival were obtained, consistent with both local and systemic effects. However, tumour response and long-term outcome remained inferior for a significant number of T4 cases, suggesting that the T4 entity is biologically heterogeneous with subgroups of patients eligible for further individualisation of therapy. Copyright © 2016 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of gender, age and product type on the origin induced food product experience among young consumers in Finland.

PubMed

Kumpulainen, Tommi; Vainio, Annukka; Sandell, Mari; Hopia, Anu

2018-04-01

Locally produced and sourced food products are gaining popularity among consumers. The effect of the expectations induced by the origin of the food was studied with 1491 consumers in two separate studies among different age groups. In order to test the consumer response to the product origin neutral, domestic, and local conditions were used. Consumers evaluated the product's pleasantness, their probability to choose it, the overall quality, and their willingness to pay. To gather information on whether the phenomenon was consistent, independent from the product category, three different types of products were tested (meat, bread, and vegetables). Our results show that a closer origin does not necessarily produce a positive response, but that there are several moderating factors such as gender, age, and product type. Female university students responded equally to domestic and local origins in the case of bread, but for meat products, only those of local origin induced a positive reaction. In this study population, the male respondents only reacted to a local origin in the case of bread, while domestic meat products provided similar results to local origins. Among young men consumers in the 7th-9th grades responded to the local origin of vegetables positively, while others among the youngest consumers, the origin did not induce a significant effect. The results indicate that even when the product is not appealing itself, locality can still increase the perceived quality. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Localization of insulinomas to regions of the pancreas by intraarterial calcium stimulation: the NIH experience.

PubMed

Guettier, Jean-Marc; Kam, Anthony; Chang, Richard; Skarulis, Monica C; Cochran, Craig; Alexander, H Richard; Libutti, Steven K; Pingpank, James F; Gorden, Phillip

2009-04-01

Selective intraarterial calcium injection of the major pancreatic arteries with hepatic venous sampling [calcium arterial stimulation (CaStim)] has been used as a localizing tool for insulinomas at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 1989. The accuracy of this technique for localizing insulinomas was reported for all cases until 1996. The aim of the study was to assess the accuracy and track record of the CaStim over time and in the context of evolving technology and to review issues related to result interpretation and procedure complications. CaStim was the only invasive preoperative localization modality used at our center. Endoscopic ultrasound (US) was not studied. We conducted a retrospective case review at a referral center. Twenty-nine women and 16 men (mean age, 47 yr; range, 13-78) were diagnosed with an insulinoma from 1996-2008. A supervised fast was conducted to confirm the diagnosis of insulinoma. US, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CaStim were used as preoperative localization studies. Localization predicted by each preoperative test was compared to surgical localization for accuracy. We measured the accuracy of US, CT, MRI, and CaStim for localization of insulinomas preoperatively. All 45 patients had surgically proven insulinomas. Thirty-eight of 45 (84%) localized to the correct anatomical region by CaStim. In five of 45 (11%) patients, the CaStim was falsely negative. Two of 45 (4%) had false-positive localizations. The CaStim has remained vastly superior to abdominal US, CT, or MRI over time as a preoperative localizing tool for insulinomas. The utility of the CaStim for this purpose and in this setting is thus validated.

When environmental action does not activate concern: the case of impaired water quality in two rural watersheds.

PubMed

Stough-Hunter, Anjel; Lekies, Kristi S; Donnermeyer, Joseph F

2014-12-01

Little research has considered how residents' perceptions of their local environment may interact with efforts to increase environmental concern, particularly in areas in need of remediation. This study examined the process by which local environmental action may affect environmental concern. A model was presented for exploring the effects of community-based watershed organizations (CWOs) on environmental concern that also incorporates existing perceptions of the local environment. Survey data were collected from area residents in two watersheds in southwestern Pennsylvania, USA, an area affected by abandoned mine drainage. The findings suggest that residents' perceptions of local water quality and importance of improving water quality are important predictors of level of environmental concern and desire for action; however, in this case, having an active or inactive CWO did not influence these perceptions. The implications of these findings raise important questions concerning strategies and policy making around environmental remediation at the local level.

Forms of Embeddedness and Discourses of Engagement: A Case Study of Universities in Their Local Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lebeau, Yann; Bennion, Alice

2014-01-01

The paper explores two universities' strategies of impact and engagement and their perceptions by local economic and policy stakeholders in a post-industrial city of Scotland. The concept of structural embeddedness is used to unpack the logics and repertoires of action of local universities and to relate discourses and actions to the nature and…

A Halifax Case Study that Offers an Alternative History of Care Provided by Local Authorities under the 1913 Mental Deficiency Act

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dale, Pamela

2014-01-01

Institutions, and their problems, have traditionally dominated learning disability histories. We know far more about what happened in areas where councils established and/or enthusiastically used local institutions than other places. Local authorities less committed to institutional care must have relied more on family and other carers. This may…

The eigenstate thermalization hypothesis in constrained Hilbert spaces: A case study in non-Abelian anyon chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandran, A.; Schulz, Marc D.; Burnell, F. J.

2016-12-01

Many phases of matter, including superconductors, fractional quantum Hall fluids, and spin liquids, are described by gauge theories with constrained Hilbert spaces. However, thermalization and the applicability of quantum statistical mechanics has primarily been studied in unconstrained Hilbert spaces. In this paper, we investigate whether constrained Hilbert spaces permit local thermalization. Specifically, we explore whether the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis (ETH) holds in a pinned Fibonacci anyon chain, which serves as a representative case study. We first establish that the constrained Hilbert space admits a notion of locality by showing that the influence of a measurement decays exponentially in space. This suggests that the constraints are no impediment to thermalization. We then provide numerical evidence that ETH holds for the diagonal and off-diagonal matrix elements of various local observables in a generic disorder-free nonintegrable model. We also find that certain nonlocal observables obey ETH.

The Incidence of Local Water Pollution Abatement Expenditures: A Case Study of the Merrimack River Basin (1974)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Part I is an analysis of the determinants of local government expenditures on water pollution abatement facilities. Part II is an investigation of the incidence of costs and benefits of public environmental programs.

Occupational Course of Study Diploma Track: A Case Study of Post-School Employment Readiness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doiel, Patrick W.

2017-01-01

The North Carolina Occupational Course of Study (NCOCS) program is an alternative diploma track with a vocational focus toward post school employment to assist students who would not otherwise graduate with a standard course of study. The purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore the local causes of low post-school employment…

Schools Where Parents Make A Difference.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davies, Don, Ed.

This book presents 11 case studies that demonstrate successful efforts to improve education through building new relationships between schools and communities. In addition to presenting the case studies, the book also contains an introductory chapter that discusses the potentials and pitfalls of local efforts at participatory democracy, as well as…

A Case Study: To Internet or Not To Internet.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carman, Jared; Boynton, Doug

1997-01-01

Interactive multimedia training can be delivered via CD-ROM, hard drive, local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), Intranet, Internet and hybrid systems. This article presents a case study of how two companies (Los Angeles Times and Allen Communication) evaluated alternative delivery systems, chose one, and implemented multimedia…

Modelling the Health Impact of an English Sugary Drinks Duty at National and Local Levels.

PubMed

Collins, Brendan; Capewell, Simon; O'Flaherty, Martin; Timpson, Hannah; Razzaq, Abdul; Cheater, Sylvia; Ireland, Robin; Bromley, Helen

2015-01-01

Increasing evidence associates excess refined sugar intakes with obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Worryingly, the estimated volume of sugary drinks purchased in the UK has more than doubled between 1975 and 2007, from 510 ml to 1140 ml per person per week. We aimed to estimate the potential impact of a duty on sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) at a local level in England, hypothesising that a duty could reduce obesity and related diseases. We modelled the potential impact of a 20% sugary drinks duty on local authorities in England between 2010 and 2030. We synthesised data obtained from the British National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS), drinks manufacturers, Office for National Statistics, and from previous studies. This produced a modelled population of 41 million adults in 326 lower tier local authorities in England. This analysis suggests that a 20% SSB duty could result in approximately 2,400 fewer diabetes cases, 1,700 fewer stroke and coronary heart disease cases, 400 fewer cancer cases, and gain some 41,000 Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) per year across England. The duty might have the biggest impact in urban areas with young populations. This study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting health benefits for a duty on sugary drinks. It might also usefully provide results at an area level to inform local price interventions in England.

Multi-tier drugs assessment in a decentralised health care system. The Italian case-study.

PubMed

Jommi, Claudio; Costa, Enrico; Michelon, Alessandra; Pisacane, Maria; Scroccaro, Giovanna

2013-10-01

To investigate the organisation and decision-making processes of regional and local therapeutic committees in Italy, as a case-study of decentralised health care systems. A structured questionnaire was designed, validated, and self-administered to respondents. Committee members, prioritisation, assessment process and criteria, and transparency of committees were investigated. The respondents represent 100% of the 17 regional committees out of 21 regions (in 4 regions there is not any regional formulary), 88% of the 16 hospital networks and 42% of the 183 public hospitals. The assessment process appears fragmented and may take a long time: drugs inclusion into hospital formularies requires two steps in most regions (regional and local assessment). Most of the therapeutic committees are closed to industry and patients associations involvement. Prioritisation in the assessment is mostly driven by disease severity, clinical evidence, and the absence of therapeutic alternatives. Only 13 out of the 17 regional committees have a public application form for drugs inclusion into regional formulary. Regional and local committees (i) often re-assess the clinical evidence already evaluated at central level and (ii) mostly rely on comparative drug unit prices per DDD and drug budget impact. The level of transparency is quite low. The Italian case-study provides useful insights into an appropriate management of multi-tier drugs assessment, which is particularly complex in decentralised health care systems, but exists also in centralised systems where drugs are assessed by local therapeutic committees. A clear definition of regulatory competences at different levels, a higher collaboration between central, regional and local actors, and increased transparency are necessary to pursue consistency between central policies on price and reimbursement and budget accountability at the regional and local levels. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Relationships between Rural Inhabitants and Their Landscapes in Areas of Intensive Agricultural Use: A Case Study in Quebec (Canada)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ruiz, Julie; Domon, Gerald

2012-01-01

An understanding of the relationships between local populations and the landscape is crucial for reintroducing the multifunctional character of landscapes in areas of intensive agricultural use. This study proposes to identify and compare the relationships that local populations, both farmers and non-farmers, maintain with their landscapes in…

Moving a Mountain: Transforming the Role of Contingent Faculty in Composition Studies and Higher Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schell, Eileen E., Ed.; Stock, Patricia Lambert, Ed.

This book addresses the counterproductive conditions in which part-time and non-tenure-track composition faculty must teach, using case studies, local narratives, and models for ethical employment practices. It presents and evaluates a range of proactive strategies for change, both for local conditions and broader considerations. Section 1,…

Negotiation through Power, Ideology, and Technology in the Local Development of the Catholic Telecommunications Network of America.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Soukup, Paul; Boone, Mary

A case study tested the premise that people cope with ambiguity in particular ways within an organizational context, negotiating for understanding and choice through the manipulation of power, ideology, and technology. The study focused on the implementation of a satellite communications network in local Catholic Church offices and on staff…

Unusual localizations of unicameral bone cysts and aneurysmal bone cysts: A retrospective review of 451 cases.

PubMed

Aycan, Osman Emre; Çamurcu, İsmet Yalkın; Özer, Devrim; Arıkan, Yavuz; Kabukçuoğlu, Yavuz Selim

2015-06-01

Unicameral bone cysts (UBC) and aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are benign cystic lesions of bone which are easily diagnosed. However, unusual locations may lead to a false diagnosis. Therefore the aim of this retrospective study was to determine the frequency of unusual localizations. The authors studied 451 cases with histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of UBC or ABC, seen between 1981 and 2012. In the UBC group (352 cases) humerus, femur and calcaneus were found to be the most common sites, while acetabulum, scapula, scaphoid, lunatum, metacarpals, metatarsals, toe phalanges and ulna each accounted for less than 1%. In the ABC group (99 cases) the most common sites of involvement were femur, humerus and tibia, while finger phalanges, ilium, acetabulum, pubis, calcaneus, cuboid, and toe phalanges each accounted for only 1%. The differential diagnosis of cystic bone lesions should include both UBC and ABC. Pain complaints plead for the latter, except in case of fracture.

Anorectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a retrospective multicenter analysis of 15 cases emphasizing their high local recurrence rate and the need for standardized therapeutic approach.

PubMed

Agaimy, Abbas; Vassos, Nikolaos; Märkl, Bruno; Meidenbauer, Norbert; Köhler, Jens; Spatz, Johann; Hohenberger, Werner; Haller, Florian; Croner, Roland S; Schneider-Stock, Regine; Matzel, Klaus

2013-08-01

This study aims to report our multicenter experience with diagnosis, management, and prognosis of anorectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). We retrospectively reviewed cases treated and/or followed up at our institutions in the period 2000-2011. Fifteen patients were identified (eight men and seven women; mean age, 55 years). Presenting symptoms were rectal/perirectal (eight), rectovaginal space (four), or retrovesical/prostatic (three) mass. Primary surgical treatment was local excision (six), deep anterior resection (eight), and palliative diagnostic excision (one). Tumor mean size was 4.8 cm. All but two cases were high risk (Miettinen and Lasota, Semin Diagn Pathol 23:70-83, 2006). R0 resection was achieved in 46% of cases: one of six local excisions vs. five of seven deep anterior resection (16 vs. 71%, respectively). All three cases who received total mesorectal excision had R0. Non-R0 status was mainly due to opening of tumor capsule at surgery (Rx). Seven of 14 patients (50%) developed ≥1 pelvic local recurrences at a mean period of 48.4 months (mean follow-up, 61.6 months). Only two patients developed distant metastasis (adrenal, liver, and peritoneal). Recurrences developed after Rx (three), R1 (two), and unknown R-status (two). Successful mutational analysis in 13 patients revealed KIT mutations in all (10 exon 11, 2 exon 9, and 1 exon 13). Our results confirm the high local recurrence rate of anorectal GISTs (50%) which correlates with the common practice of suboptimal oncological primary tumor resection (Rx or R1 = 7/13). This uncommon subset of GISTs needs more standardized oncological surgical approach to minimize the propensity for local disease recurrence.

Enteric fever in the Pacific: a regional retrospective study from Auckland, New Zealand.

PubMed

Lane, R J; Holland, D; McBride, S; Perera, S; Zeng, I; Wilson, M; Read, K; Jelleyman, T; Ingram, R J H

2015-02-01

There are limited clinical data on enteric fever in the Pacific and New Zealand (NZ) compared with the Indian subcontinent (ISC) and South-East Asia (SEA). Our objective was to describe enteric fever in Auckland - a large Pacific city, focusing on disease acquired in these regions. We reviewed enteric fever cases hospitalised in Auckland from January 2005 to December 2010. Microbiologically confirmed EF was identified in 162 patients. Travel regions: Pacific, 40 cases (25%) (Samoa, 38; Fiji, two), ISC, 72 (44%), SEA, seven (4%), other, three (2%), no travel, 40 (25%). Enteric fever rates for Auckland resident travellers were: India 50.3/100 000; Samoa 19.7/100 000.All Pacific cases were Salmonella Typhi. Of local isolates (without travel history), 38 were S. Typhi (36 fully susceptible, one multi-drug resistant (MDR) + nalidixic acid resistant (NAR), one unknown) and two S. Paratyphi (both NAR). Of non-Pacific travel, 56/82 (69%) isolates were S. Typhi, the remainder S. Paratyphi (15 isolates were fully susceptible, only 1% were MDR). Significant associations of serotype and antibiotic resistance with different travel regions and similarity of phage types (local and Pacific) were observed. Headache, vomiting and acute kidney injuries were more frequent with Pacific travel, while abdominal distension and cholecystitis with local disease. Shorter duration of treatment in the Pacific group was seen despite length of stay in hospital not being reduced. Local cases were associated with longer hospital admissions. One half of cases in Auckland are acquired either from Pacific or locally. Similarities mean that disease acquired locally is likely of Pacific origin. © 2014 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Does root canal treatment in necrotic pulp or retreatment cases with periapical lesions require anaesthesia? An in vivo clinical study.

PubMed

Kfir, A; Blau-Venezia, N; Tsesis, I; Goldberger, T; Metzger, Z

2017-04-01

To examine whether local anaesthesia is required for treating teeth with necrotic pulps (TNP) and retreatment cases (RCs) associated with periapical lesions. Root canal treatment was performed in TNP and RCs without the administration of local anaesthesia. Patients were assured that if they experienced pain, local anaesthesia would be provided. Eighty canals, 40 TNP and 40 RCs, were included in the study. Two length measurements were performed: one using an electronic apex locator (EAL), which was defined as the electronic length (EL), and the second, the length at which the patient first reported that a size 15 file was touching the periapical tissues, which was defined as the periodontal length (PL). The difference between these two measurements (Δ = PL - EL) was the parameter studied. Statistical analysis was conducted using two-way anova and paired t-tests. Working length (WL) was defined in this study as being 0.5 mm short of the EL. EL was shorter than PL in 96% of cases. The mean difference between measurements was 0.78 (±0.11) mm in the TNP group and 0.63 (±0.15) mm in the RC group; the difference was not significant. The distances between the WL and PL were thus 1.28 and 1.13 mm, respectively. In none of the 80 canals did the patient experience any pain, either during the measurements or during the instrumentation procedures. When EALs are used, local anaesthesia may not be required for root canal treatment in teeth with necrotic pulps and retreatment cases associated with periapical lesions. © 2016 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Epidemiological, Clinical and Entomological Characteristics of Yellow Fever Outbreak in Darfur 2012.

PubMed

Alhakimi, Hamdi Abdulwahab; Mohamed, Omima Gadalla; Khogaly, Hayat Salah Eldin; Arafa, Khalid Ahmad Omar; Ahmed, Waled Amen

2015-01-01

The study aims at analyzing the epidemiological, clinical and entomological characteristics of Darfur yellow fever epidemic. It is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. According to operational case definition, suspected yellow fever cases are included in case spread sheet with variables like age, sex, locality, occupation, status of vaccination, onset of symptoms, presenting symptoms, date of blood sampling and confirmation of diagnosis either by laboratory results or epidemiological link. Data about important entomological indices were collected by surveys conducted in 17 localities of 3 Darfur states (Central, West and south Darfur). All Darfur states (especially Central Darfur) have been affected by Yellow Fever outbreak. There is a need to review the non-specific case definition of Yellow Fever which seems to overwhelm the system during outbreaks with cases of other endemic diseases. The significant risk factors of this outbreak included male sex, adult age, outdoor occupation and traditional mining. The fatality rate was significantly associated with vaccination status. The highest fatality rate was recorded by children less than 2 years old (42.9%). Generally, increase in certain entomological indices was followed by increase in number of reported cases 7 days later. Central Darfur state was significantly higher in most studied entomological indices.

Epidemiological, Clinical and Entomological Characteristics of Yellow Fever Outbreak in Darfur 2012

PubMed Central

Alhakimi, Hamdi Abdulwahab; Mohamed, Omima Gadalla; Khogaly, Hayat Salah Eldin; Arafa, Khalid Ahmad Omar; Ahmed, Waled Amen

2015-01-01

The study aims at analyzing the epidemiological, clinical and entomological characteristics of Darfur yellow fever epidemic. It is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. According to operational case definition, suspected yellow fever cases are included in case spread sheet with variables like age, sex, locality, occupation, status of vaccination, onset of symptoms, presenting symptoms, date of blood sampling and confirmation of diagnosis either by laboratory results or epidemiological link. Data about important entomological indices were collected by surveys conducted in 17 localities of 3 Darfur states (Central, West and south Darfur). All Darfur states (especially Central Darfur) have been affected by Yellow Fever outbreak. There is a need to review the non-specific case definition of Yellow Fever which seems to overwhelm the system during outbreaks with cases of other endemic diseases. The significant risk factors of this outbreak included male sex, adult age, outdoor occupation and traditional mining. The fatality rate was significantly associated with vaccination status. The highest fatality rate was recorded by children less than 2 years old (42.9%). Generally, increase in certain entomological indices was followed by increase in number of reported cases 7 days later. Central Darfur state was significantly higher in most studied entomological indices. PMID:29546100

Experiencing the Local to Become Global: A Portrait of Teaching and Learning Abroad

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brugar, Kristy A.

2014-01-01

This case study analyzes the experiences of two first-year American (U.S.) social studies teachers, Sam and Libby, working aboard. Over the course of the year, these two teachers developed an understanding of place and themselves as global educators. Using place-based theory (Sobel, 1994) and drawing on case study methodology, the research…

The World of Wonder Accelerated Learning Community: A Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Biddle, Julie K.

This report presents a case study of the World of Wonders Accelerated Learning Community School (WOW). A community school in Ohio is a new kind of public school-an independent public school that is nonsectarian and nondiscriminatory. The report presents three contexts for the study--historical, local and methodological--and highlights some of the…

Der Ort des Padagogischen: Eine Sammelbesprechung bildungshistorischer Lokal- und Regionalstudien (The Locus of the Pedagogical: A Review of Local and Regional Studies in Educational History).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kemnitz, Heidemarie; Tenorth, Heinz-Elmar; Horn, Klaus-Peter

1998-01-01

Discusses the range and limitations of local and regional case studies based on studies of the educational history of Berlin (Germany), Jewish school systems under National Socialism, and women's education. Examines their content-related results as well as their systematic significance for research on the history of education (DSK)

Why campaigns for local transportation funding initiatives succeed or fail : an analysis of four communities and national data

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-06-01

This report uses statistical analysis of community-level characteristics and qualitatively focused case studies to explore what determines the success of local transportation-related tax measures. The report contains both a statistical analysis of lo...

Distinguishing globally-driven changes from regional- and local-scale impacts: The case for long-term and broad-scale studies of recovery from pollution.

PubMed

Hawkins, S J; Evans, A J; Mieszkowska, N; Adams, L C; Bray, S; Burrows, M T; Firth, L B; Genner, M J; Leung, K M Y; Moore, P J; Pack, K; Schuster, H; Sims, D W; Whittington, M; Southward, E C

2017-11-30

Marine ecosystems are subject to anthropogenic change at global, regional and local scales. Global drivers interact with regional- and local-scale impacts of both a chronic and acute nature. Natural fluctuations and those driven by climate change need to be understood to diagnose local- and regional-scale impacts, and to inform assessments of recovery. Three case studies are used to illustrate the need for long-term studies: (i) separation of the influence of fishing pressure from climate change on bottom fish in the English Channel; (ii) recovery of rocky shore assemblages from the Torrey Canyon oil spill in the southwest of England; (iii) interaction of climate change and chronic Tributyltin pollution affecting recovery of rocky shore populations following the Torrey Canyon oil spill. We emphasize that "baselines" or "reference states" are better viewed as envelopes that are dependent on the time window of observation. Recommendations are made for adaptive management in a rapidly changing world. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Biodiversity and ecosystem stability across scales in metacommunities.

PubMed

Wang, Shaopeng; Loreau, Michel

2016-05-01

Although diversity-stability relationships have been extensively studied in local ecosystems, the global biodiversity crisis calls for an improved understanding of these relationships in a spatial context. Here, we use a dynamical model of competitive metacommunities to study the relationships between species diversity and ecosystem variability across scales. We derive analytic relationships under a limiting case; these results are extended to more general cases with numerical simulations. Our model shows that, while alpha diversity decreases local ecosystem variability, beta diversity generally contributes to increasing spatial asynchrony among local ecosystems. Consequently, both alpha and beta diversity provide stabilising effects for regional ecosystems, through local and spatial insurance effects respectively. We further show that at the regional scale, the stabilising effect of biodiversity increases as spatial environmental correlation increases. Our findings have important implications for understanding the interactive effects of global environmental changes (e.g. environmental homogenisation) and biodiversity loss on ecosystem sustainability at large scales. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd/CNRS.

Local measles vaccination gaps in Germany and the role of vaccination providers.

PubMed

Eichner, Linda; Wjst, Stephanie; Brockmann, Stefan O; Wolfers, Kerstin; Eichner, Martin

2017-08-14

Measles elimination in Europe is an urgent public health goal, yet despite the efforts of its member states, vaccination gaps and outbreaks occur. This study explores local vaccination heterogeneity in kindergartens and municipalities of a German county. Data on children from mandatory school enrolment examinations in 2014/15 in Reutlingen county were used. Children with unknown vaccination status were either removed from the analysis (best case) or assumed to be unvaccinated (worst case). Vaccination data were translated into expected outbreak probabilities. Physicians and kindergartens with statistically outstanding numbers of under-vaccinated children were identified. A total of 170 (7.1%) of 2388 children did not provide a vaccination certificate; 88.3% (worst case) or 95.1% (best case) were vaccinated at least once against measles. Based on the worst case vaccination coverage, <10% of municipalities and <20% of kindergartens were sufficiently vaccinated to be protected against outbreaks. Excluding children without a vaccination certificate (best case) leads to over-optimistic views: the overall outbreak probability in case of a measles introduction lies between 39.5% (best case) and 73.0% (worst case). Four paediatricians were identified who accounted for 41 of 109 unvaccinated children and for 47 of 138 incomplete vaccinations; GPs showed significantly higher rates of missing vaccination certificates and unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children than paediatricians. Missing vaccination certificates pose a severe problem regarding the interpretability of vaccination data. Although the coverage for at least one measles vaccination is higher in the studied county than in most South German counties and higher than the European average, many severe and potentially dangerous vaccination gaps occur locally. If other federal German states and EU countries show similar vaccination variability, measles elimination may not succeed in Europe.

Influence diagnostics in meta-regression model.

PubMed

Shi, Lei; Zuo, ShanShan; Yu, Dalei; Zhou, Xiaohua

2017-09-01

This paper studies the influence diagnostics in meta-regression model including case deletion diagnostic and local influence analysis. We derive the subset deletion formulae for the estimation of regression coefficient and heterogeneity variance and obtain the corresponding influence measures. The DerSimonian and Laird estimation and maximum likelihood estimation methods in meta-regression are considered, respectively, to derive the results. Internal and external residual and leverage measure are defined. The local influence analysis based on case-weights perturbation scheme, responses perturbation scheme, covariate perturbation scheme, and within-variance perturbation scheme are explored. We introduce a method by simultaneous perturbing responses, covariate, and within-variance to obtain the local influence measure, which has an advantage of capable to compare the influence magnitude of influential studies from different perturbations. An example is used to illustrate the proposed methodology. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Dynamics of Decentralization of Higher Education Delivery and Local Politics in the Philippines: the Case of Two Mandaue City Colleges in Cebu Province

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pernia, Ronald A.

2017-01-01

This study explores how the decentralization law of 1991 in the Philippines has provided the conditions for the interface of higher education and politics by virtue of Local Government Units (LGUs) establishment of Local Colleges and Universities (LCUs). Anchored on educational politics framework, it specifically looks at the experience of Mandaue…

Local versus Global Information Relevance in Website Use: A Case Study with the Information Literacy Portal AlfinEEES

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marco, Francisco Javier Garcia; Pinto, Maria

2010-01-01

Introduction: A model to explore the relations among local and global relevance-based information behaviour is proposed that is based on objective and subjective measures of the relevance of the Website contents. Method: Global interest for the Website was researched using data on visits, while local use was explored with two surveys on the…

[What is the cause of failure of local anesthesia?].

PubMed

Vinckier, F

2000-01-01

Local anesthesia fails in 10% of cases of inferior alveolar nerve block and 7% of all cases of local anesthesia in general practice. Possible causes of failure are infection, wrong selection of local anesthetic solution, technical mistakes, anatomical variations with accessory innervation and anxiety of the patient. In this publication we discuss reasons for frequent failure in case of infection and in inferior alveolar nerve block. Understanding the mechanism of failure in local anesthesia, makes it possible to formulate guidelines to guarantee success. These measures are discussed in detail.

Case-control study on the association between a cluster of childhood haematopoietic malignancies and local environmental factors in Aalsmeer, The Netherlands.

PubMed Central

Mulder, Y M; Drijver, M; Kreis, I A

1994-01-01

STUDY OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN--In Aalsmeer, a horticultural community near the main international airport in The Netherlands, a more than fourfold increase in the incidence of haematopoietic malignancies in young people was observed between 1980 and 1985. In a population based case-control study, the association with local environmental factors was investigated. PARTICIPANTS--For each patient younger than 40 years of age (n = 14) diagnosed between 1975 and 1989, four age and sex matched controls were selected via local general practitioners. METHODS--All parents of patients and controls completed a questionnaire on their lifestyle, living conditions, and health, for several years preceding each individual diagnosis. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, matched, and, if necessary, stratified for neighbourhood. MAIN RESULTS--Increased ORs were recorded for intensive use of petroleum products and pesticides by the patients themselves and their fathers: OR petroleum products: 8.0 (95% CI 2.2, 129.9) and 9.0 (1.0, 66.1) respectively; OR pesticides: 6.0 (0.6, 49.3) and 3.2 (1.0, 10.1) respectively. Swimming in a local pond was also significantly associated with the disease: OR = 5.3 (1.3, 17.4). In the 1970s this pond had been polluted by petroleum products and pesticides. CONCLUSIONS--The increased incidence of childhood haematopoietic malignancies in Aalsmeer may have been associated with several specific local environmental factors. Interpretation of the results, however, should take into account the fact that confidence intervals were wide because of the limited number of cases. PMID:8189171

Metal-Insulator Transition Revisited for Cold Atoms in Non-Abelian Gauge Potentials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Satija, Indubala I.; National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899; Dakin, Daniel C.

2006-11-24

We discuss the possibility of realizing metal-insulator transitions with ultracold atoms in two-dimensional optical lattices in the presence of artificial gauge potentials. For Abelian gauges, such transitions occur when the magnetic flux penetrating the lattice plaquette is an irrational multiple of the magnetic flux quantum. Here we present the first study of these transitions for non-Abelian U(2) gauge fields. In contrast to the Abelian case, the spectrum and localization transition in the non-Abelian case is strongly influenced by atomic momenta. In addition to determining the localization boundary, the momentum fragments the spectrum. Other key characteristics of the non-Abelian case includemore » the absence of localization for certain states and satellite fringes around the Bragg peaks in the momentum distribution and an interesting possibility that the transition can be tuned by the atomic momenta.« less

World Perspective Case Descriptions on Educational Programs for Adults: Australia.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Neill, Barry; And Others

This document contains 24 case studies of adult education in Australia: (1) N.S.W. (New South Wales) Department of Agriculture Home Study Program (O'Neill); (2) Increasing Citizen Participation in Local Government (Holderness-Roddam); (3) School for Seniors (Benham and Vickers); (4) Community Living Project (Bleechmore); (5) Learning for the Less…

Cooperative Autonomy in Online Lingua Franca Exchanges: A Case Study on Foreign Language Education in Secondary Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoffstaedter, Petra; Kohn, Kurt

2016-01-01

We report on a case study on pedagogical affordances of intercultural telecollaboration for authentic communication practice and competence development in the local foreign language. Focus is on spoken and written conversations involving pairs of secondary school pupils of different linguacultural backgrounds. Particular attention is given to…

Science Education and Sustainability: A Case-Study in Discussion-Based Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gayford, Chris

1995-01-01

Explores links between science education and current developments in environmental education that take account of the concept of sustainability and the impact of local action on global issues. Uses the greenhouse effect as a case-study example with 16-year-old students. Reports that students learned more effectively using a discussion-based…

Partnering for Transportation Success at Acadia National Park : A Case Study of the Island Explorer Shuttle Bus System at Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-05-01

This report presents the first in a series of case studies on lessons learned from planning and : implementing alternative transportation systems (ATS) and from developing partnerships with : local and regional communities. The report is supported by...

Intergovernmental Information Highways for Local Police Organizations: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vidal, Denise Helena

2013-01-01

A lack of communication, information sharing, and a centralized and unified intelligence repository to gather, maintain, and analyze intelligence information before the September 11, 2001 (9/11) terrorist attacks limited the ability of U.S. law enforcement to share intelligence. The problem addressed in this case study was the lack of multiagency…

Implementing Curriculum Evaluation: Case Study of a Generic Undergraduate Degree in Health Sciences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, Lynne; Driscoll, Peter; Lewis, Melinda; Matthews, Lynda; Russell, Cherry; Cumming, Steven

2010-01-01

This case study presents a longitudinal, evidence-based approach to health science curriculum reform and evaluation. Curriculum in higher education must meet the needs of diverse stakeholders and must respond to dynamic local, national and international contexts, and this creates challenges for evaluation. The long lead time prior to the…

Alternative Fuels Data Center: Florida Transportation Data for Alternative

Science.gov Websites

Laboratory Case Studies Video thumbnail for Choice Environmental Services Chooses Natural Gas Choice Environmental Services Chooses Natural Gas Oct. 11, 2011 Video thumbnail for Local Businesses Get Creative to Case Studies Videos Text Version More Florida Videos on YouTube Video thumbnail for South Florida

DCL System Using Deep Learning Approaches for Land-Based or Ship-Based Real Time Recognition and Localization of Marine Mammals

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-30

Clark (2014), "Using High Performance Computing to Explore Large Complex Bioacoustic Soundscapes : Case Study for Right Whale Acoustics," Procedia...34Using High Performance Computing to Explore Large Complex Bioacoustic Soundscapes : Case Study for Right Whale Acoustics," Procedia Computer Science 20

Environmental Education in Action - III: Case Studies of Public Involvement in Environmental Policy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schoenfeld, Clay, Comp.; Desinger, John F., Comp.

Presented here are 27 case studies of public involvement in environmental policy. These are examples of environmental education or communications programs developed by local, state, regional or national environmental action groups. The reports tell how the groups have successfully, or unsuccessfully, mobilized public opinion in favor of beneficent…

Successful Indicators Study (SIS) Methodology Report: Deviant Case Analysis Pilot.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bailey, Jerry; Hafner, Anne

A deviant case analysis pilot study analyzed California local education agency data to determine the usefulness of regression analysis in predicting change in achievement from 1984 to 1989 and identified outliers or districts that show greater achievement changes than would be expected given changed demographic conditions. This report on the…

Partners for the optimal organisation of the healthcare continuum for high users of health and social services: protocol of a developmental evaluation case study design

PubMed Central

Hudon, Catherine; Chouinard, Maud-Christine; Couture, Martine; Brousselle, Astrid; Couture, Eva Marjorie; Dubois, Marie-France; Fortin, Martin; Freund, Tobias; Loignon, Christine; Mireault, Jean; Pluye, Pierre; Roberge, Pasquale; Rodriguez, Charo

2014-01-01

Introduction Case management allows us to respond to the complex needs of a vulnerable clientele through a structured approach that promotes enhanced interaction between partners. Syntheses on the subject converge towards a need for a better description of the relationships between programmes and their local context, as well as the characteristics of the clienteles and programmes that contribute to positive impacts. The purpose of this project is thus to describe and evaluate the case management programmes of four health and social services centres in the Saguenay-Lac- Saint-Jean region of Québec, Canada, in order to inform their improvement while creating knowledge on case management that can be useful in other contexts. Methods and analysis This research relies on a multiple embedded case study design based on a developmental evaluation approach. We will work with the case management programme for high users of hospital services of each centre. Three different units of analysis will be interwoven to obtain an in-depth understanding of each case, that is: (1) health and social services centre and local services network, (2) case management programme and (3) patients who are high users of services. Two strategies for programme evaluation (logic models and implementation analysis) will guide the mixed data collection based on qualitative and quantitative methods. This data collection will rely on: (1) individual interviews and focus groups; (2) participant observation; (3) document analysis; (4) clinical and administrative data and (5) questionnaires. Description and comparison of cases, and integration of qualitative and quantitative data will be used to guide the data analysis. Ethics and dissemination The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Research Boards of the four health and social services centres (HSSCs) involved. Findings will be disseminated by publications in peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and policy and practice partners in local and national government. PMID:25468510

Why Campaigns for Local Transportation Funding Initiatives Succeed or Fail: An Analysis of Four Communities and National Data (PDF file)

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-06-01

This report uses statistical analysis of community-level characteristics and qualitatively focused case studies to explore what determines the success of local transportation-related tax measures. The report contains both a statistical analysis of lo...

Fluorescence Excitation of Single Molecules,

DTIC Science & Technology

localized neighborhoods and to optical addressing of local spots in solids may now be envisioned. The purpose of this presentation is to show that single...molecules can be studied at helium temperatures by means of a fairly simple setup, at least in the very favorable case of pentacene in terphenyl

Utility of a novel error-stepping method to improve gradient-based parameter identification by increasing the smoothness of the local objective surface: a case-study of pulmonary mechanics.

PubMed

Docherty, Paul D; Schranz, Christoph; Chase, J Geoffrey; Chiew, Yeong Shiong; Möller, Knut

2014-05-01

Accurate model parameter identification relies on accurate forward model simulations to guide convergence. However, some forward simulation methodologies lack the precision required to properly define the local objective surface and can cause failed parameter identification. The role of objective surface smoothness in identification of a pulmonary mechanics model was assessed using forward simulation from a novel error-stepping method and a proprietary Runge-Kutta method. The objective surfaces were compared via the identified parameter discrepancy generated in a Monte Carlo simulation and the local smoothness of the objective surfaces they generate. The error-stepping method generated significantly smoother error surfaces in each of the cases tested (p<0.0001) and more accurate model parameter estimates than the Runge-Kutta method in three of the four cases tested (p<0.0001) despite a 75% reduction in computational cost. Of note, parameter discrepancy in most cases was limited to a particular oblique plane, indicating a non-intuitive multi-parameter trade-off was occurring. The error-stepping method consistently improved or equalled the outcomes of the Runge-Kutta time-integration method for forward simulations of the pulmonary mechanics model. This study indicates that accurate parameter identification relies on accurate definition of the local objective function, and that parameter trade-off can occur on oblique planes resulting prematurely halted parameter convergence. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

CD10 and osteopontin expression in dentigerous cyst and ameloblastoma.

PubMed

Masloub, Shaimaa M; Abdel-Azim, Adel M; Elhamid, Ehab S Abd

2011-05-24

To investigate the expression of CD10 and osteopontin in dentigerous cyst and ameloblastoma and to correlate their expression with neoplastic potentiality of dentigerous cyst and local invasion and risk of local recurrence in ameloblastoma. CD10 and osteopontin expression was studied by means of immunohistochemistry in 9 cases of dentigerous cysts (DC) and 17 cases of ameloblastoma. There were 7 unicystic ameloblastoma (UCA) and 10 multicystic ameloblastoma (MCA). Positive cases were included in the statistical analysis, carried on the tabulated data using the Open Office Spreadsheet 3.2.1 under Linux operating system. Analysis of variance and correlation studies were performed using "R" under Linux operating system (R Development Core Team (2010). Tukey post-hoc test was also performed as a pair-wise test. The significant level was set at 0.05. High CD10 and osteopontin expression was observed in UCA and MCA, and low CD10 and osteopontin expression was observed in DC. Significant correlation was seen between CD10 and osteopontin expression and neoplastic potentiality of DC and local invasion and risk of recurrences in ameloblastoma. In DC, high CD10 and osteopontin expression may indicate the neoplastic potentiality of certain areas. In UCA & MCA, high CD10 and osteopontin expression may identify areas with locally invasive behavior and high risk of recurrence.

Guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis) eradication: a pilot study conducted at the Ohaukwu Local Government Areas, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, West Africa.

PubMed

Ogamdi, S O; Onwe, F

2001-01-01

The incidence and the prevalence of Guinea worm disease, a major cause of disability and a frequent cause of serious permanent deformity, were both drastically reduced in Ohaukwu Local Government Communities, with the provision (through bore holes) of a safer form of drinking water. Since 1986, the Carter Center program has been working to eradicate Guinea worm. The bore holes were dug through the Wasatan Project, a Japanese-funded grant awarded to the Enugu State Ministry of Health to help provide safer drinking water in the local communities. Bore holes were dug in several communities in Ohaukwu Local Government Areas between January 1991 and June 1991. The number of Guinea worm cases in the selected communities was ascertained and recorded by health workers. There was more than a 90% reduction in the number of Guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis) cases after one year. Data collection began in June 1991, shortly after the completion of bore holes in the selected communities. By December 1998, when one of the villages was spot checked for Guinea worm infection, no active case was found. There is a need for post evaluation of all the villages studied to determine the current prevalence of Guinea worm disease.

Control of Aedes aegypti Breeding: A Novel Intervention for Prevention and Control of Dengue in an Endemic Zone of Delhi, India

PubMed Central

Nagpal, B. N.; Gupta, Sanjeev Kumar; Shamim, Arshad; Vikram, Kumar; Srivastava, Aruna; Tuli, N. R.; Saxena, Rekha; Singh, Himmat; Singh, V. P.; Bhagat, V. N.; Yadav, N. K.; Valecha, Neena

2016-01-01

Background and objective The study is based on hypothesis that whether continuous entomological surveillance of Ae. aegypti and simultaneous appropriate interventions in key containers during non-transmission (December–May) months would have any impact on breeding of Aedes and dengue cases during the following transmission months (June–November). The impact of the surveillance and intervention measures undertaken during non-transmission months were assessed by entomological indicators namely container index (CI), house index (HI), pupal index (PI) and breteau index (BI). Methods A total of 28 localities of West Zone of Delhi with persistent dengue endemicity were selected for the study. Out of these localities, 20 were included in study group while other 8 localities were in control group. IEC and various Aedes breeding control activities were carried out in study group in both non-transmission and transmission season whereas control group did not have any such interventions during non-transmission months as per guidelines of MCD. These activities were undertaken by a team of investigators from NIMR and SDMC, Delhi. In control group, investigators from NIMR carried out surveillance activity to monitor the breeding of Aedes mosquito in localities. Results Comparison of baseline data revealed that all indices in control and study group of localities were comparable and statistically non-significant (p>0.05). In both study and control groups, indices were calculated after pooling data on seasonal basis, i.e., transmission and non-transmission months for both years. The test of significance conducted on all the four indices, i.e., HI, PI, CI, and BI, revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) between the study group and control group during transmission and non-transmission months except in HI. Due to consistent intervention measures undertaken in non-transmission months in study group, reduction in CI, HI, BI and PI was observed 63%, 62%, 64% and 99% respectively during transmission months as compared to control group where increase of 59%, 102%, 73% and 71% respectively. As a result of reduction in larval indices, no dengue case (except one NS1) was observed in study group, whereas 38 dengue cases were observed in control group. Conclusion Through this pilot study, it is concluded that proper intervention in non-transmission season reduces vector density and subsequently dengue cases in transmission season. PMID:27918577

Control of Aedes aegypti Breeding: A Novel Intervention for Prevention and Control of Dengue in an Endemic Zone of Delhi, India.

PubMed

Nagpal, B N; Gupta, Sanjeev Kumar; Shamim, Arshad; Vikram, Kumar; Srivastava, Aruna; Tuli, N R; Saxena, Rekha; Singh, Himmat; Singh, V P; Bhagat, V N; Yadav, N K; Valecha, Neena

2016-01-01

The study is based on hypothesis that whether continuous entomological surveillance of Ae. aegypti and simultaneous appropriate interventions in key containers during non-transmission (December-May) months would have any impact on breeding of Aedes and dengue cases during the following transmission months (June-November). The impact of the surveillance and intervention measures undertaken during non-transmission months were assessed by entomological indicators namely container index (CI), house index (HI), pupal index (PI) and breteau index (BI). A total of 28 localities of West Zone of Delhi with persistent dengue endemicity were selected for the study. Out of these localities, 20 were included in study group while other 8 localities were in control group. IEC and various Aedes breeding control activities were carried out in study group in both non-transmission and transmission season whereas control group did not have any such interventions during non-transmission months as per guidelines of MCD. These activities were undertaken by a team of investigators from NIMR and SDMC, Delhi. In control group, investigators from NIMR carried out surveillance activity to monitor the breeding of Aedes mosquito in localities. Comparison of baseline data revealed that all indices in control and study group of localities were comparable and statistically non-significant (p>0.05). In both study and control groups, indices were calculated after pooling data on seasonal basis, i.e., transmission and non-transmission months for both years. The test of significance conducted on all the four indices, i.e., HI, PI, CI, and BI, revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) between the study group and control group during transmission and non-transmission months except in HI. Due to consistent intervention measures undertaken in non-transmission months in study group, reduction in CI, HI, BI and PI was observed 63%, 62%, 64% and 99% respectively during transmission months as compared to control group where increase of 59%, 102%, 73% and 71% respectively. As a result of reduction in larval indices, no dengue case (except one NS1) was observed in study group, whereas 38 dengue cases were observed in control group. Through this pilot study, it is concluded that proper intervention in non-transmission season reduces vector density and subsequently dengue cases in transmission season.

Examination of Traditional Medicine and Herbal Pharmacology and the Implications for Teaching and Education: A Ghanaian Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Asabere-Ameyaw, Akwasi; Sefa Dei, George J.; Raheem, Kolawole

2009-01-01

This article presents the preliminary findings of a pilot study of the practice, uses, and effectiveness of traditional medicine in Ghana. Based on in-depth interviews with local key practitioners and users of traditional medicine, the article points to some of the educational significance of local cultural knowledge on the environment and the…

Differences among Teachers' Perceptions of School Climate: Does Support for the Local Teacher Union Make a Difference?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Griffith, Jason S.

2009-01-01

Although some school improvement literature has suggested that schools will improve when unions are removed from the school system, unions have rarely been isolated in the research. This study involved a mixed method case study approach to explore whether support of the local teacher union affected perceptions of school climate, as measured by the…

Alumni Giving: A Case Study of the Factors That Influence Philanthropic Behavior of Alumni Donors of Historically Black Colleges and Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roy-Rasheed, Lupita D.

2012-01-01

This research project was a study of the philanthropic behavior of local alumni donors at two historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the South Central Region. Specifically, the research explored HBCUs' local alumni donors' experiences, perceptions, triggers, and motivations and how these factors influence alumni giving. This…

HIV/AIDS, beersellers and critical community health psychology in Cambodia: a case study.

PubMed

Lubek, Ian; Lee, Helen; Kros, Sarath; Wong, Mee Lian; Van Merode, Tiny; Liu, James; McCreanor, Tim; Idema, Roel; Campbell, Catherine

2014-01-01

This case study illustrates a participatory framework for confronting critical community health issues using 'grass-roots' research-guided community-defined interventions. Ongoing work in Cambodia has culturally adapted research, theory and practice for particular, local health-promotion responses to HIV/AIDS, alcohol abuse and other challenges in the community of Siem Reap. For resource-poor communities in Cambodia, we recycle such 'older' concepts as 'empowerment' and 'action research'. We re-imagine community health psychology, when confronted with 'critical', life-and-death issues, as adjusting its research and practices to local, particular ontological and epistemological urgencies of trauma, morbidity and mortality.

Malaria transmission in two localities in north-western Argentina

PubMed Central

Dantur Juri, María J; Zaidenberg, Mario; Claps, Guillermo L; Santana, Mirta; Almirón, Walter R

2009-01-01

Background Malaria is one of the most important tropical diseases that affects people globally. The influence of environmental conditions in the patterns of temporal distribution of malaria vectors and the disease has been studied in different countries. In the present study, ecological aspects of the malaria vector Anopheles (Anopheles) pseudopunctipennis and their relationship with climatic variables, as well as the seasonality of malaria cases, were studied in two localities, El Oculto and Aguas Blancas, in north-western Argentina. Methods The fluctuation of An. pseudopunctipennis and the malaria cases distribution was analysed with Random Effect Poisson Regression. This analysis takes into account the effect of each climatic variable on the abundance of both vector and malaria cases, giving as results predicted values named Incidence Rate Radio. Results The number of specimens collected in El Oculto and Aguas Blancas was 4224 (88.07%) and 572 (11.93%), respectively. In El Oculto no marked seasonality was found, different from Aguas Blancas, where high abundance was detected at the end of spring and the beginning of summer. The maximum mean temperature affected the An. pseudopunctipennis fluctuation in El Oculto and Aguas Blancas. When considering the relationship between the number of malaria cases and the climatic variables in El Oculto, maximum mean temperature and accumulated rainfall were significant, in contrast with Aguas Blancas, where mean temperature and humidity showed a closer relationship to the fluctuation in the disease. Conclusion The temporal distribution patterns of An. pseudopunctipennis vary in both localities, but spring appears as the season with better conditions for mosquito development. Maximum mean temperature was the most important variable in both localities. Malaria cases were influenced by the maximum mean temperature in El Oculto, while the mean temperature and humidity were significant in Aguas Blancas. In Aguas Blancas peaks of mosquito abundance and three months later, peaks of malaria cases were observed. The study reported here will help to increase knowledge about not only vectors and malaria seasonality but also their relationships with the climatic variables that influence their appearances and abundances. PMID:19152707

Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of Morton's Neuroma: A Prospective, Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Lizano-Díez, Xavier; Ginés-Cespedosa, Alberto; Alentorn-Geli, Eduard; Pérez-Prieto, Daniel; González-Lucena, Gemma; Gamba, Carlo; de Zabala, Santiago; Solano-López, Alberto; Rigol-Ramón, Pau

2017-09-01

The effectiveness of corticosteroid injection for the treatment of Morton's neuroma is unclear. In addition, most of the studies related to it are case-control or retrospective case series. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness between corticosteroid injection associated with local anesthetic and local anesthetic alone (placebo control group) for the treatment of Morton's neuroma. Forty-one patients with a diagnosis of Morton's neuroma were randomized to receive 3 injections of either a corticosteroid plus a local anesthetic or a local anesthetic alone. The patients and the researcher who collected data were blinded to the treatment groups. The visual analog scale for pain and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Score (metatarsophalangeal/interphalangeal score) were obtained at baseline, after each injection, and at 3 and 6 months after the last injection. There were no significant between-group differences in terms of pain and function improvement at 3 and 6 months after treatment completion in comparison with baseline values. At the end of the study, 17 (48.5%) patients requested surgical excision of the neuroma: 7 (44%) in the experimental group and 10 (53%) in the control group ( P = 1.0). The injection of a corticosteroid plus a local anesthetic was not superior to a local anesthetic alone in terms of pain and function improvement in patients with Morton's neuroma. Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Teaching Writing for the "Real World": Community and Workplace Writing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cox, Michelle; Ortmeier-Hooper, Christina; Tirabassi, Katherine E.

2009-01-01

In this article, the authors offer an approach to teaching that can help students prepare to write for the workplace and in the community: a case study of community-based writing. In this case-study project, students work in groups to study the writing needs and practices of a community-based group or organization, such as a local public library,…

Educating Citizens for Participatory Democracy: A Case Study of Local Government Education Policy in Pelotas, Brazil

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCowan, Tristan

2006-01-01

A case study was undertaken of Pelotas, a large town in southern Brazil, where a recent government of the Workers' Party (PT) implemented a range of social policy reforms. The study draws on interviews with key members of the Municipal Secretariat of Education and policy documents, analyzing them in relation to theoretical literature on…

Using Systems Science to Inform Population Health Strategies in Local Health Departments: A Case Study in San Antonio, Texas.

PubMed

Li, Yan; Padrón, Norma A; Mangla, Anil T; Russo, Pamela G; Schlenker, Thomas; Pagán, José A

Because of state and federal health care reform, local health departments play an increasingly prominent role leading and coordinating disease prevention programs in the United States. This case study shows how a local health department working in chronic disease prevention and management can use systems science and evidence-based decision making to inform program selection, implementation, and assessment; enhance engagement with local health systems and organizations; and possibly optimize health care delivery and population health. The authors built a systems-science agent-based simulation model of diabetes progression for the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, a local health department, to simulate health and cost outcomes for the population of San Antonio for a 20-year period (2015-2034) using 2 scenarios: 1 in which hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values for a population were similar to the current distribution of values in San Antonio, and the other with a hypothetical 1-percentage-point reduction in HbA1c values. They projected that a 1-percentage-point reduction in HbA1c would lead to a decrease in the 20-year prevalence of end-stage renal disease from 1.7% to 0.9%, lower extremity amputation from 4.6% to 2.9%, blindness from 15.1% to 10.7%, myocardial infarction from 23.8% to 17.9%, and stroke from 9.8% to 7.2%. They estimated annual direct medical cost savings (in 2015 US dollars) from reducing HbA1c by 1 percentage point ranging from $6842 (myocardial infarction) to $39 800 (end-stage renal disease) for each averted case of diabetes complications. Local health departments could benefit from the use of systems science and evidence-based decision making to estimate public health program effectiveness and costs, calculate return on investment, and develop a business case for adopting programs.

Overview of EPA tools for supporting local- and regional-scale decision makers addressing energy and environmental issues

EPA Science Inventory

EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) has been developing tools and illustrative case studies for decision makers in local and regional authorities who are facing challenges of establishing resilience to extreme weather events, aging built environment and infrastru...

Comparative community case studies as research tools: A national effort to support local sustainability planning

EPA Science Inventory

The provisioning of aquatic ecosystem goods and services (EGS) is a key concept in USEPA Office of Research and Development research programs. This is a national issue, yet many decisions affecting EGS sustainability are made at the local level where decisions can have substanti...

A National Policy for Workplace Training. Lessons from State and Local Experiments.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Batt, Rosemary; Osterman, Paul

Selected state and local experiments in developing/supporting workplace-centered training programs were analyzed to identify issues relevant to developing a national policy for workplace training. Intensive case studies of state economic development/training programs in California and Illinois and the employment and training programs provided by…

Factors influencing voting results of local transportation funding initiatives with a substantial transit component : case studies of ballot measures in eleven communities

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-10-01

This research project seeks to identify factors contributing to the success, as well as those contributing to the failure, of local transportation ballot measures with a substantial passenger rail component. More specifically, the focus is on actiona...

Engaging Employers in Apprenticeship Opportunities: Making It Happen Locally

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

OECD Publishing, 2017

2017-01-01

This joint OECD-ILO publication provides guidance on how local and regional governments can foster business-education partnerships in apprenticeship programmes and other types of work-based learning, drawing on case studies across nine countries. There has been increasing interest in apprenticeships which combine on the job training with…

Local government alcohol policy development: case studies in three New Zealand communities

PubMed Central

Maclennan, Brett; Kypri, Kypros; Room, Robin; Langley, John

2013-01-01

Aims Local alcohol policies can be effective in reducing alcohol-related harm. The aim of this study was to examine local government responses to alcohol-related problems and identify factors influencing their development and adoption of alcohol policy. Designsettings and participants Case studies were used to examine local government responses to alcohol problems in three New Zealand communities: a rural town, a provincial city and a metropolitan city. Newspaper reports, local government documents and key informant interviews were used to collect data which were analysed using two conceptual frameworks: Kingdon's Streams model and the Stakeholder model of policy development. Measurements Key informant narratives were categorized according to the concepts of the Streams and Stakeholder models. Findings Kingdon's theoretical concepts associated with increased likelihood of policy change seemed to apply in the rural and metropolitan communities. The political environment in the provincial city, however, was not favourable to the adoption of alcohol restrictions. The Stakeholder model highlighted differences between the communities in terms of power over agenda-setting and conflict between politicians and bureaucrats over policy solutions to alcohol-related harm. These differences were reflected in the ratio of policies considered versus adopted in each location. Decisions on local alcohol policies lie ultimately with local politicians, although the policies that can be adopted by local government are restricted by central government legislation. Conclusions The adoption of policies and strategies to reduce alcohol-related harm may be better facilitated by an agenda-setting process where no ‘gate-keepers’ determine what is included into the agenda, and community mobilization efforts to create competitive local government elections around alcohol issues. Policy adoption would also be facilitated by more enabling central government legislation. PMID:23130762

[Vertebral aneurysmatic bone cyst: study of three cases].

PubMed

Vale, Benjamim Pessoa; Alencar, Francisco José; de Aguiar, Guilherme Brasileiro; de Almeida, Bruno Ribeiro

2005-12-01

Aneurysmatic bone cyst is a hypervascularized, benign lesion locally destructive by its progressive growth with greater incidence in the second decade of life. It lodges preferably in the long bones and vertebrae. The clinical picture varies from pain to local edema and even neurological symptoms when in vertebral location. Three cases of vertebral aneurysmatic bone cyst occurring in childhood and all with neurologic deficit symptoms are described. Computerized tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis. Patients underwent surgery to remove the tumor. In one of the cases, pre-operative selective arterial embolization of the lesion was performed. The three patients progressed satisfactorily with neurological improvement, which demonstrated the efficiency of the microsurgical technique for the resection of the spinal tumor. The evolution of the cases and the current treatment are discussed.

Paraesthesia after local anaesthetics: an analysis of reports to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System.

PubMed

Piccinni, Carlo; Gissi, Davide B; Gabusi, Andrea; Montebugnoli, Lucio; Poluzzi, Elisabetta

2015-07-01

This study was aimed to evaluate the possible alert signals of paraesthesia by local anaesthetics, focusing on those used in dentistry. A case/non-case study of spontaneous adverse events recorded in FAERS (FDA Adverse Event Reporting System) between 2004 and 2011 was performed. Cases were represented by the reports of reactions grouped under the term 'Paraesthesias and dysaesthesias' involving local anaesthetics (ATC: N01B*); non-cases were all other reports of the same drugs. Reporting odds ratios (ROR) with the relevant 95% confidence intervals (95CI) were calculated. Alert signal was considered when number of cases >3 and lower limit of ROR 95CI > 1. To estimate the specificity of signals for dentistry, the analysis was restricted to the specific term "Oral Paraesthesia" and to reports concerning dental practice. Overall, 528 reports of 'Paraesthesias and dysaesthesias' were retrieved, corresponding to 573 drug-reaction pairs (247 lidocaine, 99 bupivacaine, 85 articaine, 30 prilocaine, 112 others). The signal was significant only for articaine (ROR=18.38; 95CI = 13.95-24.21) and prilocaine (2.66; 1.82-3.90). The analysis of the specific term "Oral Paraesthesia" retrieved 82 reports corresponding to 90 drug-reaction pairs (37 articaine, 19 lidocaine, 14 prilocaine, 7 bupivacaine, 13 others) and confirmed the signal for articaine (58.77; 37.82-91.31) and prilocaine (8.73; 4.89-15.57). The analysis of reports concerning dental procedures retrieved a signal for articaine, both for any procedures (8.84; 2.79-27.97) and for non-surgical ones (15.79; 1.87-133.46). In conclusion, among local anaesthetics, only articaine and prilocaine generated a signal of paraesthesia, especially when used in dentistry. © 2015 Nordic Association for the Publication of BCPT (former Nordic Pharmacological Society).

Non-local rheological properties of granular flows near a jamming limit.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aranson, I. S.; Tsimring, L. S.; Malloggi, F.

2008-01-01

We study the rheology of sheared granular flows close to a jamming transition. We use the approach of partially fluidized theory (PFT) with a full set of equations extending the thin layer approximation derived previously for the description of the granular avalanches phenomenology. This theory provides a picture compatible with a local rheology at large shear rates [G. D. R. Midi, Eur. Phys. J. E 14, 341 (2004)] and it works in the vicinity of the jamming transition, where a description in terms of a simple local rheology comes short. We investigate two situations displaying important deviations from local rheology.more » The first one is based on a set of numerical simulations of sheared soft two-dimensional circular grains. The next case describes previous experimental results obtained on avalanches of sandy material flowing down an incline. Both cases display, close to jamming, significant deviations from the now standard Pouliquen's flow rule [O. Pouliquen, Phys. Fluids 11, 542 (1999); 11, 1956 (1999)]. This discrepancy is the hallmark of a strongly nonlocal rheology and in both cases, we relate the empirical results and the outcomes of PFT. The numerical simulations show a characteristic constitutive structure for the fluid part of the stress involving the confining pressure and the material stiffness that appear in the form of an additional dimensionless parameter. This constitutive relation is then used to describe the case of sandy flows. We show a quantitative agreement as far as the effective flow rules are concerned. A fundamental feature is identified in PFT as the existence of a jammed layer developing in the vicinity of the flow arrest that corroborates the experimental findings. Finally, we study the case of solitary erosive granular avalanches and relate the outcome with the PFT analysis.« less

Modelling the Health Impact of an English Sugary Drinks Duty at National and Local Levels

PubMed Central

Collins, Brendan; Capewell, Simon; O’Flaherty, Martin; Timpson, Hannah; Razzaq, Abdul; Cheater, Sylvia; Ireland, Robin; Bromley, Helen

2015-01-01

Background Increasing evidence associates excess refined sugar intakes with obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Worryingly, the estimated volume of sugary drinks purchased in the UK has more than doubled between 1975 and 2007, from 510ml to 1140ml per person per week. We aimed to estimate the potential impact of a duty on sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) at a local level in England, hypothesising that a duty could reduce obesity and related diseases. Methods and Findings We modelled the potential impact of a 20% sugary drinks duty on local authorities in England between 2010 and 2030. We synthesised data obtained from the British National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS), drinks manufacturers, Office for National Statistics, and from previous studies. This produced a modelled population of 41 million adults in 326 lower tier local authorities in England. This analysis suggests that a 20% SSB duty could result in approximately 2,400 fewer diabetes cases, 1,700 fewer stroke and coronary heart disease cases, 400 fewer cancer cases, and gain some 41,000 Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) per year across England. The duty might have the biggest impact in urban areas with young populations. Conclusions This study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting health benefits for a duty on sugary drinks. It might also usefully provide results at an area level to inform local price interventions in England. PMID:26121677

Localized scleroderma and regional inflammatory myopathy.

PubMed

Zivković, Saša A; Freiberg, William; Lacomis, David; Domsic, Robyn T; Medsger, Thomas A

2014-05-01

Inflammatory myopathy is rare in localized scleroderma. We report 2 new cases of regional inflammatory myopathy associated with localized scleroderma and review 10 reported cases of localized scleroderma associated with an inflammatory myopathy with regional muscle involvement, more often in the upper extremities. Serum creatine kinase was mildly elevated or normal. Histopathology often showed perimysial inflammation and plasma cell infiltration. These cases demonstrate that inflammatory myopathy should be considered in patients with localized scleroderma and regional muscle weakness, pain or atrophy. Muscle biopsy can confirm the diagnosis of myositis, which if identified, will require anti-inflammatory and/or immunosuppressive therapy. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Treatment of local-anesthetic toxicity with lipid emulsion therapy.

PubMed

Burch, Melissa S; McAllister, Russell K; Meyer, Tricia A

2011-01-15

The use of lipid emulsion to treat local-anesthetic toxicity is discussed. Systemic toxicity from local anesthetics is a rare but potentially fatal complication of regional anesthesia. There is increasing evidence that lipid emulsion may be an effective treatment to reverse the cardiac and neurologic effects of local-anesthetic toxicity. A literature search identified seven case reports of local-anesthetic toxicity in which lipid emulsion was used. Lipid emulsion was found to be successful in the treatment of local-anesthetic toxicity associated with various regional anesthetic techniques and multiple local anesthetics. The majority of patients in the case reports reviewed were unresponsive to initial management of local-anesthetic toxicity with standard resuscitative measures, but all recovered completely after receiving lipid emulsion therapy. The initial dose of lipid emulsion administered varied among the case reports, as well as whether a lipid emulsion infusion was started and at what point during resuscitation. Based on the case reports reviewed, an initial bolus dose of 1.5 mL/kg followed by an infusion of 10 mL/min as soon as local-anesthetic toxicity is suspected seems most beneficial. The pharmacokinetics of lipid emulsion therapy in the treatment of local-anesthetic toxicity has not been fully elucidated but likely involves increasing metabolism, distribution, or partitioning of the local anesthetic away from receptors into lipid within tissues. Lipid emulsion has been reported useful in the treatment of systemic toxicity caused by local anesthetics. The mechanism of effect is unclear, and evidence for the benefit of lipid therapy in humans is from case reports only.

Methanol poisoning among travellers to Indonesia.

PubMed

Giovanetti, Franco

2013-01-01

Common Travel Medicine sources generally do not provide information on the risk of methanol poisoning among travellers who visit Indonesia. The aim of this analysis was to increase knowledge on this topic through reports from bibliographic databases and Internet sources. Case reports and studies on methanol poisoning in Indonesia were retrieved through PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar database searching. The Google search was used to retrieve the Web Media articles reporting fatal and non-fatal methanol poisoning in Indonesia, in a timeframe from 01.01.2009 to 03.03.2013. Three case reports of methanol poisoning involving four travellers to Indonesia were found in bibliographic databases. The media sources searching identified 14 articles published online, reporting 22 cases of methanol poisoning among travellers after consumption of local alcohol beverages. The total number of death cases was 18. Some sources report also a large number of cases among the local population. Methanol poisoning is likely to be an emerging public health problem in Indonesia, with an associated morbidity and mortality among travellers and local people. Some strategies can be implemented to prevent or reduce harm among travellers. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Blending Pan-European and local hydrological models for water resource assessment in Mediterranean areas: lessons learnt from a mountainous catchment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

José Polo, María; José Pérez-Palazón, María; Saénz de Rodrigáñez, Marta; Pimentel, Rafael; Arheimer, Berit

2017-04-01

Global hydrological models provide scientists and technicians with distributed data over medium to large areas from which assessment of water resource planning and use can be easily performed. However, scale conflicts between global models' spatial resolution and the local significant spatial scales in heterogeneous areas usually pose a constraint for the direct use and application of these models' results. The SWICCA (Service for Water Indicators in Climate Change Adaptation) Platform developed under the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) offers a wide range of both climate and hydrological indicators obtained on a global scale with different time and spatial resolutions. Among the different study cases supporting the SWICCA demonstration of local impact assessment, the Sierra Nevada study case (South Spain) is a representative example of mountainous coastal catchments in the Mediterranean region. This work shows the lessons learnt during the study case development to derive local impact indicator tailored to suit the local end-users of water resource in this snow-dominated area. Different approaches were followed to select the most accurate method to downscale the global data and variables to the local level in a highly abrupt topography, in a sequential step approach. 1) SWICCA global climate variable downscaling followed by river flow simulation from a local hydrological model in selected control points in the catchment, together with 2) SWICCA global river flow values downscaling to the control points followed by corrections with local transfer functions were both tested against the available local river flow series of observations during the reference period. This test was performed for the different models and the available spatial resolutions included in the SWICCA platform. From the results, the second option, that is, the use of SWICCA river flow variables, performed the best approximations, once the local transfer functions were applied to the global values and an additional correction was performed based on the relative anomalies obtained instead of the absolute values. This approach was used to derive the future projections of selected local indicators for each end-user in the area under different climate change scenarios. Despite the spatial scale conflicts, the SWICCA river flow indicators (simulated by the E-HYPEv3.1.2 model) succeeded in approximating the observations during the reference period 1970-2000 when provided on a catchment scale, once local transfer functions and further anomaly correction were performed. Satisfactory results were obtained on a monthly scale for river flow in the main stream of the watershed, and on a daily scale for the headwater streams. The accessibility to the hydrological model WiMMed, which includes a snow module, locally validated in the study area has been crucial to downscale the SWICCA results and prove their usefulness.

Evaluation of a National Call Center and a Local Alerts System for Detection of New Cases of Ebola Virus Disease - Guinea, 2014-2015

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-11

Control and Prevention Evaluation of a National Call Center and a Local Alerts System for Detection of New Cases of Ebola Virus Disease — Guinea, 2014...principally through the use of a telephone alert system. Community members and health facilities report deaths and suspected Ebola cases to local alert ...sensitivity of the national call center with the local alerts system, the CDC country team performed probabilistic record linkage of the combined

Assessment of esophageal involvement in systemic sclerosis and morphea (localized scleroderma) by clinical, endoscopic, manometric and pH metric features: a prospective comparative hospital based study.

PubMed

Arif, Tasleem; Masood, Qazi; Singh, Jaswinder; Hassan, Iffat

2015-02-15

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a generalized disorder of unknown etiology affecting the connective tissue of the body. It affects the skin and various internal organs. Gastrointestinal tract involvement is seen in almost 90% of the patients. Esophagus is the most frequently affected part of the gastrointestinal tract. Esophageal motility disturbance classically manifests as a reduced lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) and loss of distal esophageal body peristalsis. Consequently, SSc patients may be complicated by erosive esophagitis and eventually by Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Morphea, also known as localized scleroderma, is characterized by predominant skin involvement, with occasional involvement of subjacent muscles and usually sparing the internal organs. The involvement of esophagus in morphea has been studied very scarcely. The proposed study will investigate the esophageal involvement in the two forms of scleroderma (systemic and localized), compare the same and address any need of upper gastrointestinal evaluation in morphea (localized scleroderma) patients. 56 and 31 newly and already diagnosed cases of SSc and morphea respectively were taken up for the study. All the patients were inquired about the dyspeptic symptoms (heartburn and/or acid regurgitation and/or dysphagia). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring were done in 52, 47 and 41 patients of SSc; and 28, 25 and 20 patients of morphea respectively. Esophageal symptoms were present in 39 cases (69.6%) of SSc which were mild in 22 (39.3%), moderate in 14 (25%), severe in three (5.3%); while only four cases (7.1%) of morphea had esophageal symptoms all of which were mild in severity. Reflux esophagitis was seen in 17 cases (32.7%) of SSc and only two cases (7.14%) of morphea. Manometric abnormalities were seen in 32 cases (68.1%) of SSc and none in morphea. Ambulatory 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring documented abnormal reflux in 33 cases (80.5%) of SSc and no such abnormality in morphea. While the esophageal involvement is frequent in SSc, no such motility disorder is seen in morphea. Meticulous upper gastrointestinal tract evaluation is justified only in SSc and not in morphea.

Identification and Characterization of Sites Where Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Is Terminated by Localized Ablation.

PubMed

Zaman, Junaid A B; Sauer, William H; Alhusseini, Mahmood I; Baykaner, Tina; Borne, Ryan T; Kowalewski, Christopher A B; Busch, Sonia; Zei, Paul C; Park, Shirley; Viswanathan, Mohan N; Wang, Paul J; Brachmann, Johannes; Krummen, David E; Miller, John M; Rappel, Wouter Jan; Narayan, Sanjiv M; Peters, Nicholas S

2018-01-01

The mechanisms by which persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) terminates via localized ablation are not well understood. To address the hypothesis that sites where localized ablation terminates persistent AF have characteristics identifiable with activation mapping during AF, we systematically examined activation patterns acquired only in cases of unequivocal termination by ablation. We recruited 57 patients with persistent AF undergoing ablation, in whom localized ablation terminated AF to sinus rhythm or organized tachycardia. For each site, we performed an offline analysis of unprocessed unipolar electrograms collected during AF from multipolar basket catheters using the maximum -dV/dt assignment to construct isochronal activation maps for multiple cycles. Additional computational modeling and phase analysis were used to study mechanisms of map variability. At all sites of AF termination, localized repetitive activation patterns were observed. Partial rotational circuits were observed in 26 of 57 (46%) cases, focal patterns in 19 of 57 (33%), and complete rotational activity in 12 of 57 (21%) cases. In computer simulations, incomplete segments of partial rotations coincided with areas of slow conduction characterized by complex, multicomponent electrograms, and variations in assigning activation times at such sites substantially altered mapped mechanisms. Local activation mapping at sites of termination of persistent AF showed repetitive patterns of rotational or focal activity. In computer simulations, complete rotational activation sequence was observed but was sensitive to assignment of activation timing particularly in segments of slow conduction. The observed phenomena of repetitive localized activation and the mechanism by which local ablation terminates putative AF drivers require further investigation. © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.

Optical urethrotomy under local anaesthesia is a feasible option in urethral stricture disease.

PubMed

Munks, D G; Alli, M O; Goad, E H Abdel

2010-01-01

The aim of our study was to assess the feasibility of performing optical urethrotomy for urethral stricture disease under local anaesthesia. A total of 33 patients with radiologically proven urethral stricture underwent optical urethrotomy by a single operator under local anaesthesia. Of these patients, 23 (70%) had stricture involving the corpora spongiosum and 18 (55%) of the patients were dependent on supra-pubic catheters. The procedure was successful in 30 cases (91%). The procedure was very well tolerated (average visual analogue pain score of 2/10) with an extremely low complication rate. The large number of patients with urethral stricture disease and the premium on operating time on formal theatre slates encouraged us to perform these procedures under local anaesthetic. Although most patients had severe stricture disease, the majority of cases were successful and very well tolerated. Optical urethrotomy under local anesthesia could be a viable option in the absence of formal theatre time and the facilities to perform general anaesthesia.

Local Methotrexate Injection as the First-line Treatment for Cesarean Scar Pregnancy: Review of the Literature.

PubMed

Cheung, Vincent Y T

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to determine the outcome of using ultrasound-guided local methotrexate injection as the first-line treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). A literature review was performed on all eligible reports using this modality as the first-line treatment of CSP. Relevant publications were obtained from the PubMed electronic database from inception to December 2014. Ninety-six cases from 95 women reported in 17 articles were reviewed. The success rate was 73.9% after a single local methotrexate injection. An accumulated success rate of 88.5% could be achieved after additional local or intramuscular methotrexate administration. Eleven cases (11.5%) failed methotrexate treatment and required surgical interventions. Except for women with serum human chorionic gonadotropin levels higher than 100 000 IU/L, ultrasound-guided local methotrexate injection could be considered as a first-line treatment modality for CSP. Copyright © 2015 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Learning to Feel Well at Jamtli Museum: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hansen, Anna

2016-01-01

Approximately one-fourth of the population of Sweden will suffer from mental health problems at some point in their lives. This article shares a case study of collaboration between Jamtli Museum and a local hospital (K2) that aimed to provide adult learning opportunities for people with diverse mental health issues. Findings show some differences…

Marietta Celebration of Unity Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Philbin, Meg; Phillips, Rebecca

This case study concerns the forming of a Marietta, Ohio unity committee, entitled Citizens for Social and Racial Justice, in response to the local Ku Klux Klan's (KKK) request for a parade permit in order to demonstrate against blacks in this city. Marietta, the county seat of Washington County, Ohio, has a population composed of both white and…

A Case Study of Sustainability and Civic Engagement in a Sociology of Food Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

De Welde, Kris

2015-01-01

This article presents a case study of a "Sociology of Food" course premised on issues of social justice and ethical and sustainable food practices. Through sustainability-inspired service-learning projects, students learn about the consequences of the industrial food system (e.g., farm-to-plate issues, local and organic options, animal…

Dogs in the Hall: A Case Study of Affective Skill Development in an Urban Veterinary Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martin, Michael; Tummons, John; Ball, Anna; Bird, William

2014-01-01

The purpose of this bounded single case study was to explore how an urban high school veterinary program impacted students' affective skill development. The program was unique because students were required to participate in internships with local animal care businesses and care for animals within the school veterinary laboratory. The…

Bringing the Community Along: A Case Study of a School District's Information Technology Rural Development Initiative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schafft, Kai A.; Alter, Theodore R.; Bridger, Jeffrey C.

2006-01-01

We draw on interactional community theory to analyze the relationship between information technology and local development through a case study of a geographically isolated and economically disadvantaged rural school district. This district has used state-of-the-art information technology infrastructure in a broad-based community and economic…

Life in the Cloud: A WorldShare Management Services Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hartman, Robin R.

2012-01-01

A small, private academic library took the risk of moving from a traditional integrated library system to adopting a system "in the cloud." This case study presents the setting, history, and local needs of the library, including staffing challenges, and explains the decision-making rationale and process. A description of the library's transition…

Policies and Practices of School Leaderships in Japan: A Case of Leadership Development Strategies in Akita

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yamamoto, Yukiko; Enomoto, Naoko; Yamaguchi, Shinobu

2016-01-01

Reflecting the social and economic change, Japanese education has shifted to decentralization since the 1980s. With an increased autonomy and responsibility, the local government plays an important role to develop competent school leaders. This descriptive study employs case study approach to illustrate current status of leadership development at…

Rural Governance, Community Empowerment and the New Institutionalism: A Case Study of the Isle of Wight

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, David; Southern, Rebekah; Beer, Julian

2007-01-01

This article compares two different institutional models--state-sponsored rural partnerships and community-based development trusts--for engaging and empowering local communities in area-based regeneration, using the Isle of Wight as a case study. Following a critical review of the literature on community governance, we evaluate the effectiveness…

Discourses of Education, Protection, and Child Labor: Case Studies of Benin, Namibia and Swaziland

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nordtveit, Bjorn Harald

2010-01-01

This article analyses discontinuities between local, national and international discourse in the fields of education, protection of children, and child labor, using Benin, Namibia and Swaziland as case studies. In Benin, child abuse and child labor are related to poverty, whereas in Namibia and Swaziland they are also interrelated with HIV/AIDS.…

Exploring Governance in Two Chains of Academy Schools: A Comparative Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salokangas, Maija; Chapman, Christopher

2014-01-01

Although the number and size of academy chains in England is still increasing, the implications of these arrangements at a local level remain under-researched. This article reports findings from a comparative case study focusing on governance arrangements and sponsor involvement in two chains of academies. The findings suggest that the policy and…

Farmers' Markets in Rural Communities: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alfonso, Moya L.; Nickelson, Jen; Cohen, Danielle

2012-01-01

Background: Although the potential health benefits of farmers markets have been discussed for years, there is a dearth of literature to aid health educators in advocating for the development of local farmers markets. Purpose: The purpose of this manuscript is to present a case study of a rural farmers market in southeast Georgia with emphasis on…

Socioeconomic School Segregation in a Market-Oriented Educational System. The Case of Chile

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Valenzuela, Juan Pablo; Bellei, Cristian; de los Ríos, Danae

2014-01-01

This paper presents an empirical analysis of the socioeconomic status (SES) school segregation in Chile, whose educational system is regarded as an extreme case of a market-oriented education. The study estimated the magnitude and evolution of the SES segregation of schools at both national and local levels, and it studied the relationship between…

Sustaining Environmental Pedagogy in Times of Educational Conservatism: A Case Study of Integrated Curriculum Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sharpe, Erin; Breunig, Mary

2009-01-01

Although the global call for environmental education is persistent, on a local or regional level, this call can be confronted by educational policies that drive environmental education out of the curriculum. This paper reports on a qualitative case study of the factors contributing to the sustainability of three teacher-driven integrated…

On the validity of the use of a localized approximation for helical beams. I. Formal aspects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gouesbet, Gérard; André Ambrosio, Leonardo

2018-03-01

The description of an electromagnetic beam for use in light scattering theories may be carried out by using an expansion over vector spherical wave functions with expansion coefficients expressed in terms of Beam Shape Coefficients (BSCs). A celebrated method to evaluate these BSCs has been the use of localized approximations (with several existing variants). We recently established that the use of any existing localized approximation is of limited validity in the case of Bessel and Mathieu beams. In the present paper, we address a warning against the use of any existing localized approximation in the case of helical beams. More specifically, we demonstrate that a procedure used to validate any existing localized approximation fails in the case of helical beams. Numerical computations in a companion paper will confirm that existing localized approximations are of limited validity in the case of helical beams.

Categorizing the social context of the wildland urban interface: Adaptive capacity for wildfire and community "archetypes"

Treesearch

Tavis B. Paveglio; Cassandra Moseley; Matthew S. Carroll; Daniel R. Williams; Emily Jane Davis; A. Paige Fischer

2015-01-01

Understanding the local context that shapes collective response to wildfire risk continues to be a challenge for scientists and policymakers. This study utilizes and expands on a conceptual approach for understanding adaptive capacity to wildfire in a comparison of 18 past case studies. The intent is to determine whether comparison of local social context and community...

Mapping Ecology of Literacies in Educational Setting: The Case of Local Mother Tongues Vis-a-Vis Urdu and English Languages in Pakistan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Manan, Syed Abdul; David, Maya Khemlani

2014-01-01

This study critically examines the literacy levels of undergraduate students in Pakistan to compare and contrast the proficiency levels, particularly reading and writing of their mother tongues versus Urdu and English, and to study real and perceived vitality of local/regional mother tongues vis-à-vis Urdu and English. The research investigated…

Multihazard risk analysis and disaster planning for emergency services as a basis for efficient provision in the case of natural hazards - case study municipality of Au, Austria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maltzkait, Anika; Pfurtscheller, Clemens

2014-05-01

Multihazard risk analysis and disaster planning for emergency services as a basis for efficient provision in the case of natural hazards - case study municipality of Au, Austria A. Maltzkait (1) & C. Pfurtscheller (1) (1) Institute for Interdisciplinary Mountain Research (IGF), Austrian Academy of Sciences, Innsbruck, Austria The extreme flood events of 2002, 2005 and 2013 in Austria underlined the importance of local emergency services being able to withstand and reduce the adverse impacts of natural hazards. Although for legal reasons municipal emergency and crisis management plans exist in Austria, they mostly do not cover risk analyses of natural hazards - a sound, comparable assessment to identify and evaluate risks. Moreover, total losses and operational emergencies triggered by natural hazards have increased in recent decades. Given sparse public funds, objective budget decisions are needed to ensure the efficient provision of operating resources, like personnel, vehicles and equipment in the case of natural hazards. We present a case study of the municipality of Au, Austria, which was hardly affected during the 2005 floods. Our approach is primarily based on a qualitative risk analysis, combining existing hazard plans, GIS data, field mapping and data on operational efforts of the fire departments. The risk analysis includes a map of phenomena discussed in a workshop with local experts and a list of risks as well as a risk matrix prepared at that workshop. On the basis for the exact requirements for technical and non-technical mitigation measures for each natural hazard risk were analysed in close collaboration with members of the municipal operation control and members of the local emergency services (fire brigade, Red Cross). The measures includes warning, evacuation and, technical interventions with heavy equipment and personnel. These results are used, first, to improve the municipal emergency and crisis management plan by providing a risk map, and a list of risks and, second, to check if the local emergency forces can cope with the different risk scenarios using locally available resources. The emergency response plans will identify possible resource deficiencies in personnel, vehicles and equipment. As qualitative methods and data are used, uncertainties in the study emerged in finding definitions for safety targets, in the construction of the different risk scenarios, in the inherent uncertainty beyond the probability of occurrence and the intensity of natural hazards, also in the case of the expectable losses. Finally, we used available studies and expert interviews to develop objective rules for investment decisions for the fire departments and the Red Cross to present an empirically sound basis for the efficient provision of intervention in the case of natural hazards for the municipality of Au. Again, the regulations for objective provision were developed in close collaboration with the emergency services.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Applying Best Practices to Florida Local Government Retrofit Programs - Central Florida

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

In some communities, local government and non-profit entities have funds to purchase and renovate distressed, foreclosed homes for resale in the affordable housing market. Numerous opportunities to improve whole house energy efficiency are inherent in these comprehensive renovations. BA-PIRC worked together in a multiyear field study making recommendations in individual homes, meanwhile compiling improvement costs, projected energy savings, practical challenges, and labor force factors surrounding common energy-related renovation measures. The field study, Phase 1 of this research, resulted in a set of best practices appropriate to the current labor pool and market conditions in central Florida to achieve projected annualmore » energy savings of 15%-30% and higher. This case study describes Phase 2 of the work where researchers worked with a local government partner to implement and refine the "current best practices". A simulation study was conducted to characterize savings potential under three sets of conditions representing varying replacement needs for energy-related equipment and envelope components. The three scenarios apply readily to the general remodeling industry as for renovation of foreclosed homes for the affordable housing market. The new local government partner, the City of Melbourne, implemented the best practices in a community-scale renovation program that included ten homes in 2012.« less

Building unified geospatial data for land-change modeling—A case study in the area of Richmond, Virginia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Donato, David I.; Shapiro, Jason L.

2016-12-13

An effort to build a unified collection of geospatial data for use in land-change modeling (LCM) led to new insights into the requirements and challenges of building an LCM data infrastructure. A case study of data compilation and unification for the Richmond, Va., Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) delineated the problems of combining and unifying heterogeneous data from many independent localities such as counties and cities. The study also produced conclusions and recommendations for use by the national LCM community, emphasizing the critical need for simple, practical data standards and conventions for use by localities. This report contributes an uncopyrighted core glossary and a much needed operational definition of data unification.

Analytical approximation schemes for solving exact renormalization group equations in the local potential approximation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bervillier, C.; Boisseau, B.; Giacomini, H.

2008-02-01

The relation between the Wilson-Polchinski and the Litim optimized ERGEs in the local potential approximation is studied with high accuracy using two different analytical approaches based on a field expansion: a recently proposed genuine analytical approximation scheme to two-point boundary value problems of ordinary differential equations, and a new one based on approximating the solution by generalized hypergeometric functions. A comparison with the numerical results obtained with the shooting method is made. A similar accuracy is reached in each case. Both two methods appear to be more efficient than the usual field expansions frequently used in the current studies of ERGEs (in particular for the Wilson-Polchinski case in the study of which they fail).

Outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa folliculitis associated with a swimming pool inflatable.

PubMed Central

Tate, D.; Mawer, S.; Newton, A.

2003-01-01

On 18 February 2002, the Communicable Disease Unit was notified by the local Public Health Service Laboratory of a child with a positive skin swab for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This child had attended the local swimming pool and played on an inflatable, subsequently presenting to a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with folliculitis. A total of 35 cases was identified during the outbreak. This paper describes a case-control study and microbiological sampling of the cases, the suspected inflatable and a survey of 10 swimming pool inflatables in the local area. The odds ratio for developing folliculitis following use of the inflatable was 12 (95% CI 1.05-136.80). The strain of P. aeruginosa found on the inflatable was identical to that obtained from skin swabs of cases. Nine of 10 (90%) of the inflatables sampled were colonized by P. aeruginosa. Attention should be given to the problem of routine decontamination of swimming pool inflatables. P. aeruginosa folliculitis needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of skin rashes in children, especially in Primary Care. PMID:12729186

Multicompare tests of the performance of different metaheuristics in EEG dipole source localization.

PubMed

Escalona-Vargas, Diana Irazú; Lopez-Arevalo, Ivan; Gutiérrez, David

2014-01-01

We study the use of nonparametric multicompare statistical tests on the performance of simulated annealing (SA), genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and differential evolution (DE), when used for electroencephalographic (EEG) source localization. Such task can be posed as an optimization problem for which the referred metaheuristic methods are well suited. Hence, we evaluate the localization's performance in terms of metaheuristics' operational parameters and for a fixed number of evaluations of the objective function. In this way, we are able to link the efficiency of the metaheuristics with a common measure of computational cost. Our results did not show significant differences in the metaheuristics' performance for the case of single source localization. In case of localizing two correlated sources, we found that PSO (ring and tree topologies) and DE performed the worst, then they should not be considered in large-scale EEG source localization problems. Overall, the multicompare tests allowed to demonstrate the little effect that the selection of a particular metaheuristic and the variations in their operational parameters have in this optimization problem.

Fast decoder for local quantum codes using Groebner basis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haah, Jeongwan

2013-03-01

Based on arXiv:1204.1063. A local translation-invariant quantum code has a description in terms of Laurent polynomials. As an application of this observation, we present a fast decoding algorithm for translation-invariant local quantum codes in any spatial dimensions using the straightforward division algorithm for multivariate polynomials. The running time is O (n log n) on average, or O (n2 log n) on worst cases, where n is the number of physical qubits. The algorithm improves a subroutine of the renormalization-group decoder by Bravyi and Haah (arXiv:1112.3252) in the translation-invariant case. This work is supported in part by the Insitute for Quantum Information and Matter, an NSF Physics Frontier Center, and the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies.

[Hypersensitivity to mosquito bite manifested as Skeeter síndrome].

PubMed

Pérez-Vanzzini, Rafael; González-Díaz, Sandra Nora; Arias-Cruz, Alfredo; Palma-Gómez, Samuel; Yong-Rodríguez, Adrián; Gutiérrez-Mujica, José Julio; García-Calderín, Diego; Ibarra, Jesús Arturo

2015-01-01

The reactions to mosquito bites are immunological reactions with involvement of IgE, IgG and T cells mediated hypersensitivity. These reactions are common and range from small local reactions, large local reactions to systemic allergic reactions. Skeeter syndrome is defined as a large local induced inflammatory reaction to mosquito bite and sometimes accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever and vomiting. Diagnosis is based on clinical history and physical examination, supported by the identification of specific IgE by skin testing. Treatment includes prevention, antihistamines and steroids in some cases. Specific immunotherapy still requires further study. This paper reports two cases of patients with hypersensitivity reactions to mosquito bites, which were evaluated in our center presenting positive skin tests.

[Strategic health planning based on determinants: case of the municipality of Campo Bom, Rio Grande do Sul State. A methodological proposal for the decentralized management].

PubMed

González, Martín Maximino León

2009-10-01

With the purpose to analyze the health strategic planning model based on determinants experienced in the municipality of Campo Bom, Rio Grande do Sul State, it was conducted an observational, qualitative study, of documental analysis as well as an evaluation of new process technologies in local health administration. This study contains an analysis of the methodological coherency and applicability of this model, based on the revision of the elaborated plans. The plans presented at Campo Bom case shows the possibility of integration and applicability at local level, of a health strategic planning model oriented to the new health concepts considering elements of different theoretical developments that enables the response to the most common local needs and situations. It was identified evolutional stages of health planning and analyzed integrative elements of the model and limitations of its application, pointing to the need of support the deepening on the study and the development of the field.

Systematic study of target localization for bioluminescence tomography guided radiation therapy

PubMed Central

Yu, Jingjing; Zhang, Bin; Iordachita, Iulian I.; Reyes, Juvenal; Lu, Zhihao; Brock, Malcolm V.; Patterson, Michael S.; Wong, John W.

2016-01-01

Purpose: To overcome the limitation of CT/cone-beam CT (CBCT) in guiding radiation for soft tissue targets, the authors developed a spectrally resolved bioluminescence tomography (BLT) system for the small animal radiation research platform. The authors systematically assessed the performance of the BLT system in terms of target localization and the ability to resolve two neighboring sources in simulations, tissue-mimicking phantom, and in vivo environments. Methods: Multispectral measurements acquired in a single projection were used for the BLT reconstruction. The incomplete variables truncated conjugate gradient algorithm with an iterative permissible region shrinking strategy was employed as the optimization scheme to reconstruct source distributions. Simulation studies were conducted for single spherical sources with sizes from 0.5 to 3 mm radius at depth of 3–12 mm. The same configuration was also applied for the double source simulation with source separations varying from 3 to 9 mm. Experiments were performed in a standalone BLT/CBCT system. Two self-illuminated sources with 3 and 4.7 mm separations placed inside a tissue-mimicking phantom were chosen as the test cases. Live mice implanted with single-source at 6 and 9 mm depth, two sources at 3 and 5 mm separation at depth of 5 mm, or three sources in the abdomen were also used to illustrate the localization capability of the BLT system for multiple targets in vivo. Results: For simulation study, approximate 1 mm accuracy can be achieved at localizing center of mass (CoM) for single-source and grouped CoM for double source cases. For the case of 1.5 mm radius source, a common tumor size used in preclinical study, their simulation shows that for all the source separations considered, except for the 3 mm separation at 9 and 12 mm depth, the two neighboring sources can be resolved at depths from 3 to 12 mm. Phantom experiments illustrated that 2D bioluminescence imaging failed to distinguish two sources, but BLT can provide 3D source localization with approximately 1 mm accuracy. The in vivo results are encouraging that 1 and 1.7 mm accuracy can be attained for the single-source case at 6 and 9 mm depth, respectively. For the 2 sources in vivo study, both sources can be distinguished at 3 and 5 mm separations, and approximately 1 mm localization accuracy can also be achieved. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that their multispectral BLT/CBCT system could be potentially applied to localize and resolve multiple sources at wide range of source sizes, depths, and separations. The average accuracy of localizing CoM for single-source and grouped CoM for double sources is approximately 1 mm except deep-seated target. The information provided in this study can be instructive to devise treatment margins for BLT-guided irradiation. These results also suggest that the 3D BLT system could guide radiation for the situation with multiple targets, such as metastatic tumor models. PMID:27147371

Lymphatic and local spread of T1 and T2 pancreatic cancer. A study of autopsy material.

PubMed Central

Nagai, H; Kuroda, A; Morioka, Y

1986-01-01

Eight autopsy cases of pancreatic cancer (duct cell adenocarcinoma) with T1 and T2 primary tumors were studied histologically to examine the exact extent of lymphatic and local spread. Six of them had microscopic metastasis in grossly negative lymph nodes near the primary tumor. In addition, four of them had a few metastatic nodes in the para-aortic region. In cases with lymphatic metastases, the extent of cancer infiltration within lymphatic vessels, nerves, and/or connective tissues was almost the same as that of lymph node metastasis. Major vascular involvement was found in four cases. There was no case in which multicentricity or marked intraductal spread of cancer cells was observed in the pancreas. It has been suggested that most of T1 and T2 pancreatic cancers have a fairly widespread microscopic extension, although extremely small T1 cancers have a very limited extension. Images FIG. 2. FIGS. 4a-c. FIGS. 5a-c. PMID:3015059

Strategic trade between two regions with partial local consumer protection - General setup and nash equilibria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iordanov, Iordan V.; Vassilev, Andrey A.

2017-12-01

We construct a model of the trade relations between two regions for the case when the trading entities (consumers) compete for a scarce good and there is an element of strategic interdependence in the trading process. Additionally, local consumers enjoy partial protection in the form of guaranteed access to a part of the locally-supplied quantity of the good. The model is formulated for the general asymmetric case, where the two regions differ in terms of parameters such as income, size of the local market supply, degree of protection and transportation costs. For this general model we establish the existence of Nash equilibria and obtain their form as a function of the model parameters, producing a typology of the equilibria. This is a required step in order to rigorously study various types of price dynamics for the model.

Nonpalpable breast tumors: diagnosis with stereotaxic localization and fine-needle aspiration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dowlatshahi, K.; Gent, H.J.; Schmidt, R.

1989-02-01

Modern mammography is the most effective means of detecting nonpalpable breast cancers, but correct diagnosis for malignancy is made in only 20%-30% of the cases. The conventional method of lesion localization usually results in approximate placement of the hookwire in the breast. The authors report the results of stereotaxic localization, combined with fine-needle aspiration and cytologic study, performed in 528 cases. Clinically occult breast lesions were localized precisely (within 2 mm 96% of the time), sampled by means of a 23-gauge needle, and marked with either methylene blue or a hookwire for subsequent open excisional biopsy. The results indicate amore » sensitivity of 95%, specificity of 91%, and accuracy of 92% for the fine-needle aspiration procedure. This technique offers a significantly improved preoperative method of diagnosing small breast lesions with minimal pain, no complications, reduced cost, and no disfigurement or scar interfering with subsequent mammographic follow-up.« less

Translating an early childhood obesity prevention program for local community implementation: a case study of the Melbourne InFANT Program.

PubMed

Laws, R; Hesketh, K D; Ball, K; Cooper, C; Vrljic, K; Campbell, K J

2016-08-08

While there is a growing interest in the field of research translation, there are few published examples of public health interventions that have been effectively scaled up and implemented in the community. This paper provides a case study of the community-wide implementation of the Melbourne Infant, Feeding, Activity and Nutrition Trial (InFANT), an obesity prevention program for parents with infants aged 3-18 months. The study explored key factors influencing the translation of the Program into routine practice and the respective role of policy makers, researchers and implementers. Case studies were conducted of five of the eight prevention areas in Victoria, Australia who implemented the Program. Cases were selected on the basis of having implemented the Program for 6 months or more. Data were collected from January to June 2015 and included 18 individual interviews, one focus group and observation of two meetings. A total of 28 individuals, including research staff (n = 4), policy makers (n = 2) and implementers (n = 22), contributed to the data collected. Thematic analysis was conducted using cross case comparisons and key themes were verified through member checking. Key facilitators of implementation included availability of a pre-packaged evidence based program addressing a community need, along with support and training provided by research staff to local implementers. Partnerships between researchers and policy makers facilitated initial program adoption, while local partnerships supported community implementation. Community partnerships were facilitated by local coordinators through alignment of program goals with existing policies and services. Workforce capacity for program delivery and administration was a challenge, largely overcome by embedding the Program into existing roles. Adapting the Program to fit local circumstance was critical for feasible and sustainable delivery, however balancing this with program fidelity was a critical issue. The lack of ongoing funding to support translation activities was a barrier for researchers continued involvement in community implementation. Policy makers, researchers and practitioners have important and complementary roles to play in supporting the translation of effective research interventions into practice. New avenues need to be explored to strengthen partnerships between researchers and end users to support the integration of effective public health research interventions into practice.

SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS AND GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF REPORTED MALARIA CASES IN BANGKA DISTRICT, BABEL ISLAND PROVINCE, INDONESIA DURING 2008-2012.

PubMed

Shodianal; Kamigaki, Taro; Oshitani, Hitoshi

2015-11-01

Malaria is a major health problem in many developing countries including Indonesia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the socio-demographic characteristics and geographic distribution of malaria cases in Bangka District, Bangka-Belitung Island Province, Indonesia. Bangka District is a malaria endemic area of Indonesia. We analyzed the epidemiological data of all reported malaria cases during 2008-2012 in Bangka District. Of the 4,756 malaria-confirmed cases reported during the study period, 3,234 (68. 0%) were among persons aged ≥ 15 years, 1,024 (21.5%) were among persons aged 5-14 years and 498 (10.5%) were among persons aged < 5 years. Malaria cases were primarily located along the sea coast and less frequently in inland. Malaria cases were found not only among the local population but also among migrant workers. The monthly incidence of reported malaria cases in the study population ranged from 0.06 to 1.06 per 1,000 person-months. The cases were mostly due to Plasmodium vivax (57.1%) followed by Plasmodiumfalciparum (40.2%). Plasmodiumfalciparum was more common among migrant workers while Plasmodium vivax was more common among the local population (Odds ratio 1.2; p = 0.03). The main transmission vector found in the coastal area was Anopheles sundaicus. An. letifer and An. barbirostris were found inland. We identified "malaria hot-spots" in the study area using a Geographic Information System. The results of this study will contribute to the malaria control program.

Verrucous carcinoma of the foot, not your typical plantar wart: a case study.

PubMed

Gordon, Diandra K; Ponder, Erinn N; Berrey, B Hudson; Kubik, Melanie J; Sindone, Joseph

2014-06-01

Verrucous carcinoma of the foot is often misdiagnosed initially as plantar warts. Delayed diagnostic treatments with the use of optimal biopsy techniques may result in significant hindrances for patient care and may often result in detrimental outcomes to the patient. With the use of various epidermal biopsy methods, early diagnostic treatment can be implemented to a slow-growing lesion unresponsive to topical agents preventing unfavorable pedal amputations. A case study of verrucous carcinoma of the foot with surgical resection was conducted along with a literature review. Verrucous carcinoma (VC) of the foot is known to be a rare, locally invasive, well-differentiated low-grade squamous cell carcinoma that may evolve from the human papilloma virus. This localized tumor of the foot often has low metastatic potential, however can be quite invasive. It is therefore pertinent to obtain adequate radiological studies when planning for surgical resection of this tumor. When localized to the foot, it often involves deep structures such as tendons, muscle & bone. Complete wide local excision of the tumor is essential to avoid recurrence. We present a case of verrucous carcinoma of the foot in a 46-year-old African American male with a past medical history of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Human papilloma virus (HPV). The patient refused a Transmetatarsal amputation. The loss of the third digit was a result of tissue loss following resection and an attempt to relocate a severely laterally dislocated 3rd digit, not PVD. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Cerebrovascular/cardiovascular diseases and mental disorders due to overwork and work-related stress among local public employees in Japan

PubMed Central

YAMAUCHI, Takashi; YOSHIKAWA, Toru; SASAKI, Takeshi; MATSUMOTO, Shun; TAKAHASHI, Masaya; SUKA, Machi; YANAGISAWA, Hiroyuki

2017-01-01

In Japan, overwork-related disorders occur among local public employees as well as those in private businesses. However, to date, there are no studies reporting the state of compensation for cerebrovascular/cardiovascular diseases (CCVD) and mental disorders due to overwork or work-related stress among local public employees in Japan over multiple years. This report examined the recent trend of overwork-related CCVD and mental disorders, including the incidence rates of these disorders, among local public employees in Japan from the perspective of compensation for public accidents, using data from the Japanese Government and relevant organizations. Since 2000, compared to CCVD, there has been an overall increase in the number of claims and cases of compensation for mental disorders. Over half of the individuals receiving compensation for mental disorders were either in their 30s or younger. About 47% of cases of mental disorders were compensated due to work-related factors other than long working hours. The incidence rate by job type was highest among “police officials” and “fire department officials” for compensated CCVD and mental disorders cases, respectively. Changes in the trend of overwork-related disorders among local public employees in Japan under a legal foundation should be closely monitored. PMID:29021415

Cerebrovascular/cardiovascular diseases and mental disorders due to overwork and work-related stress among local public employees in Japan.

PubMed

Yamauchi, Takashi; Yoshikawa, Toru; Sasaki, Takeshi; Matsumoto, Shun; Takahashi, Masaya; Suka, Machi; Yanagisawa, Hiroyuki

2018-02-07

In Japan, overwork-related disorders occur among local public employees as well as those in private businesses. However, to date, there are no studies reporting the state of compensation for cerebrovascular/cardiovascular diseases (CCVD) and mental disorders due to overwork or work-related stress among local public employees in Japan over multiple years. This report examined the recent trend of overwork-related CCVD and mental disorders, including the incidence rates of these disorders, among local public employees in Japan from the perspective of compensation for public accidents, using data from the Japanese Government and relevant organizations. Since 2000, compared to CCVD, there has been an overall increase in the number of claims and cases of compensation for mental disorders. Over half of the individuals receiving compensation for mental disorders were either in their 30s or younger. About 47% of cases of mental disorders were compensated due to work-related factors other than long working hours. The incidence rate by job type was highest among "police officials" and "fire department officials" for compensated CCVD and mental disorders cases, respectively. Changes in the trend of overwork-related disorders among local public employees in Japan under a legal foundation should be closely monitored.

Uterine Artery Embolization Combined with Local Methotrexate and Systemic Methotrexate for Treatment of Cesarean Scar Pregnancy with Different Ultrasonographic Pattern

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lian Fan; Wang Yu, E-mail: wyfishking@hotmail.com; Chen Wei

Purpose: This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of systemic methotrexate (MTX) with uterine artery embolization (UAE) combined with local MTX for the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) with different ultrasonographic pattern, and to indicate the preferable therapy in CSP patients. Methods: The results of 21 CSP cases were reviewed. All subjects were initially administrated with systemic MTX (50 mg/m{sup 2} body surface area). UAE combined with local MTX was added to the patients who had failed systemic MTX. The transvaginal ultrasonography data were retrospectively assessed, and two different ultrasonographic patterns were found: surface implantation and deep implantationmore » of amniotic sac. The management and its effectiveness for patients with the two ultrasonographic patterns were studied retrospectively. Ultrasound scan and serum {beta}-hCG were monitored during follow-up. Data were analyzed with the Student's t test. Results: Nine patients were successfully treated with systemic MTX. The remaining 12 cases were successfully treated with additional UAE combined with local MTX. According to the classification by Vial et al. of CSP on ultrasonography, most surface implanted CSPs (8/11, 72.7%) could be successfully treated with systemic MTX, whereas most deeply implanted CSPs (9/10, 90%) had failed systemic MTX but still could be successfully treated with additional UAE combined with local MTX. All patients recovered without severe side effects. Most patients with a future desire for reproduction achieved subsequent pregnancy. Conclusions: For CSP patients suitable for nonsurgical treatment, UAE combined with local MTX would be the superior option compared with systemic MTX in the cases with deep implantation of amniotic sac.« less

Localization properties of transmission lines with generalized Thue-Morse distribution of inductances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lazo, Edmundo; Saavedra, Eduardo; Humire, Fernando; Castro, Cristobal; Cortés-Cortés, Francisco

2015-09-01

We study the localization properties of direct transmission lines when we distribute two values of inductances LA and LB according to a generalized Thue-Morse aperiodic sequence generated by the inflation rule: A → ABm-1, B → BAm-1, m ≥ 2 and integer. We regain the usual Thue-Morse sequence for m = 2. We numerically study the changes produced in the localization properties of the I (ω) electric current function with increasing m values. We demonstrate that the m = 2 case does not belong to the family m ≥ 3, because when m changes from m = 2 to m = 3, the number of extended states decreases significantly. However, for m ≫ 3, the localization properties become similar to the m = 2 case. Also, the frequency averaged transmission coefficient shows a strong dependence from the N system size and from the m value which characterize each m-tupling sequence. In addition, for all m value studied, using the scaling behavior of the ξ (ω) normalized participation number, the Rq (ω) Rényi entropies and the μq (ω) moments, we have demonstrated the existence of extended states for certain specific frequencies.

Cost analysis of injection laryngoplasty performed under local anaesthesia versus general anaesthesia: an Australian perspective.

PubMed

Chandran, D; Woods, C M; Schar, M; Ma, N; Ooi, E H; Athanasiadis, T

2018-02-01

To conduct a cost analysis of injection laryngoplasty performed in the operating theatre under local anaesthesia and general anaesthesia. The retrospective study included patients who had undergone injection laryngoplasty as day cases between July 2013 and March 2016. Cost data were obtained, along with patient demographics, anaesthetic details, type of injectant, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, length of stay, total operating theatre time and surgeon procedure time. A total of 20 cases (general anaesthesia = 6, local anaesthesia = 14) were included in the cost analysis. The mean total cost under general anaesthesia (AU$2865.96 ± 756.29) was significantly higher than that under local anaesthesia (AU$1731.61 ± 290.29) (p < 0.001). The mean operating theatre time, surgeon procedure time and length of stay were all significantly lower under local anaesthesia compared to general anaesthesia. Time variables such as operating theatre time and length of stay were the most significant predictors of the total costs. Procedures performed under local anaesthesia in the operating theatre are associated with shorter operating theatre time and length of stay in the hospital, and provide significant cost savings. Further savings could be achieved if local anaesthesia procedures were performed in the office setting.

Acute and Late Toxicity After Dose Escalation to 82 GyE Using Conformal Proton Radiation for Localized Prostate Cancer: Initial Report of American College of Radiology Phase II Study 03-12

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Coen, John J., E-mail: jcoen@partners.org; Bae, Kyounghwa; Zietman, Anthony L.

Purpose: Several randomized trials have shown a benefit of dose escalation to 78 to 79 Gy for men treated with external radiation for localized prostate cancer. Single-institution data suggest a benefit with even higher doses. American College of Radiology 03-12 is a Phase II trial testing the safety and efficacy of 82 GyE (Gray equivalent) delivered with conformal proton radiation. Methods and Materials: From 2003-2006, 85 men with localized prostate cancer were accrued to American College of Radiology 03-12. Eighty-four were eligible for analysis. They were treated with conformal proton radiation alone to a total dose of 82 GyE. Themore » study was designed to test whether the rate of 18-month Grade 3+ late toxicity was greater than 10%. Results: The median follow-up was 31.6 months. Regarding treatment-related acute toxicity, there were 39 Grade 1 cases (46%), 19 Grade 2 cases (23%) and 2 Grade 3 cases (2%). Regarding genitourinary/gastrointestinal toxicity, there were 42 Grade 1 cases (50%), 12 Grade 2 cases (14%) and 1 Grade 3 case (1%). Regarding late toxicity, there were 28 Grade 1 cases (33%), 22 Grade 2 cases (26%), 6 Grade 3 cases (7%), and 1 Grade 4 case (1%). The late genitourinary/gastrointestinal rates were the same. The estimated rate of Grade 3+ late toxicity at 18 months was 6.08%. Conclusions: Although not free of late toxicity, 82 GyE at 2 GyE per fraction delivered with conformal proton radiation did not exceed the late morbidity target tested in this trial. There was sufficient morbidity, however, that this may be the maximal dose that can be delivered safely with this technique and fractionation.« less

Think Global, Act Local--A Power Generation Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dugdale, Pam

2012-01-01

This paper describes an exercise completed by sixth form college students to compare the power output from a local coal fired power station with the potential power output from renewable sources including wind farms, solar farms, and the proposed Mersey Tidal Barrage scheme. (Contains 1 figure, 1 table, and 3 photos.)

USING A LIFE-CYCLE APPROACH TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN THE UNITED STATES

EPA Science Inventory

The paper discusses a computer-based decision support tool that has been developed to assist local governments in evaluating the cost and environmental performance of integrated municipal solid waste (MSW) managment systems. ongoing case studies of the tool at the local level are...

School Contribution to Rural Communities: Leadership Issues. CRLRA Discussion Paper Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johns, Susan; Kilpatrick, Sue; Falk, Ian; Mulford, Bill

A case study exploring the relationship between local leadership and the school-community partnership was conducted in a small, isolated Australian mining town. Data were generated from written materials such as the local newspaper and interviews with 8 school staff members and 11 community members involved with the schools or representing…

Local/Global Cognitive Interfaces within Industrial Districts: An Italian Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grandinetti, Roberto

2011-01-01

Purpose: With the advance of globalization the competitive chances of industrial districts depends increasingly on their ability to connect to the cognitive circuits of the global economy. This challenge demands the presence of local actors capable of acting as cognitive interfaces between the district context and the global environment. The paper…

Social Capital Practices as Adaptive Drivers for Local Adjustment of New Public Management in Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olesen, Kristian Gylling; Hasle, Peter; Sørensen, Ole H.

2016-01-01

New public management (NPM) reforms have typically undermined teachers' autonomy, values, and status in society. This article questions whether such reforms automatically have these outcomes or whether and how possibilities for local adjustment of such reforms may prevent negative outcomes. Drawing on empirical case studies from two Danish…

"La Biblioteca Es Importante": A Case Study of an Emergent Bilingual Public Library in the Nuevo U.S. South

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alvarez, Steven; Alvarez, Sara P.

2016-01-01

Research examining ethnolinguistic community schools (García, Zakharia, & Otcu, 2013) proposes that local spaces not directly affiliated with schools sustain bilingualism and identity. Though researchers often theorize about how community schools sustain home language literacies, less research examines how local public spaces sustain…

Exploring the Music Festival as a Music Educational Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karlsen, Sidsel; Brandstrom, Sture

2008-01-01

The purpose of this article was to explore the music festival as a music educational project by means of results drawn from a case study investigating one particular festival's impact on identity development, both for the individual member of the audience (musical identity) and for the local society (local identity). The theoretical framework was…

Localizing Play-Based Pedagogy: Nigerian Educators' Appropriation of Sesame Classroom Materials

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moland, Naomi A.

2017-01-01

This article examines how international organizations promote play-based pedagogical approaches in early childhood settings around the world, and how local educators respond. As a case study, I investigated Sesame Workshop's efforts to introduce play-based approaches in Nigerian classrooms. In addition to producing a Nigerian version of…

Influential Spheres: Examining Actors' Perceptions of Education Governance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thier, Michael; Smith, Joanna; Pitts, Christine; Anderson, Ross

2016-01-01

Many layers of education governance press upon U.S. schools, so we separated state actors into those internal to and those external to the system. In the process, we unpacked the traditional state-local dichotomy. Using interview data (n = 45) from six case-study states, we analyzed local leaders', state-internal actors', and state-external…

Becoming an Evidence-Based Practitioner: A Framework for Teacher-Researchers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McNamara, Olwen, Ed.

This book presents case studies of classroom research into the teaching and learning of English, mathematics, and sciences, drawing on the experiences of teacher researchers who, in partnership with their local education agencies and local universities, set out to intervene in key areas of the primary curriculum. After "Introduction: Inviting…

Committing to Memory: A Project to Publish and Preserve California Local History Digital Resources

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turner, Adrian L.

2006-01-01

This article highlights the LSTA-grant funded California Local History Digital Resources Project (LHDRP) as a case study of a collaborative statewide program involving three primary groups: cultural heritage institutions, grant funding agencies, and digital library service providers. It explores how the infrastructure of the California Digital…

Ophthalmologic complications after intraoral local anesthesia.

PubMed

von Arx, Thomas; Lozanoff, Scott; Zinkernagel, Martin

2014-01-01

The first ophthalmologic complication in conjunction with a dental anesthesia was reported in 1936. The objective of the present study was a detailed analysis of case reports about that topic. After conducting a literature search in PubMed this study analyzed 108 ophthalmologic complications following intraoral local anesthesia in 65 case reports with respect to patient-, anesthesia-, and complication- related factors. The mean age of the patients was 33.8 years and females predominated (72.3%). The most commonly reported complication was diplopia (39.8%), mostly resulting from paralysis of the lateral rectus muscle. Other relatively frequent complications included ptosis (16.7%), mydriasis (14.8%) and amaurosis (13%). Ophthalmologic complications were mainly associated with block anesthesia of the inferior alveolar nerve (45.8%) or the posterior superior alveolar nerve (40.3%). Typically, the ophthalmologic complications in conjunction with intraoral local anesthesia had an immediate to short onset, and disappeared as the anesthesia subsided. The increased number of ophthalmologic complications after intraoral local anesthesia in females may suggest a gender effect. Double vision (diplopia) is the most frequently described complication, which is usually completely reversible like the other reported ophthalmologic complications.

Entomologic and molecular investigation into Plasmodium vivax transmission in Singapore, 2009.

PubMed

Ng, Lee-Ching; Lee, Kim-Sung; Tan, Cheong-Huat; Ooi, Peng-Lim; Lam-Phua, Sai-Gek; Lin, Raymond; Pang, Sook-Cheng; Lai, Yee-Ling; Solhan, Suhana; Chan, Pei-Pei; Wong, Kit-Yin; Ho, Swee-Tuan; Vythilingam, Indra

2010-10-29

Singapore has been certified malaria free since November 1982 by the World Health Organization and despite occasional local transmission, the country has maintained the standing. In 2009, three clusters of malaria cases were reported in Singapore. Epidemiological, entomological and molecular studies were carried out to investigate the three clusters, namely Mandai-Sungei Kadut, Jurong Island and Sembawang. A total of 29 malaria patients, with no recent travel history, were reported in the three clusters. Molecular analysis based on the msp3α and msp1 genes showed two independent local transmissions: one in Mandai-Sungei Kadut and another in Sembawang. Almost all cases within each cluster were epidemiologically linked. In Jurong Island cluster, epidemiological link remains uncertain, as almost all cases had a unique genetic profile. Only two cases shared a common profile and were found to be linked to the Mandai-Sungei Kadut cluster. Entomological investigation found Anopheles sinensis to be the predominant Anopheline in the two areas where local transmission of P. vivax was confirmed. Anopheles sinensis was found to be attracted to human bait and bites as early as 19:45 hrs. However, all Anopheles mosquitoes caught were negative for sporozoites and oocysts by dissection. Investigation of P. vivax cases from the three cluster areas confirmed the occurrence of local transmission in two areas. Although An. sinensis was the predominant Anopheline found in areas with confirmed transmission, the vector/s responsible for the outbreaks still remains cryptic.

Clinicopathological study of 81 cases of localized and systemic scleroderma.

PubMed

Succaria, F; Kurban, M; Kibbi, A-G; Abbas, O

2013-02-01

Scleroderma is a connective tissue disease that includes localized and systemic forms. Our recent encounter with a morphea case exhibiting prominent perineural inflammation microscopically prompted us to assess the features of all patients diagnosed with morphea/scleroderma at our institution. To describe the clinicopathological features of all patients diagnosed with morphea/scleroderma at American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUB-MC) between 1999 and 2010, and compare our findings with those published in the literature. A total of 81 cases (63 women and 18 men) were identified, of which 73 were localized (morphea) and eight were systemic scleroderma. Clinically, plaque type morphea was the most common variant both in adults and children, and seven (9%) cases of morphea were associated with lichen sclerosis et atrophicus (LSA). Histopathologically, perineural inflammation was observed in 49% of cases, and may serve, in addition to other features including lichen sclerosis-like changes (observed in exclusively nine cases of morphea), more diffuse dermal and less subcutaneous sclerosis, and intense inflammation, as clues favouring diagnosis of morphea over systemic sclerosis. The features of morphea/scleroderma patients in this study are generally comparable to those published in the literature, with few differences. Clinically, plaque type morphea was the most common variant both in adults and children and LSA was a frequent association. Histopathologically, perineural inflammation was commonly observed and may serve in addition to lichen sclerosis-like changes and intense inflammation as clues favouring diagnosis of morphea over systemic sclerosis. © 2012 The Authors. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology © 2012 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Localized scleroderma: a clinical study at a single center in Korea.

PubMed

Noh, Jung Won; Kim, Jinseok; Kim, Jae-Wang

2013-08-01

Localized scleroderma (morphea) is a rare autoimmune disease limited to the skin, characterized by cutaneous fibrosing and obstructive vasculopathy. Localized scleroderma may invade into the subcutaneous fat layer and cause permanent functional disability. Because of its rarity, there have been few clinical surveys of patients with localized scleroderma in Korea. The aim of this study was to elucidate the clinical presentation, serological data, and clinical outcomes of localized scleroderma. This was a retrospective survey conducted by reviewing available medical records during a 7 year-period from 2004 to 2010 in a single medical center in Jeju Island, South Korea. In total 43 patients with localized scleroderma were included. Localized scleroderma occurred primarily in females (female to male ratio 2.6 : 1.0). Most patients were between 10 and 29 years of age and the mean age at diagnosis was 26.2 years. Plaque (51.2%) and linear morphea (37.2%) were most common. No case was associated with systemic scleroderma (systemic sclerosis). The most common site of plaque morphea was the trunk (47.8%). In the linear type, the most common site was head-neck (52.9%). Fluorescent antinuclear antibody was positive in 23.3% of all cases. Treatment included systemic corticosteroids, colchicine, anti-malarial agents, D-penicillamine or intralesional triamcinolone injection. Clinical improvement, including significant and partial response, was seen in only 62.8% of treated patients. Localized scleroderma is a chronic inflammatory condition confined to the skin. In order to exclude other conditions, thorough history taking, physical examination, serologic studies and histopathologic examinations should be conducted. © 2013 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Psoas abscess and chronic Q fever: a contiguous or hematogenous complication? A case report and literature review.

PubMed

Galy, Adrien; Decousser, Jean Winoc; El-Anbassi, Sarra; Nebbad, Biba; Belzunce, Carine; Cochennec, Frédéric; Deforges, Lionel; Lepeule, Raphaël

2016-08-01

Few cases of psoas abscesses (PA) during chronic Q fever have been reported, and the route of transmission remains unknown. Here, we report a new case and have performed a systematic literature review to determinate the spreading route of this complication. Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched. Local spreading was supported by endocarditis exclusion, evidence of vascular infection and absence of distantly infected sites. Among 275 retrieved references, 179 were initially rejected, and 85 additional references were rejected after full-text review. A total of 11 studies, reporting 13 cases, were included. Additionally, we reported one new case. A total of 14/14 cases reached Q fever vascular infection diagnostic criteria, and 7/14 provided adequate evidence supporting a causal relationship between Q fever vascular infection and PA. All patients presented aorta defects. In conclusion, Q fever PA results from the spreading of a local infection and occurs specifically in patients presenting a vascular graft or an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Responsibility without legal authority? Tackling alcohol-related health harms through licensing and planning policy in local government.

PubMed

Martineau, F P; Graff, H; Mitchell, C; Lock, K

2014-09-01

The power to influence many social determinants of health lies within local government sectors that are outside public health's traditional remit. We analyse the challenges of achieving health gains through local government alcohol control policies, where legal and professional practice frameworks appear to conflict with public health action. Current legislation governing local alcohol control in England and Wales is reviewed and analysed for barriers and opportunities to implement effective population-level health interventions. Case studies of local government alcohol control practices are described. Addressing alcohol-related health harms is constrained by the absence of a specific legal health licensing objective and differences between public health and legal assessments of the relevance of health evidence to a specific place. Local governments can, however, implement health-relevant policies by developing local evidence for alcohol-related health harms; addressing cumulative impact in licensing policy statements and through other non-legislative approaches such as health and non-health sector partnerships. Innovative local initiatives-for example, minimum unit pricing licensing conditions-can serve as test cases for wider national implementation. By combining the powers available to the many local government sectors involved in alcohol control, alcohol-related health and social harms can be tackled through existing local mechanisms. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Faculty of Public Health.

One shot of carbon-ion radiotherapy cured a 6-cm chemo-resistant metastatic liver tumor: a case of breast cancer.

PubMed

Harada, Mayumi; Karasawa, Kumiko; Yasuda, Shigeo; Kamada, Tadashi; Nemoto, Kenji

2015-09-01

The standard treatment for metastatic liver tumor from breast cancer is systemic medical treatment, and there is controversy regarding the value of local treatment. However, there are some exceptional cases that do benefit from local therapy. We describe the case of a 54-year-old woman with systemic therapy-resistant liver metastasis from breast cancer successfully treated with a single shot of 36-GyE carbon-ion radiotherapy and surviving more than 8 years without local recurrence. This case represents a good example of the usefulness and safety of carbon-ion radiotherapy, and who might benefit from local therapy.

Connections and consequences in complex systems: insights from a case study of the emergence and local impact of crisis resolution and home treatment services.

PubMed

Hannigan, Ben

2013-09-01

In this article the broad contours of a complexity perspective are outlined. Complexity ideas are then drawn on to frame an empirical examination of the connections running between different levels of organisation in health and social care, and to underpin investigation into the intended and unintended local system consequences of service development. Data are used from a study conducted in the UK's mental health field. Here, macro-level policy has led to the supplementing of longstanding community mental health teams by newer, more specialised, services. An example includes teams providing crisis resolution and home treatment (CRHT) care as an alternative to hospital admission. Using an embedded case study design, where 'the case' examined was a new CRHT team set in its surrounding organisational environment, ethnographic data (with interviews predominating) were generated in a single site in Wales over 18 months from the middle of 2007. In a large-scale context favourable to local decision-making, and against a background of a partial and disputed evidence base, the move to establish the new standalone service was contested. Whilst users valued the work of the team, and local practitioners recognised the quality of its contribution, powerful effects were also triggered across the locality's horizontal interfaces. Participants described parts of the interconnected system being closed to release resources, staff gravitating to new crisis services leaving holes elsewhere, and the most needy service users being cared for by the least experienced workers. Some community mental health team staff described unexpected increases in workload, and disputes over eligibility for crisis care with implications for system-wide working relations. Detailed data extracts are used to illustrate these connections and consequences. Concluding lessons are drawn on the use of evidence to inform policy, on the significance of local contexts and system interfaces, and on anticipating the unexpected at times of change. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interventionist and participatory approaches to flood risk mitigation decisions: two case studies in the Italian Alps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bianchizza, C.; Del Bianco, D.; Pellizzoni, L.; Scolobig, A.

2012-04-01

Flood risk mitigation decisions pose key challenges not only from a technical but also from a social, economic and political viewpoint. There is an increasing demand for improving the quality of these processes by including different stakeholders - and especially by involving the local residents in the decision making process - and by guaranteeing the actual improvement of local social capacities during and after the decision making. In this paper we analyse two case studies of flood risk mitigation decisions, Malborghetto-Valbruna and Vipiteno-Sterzing, in the Italian Alps. In both of them, mitigation works have been completed or planned, yet following completely different approaches especially in terms of responses of residents and involvement of local authorities. In Malborghetto-Valbruna an 'interventionist' approach (i.e. leaning towards a top down/technocratic decision process) was used to make decisions after the flood event that affected the municipality in the year 2003. In Vipiteno-Sterzing, a 'participatory' approach (i.e. leaning towards a bottom-up/inclusive decision process) was applied: decisions about risk mitigation measures were made by submitting different projects to the local citizens and by involving them in the decision making process. The analysis of the two case studies presented in the paper is grounded on the results of two research projects. Structured and in-depth interviews, as well as questionnaire surveys were used to explore residents' and local authorities' orientations toward flood risk mitigation. Also a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) involving key stakeholders was used to better understand the characteristics of the communities and their perception of flood risk mitigation issues. The results highlight some key differences between interventionist and participatory approaches, together with some implications of their adoption in the local context. Strengths and weaknesses of the two approaches, as well as key challenges for the future are also discussed.

Increasing market share through consumer marketing: a case study in obstetrics.

PubMed

Kingsley, V H

1986-05-01

Consumers are becoming ever more selective in their choice of health care providers. Hospitals that are aware of local preferences and how to reach and influence consumers will gain a competitive advantage. Outlined in this article are consumer marketing techniques that can be utilized for all product lines. The concept is applied here as a case study in obstetrics.

How Zoos Are Meeting the Challenges Facing Biodiversity: Bristol Zoo Gardens as a Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garrett, Simon

2010-01-01

As ideas about effective conservation of biodiversity develop, zoos are adapting their roles to meet the new challenges. This article considers these changes, using the work of Bristol and other UK zoos as a case study. The significance of zoos in both global and local conservation of biodiversity, their role in promoting public engagement and…

A Case Study with Green Dot Public Schools on Managing the Tension between Fidelity and Adaptation When Scaling-Up

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cevallos, Pedro F., Jr.

2009-01-01

This dissertation was a single case study with Green Dot Public Schools (GDPS) describing their rapid scale-up process. Specifically, it investigates the phenomenon of the inherent tension between maintaining the fidelity of the original model school's design, culture and values with local adaptation of the brand by stakeholders at the expansion…

The Proof Is in the PR: Five Case Studies Offer Conclusive Evidence of the Value of Strategic Communications.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schreiber, William

1993-01-01

Five case studies illustrate the value of strategic communications in school and college public relations (PR). Central issues include public scrutiny of a controversial faculty hiring policy; internal communication during retrenchment; a local education/job fair; animal rights activism; and winning public approval for a long-range campus plan.…

Values-Oriented Factors Leading to Retention of School Librarian Positions: A School District Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ewbank, Ann Dutton

2011-01-01

The number of U.S. school librarians has greatly diminished despite advocacy efforts on the local and national level. This case study investigated the factors that led governing board members in a mid-size urban high school district to retain certified school librarian positions despite a major economic crisis. Data were collected through school…

A Case Study with Green Dot Public Schools on Managing the Tension between Fidelity and Adaptation when Scaling-Up

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cevallos, Pedro Felipe, Jr.

2009-01-01

This dissertation was a single case study with Green Dot Public Schools (GDPS) describing their rapid scale-up process. Specifically, it investigates the phenomenon of the inherent tension between maintaining the fidelity of the original model school's design, culture and values with local adaptation of the brand by stakeholders at the expansion…

Engaged Partners: The Achieving the Dream Partnership. Principles for Effective Education Grantmaking. Case Study Number 6

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clayton, Tonika Cheek

2008-01-01

Confronting two unhealthy approaches that surface frequently in philanthropy--the tendency for grantmakers to think they alone have all the answers and the tensions that arise when national and local funders try to work together--this case study is intended to help grantmakers think more deeply about the concept of "engaged partners," one of…

Traditions and Customs in Community Development: The Case of Nkanu West and Nkanu East Local Government Areas of Enugu State, Nigeria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adekola, G.; Egbo, Nwoye Charles

2016-01-01

This study examined the influence of traditions and customs on community development in Nkanu West and Nkanu East Local Government Areas of Enugu State. The study was carried out with three objectives and three null hypotheses. The research adopted descriptive survey design with a population of 2,125 members of community Based Organizations in the…

The Impact of Rural Non-Farm Residential Development on the Provision of Local Public Services. Iowa Land Use Research Report Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fisher, Peter S.

Using multiple regression analysis for each county and a case study of selected services in Johnson County, Iowa, the study estimated the impacts of rural non-farm development in Iowa on the demand for local public services, on the cost of providing these services, and on the distribution of service benefits and tax burdens among population…

Permanent nerve damage from inferior alveolar nerve blocks: a current update.

PubMed

Pogrel, M Anthony

2012-10-01

Permanent nerve involvement has been reported following inferior alveolar nerve blocks. This study provides an update on cases reported to one unit in the preceding six years. Lidocaine was associated with 25 percent of cases, articaine with 33 percent of cases, and prilocaine with 34 percent of cases. It does appear that inferior alveolar nerve blocks can cause permanent nerve damage with any local anesthetic, but the incidences may vary.

The role of transnational mobility in the local spread of mosquito-borne disease: Measuring the determinants of spatial-temporal lags of imported dengue cases initiating indigenous epidemics in Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wen, Tzai-Hung

2014-05-01

Dengue fever is one of the world's most widely spread mosquito-borne diseases. International travelers who acquire dengue infection are important routes for virus transmission from one country to another one. Previous studies have shown that imported dengue cases are able to initiate indigenous epidemics when appropriate weather conditions are present. However, the spatial-temporal associations between imported cases and indigenous epidemics in areas with different social-economic conditions are still unclear. This study investigated determinants of spatial-temporal lags of imported dengue cases who initiated indigenous epidemics from 2003 to 2012 in Taiwan. The quantile regression is used to explore the associations between spatial-temporal lags of imported cases and social-economic indicators with geographic heterogeneity. Our results indicated that imported cases in April and May have statistically significant contribution to initiate indigenous epidemics. Areas with high population density and low average income have significant risk of being imported virus from other areas. However, the areas with imported cases are not significant transmission risk. The results imply that imported cases reported in early summer may be an early-warning indicator of indigenous epidemics. Local demographic and economic conditions, rather than imported cases, may determine the areas with the risk of indigenous epidemics.

Local Application of Platelet-Rich Fibrin During Lower Third Molar Extraction Improves Treatment Outcomes.

PubMed

He, Yun; Chen, Junliang; Huang, Yue; Pan, Qin; Nie, Minhai

2017-12-01

Application of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) during tooth extraction is able to accelerate wound healing, stimulate osseous and soft tissue regeneration, and reduce unwanted side effects. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of local application of PRF on controlling postoperative signs and symptoms after the extraction of an impacted lower third molar. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed to identify all studies published up to October 2016 that investigated the effect of PRF on lower third molar extraction. Pain, swelling, trismus, alveolar osteitis (AO), and osteoblastic activity were extracted to evaluate the effect of PRF. After quality assessment, meta-analysis was performed with RevMan software (version 5.3; Cochrane Library Software, Oxford, UK). After the search and selection process, 10 studies were selected in this meta-analysis, including 468 cases of PRF application and 467 cases of non-PRF application. Of the studies, 9 were randomized controlled trials, including 7 split-mouth studies, and there was 1 retrospective case-control study. The results indicated that PRF significantly relieves pain (P = .01) and 3-day postoperative swelling (P = .03) and reduces the incidence of AO (P < .0001). However, there were no significant differences between the PRF and non-PRF groups with respect to 1-day postoperative swelling and osteoblastic activity. Local application of PRF after lower third molar extraction is a valid method for relieving pain and 3-day postoperative swelling and reducing the incidence of AO. For patients undergoing complicated surgical extraction, PRF might be a recommendation for local application into the sockets. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The organisational and human resource challenges facing primary care trusts: protocol of a multiple case study

PubMed Central

2001-01-01

Background The study is designed to assess the organisational and human resource challenges faced by Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). Its objectives are to: specify the organisational and human resources challenges faced by PCTs in fulfilling the roles envisaged in government and local policy; examine how PCTs are addressing these challenges, in particular, to describe the organisational forms they have adopted, and the OD/HR strategies and initiatives they have planned or in place; assess how effective these structures, strategies and initiatives have been in enabling the PCTs to meet the organisational and human resources challenges they face; identify the factors, both internal to the PCT and in the wider health community, which have contributed to the success or failure of different structures, strategies and initiatives. Methods The study will be undertaken in three stages. In Stage 1 the key literature on public sector and NHS organisational development and human resources management will be reviewed, and discussions will be held with key researchers and policy makers working in this area. Stage 2 will focus on detailed case studies in six PCTs designed to examine the organisational and human resources challenges they face. Data will be collected using semi-structured interviews, group discussion, site visits, observation of key meetings and examination of local documentation. The findings from the case study PCTs will be cross checked with a Reference Group of up to 20 other PCG/Ts, and key officers working in organisational development or primary care at local, regional and national level. In Stage 3 analysis of findings from the preparatory work, the case studies and the feedback from the Reference Group will be used to identify practical lessons for PCTs, key messages for policy makers, and contributions to further theoretical development. PMID:11737883

Spinal arteriovenous shunts: accuracy of shunt detection, localization, and subtype discrimination using spinal magnetic resonance angiography and manual contrast injection using a syringe.

PubMed

Unsrisong, Kittisak; Taphey, Siriporn; Oranratanachai, Kanokporn

2016-04-01

The object of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of fast 3D contrast-enhanced spinal MR angiography (MRA) using a manual syringe contrast injection technique for detecting and evaluating spinal arteriovenous shunts (AVSs). This was a retrospective study of 15 patients and 20 spinal MRA and catheter angiography studies. The accuracy of using spinal MRA to detect spinal AVS, localize shunts, and discriminate the subtype and dominant arterial feeder of the AVS were studied. There were 14 pretherapeutic and 6 posttherapeutic follow-up spinal MRA and catheter spinal angiography studies. The spinal AVS was demonstrated in 17 of 20 studies. Spinal MRA demonstrated 100% sensitivity for detecting spinal AVS with no false-negative results. A 97% accuracy rate for AVS subtype discrimination and shunt level localization was achieved using this study's diagnostic criteria. The detection of the dominant arterial feeder was limited to 9 of these 17 cases (53%). The fast 3D contrast-enhanced MRA technique performed using manual syringe contrast injection can detect the presence of a spinal AVS, locate the shunt level, and discriminate AVS subtype in most cases, but is limited when detecting small arterial feeders.

Recurrence case of rare scalp dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: Two case reports of a wide radical excision, craniectomy bone involvement followed by cranioplasty and reconstruction

PubMed Central

Faried, Ahmad; Hadisaputra, Wargian; Arifin, Muhammad Z.

2017-01-01

Background: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare low-grade sarcoma of the fibroblast originating from the dermal layer of the skin, characterized by a locally aggressive growth and high rate of local recurrence. Case Description: Two patients underwent a wide radical excision of recurrent scalp DFSP which was reconstructed with translational skin flap and split-thickness skin graft. We described above cases several years ago with a local excision of the tumor; recently, they developed local recurrence of DFSP with calvarial involvement. We then performed a wide radical excision, with craniectomy of the cranial defect followed by cranioplasty using titanium mesh, continuing with reconstruction. Conclusion: A successful treatment and management depends on achieving local control and preventing cosmetic and functional deficit; all efforts should be made for complete excision. Postoperative follow-up recommended for highly suspicious cases and annual checkups should be performed up to 5 years after definitive therapy. PMID:28607816

[Twenty-Five Cases of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer That Underwent Laparoscopic Surgery after Preoperative Chemotherapy].

PubMed

Okuda, Hiroshi; Nakahara, Masahiro; Yano, Takuya; Bekki, Tomoaki; Takechi, Hitomi; Yoshikawa, Toru; Mochizuki, Tetsuya; Abe, Tomoyuki; Fujikuni, Nobuaki; Sasada, Tatsunari; Yamaki, Minoru; Amano, Hironobu; Noriyuki, Toshio

2017-11-01

Several recent reports have described the administration of preoperative chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. In our hospital, preoperative chemotherapy based on oxaliplatin was administered for locally advanced rectal cancer with a tumor diameter of 5 cm or more and half semicircularity or more, and curative resection with laparoscopic surgery was performed after tumor shrinkage. We have experienced 25 cases that underwent preoperative chemotherapy for local advanced rectal cancer in our hospital from May 2012 to April 2016. No tumor increased in size during preoperative chemotherapy and there were no cases where R0 resection was impossible. In addition, no distant metastasis during chemotherapy was observed. Postoperative complications were observed in 3 cases(12%), and anastomotic leakage was observed in 1 case (4%), but conservative treatment was possible. Multidisciplinary treatment of preoperative chemotherapy and surgery should be considered as a therapeutic strategy for locally advanced rectal cancer, mainly in medical institutions without radiation treatment facilities.

Addressing a community's cancer cluster concerns

PubMed Central

Gavin, AT; Catney, D

2006-01-01

The felling of a telecommunications mast highlighted a community's concern regarding an alleged cancer cluster of eleven cases in a small rural area of Northern Ireland. At the request of the Local District Council, the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR) undertook an investigation. After extensive searching and contact with the community, only 6 of the alleged cases could be identified. Of these six, two did not have cancer and one had a non-malignant tumour. In addition to the three confirmed cancer cases, a search of the NICR database identified a further 17 cancers of mixed types in keeping with the population pattern of cancers. Standardised incidence and mortality rates were within, or lower than, the expected level. The results were presented to the local community at an open meeting. Despite extensive media interest when the issue of the alleged cluster was first raised, the negative findings received only local media attention. This study illustrates the value of an accurate population cancer registry in addressing cancer cluster concerns. PMID:16964811

Surgical Management of Localized Scleroderma.

PubMed

Lee, Jae Hyun; Lim, Soo Yeon; Lee, Jang Hyun; Ahn, Hee Chang

2017-09-01

Localized scleroderma is characterized by a thickening of the skin from excessive collagen deposits. It is not a fatal disease, but quality of life can be adversely affected due to changes in skin appearance, joint contractures, and, rarely, serious deformities of the face and extremities. We present six cases of localized scleroderma in face from our surgical practice. We reviewed six localized scleroderma cases that were initially treated with medication and then received follow-up surgery between April 2003 and February 2015. Six patients had facial lesions. These cases presented with linear dermal sclerosis on the forehead, oval subcutaneous and dermal depression in the cheek. En coup de sabre (n=4), and oval-shaped lesion of the face (n=2) were successfully treated. Surgical methods included resection with or without Z-plasty (n=3), fat graft (n=1), dermofat graft (n=1), and adipofascial free flap (n=1). Deformities of the affected parts were surgically corrected without reoccurrence. We retrospectively reviewed six cases of localized scleroderma that were successfully treated with surgery. And we propose an algorithm for selecting the best surgical approach for individual localized scleroderma cases. Although our cases were limited in number and long-term follow-up will be necessary, we suggest that surgical management should be considered as an option for treating scleroderma patients.

Using the social entrepreneurship approach to generate innovative and sustainable malaria diagnosis interventions in Tanzania: a case study

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background There have been a number of interventions to date aimed at improving malaria diagnostic accuracy in sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, limited success is often reported for a number of reasons, especially in rural settings. This paper seeks to provide a framework for applied research aimed to improve malaria diagnosis using a combination of the established methods, participatory action research and social entrepreneurship. Methods This case study introduces the idea of using the social entrepreneurship approach (SEA) to create innovative and sustainable applied health research outcomes. The following key elements define the SEA: (1) identifying a locally relevant research topic and plan, (2) recognizing the importance of international multi-disciplinary teams and the incorporation of local knowledge, (3) engaging in a process of continuous innovation, adaptation and learning, (4) remaining motivated and determined to achieve sustainable long-term research outcomes and, (5) sharing and transferring ownership of the project with the international and local partner. Evaluation The SEA approach has a strong emphasis on innovation lead by local stakeholders. In this case, innovation resulted in a unique holistic research program aimed at understanding patient, laboratory and physician influences on accurate diagnosis of malaria. An evaluation of milestones for each SEA element revealed that the success of one element is intricately related to the success of other elements. Conclusions The SEA will provide an additional framework for researchers and local stakeholders that promotes innovation and adaptability. This approach will facilitate the development of new ideas, strategies and approaches to understand how health issues, such as malaria, affect vulnerable communities. PMID:20128922

Using the social entrepreneurship approach to generate innovative and sustainable malaria diagnosis interventions in Tanzania: a case study.

PubMed

Allen, Lisa K; Hetherington, Erin; Manyama, Mange; Hatfield, Jennifer M; van Marle, Guido

2010-02-03

There have been a number of interventions to date aimed at improving malaria diagnostic accuracy in sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, limited success is often reported for a number of reasons, especially in rural settings. This paper seeks to provide a framework for applied research aimed to improve malaria diagnosis using a combination of the established methods, participatory action research and social entrepreneurship. This case study introduces the idea of using the social entrepreneurship approach (SEA) to create innovative and sustainable applied health research outcomes. The following key elements define the SEA: (1) identifying a locally relevant research topic and plan, (2) recognizing the importance of international multi-disciplinary teams and the incorporation of local knowledge, (3) engaging in a process of continuous innovation, adaptation and learning, (4) remaining motivated and determined to achieve sustainable long-term research outcomes and, (5) sharing and transferring ownership of the project with the international and local partner. The SEA approach has a strong emphasis on innovation lead by local stakeholders. In this case, innovation resulted in a unique holistic research program aimed at understanding patient, laboratory and physician influences on accurate diagnosis of malaria. An evaluation of milestones for each SEA element revealed that the success of one element is intricately related to the success of other elements. The SEA will provide an additional framework for researchers and local stakeholders that promotes innovation and adaptability. This approach will facilitate the development of new ideas, strategies and approaches to understand how health issues, such as malaria, affect vulnerable communities.

Propensity score matching for selection of local areas as controls for evaluation of effects of alcohol policies in case series and quasi case-control designs.

PubMed

de Vocht, F; Campbell, R; Brennan, A; Mooney, J; Angus, C; Hickman, M

2016-03-01

Area-level public health interventions can be difficult to evaluate using natural experiments. We describe the use of propensity score matching (PSM) to select control local authority areas (LAU) to evaluate the public health impact of alcohol policies for (1) prospective evaluation of alcohol policies using area-level data, and (2) a novel two-stage quasi case-control design. Ecological. Alcohol-related indicator data (Local Alcohol Profiles for England, PHE Health Profiles and ONS data) were linked at LAU level. Six LAUs (Blackpool, Bradford, Bristol, Ipswich, Islington, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne) as sample intervention or case areas were matched to two control LAUs each using PSM. For the quasi case-control study a second stage was added aimed at obtaining maximum contrast in outcomes based on propensity scores. Matching was evaluated based on average standardized absolute mean differences (ASAM) and variable-specific P-values after matching. The six LAUs were matched to suitable control areas (with ASAM < 0.20, P-values >0.05 indicating good matching) for a prospective evaluation study that sought areas that were similar at baseline in order to assess whether a change in intervention exposure led to a change in the outcome (alcohol related harm). PSM also generated appropriate matches for a quasi case-control study--whereby the contrast in health outcomes between cases and control areas needed to be optimized in order to assess retrospectively whether differences in intervention exposure were associated with the outcome. The use of PSM for area-level alcohol policy evaluation, but also for other public health interventions, will improve the value of these evaluations by objective and quantitative selection of the most appropriate control areas. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Gender Privilege and the Culture of the Ontario School System: A Mid- to Late Twentieth-Century Case Study of a Male Public School Professional

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilcox, Beth

2015-01-01

This study uses an adapted public history methodology of a local case study to analyze interviews conducted with a former Ontario teacher and principal. It draws on literature and historical documents regarding teaching between the 1950s-1980s to examine the typical experience of public school professionals in that time and discuss structural…

Environmental and social determinants of population vulnerability to Zika virus emergence at the local scale.

PubMed

Rees, Erin E; Petukhova, Tatiana; Mascarenhas, Mariola; Pelcat, Yann; Ogden, Nicholas H

2018-05-08

Zika virus (ZIKV) spread rapidly in the Americas in 2015. Targeting effective public health interventions for inhabitants of, and travellers to and from, affected countries depends on understanding the risk of ZIKV emergence (and re-emergence) at the local scale. We explore the extent to which environmental, social and neighbourhood disease intensity variables influenced emergence dynamics. Our objective was to characterise population vulnerability given the potential for sustained autochthonous ZIKV transmission and the timing of emergence. Logistic regression models estimated the probability of reporting at least one case of ZIKV in a given municipality over the course of the study period as an indicator for sustained transmission; while accelerated failure time (AFT) survival models estimated the time to a first reported case of ZIKV in week t for a given municipality as an indicator for timing of emergence. Sustained autochthonous ZIKV transmission was best described at the temporal scale of the study period (almost one year), such that high levels of study period precipitation and low mean study period temperature reduced the probability. Timing of ZIKV emergence was best described at the weekly scale for precipitation in that high precipitation in the current week delayed reporting. Both modelling approaches detected an effect of high poverty on reducing/slowing case detection, especially when inter-municipal road connectivity was low. We also found that proximity to municipalities reporting ZIKV had an effect to reduce timing of emergence when located, on average, less than 100 km away. The different modelling approaches help distinguish between large temporal scale factors driving vector habitat suitability and short temporal scale factors affecting the speed of spread. We find evidence for inter-municipal movements of infected people as a local-scale driver of spatial spread. The negative association with poverty suggests reduced case reporting in poorer areas. Overall, relatively simplistic models may be able to predict the vulnerability of populations to autochthonous ZIKV transmission at the local scale.

A systematic review of extravasation and local tissue injury from administration of vasopressors through peripheral intravenous catheters and central venous catheters.

PubMed

Loubani, Osama M; Green, Robert S

2015-06-01

The aim of this study was to collect and describe all published reports of local tissue injury or extravasation from vasopressor administration via either peripheral intravenous (IV) or central venous catheter. A systematic search of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed from inception through January 2014 for reports of adults who received vasopressor intravenously via peripheral IV or central venous catheter for a therapeutic purpose. We included primary studies or case reports of vasopressor administration that resulted in local tissue injury or extravasation of vasopressor solution. Eighty-five articles with 270 patients met all inclusion criteria. A total of 325 separate local tissue injury and extravasation events were identified, with 318 events resulting from peripheral vasopressor administration and 7 events resulting from central administration. There were 204 local tissue injury events from peripheral administration of vasopressors, with an average duration of infusion of 55.9 hours (±68.1), median time of 24 hours, and range of 0.08 to 528 hours. In most of these events (174/204, 85.3%), the infusion site was located distal to the antecubital or popliteal fossae. Published data on tissue injury or extravasation from vasopressor administration via peripheral IVs are derived mainly from case reports. Further study is warranted to clarify the safety of vasopressor administration via peripheral IVs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Research partnerships with local communities: two case studies from Papua New Guinea and Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almany, G. R.; Hamilton, R. J.; Williamson, D. H.; Evans, R. D.; Jones, G. P.; Matawai, M.; Potuku, T.; Rhodes, K. L.; Russ, G. R.; Sawynok, B.

2010-09-01

Partnerships between scientists and local communities can increase research capacity and data delivery while improving management effectiveness through enhanced community participation. To encourage such collaboration, this study demonstrates how these partnerships can be formed, drawing on two case studies in coral reef ecosystems in very different social settings (Papua New Guinea and Australia). In each case, steps towards successfully engaging communities in research were similar. These included: (1) early engagement by collaborating organizations to build trust, (2) ensuring scientific questions have direct relevance to the community, (3) providing appropriate incentives for participation, and (4) clear and open communication. Community participants engaged in a variety of research activities, including locating and capturing fishes, collecting and recording data (weight, length and sex), applying external tags, and removing otoliths (ear bones) for ageing and elemental analysis. Research partnerships with communities enhanced research capacity, reduced costs and, perhaps more importantly, improved the likelihood of long-term community support for marine protected areas (MPAs).

Men Who Abuse Their Spouses: An Approach to Assessing Future Risk.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldsmith, Herbert R.

1990-01-01

Studied risk assessment for abuse cases by examining cases (N=20) referred to local spouse treatment center. Focused on woman's perception of mate's personality/behavioral characteristics and relationship plus other situational factors. Confirmed majority of risk factors associated with spouse abuse as reported in the literature. Presents pilot…

Nucleolus organizer regions in Physalaemus cuvievi (Anura, Leptodactylidae), with evidence of a unique case of Ag-NOR variability.

PubMed

Silva, A P; Haddad, C F; Kasahara, S

1999-01-01

We studied ten specimens of Physalaemus cuvieri collected at different localities in Brazil using conventional staining and banding techniques. All specimens had 2n = 22. There were karyotypic variants: distinct patterns in the number and chromosome localization of Ag-NORs as well as in the corresponding secondary constrictions. Preliminary C-banding patterns obtained for specimens from two localities are also suggestive of karyotypic differentiation in P. cuvieri.

Long-term outcomes of ultrasonic scalpel treatment in giant cell tumor of long bones

PubMed Central

SUN, SHENG; ZHANG, QIANG; ZHAO, CHANG-SONG; CAI, JUAN

2014-01-01

Giant cell tumors (GCTs) are generally benign, locally aggressive lesions with the potential to metastasize and a tendency of local recurrence. The present study aimed to investigate the advantages and long-term outcomes of application of ultrasonic scalpel in the treatment of GCT of long bones. This study retrospectively analyzed 32 cases of GCT of long bones, including 24 males and eight females. The age range was from 8 to 34 years old (mean age, 23.5 years old). The 32 cases were randomly divided into an observation group (n=10) and a control group (n=22). Patients in the observation group received curettage by ultrasonic scalpel combined with local methotrexate gelfoam adjuvant treatment, and then the cavity was filled with allograft and/or homograft bone. Patients in the control group eceived curettage by local methotrexate gelfoam adjuvant treatment and bone grafting. No local recurrence or pulmonary metastases were observed among patients in the observation group, however, six patients in the control group exhibited recurrence following surgery, although none of the patients demonstrated distant metastasis (P<0.05). Additionally, all 10 patients showed good bone knitting and rehabilitation without deformity and functional issues. The segmental bone graft was perfectly incorporated without obvious immune rejection, collapse and fracture. Curettage by ultrasonic scalpel with local methotrexate gelfoam adjuvant treatment and filling the site by allograft and/or homograft bone showed satisfactory results. PMID:24959235

Primary Localized Vesical Amyloidosis Mimicking Bladder Carcinoma: A Case Report

PubMed Central

Patil, Purwa R.; Warpe, Bhushan M.

2016-01-01

Amyloidosis of urinary bladder is a rare condition and may be primary or secondary in nature. A case of primary localized vesical amyloidosis (VA) in a 40-yr-old man is described which was confused with neoplasm by cystoscopic, urographic and other studies. Surgical specimens obtained by transurethral resection (TUR) were diagnostic and histologically revealed amyloid deposits in sub-epithelial stroma with chronic inflammatory and giant-cell reaction. Congo-red staining proved its amyloid nature. It was resistant to potassium permanganate (KMnO4) pretreatment, indicating it to be of the AL type. PMID:28974964

Following a natural experiment of guideline adaptation and early implementation: a mixed-methods study of facilitation

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Facilitation is emerging as an important strategy in the uptake of evidence. However, it is not entirely clear from a practical perspective how facilitation occurs to help move research evidence into nursing practice. The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, also known as the 'Partnership,' is a Pan-Canadian initiative supporting knowledge translation activity for improved care through guideline use. In this case-series study, five self-identified groups volunteered to use a systematic methodology to adapt existing clinical practice guidelines for Canadian use. With 'Partnership' support, local and external facilitators provided assistance for groups to begin the process by adapting the guidelines and planning for implementation. Methods To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the nature of facilitation, we conducted a mixed-methods study. Specifically, we examined the role and skills of individuals actively engaged in facilitation as well as the actual facilitation activities occurring within the 'Partnership.' The study was driven by and builds upon a focused literature review published in 2010 that examined facilitation as a role and process in achieving evidence-based practice in nursing. An audit tool outlining 46 discrete facilitation activities based on results of this review was used to examine the facilitation noted in the documents (emails, meeting minutes, field notes) of three nursing-related cases participating in the 'Partnership' case-series study. To further examine the concept, six facilitators were interviewed about their practical experiences. The case-audit data were analyzed through a simple content analysis and triangulated with participant responses from the focus group interview to understand what occurred as these cases undertook guideline adaptation. Results The analysis of the three cases revealed that almost all of the 46 discrete, practical facilitation activities from the literature were evidenced. Additionally, case documents exposed five other facilitation-related activities, and a combination of external and local facilitation was apparent. Individuals who were involved in the case or group adapting the guideline(s) also performed facilitation activities, both formally and informally, in conjunction with or in addition to appointed external and local facilitators. Conclusions Facilitation of evidence-based practice is a multifaceted process and a team effort. Communication and relationship-building are key components. The practical aspects of facilitation explicated in this study validate what has been previously noted in the literature and expand what is known about facilitation process and activity. PMID:22309743

Influence of heat and particle fluxes nonlocality on spatial distribution of plasma density in two-chamber inductively coupled plasma sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kudryavtsev, A. A.; Serditov, K. Yu.

2012-07-01

This study presents 2D simulations of the two-chamber inductively coupled plasma source where power is supplied in the small discharge chamber and extends by electron thermal conductivity mechanism to the big diffusion chamber. Depending on pressure, two main scenarios of plasma density and its spatial distribution behavior were identified. One case is characterized by the localization of plasma in the small driver chamber where power is deposed. Another case describes when the diffusion chamber becomes the main source of plasma with maximum of the electron density. The differences in spatial distribution are caused by local or non-local behavior of electron energy transport in the discharge volume due to different characteristic scale of heat transfer with electronic conductivity.

Decay of Complex-Time Determinantal and Pfaffian Correlation Functionals in Lattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aza, N. J. B.; Bru, J.-B.; de Siqueira Pedra, W.

2018-04-01

We supplement the determinantal and Pfaffian bounds of Sims and Warzel (Commun Math Phys 347:903-931, 2016) for many-body localization of quasi-free fermions, by considering the high dimensional case and complex-time correlations. Our proof uses the analyticity of correlation functions via the Hadamard three-line theorem. We show that the dynamical localization for the one-particle system yields the dynamical localization for the many-point fermionic correlation functions, with respect to the Hausdorff distance in the determinantal case. In Sims and Warzel (2016), a stronger notion of decay for many-particle configurations was used but only at dimension one and for real times. Considering determinantal and Pfaffian correlation functionals for complex times is important in the study of weakly interacting fermions.

Decay of Complex-Time Determinantal and Pfaffian Correlation Functionals in Lattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aza, N. J. B.; Bru, J.-B.; de Siqueira Pedra, W.

2018-06-01

We supplement the determinantal and Pfaffian bounds of Sims and Warzel (Commun Math Phys 347:903-931, 2016) for many-body localization of quasi-free fermions, by considering the high dimensional case and complex-time correlations. Our proof uses the analyticity of correlation functions via the Hadamard three-line theorem. We show that the dynamical localization for the one-particle system yields the dynamical localization for the many-point fermionic correlation functions, with respect to the Hausdorff distance in the determinantal case. In Sims and Warzel (2016), a stronger notion of decay for many-particle configurations was used but only at dimension one and for real times. Considering determinantal and Pfaffian correlation functionals for complex times is important in the study of weakly interacting fermions.

Local knowledge, science, and institutional change: the case of desertification control in Northern China.

PubMed

Yang, Lihua

2015-03-01

This article studies the influence of local knowledge on the impact of science on institutional change in ecological and environmental management. Based on an empirical study on desertification control in 12 counties in north China, the study found the following major results: (1) although there was a cubic relationship between the extent and effect of local knowledge, local knowledge significantly influenced the impact of science on institutional change; (2) local knowledge took effect mainly through affecting formal laws and regulations, major actors, and methods of desertification control in institutional change but had no significant impact on the types of property rights; and (3) local knowledge enhanced the impact of science on the results of desertification control through affecting the impact of science on institutional change. These findings provide a reference for researchers, policy makers, and practitioners, both in China and in other regions of the world, to further explore the influence of local knowledge on the impact of science on institutional change and the roles of local knowledge or knowledge in institutional change and governance.

Wlan-Based Indoor Localization Using Neural Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saleem, Fasiha; Wyne, Shurjeel

2016-07-01

Wireless indoor localization has generated recent research interest due to its numerous applications. This work investigates Wi-Fi based indoor localization using two variants of the fingerprinting approach. Specifically, we study the application of an artificial neural network (ANN) for implementing the fingerprinting approach and compare its localization performance with a probabilistic fingerprinting method that is based on maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) of the user location. We incorporate spatial correlation of fading into our investigations, which is often neglected in simulation studies and leads to erroneous location estimates. The localization performance is quantified in terms of accuracy, precision, robustness, and complexity. Multiple methods for handling the case of missing APs in online stage are investigated. Our results indicate that ANN-based fingerprinting outperforms the probabilistic approach for all performance metrics considered in this work.

Score distributions of gapped multiple sequence alignments down to the low-probability tail

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fieth, Pascal; Hartmann, Alexander K.

2016-08-01

Assessing the significance of alignment scores of optimally aligned DNA or amino acid sequences can be achieved via the knowledge of the score distribution of random sequences. But this requires obtaining the distribution in the biologically relevant high-scoring region, where the probabilities are exponentially small. For gapless local alignments of infinitely long sequences this distribution is known analytically to follow a Gumbel distribution. Distributions for gapped local alignments and global alignments of finite lengths can only be obtained numerically. To obtain result for the small-probability region, specific statistical mechanics-based rare-event algorithms can be applied. In previous studies, this was achieved for pairwise alignments. They showed that, contrary to results from previous simple sampling studies, strong deviations from the Gumbel distribution occur in case of finite sequence lengths. Here we extend the studies to multiple sequence alignments with gaps, which are much more relevant for practical applications in molecular biology. We study the distributions of scores over a large range of the support, reaching probabilities as small as 10-160, for global and local (sum-of-pair scores) multiple alignments. We find that even after suitable rescaling, eliminating the sequence-length dependence, the distributions for multiple alignment differ from the pairwise alignment case. Furthermore, we also show that the previously discussed Gaussian correction to the Gumbel distribution needs to be refined, also for the case of pairwise alignments.

Epidemiological aspects of human and canine visceral leishmaniasis in Montes Claros, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 2007 and 2009.

PubMed

Prado, Patrícia Fernandes do; Rocha, Marília Fonseca; Sousa, Joel Fontes de; Caldeira, Dênio Iuri; Paz, Gustavo Fontes; Dias, Edelberto Santos

2011-10-01

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an expanding zoonosis in Brazil and is becoming urbanized in several Brazilian regions. This study aims to describe the epidemiological features of human and canine VL in the municipality of Montes Claros, State of Minas Gerais, by focusing on their spatial distribution. Data concerning human cases and reactive dogs for VL from 2007 to 2009 were obtained from the Information System for Disease Notification (SINAN) and from reports of the local Centro de Controle de Zoonoses (CCZ), respectively. The addresses of human and canine cases have been georeferenced and localized in thematic maps, allowing their spatial visualization as well as the identification of areas at risk of VL transmission. Ninety-five cases of human VL were reported in the period. The 0-9-year-old age group (48.4%) was the most affected, within which the majority consisted of male patients (64%). Of the samples collected for the canine serological survey, 2,919 (6.3%) were reactive to VL. The spatial localization of these cases shows that the disease was scattered in the urban area of the municipality. Areas showing a higher dissemination risk were concentrated in the central, northwestern, and southern regions of the city. Identifying the areas most at risk in urban Montes Claros may help guide actions toward local epidemiological vigilance and control.

Partners for the optimal organisation of the healthcare continuum for high users of health and social services: protocol of a developmental evaluation case study design.

PubMed

Hudon, Catherine; Chouinard, Maud-Christine; Couture, Martine; Brousselle, Astrid; Couture, Eva Marjorie; Dubois, Marie-France; Fortin, Martin; Freund, Tobias; Loignon, Christine; Mireault, Jean; Pluye, Pierre; Roberge, Pasquale; Rodriguez, Charo

2014-12-02

Case management allows us to respond to the complex needs of a vulnerable clientele through a structured approach that promotes enhanced interaction between partners. Syntheses on the subject converge towards a need for a better description of the relationships between programmes and their local context, as well as the characteristics of the clienteles and programmes that contribute to positive impacts. The purpose of this project is thus to describe and evaluate the case management programmes of four health and social services centres in the Saguenay-Lac- Saint-Jean region of Québec, Canada, in order to inform their improvement while creating knowledge on case management that can be useful in other contexts. This research relies on a multiple embedded case study design based on a developmental evaluation approach. We will work with the case management programme for high users of hospital services of each centre. Three different units of analysis will be interwoven to obtain an in-depth understanding of each case, that is: (1) health and social services centre and local services network, (2) case management programme and (3) patients who are high users of services. Two strategies for programme evaluation (logic models and implementation analysis) will guide the mixed data collection based on qualitative and quantitative methods. This data collection will rely on: (1) individual interviews and focus groups; (2) participant observation; (3) document analysis; (4) clinical and administrative data and (5) questionnaires. Description and comparison of cases, and integration of qualitative and quantitative data will be used to guide the data analysis. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Research Boards of the four health and social services centres (HSSCs) involved. Findings will be disseminated by publications in peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and policy and practice partners in local and national government. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Evaluation of CFD Turbulent Heating Prediction Techniques and Comparison With Hypersonic Experimental Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dilley, Arthur D.; McClinton, Charles R. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Results from a study to assess the accuracy of turbulent heating and skin friction prediction techniques for hypersonic applications are presented. The study uses the original and a modified Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model with a space marching code. Grid converged turbulent predictions using the wall damping formulation (original model) and local damping formulation (modified model) are compared with experimental data for several flat plates. The wall damping and local damping results are similar for hot wall conditions, but differ significantly for cold walls, i.e., T(sub w) / T(sub t) < 0.3, with the wall damping heating and skin friction 10-30% above the local damping results. Furthermore, the local damping predictions have reasonable or good agreement with the experimental heating data for all cases. The impact of the two formulations on the van Driest damping function and the turbulent eddy viscosity distribution for a cold wall case indicate the importance of including temperature gradient effects. Grid requirements for accurate turbulent heating predictions are also studied. These results indicate that a cell Reynolds number of 1 is required for grid converged heating predictions, but coarser grids with a y(sup +) less than 2 are adequate for design of hypersonic vehicles. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that the local damping formulation be used with the Baldwin-Lomax and Cebeci-Smith turbulence models in design and analysis of Hyper-X and future hypersonic vehicles.

The impact of Supplementary Immunization Activities on the epidemiology of measles in Tianjin, China

PubMed Central

Wagner, Abram L.; Zhang, Ying; Mukherjee, Bhramar; Ding, Yaxing; Wells, Eden V.; Boulton, Matthew L.

2016-01-01

Summary Objectives China has repeatedly used supplemental immunization activities (SIAs) to work towards measles elimination, but it is unknown if the SIAs are reaching non-locals, migrants from rural to urban areas. This study characterizes temporal trends in measles incidence by local and non-local residency and evaluates the impact of SIAs on measles incidence in Tianjin, China. Methods Daily measles case counts were tabulated separately by residency. These two datasets were combined so that each day had two observations. We conducted Poisson regression using generalized estimating equations with an exchangeable working correlation structure to estimate rate ratios (RRs). Results There were 12,465 measles cases in Tianjin over the 10-year period. The rate of measles was higher in non-locals than locals before the 2008 SIA (RR: 3.60, 95% CI: 3.27, 3.96), but this attenuates to a RR of 1.22 between the 2008 and 2010 SIAs (95% CI: 1.02, 1.45). Following the 2010 SIA, non-locals had a lower rate of measles (RR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.69, 0.87). Conclusions The disparity in measles incidence between locals and non-locals was reduced following two SIAs. Sustained public health interventions will be needed to maintain low measles incidence among non-locals given ongoing migration of people throughout China. PMID:26972042

Learning Culture, Spirituality and Local Knowledge: Implications for African Schooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sefa Dei, George J.

2002-09-01

(Learning, Culture, Spirituality and Local Knowedge: Implications for African Schooling) - Using a Ghanaian case study, this paper looks at the relevance and implications of local knowledge, culture and spirituality for understanding and implementing educational change in Africa. It examines how teachers, educators, and students use local cultural knowledge about self, personhood and community. Among the critical issues raised are: How do subjects understand the nature, impact and implications of spirituality for schooling and education? What is the role of spirituality, culture, language and social politics in knowledge production? What contribution does the local cultural knowledge base make to the search for genuine educational options in Africa?

Analyzing the effects of transit network change on agency performance and riders in a decentralized, small-to-mid-sized US metropolitan area : a case study of Tallahassee, Florida.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-05-01

On July 11, 2011, StarMetro, the local public transit agency in Tallahassee, Florida, restructured its entire bus network from a : downtown-focused radial system to a decentralized, grid-like system that local officials and agency leaders believed wo...

What Is "Good" Mentoring? Understanding Mentoring Practices of Teacher Induction through Case Studies of Finland and Australia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pennanen, Matti; Bristol, Laurette; Wilkinson, Jane; Heikkinen, Hannu L. T.

2016-01-01

Mentoring is a practice widely utilised to support new teachers. However, in locally formed systems, the practice of mentoring is conditioned by traditions and arrangements specific to the site. To understand "good" mentoring, these local arrangements cannot be ignored. In this article, the theory of practice architectures is employed to…

Biodiversity Conservation through Environmental Education for Sustainable Development--A Case Study from Puducherry, India

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ramadoss, Alexandar; Poyya Moli, Gopalsamy

2011-01-01

Promoting students commitment to protect local biodiversity is an important goal of education for sustainable development in India and elsewhere. The main focus of the biodiversity education was to create knowledge, interest and necessary skills to solve various biodiversity problems with reference to the local context. In order to develop the…

Does Support for VET Reduce Employee Churn? A Case Study in Local Government. Occasional Paper

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Curry, Kath

2010-01-01

To what extent do local governments use vocational education and training as a staff retention strategy? Human resources personnel from a selection of councils around Australia believed that a lack of career development or training opportunities might cause an employee to leave their organisation. They had some reservations about the quality and…

The virtues of localism and arctic wilderness politics

Treesearch

James N. Gladden

2007-01-01

An analysis of co-managing structures and land use issues in three case studies of arctic wilderness politics shows that more formal and informal power sharing by government officials with local people results in less conflict. Greater input and control by nearby communities may also help to protect wilderness ecosystems and traditional values of northern cultures....

Nuanced Understandings of Privatization in Local Authorities' Services to Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boyask, Ruth

2015-01-01

This article draws upon findings from the New Relations between Local Authorities (LAs) and Schools project to identify ideological and value-based differences between the models of service to schools adopted within four case study LAs. While each of the LAs has developed a privatized model of service, there are subtle differences between the…

Designing Temporary Systems: Exploring Local School Improvement Intentions in the Swedish Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nordholm, Daniel; Blossing, Ulf

2014-01-01

This article targets local school improvement in Sweden and temporary systems as a model to organize improvement work. These data are based on a qualitative case study of teacher groups constituting a temporary system representing the different subjects in comprehensive school in a medium-sized urban municipality. A total of eight interviews were…

Exploring the Relationships between Higher Education and Industry. A Case Study of a University and the Local Tourism Industry.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peacock, Nicola; Ladkin, Adele

2002-01-01

Responses from 44 of 200 British tourism enterprises identified barriers and benefits to the relationship between a university and the local tourism industry. Results showed low interaction, most of which was in the area of recruitment, and little use of university services to business. (Contains 32 references.) (JOW)

Young Children as Active Citizens in Local Government: Possibilities and Challenges from an Australian Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bartholomaeus, Clare; Gregoric, Carolyn; Krieg, Susan

2016-01-01

Despite considerable research and discussion regarding children and young people's rights and citizenship, the participation of young children in community decision-making is still limited. In this exploratory research, a case study is reported on how ideas about young children as active citizens are interpreted within one local government…

It Comes from the People: Community Development and Local Theology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hinsdale, Mary Ann; And Others

The closing of local mines and factories collapsed the economic and social structure of Ivanhoe, Virginia, a small rural town once considered a dying community. This book is a case study that tells how the people of Ivanhoe organized to revitalize their town. It documents the community development process--a process that included hard work, a…

Subsidizing Infrastructure Investment with Tax-Preferred Bonds. A Joint CBO/JCT Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Musick, Nathan

2009-01-01

States and localities issue debt to finance projects undertaken by government and, in some cases, by the private sector (bonds issued by states and localities to finance either government operations or certain private-sector activities are known as municipal bonds). The federal government subsidizes the issuance of municipal bonds by offering tax…

The Arkansas Plan: A Case Study in Public Policy. Monograph Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ledbetter, Cal, Jr.; And Others

This document discusses the Arkansas Plan, a proposal to the state legislature in 1976 by Governor David Pryor that would restructure the state's financial system and redefine the state/local relationship in Arkansas government. Major changes proposed by the plan--which was ultimately defeated--would allow local voters, not the state, to determine…

Local Control in the Era of Accountability: A Case Study of Wisconsin PreK

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Graue, M. Elizabeth; Wilinski, Bethany; Nocera, Amato

2016-01-01

The opposing principles of local control and increased standardization are a prominent tension in the United States' education system. Since at least the early 1990s, this tension has taken shape around the accountability movement, defined by educational reforms that hold schools, teachers, and students accountable for performance on new…

Building trust in natural resource management within local communities: a case study of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

Treesearch

Mae A. Davenport; Jessica E. Leahy; Dorothy H. Anderson; Pamela J. Jakes

2007-01-01

Communities neighboring federally protected natural areas regularly weigh the costs and benefits of the administering agency's programs and policies. While most agencies integrate public opinion into decision making, efforts to standardize and formalize public involvement have left many local communities feeling marginalized, spurring acrimony and opposition. A...

Decentralizing Education in Transition Societies: Case Studies from Central and Eastern Europe. WBI Learning Resources Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fiszbein, Ariel, Ed.

This book is about education system reform in Central and Eastern Europe, with emphasis on decentralization and management. In the past, local authorities served as implementation arms of the central ministry, while finance and decision-making were controlled by the central government, leaving local communities with little influence. New education…

NGO Partnerships in Using Ecotourism for Conservation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Romero-Brito, Tania P; Buckley, Ralf C; Byrne, Jason

2016-01-01

We analyse 214 cases worldwide where non-governmental organisations (NGOs) use ecotourism for conservation. Other stakeholders in these initiatives include local communities, the private sector, and government agencies. Stakeholder relationships determine NGO roles and project management structures and governance. We classified cases into 10 structural categories based on the initiating stakeholder and the NGO role, and used these categories to analyze geographic patterns and success factors. Most of the 214 cases are community-based (~170; 79%); most are in developing countries (190; 89%); and most are in protected areas (196; 91%). Frequencies of structural categories differ between continents. More cases in Latin America and Asia are initiated by NGOs and local communities, and more in Africa by the private sector. Case-study authors used a range of economic, socio-cultural and environmental criteria to judge whether projects were successful. At global scale, we found no significant association between project success and the involvement of private tourism entrepreneurs. Projects involving either local or international NGOs had higher success rates than those that involved both simultaneously. Future research could adopt political ecology approaches to examine: the factors that lead NGOs to adopt ecotourism enterprises; their internal decision-making processes and strategies; their interactions with the stakeholders involved; and their conservation goals and outcomes.

NGO Partnerships in Using Ecotourism for Conservation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Romero-Brito, Tania P.; Byrne, Jason

2016-01-01

We analyse 214 cases worldwide where non-governmental organisations (NGOs) use ecotourism for conservation. Other stakeholders in these initiatives include local communities, the private sector, and government agencies. Stakeholder relationships determine NGO roles and project management structures and governance. We classified cases into 10 structural categories based on the initiating stakeholder and the NGO role, and used these categories to analyze geographic patterns and success factors. Most of the 214 cases are community-based (~170; 79%); most are in developing countries (190; 89%); and most are in protected areas (196; 91%). Frequencies of structural categories differ between continents. More cases in Latin America and Asia are initiated by NGOs and local communities, and more in Africa by the private sector. Case-study authors used a range of economic, socio-cultural and environmental criteria to judge whether projects were successful. At global scale, we found no significant association between project success and the involvement of private tourism entrepreneurs. Projects involving either local or international NGOs had higher success rates than those that involved both simultaneously. Future research could adopt political ecology approaches to examine: the factors that lead NGOs to adopt ecotourism enterprises; their internal decision-making processes and strategies; their interactions with the stakeholders involved; and their conservation goals and outcomes. PMID:27893800

Localized lymphedema (elephantiasis): a case series and review of the literature.

PubMed

Lu, Song; Tran, Tien Anh; Jones, David M; Meyer, Dale R; Ross, Jeffrey S; Fisher, Hugh A; Carlson, John Andrew

2009-01-01

Lymphedema typically affects a whole limb. Rarely, lymphedema can present as a circumscribed plaque or an isolated skin tumor. To describe the clinical and pathologic characteristics and etiologic factors of localized lymphedema. Case-control study of skin biopsy and excision specimens histologically diagnosed with lymphedema and presenting as a localized skin tumor identified during a 4-year period. We identified 24 cases of localized lymphedema presenting as solitary large polyps (11), solid or papillomatous plaques (7), pendulous swellings (4), or tumors mimicking sarcoma (2). Patients were 18 females and 6 males with a mean age of 41 years (range 16-74). Anogenital involvement was most frequent (75%)--mostly vulva (58%), followed by eyelid (13%), thigh (8%) and breast (4%). Causative factors included injury due to trauma, surgery or childbirth (54%), chronic inflammatory disease (rosacea, Crohn's disease) (8%), and bacterial cellulitis (12%). Eighty-five percent of these patients were either overweight (50%) or obese (35%). Compared with a series of 80 patients with diffuse lymphedema, localized lymphedema patients were significantly younger (41 vs. 62 years old, p = 0.0001), had no history of cancer treatment (0% vs. 18%, p = 0.03), and had an injury to the affected site (54% vs. 6%, p = 0.0001). Histologically, all cases exhibited dermal edema, fibroplasia, dilated lymphatic vessels, uniformly distributed stromal cells and varying degrees of papillated epidermal hyperplasia, inflammatory infiltrates and hyperkeratosis. Tumor size significantly and positively correlated with history of cellulitis, obesity, dense inflammatory infiltrates containing abundant plasma cells, and lymphoid follicles (p < 0.05). A history of cellulitis, morbid obesity, lymphoid follicles and follicular cysts predicted recurrent or progressive swelling despite excision (p < 0.05). Localized lymphedema should be considered in the etiology of skin tumors when assessing a polyp, plaque, swelling or mass showing dermal edema, fibrosis and dilated lymphatics on biopsy. A combination of lymph stasis promoting factors (trauma, obesity, infection and/or inflammatory disorders) produces localized elephantiasis.

BILATERAL CHOROIDAL EXCAVATION IN JUVENILE LOCALIZED SCLERODERMA.

PubMed

Franklin, Mackenzie L; Day, Shelley

2018-01-01

To describe a case of bilateral choroidal excavation in a patient with juvenile localized scleroderma. Case report. An asymptomatic 12-year-old boy with localized scleroderma presented for examination and was found to have bilateral areas of choroidal excavation temporal to the fovea. Previous reports of ocular complications of localized scleroderma have primarily described adnexal and anterior segment changes. This is the second report of choroidal changes in a patient with localized scleroderma, and the first in a pediatric patient.

Influence of Intracranial Electrode Density and Spatial Configuration on Interictal Spike Localization: A Case Study.

PubMed

Lie, Octavian V; Papanastassiou, Alexander M; Cavazos, José E; Szabó, Ákos C

2015-10-01

Poor seizure outcomes after epilepsy surgery often reflect an incorrect localization of the epileptic sources by standard intracranial EEG interpretation because of limited electrode coverage of the epileptogenic zone. This study investigates whether, in such conditions, source modeling is able to provide more accurate source localization than the standard clinical method that can be used prospectively to improve surgical resection planning. Suboptimal epileptogenic zone sampling is simulated by subsets of the electrode configuration used to record intracranial EEG in a patient rendered seizure free after surgery. sLORETA and the clinical method solutions are applied to interictal spikes sampled with these electrode subsets and are compared for colocalization with the resection volume and displacement due to electrode downsampling. sLORETA provides often congruent and at times more accurate source localization when compared with the standard clinical method. However, with electrode downsampling, individual sLORETA solution locations can vary considerably and shift consistently toward the remaining electrodes. sLORETA application can improve source localization based on the clinical method but does not reliably compensate for suboptimal electrode placement. Incorporating sLORETA solutions based on intracranial EEG in surgical planning should proceed cautiously in cases where electrode repositioning is planned on clinical grounds.

On influences of global and local cues on the rate of synchronization of oscillator networks

PubMed Central

Wang, Yongqiang; Doyle, Francis J.

2011-01-01

Synchronization of connected oscillator networks under global and local cues is ubiquitous in both science and engineering. Over the last few decades, enormous attention has been paid to study synchronization conditions of connected oscillators in chemistry, physics, mechanics, and particularly in biology. However, the influences of global and local cues on the rate of synchronization have not been fully studied. It is widespread that synchronization is achieved in the simultaneous presence of both global and local cues, such as intercellular coupling signals and external entrainment signals in terms of biological oscillators, and inter-neighbor coupling signals between follower nodes and central guiding signals in terms of groups of mobile autonomous agents. We prove in this paper that strength of the global cue is the only determinant of the rate of synchronization. More specifically, we prove that a stronger global cue means a faster rate of synchronization whereas a stronger local cue does not necessarily make the synchronization rate faster. Our results not only apply to the noise free case, but also apply to the case that the oscillator natural frequencies are subject to white noise. The analysis does not require the interplay to be symmetric or balanced. Simulation results are given to illustrate the proposed results. PMID:21607201

Creating a Learning Organization for State, Local, and Tribal Law Enforcement to Combat Violent Extremism

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

iterations in that time for the student practitioners to work through. When possible, case studies will be selected from actual counter-radicalizations...justify participation in the learning 9 organization. Those cases will be evaluated on a case -by- case basis and the need to expand the CVE mission...interested within the learning organization. The National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program applied research pre -course is an example of

[Effects of performance-volume limit on the institutional financing of the Clinical Centre of the University of Pécs, Hungary].

PubMed

Endrei, Dóra; Kollár, Lajos; Bódis, József; Imhof, Gábor; Zemplényi, Antal; Vas, Gábor; Boncz, Imre

2010-08-01

The aim of our study is to demonstrate the effects of performance-volume limit (PVL) on the institutional financing of the Clinical Centre of the University of Pécs (CC UP). The data involved in the analysis are based on the reports towards the National Health Insurance Fund Administration (NHIFA), concerning the active inpatient care by specialist in the period between 2004 and 2008. We determined the real NHIFA reimbursement per weighted case number and the financial loss caused by the PVL. We analyzed the proportion of local health care obligation and urgency cases in comparison of various clinics. The reimbursement per weighted case number of CC UP has been less than the pre-announced NHIFA amounts after the installation of PVL. During the examined 5 years, i.e. 2004-2008, the loss in case of CC UP has been up to 3.256 million HUF due to the PVL. Concerning the whole of CC UP it means that 25.3 % of the treated cases and 24.5 % of the executed weighted case number has been out of local health care obligation. Studying the ratio of urgency cases inside the total volume of medical attendance, it is represented that 31.5 % of the cases and 36.1 % of the weighted case numbers came from the treatment of urgency cases. The introduction of performance-volume limit considerably reduced the health insurance financing of CC UP between 2004 and 2008.

Cheating Tendency in Examinations among Secondary School Students in Nigeria: A Case Study of Schools in the Odukpani Local Government Area, Cross River State

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bisong, Nonso Ngozika; Akpama, Felicia; Edet, Pauline B.

2009-01-01

This study is designed to examine cheating tendency among secondary school students in Nigeria, with evidence from schools in the Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. A total of 331 respondents in Senior Secondary 3 classes were randomly selected from 10 post-primary schools in the area. A survey questionnaire was used to elicit…

[Seven Cases of Surgery for Breast Cancer under Tumescent Local Anesthesia].

PubMed

Hosoya, Tokuko; Nakagawa, Tsuyoshi; Oda, Goshi; Uetake, Hiroyuki

2015-11-01

Surgical procedures for breast cancer are usually performed under general anesthesia. However, general anesthesia needs to be avoided in some cases due to patient-related factors such as the presence of comorbid diseases. In these cases, we perform surgery under tumescent local anesthesia(TLA)in our department. Seven patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer underwent surgery under TLA instead of general anesthesia due to their comorbidities. The planned surgical procedures were successfully completed under TLA. A shift to general anesthesia could be avoided in all cases. The operative procedures for the breasts included modified radical mastectomy (Bt) in 3 cases and wide excision (Bp) in 4 cases. In addition, axillary lymph node dissection was performed in 2 cases; sampling, in 1 case; sentinel lymph node biopsy, in 2 cases; and no procedure for the axilla, in 2 cases. In terms of anesthesia, 2 cases were managed under TLA alone and 5 cases were managed under TLA combined with epidural anesthesia. Lidocaine was used for local anesthesia and did not reach the maximal permissive dose in all cases. No postoperative complication was observed. No local recurrence or new metastasis was observed during the observation period, which ranged from 1 to 67 months after the surgery. These findings demonstrate that surgery for breast cancer under TLA is safe and offers high curability for patients at high risk for complications of general anesthesia.

Rural Community Action: A Series of Case Studies of Action Projects in Small New York State Communities. Miscellaneous Bulletin 116.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Preston, James C.; Halton, Katherine B.

The report presents case studies of 7 community action projects which were undertaken by New York communities with populations under 10,000 and which show how local leaders can improve the quality of life in their communities. The report describes the background, initiation, expansion, implementation, consequences, and highlights of the projects,…

Exploring a Systems Approach to Mainstreaming Sustainability in Universities: A Case Study of Rhodes University in South Africa

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Togo, Muchaiteyi; Lotz-Sisitka, Heila

2013-01-01

This paper explores the use of systems theory to inform the mainstreaming of sustainability in a university's functions as it responds to sustainable development challenges in its local context. Offering a case study of Rhodes University, the paper shows how the use of systems models and concepts, underpinned by a critical realist ontology and an…

Student Teachers of Technology and Design into Industry: A Northern Ireland Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gibson, Ken

2013-01-01

This paper, based in Northern Ireland, is a case study of an innovative programme which places year 3 B.Ed. post-primary student teachers of Technology and Design into industry for a five-day period. The industrial placement programme is set in an international context of evolving pre-service field placements and in a local context defined by the…

A case-cohort study of recurrent salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma after iodine 125 brachytherapy and resection treatment.

PubMed

Li, Bin-bin; Xie, Xiao-Yan; Jia, Sheng-Nan

2015-02-01

Recurrent adenoid cystic carcinoma (rAdCC) can be challenging to be treated with brachytherapy, although brachytherapy is safe and effective in treating head and neck cancers. Patients of adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC), who underwent resection and iodine 125 ((125)I) radioactive seed implantation, were recruited for this study. Clinical data, surgical details of resection and seed implantation, histologic characteristics, and prognosis were studied. There were 16 rAdCC cases among 140 cases of AdCC treated with brachytherapy and resection. The mean follow-up duration for the recurrent cases was 61 months. The 3-year local control rate of rAdCC was 51.6%, and the overall disease-specific survival rate was 49.4%. Eight patients showed distant metastasis (50%, 8/16). The histologic grades of 10 rAdCCs were upgraded (62.5%, 10/16).Two cases displayed sarcomatous transformation after brachytherapy (1.4%, 2/140). Although the overall local control rate and survival rate were relatively favorable, some rAdCCs with an aggressive phenotype appeared to respond poorly to (125)I seed implantation. Preventive adjuvant chemotherapy should be prescribed for these rAdCCs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Epidemiological factors associated to spread of porcine epidemic diarrhea in Japan.

PubMed

Sasaki, Yosuke; Alvarez, Julio; Sekiguchi, Satoshi; Sueyoshi, Masuo; Otake, Satoshi; Perez, Andres

2016-01-01

Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is an emerging disease of pigs that has recently led to large numbers of piglet deaths in a number of countries of Eastern Asia and The Americas. The objective of the present study was to identify and compare risk factors associated with PED infection in locally and non-locally PED-exposed farms in Japan. A questionnaire was administered to a convenience selection of pig farms located throughout Japan. Questionnaires were administered between November 2013 (when the first case was reported in Japan) and August 2014. PED-positive farms (cases, n=124) were asked to provide information on their status (positive or negative) and select herd management practices for the two weeks prior to onset of PED clinical signs. Negative farms (controls, n=128) were given the same questionnaire and asked herd management practices for the two weeks prior to a given reference date. This date was assigned based on the date of PED occurrence in the town/prefecture in which the farm was located. Case and control farms were categorized as "locally exposed" if they were located within a 5km radius from a PED-infected farm and "non-locally exposed", otherwise. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with PED infection. Two separate regressions were done for locally exposed and non-locally exposed farms using PED status (positive/negative) as the dependent variable. PED in locally-exposed farms was associated (P<0.05) with increased farm size (in 100 pig increments), shorter distances to the closest PED-positive farm (less than1,001m), and a disinfectant contact time of less than 20min. In non-locally exposed farms, PED was associated (P<0.05) with increased feed truck visits to the farm, no visit of the veterinarian, and again a disinfectant contact time of less than 20min. These findings suggest that the mechanisms of PED spread in Japan were different for farms closer to case-farms compared to farms that were further away from PED cases. These results will contribute to understanding the epidemiology of the disease in Japan and will ultimately aid in designing and implementing effective prevention and control strategies in Japan and other regions epidemically infected by the PED virus. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Planning for outdoor play: Government and family decision-making.

PubMed

Sterman, Julia J; Naughton, Geraldine A; Bundy, Anita C; Froude, Elspeth; Villeneuve, Michelle A

2018-03-08

Despite indisputable developmental benefits of outdoor play, children with disabilities can experience play inequity. Play decisions are multifactorial; influenced by children's skills and their familial and community environments. Government agencies have responsibilities for equity and inclusion of people with disabilities; including in play. This multiple-perspective case study aimed to understand outdoor play decision-making for children with disabilities from the perspectives and interactions of: local government and families of primary school-aged children with disabilities. Five mothers, four local government employees, and two not-for-profit organization representatives participated in semi-structured interviews. Inductive and iterative analyzes involved first understanding perspectives of individuals, then stakeholders (local government and families), and finally similarities and differences through cross-case analysis. Local government focused more on physical access, than social inclusion. Local government met only minimal requirements and had little engagement with families. This resulted in poor understanding and action around family needs and preferences when designing public outdoor play spaces. To increase meaningful choice and participation in outdoor play, government understanding of family values and agency around engagement with local government needs to improve. Supporting familial collective capabilities requires understanding interactions between individuals, play, disability, and outdoor play environments.

Nonequilibrium localization and the interplay between disorder and interactions.

PubMed

Mascarenhas, Eduardo; Bragança, Helena; Drumond, R; Aguiar, M C O; França Santos, M

2016-05-18

We study the nonequilibrium interplay between disorder and interactions in a closed quantum system. We base our analysis on the notion of dynamical state-space localization, calculated via the Loschmidt echo. Although real-space and state-space localization are independent concepts in general, we show that both perspectives may be directly connected through a specific choice of initial states, namely, maximally localized states (ML-states). We show numerically that in the noninteracting case the average echo is found to be monotonically increasing with increasing disorder; these results are in agreement with an analytical evaluation in the single particle case in which the echo is found to be inversely proportional to the localization length. We also show that for interacting systems, the length scale under which equilibration may occur is upper bounded and such bound is smaller the greater the average echo of ML-states. When disorder and interactions, both being localization mechanisms, are simultaneously at play the echo features a non-monotonic behaviour indicating a non-trivial interplay of the two processes. This interplay induces delocalization of the dynamics which is accompanied by delocalization in real-space. This non-monotonic behaviour is also present in the effective integrability which we show by evaluating the gap statistics.

Simulation of enhanced deposition due to magnetic field alignment of ellipsoidal particles in a lung bifurcation.

PubMed

Martinez, R C; Roshchenko, A; Minev, P; Finlay, W H

2013-02-01

Aerosolized chemotherapy has been recognized as a potential treatment for lung cancer. The challenge of providing sufficient therapeutic effects without reaching dose-limiting toxicity levels hinders the development of aerosolized chemotherapy. This could be mitigated by increasing drug-delivery efficiency with a noninvasive drug-targeting delivery method. The purpose of this study is to use direct numerical simulations to study the resulting local enhancement of deposition due to magnetic field alignment of high aspect ratio particles. High aspect ratio particles were approximated by a rigid ellipsoid with a minor diameter of 0.5 μm and fluid particle density ratio of 1,000. Particle trajectories were calculated by solving the coupled fluid particle equations using an in-house micro-macro grid finite element algorithm based on a previously developed fictitious domain approach. Particle trajectories were simulated in a morphologically realistic geometry modeling a symmetrical terminal bronchiole bifurcation. Flow conditions were steady inspiratory air flow due to typical breathing at 18 L/min. Deposition efficiency was estimated for two different cases: [1] particles aligned with the streamlines and [2] particles with fixed angular orientation simulating the magnetic field alignment of our previous in vitro study. The local enhancement factor defined as the ratio between deposition efficiency of Case [1] and Case [2] was found to be 1.43 and 3.46 for particles with an aspect ratio of 6 and 20, respectively. Results indicate that externally forcing local alignment of high aspect ratio particles can increase local deposition considerably.

Urban Environment Development based on Universal Design Principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harsritanto, Bangun Ir

2018-02-01

Universal Design is a design which facilitated full range of human diversity. By applying Universal design principles, urban environment can be more functional and more user-friendly for everyone. This study examined five urban streets of South Korea as a country experienced on developing various urban street designs based on universal design. This study aimed to examine and compare the South Korea cases using seven principles of universal design. The research methods of this study are literature study, case study, and site observation. The results of this study are: South Korea cases are good practices, urgency of implementing the direction into local regulations; and change of urban development paradigm.

Pathology informatics fellowship retreats: The use of interactive scenarios and case studies as pathology informatics teaching tools.

PubMed

Lee, Roy E; McClintock, David S; Balis, Ulysses J; Baron, Jason M; Becich, Michael J; Beckwith, Bruce A; Brodsky, Victor B; Carter, Alexis B; Dighe, Anand S; Haghighi, Mehrvash; Hipp, Jason D; Henricks, Walter H; Kim, Jiyeon Y; Klepseis, Veronica E; Kuo, Frank C; Lane, William J; Levy, Bruce P; Onozato, Maristela L; Park, Seung L; Sinard, John H; Tuthill, Mark J; Gilbertson, John R

2012-01-01

Last year, our pathology informatics fellowship added informatics-based interactive case studies to its existing educational platform of operational and research rotations, clinical conferences, a common core curriculum with an accompanying didactic course, and national meetings. The structure of the informatics case studies was based on the traditional business school case study format. Three different formats were used, varying in length from short, 15-minute scenarios to more formal multiple hour-long case studies. Case studies were presented over the course of three retreats (Fall 2011, Winter 2012, and Spring 2012) and involved both local and visiting faculty and fellows. Both faculty and fellows found the case studies and the retreats educational, valuable, and enjoyable. From this positive feedback, we plan to incorporate the retreats in future academic years as an educational component of our fellowship program. Interactive case studies appear to be valuable in teaching several aspects of pathology informatics that are difficult to teach in more traditional venues (rotations and didactic class sessions). Case studies have become an important component of our fellowship's educational platform.

Urinary Tract Resections in Advanced-stage Cervical Cancer - A Series of Eight Cases.

PubMed

Oprescu, Dana Nuti; Bacalbasa, Nicolae; Balescu, Irina; Filipescu, Alexandru

2017-06-01

Cervical cancer is one of the most frequent malignancies in women worldwide and is unfortunately diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease. Whenever local invasion is present, neoadjuvant therapy might be needed in order to limit the degree of local invasion. However, in certain cases local invasion persists even after completing the neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy; in these patients more extensive resections might be needed in order to achieve a radical resection. We present a case series of eight patients in whom segmental ureteral or uretero-vesical resections were performed as part of the radical resections for locally advanced cervical tumors. The continuity of the urinary tract was re-established by performing ureteral reimplantation via uretero-neocystostomy, augmentation cystoplasties with ureteral reimplantations. In a single case ureteral reimplantation was not feasible, a definitive cutaneous ureterostomy being performed. The postoperative course was uneventful in seven cases while in a single case urinary leak occurred, necessitating the exteriorization of the ureter in terminal cutaneous ureterostomy. Ureteral resections can be safely performed in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

Systematic study of target localization for bioluminescence tomography guided radiation therapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yu, Jingjing; Zhang, Bin; Reyes, Juvenal

Purpose: To overcome the limitation of CT/cone-beam CT (CBCT) in guiding radiation for soft tissue targets, the authors developed a spectrally resolved bioluminescence tomography (BLT) system for the small animal radiation research platform. The authors systematically assessed the performance of the BLT system in terms of target localization and the ability to resolve two neighboring sources in simulations, tissue-mimicking phantom, and in vivo environments. Methods: Multispectral measurements acquired in a single projection were used for the BLT reconstruction. The incomplete variables truncated conjugate gradient algorithm with an iterative permissible region shrinking strategy was employed as the optimization scheme to reconstructmore » source distributions. Simulation studies were conducted for single spherical sources with sizes from 0.5 to 3 mm radius at depth of 3–12 mm. The same configuration was also applied for the double source simulation with source separations varying from 3 to 9 mm. Experiments were performed in a standalone BLT/CBCT system. Two self-illuminated sources with 3 and 4.7 mm separations placed inside a tissue-mimicking phantom were chosen as the test cases. Live mice implanted with single-source at 6 and 9 mm depth, two sources at 3 and 5 mm separation at depth of 5 mm, or three sources in the abdomen were also used to illustrate the localization capability of the BLT system for multiple targets in vivo. Results: For simulation study, approximate 1 mm accuracy can be achieved at localizing center of mass (CoM) for single-source and grouped CoM for double source cases. For the case of 1.5 mm radius source, a common tumor size used in preclinical study, their simulation shows that for all the source separations considered, except for the 3 mm separation at 9 and 12 mm depth, the two neighboring sources can be resolved at depths from 3 to 12 mm. Phantom experiments illustrated that 2D bioluminescence imaging failed to distinguish two sources, but BLT can provide 3D source localization with approximately 1 mm accuracy. The in vivo results are encouraging that 1 and 1.7 mm accuracy can be attained for the single-source case at 6 and 9 mm depth, respectively. For the 2 sources in vivo study, both sources can be distinguished at 3 and 5 mm separations, and approximately 1 mm localization accuracy can also be achieved. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that their multispectral BLT/CBCT system could be potentially applied to localize and resolve multiple sources at wide range of source sizes, depths, and separations. The average accuracy of localizing CoM for single-source and grouped CoM for double sources is approximately 1 mm except deep-seated target. The information provided in this study can be instructive to devise treatment margins for BLT-guided irradiation. These results also suggest that the 3D BLT system could guide radiation for the situation with multiple targets, such as metastatic tumor models.« less

Ethical issues in action-oriented research in Indonesia.

PubMed

Rachmawaty, Rini

2017-09-01

Action-oriented research is one of the most frequent research types implemented to transform community health in Indonesia. Three researchers and 11 graduate students from a developed country in East Asia conducted a fieldwork program in a remote area in South Sulawesi Province. Although the project was completed, whether or not the international standards for human subject research were applied into that study remains unclear. This study aimed to examine ethical issues raised from that case, analyze constraints to the problems, and recommend alternatives to protect vulnerable populations from being exploited by local/international researchers. A problem-solving approach was used in this study. It began with problem identification, evaluation of the action-oriented research goal, investigation of the constraints to the problem, and recommendation of some relevant alternatives to address the central issue. Ethical Consideration: The approval for conducting the action-oriented research that being investigated in this work was only obtained from the Head of local district. Some ethical issues were found in this case. No special protection for this population, no informed consent was obtained from the participants, exposure to social and economic risks, no future benefits for the subjects, and conflict of interests. Lack of control from the local research ethics committee and lack of competence of local researchers on human subject research were considered as the constraints to the problems. Creating an independent research ethics committee, providing research ethics training to the local researchers, obtaining written/video consents from underserved populations, and meeting local health needs were recommended alternatives to solve these problems. Indonesian government bodies should reform their international collaborative system on research involving human subjects. Exploitation may not occur if all participants as well as all local and national governing bodies understand the research ethics on human subjects and apply it into their practice.

[Acute neonatal suppurative parotiditis: about three clinical cases and review of the literature].

PubMed

Isfaoun, Zineb; Radouani, Mohammed Amine; Azzaoui, Sihame; Knouni, Houria; Aguenaou, Hassan; Barkat, Amina

2016-01-01

The following case study reports three cases of neonatal bacterial parotiditis observed over a period of seven months. Diagnosis is often based on patient's clinical features: they typically include hyperthermia, swelling, erythema, warmth as well as local tenderness and purulent discharge at Stensen duct during the massage of the parotid. The clinical diagnosis is confirmed by ultrasound and by culture of parotid purulent secretion. They are mainly of nosocomial origin and are generally caused by prematurity and dehydration. Early treatment improves patient outcome. Risk factors such as age should lead clinicians to start empiric antibiotic therapy first and then antibiotic therapy based on direct examination of pus extracted from Stensen duct. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus Viridans and anaerobic germs are most commonly isolated. Acute parotiditis are extremely rare in the neonatal period: less than 50 cases have been reported in the literature. We here report three rather peculiar cases. The diagnosis was suspected on the basis of signs of local inflammation.

[Cost-effectiveness ratio of using rapid tests for malaria diagnosis in the Peruvian Amazon].

PubMed

Rosas Aguirre, Angel Martín; Llanos Zavalaga, Luis Fernando; Trelles de Belaunde, Miguel

2009-05-01

To determine the cost-effectiveness ratios of three options for diagnosing malaria at the local health provider in 50 communities near the Peruvian Amazon. Calculation of the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of three options for diagnosing malaria-not using rapid tests, using rapid tests, and accessing microscopy-in patients presenting with fever in 50 communities near Iquitos in the Peruvian Amazon, communities with limited access to microscopy that depend on a network of local health providers. The incremental costs and effects of the two latter options were calculated and compared with the first option (currently in use). By dividing the incremental costs among the incremental effects, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated. Using rapid tests would save the Ministry of Health of Peru: US$191 for each new case of Plasmodium falciparum malaria treated promptly and appropriately; US$31 per new case of P. vivax malaria treated promptly and appropriately; US$1,051 per case of acute malaria averted; and US$17,655 for each death avoided. Access to microscopy by all the communities would generate an additional cost of: US$198 per new case of P. falciparum malaria treated promptly and appropriately; US$31 per new case of P. vivax malaria treated promptly and appropriately; US$1,086 per case of acute malaria averted; and US$18,255 for each death avoided. The use of rapid tests by local health providers can improve the effectiveness of malaria diagnosis in patients with fever in the 50 communities studied, at a cost lower than the current method. The recommendation is to expand the use of rapid tests among the health providers in communities similar to those studied.

Economic analysis of centralized vs. decentralized electronic data capture in multi-center clinical studies.

PubMed

Walden, Anita; Nahm, Meredith; Barnett, M Edwina; Conde, Jose G; Dent, Andrew; Fadiel, Ahmed; Perry, Theresa; Tolk, Chris; Tcheng, James E; Eisenstein, Eric L

2011-01-01

New data management models are emerging in multi-center clinical studies. We evaluated the incremental costs associated with decentralized vs. centralized models. We developed clinical research network economic models to evaluate three data management models: centralized, decentralized with local software, and decentralized with shared database. Descriptive information from three clinical research studies served as inputs for these models. The primary outcome was total data management costs. Secondary outcomes included: data management costs for sites, local data centers, and central coordinating centers. Both decentralized models were more costly than the centralized model for each clinical research study: the decentralized with local software model was the most expensive. Decreasing the number of local data centers and case book pages reduced cost differentials between models. Decentralized vs. centralized data management in multi-center clinical research studies is associated with increases in data management costs.

Economic Analysis of Centralized vs. Decentralized Electronic Data Capture in Multi-Center Clinical Studies

PubMed Central

Walden, Anita; Nahm, Meredith; Barnett, M. Edwina; Conde, Jose G.; Dent, Andrew; Fadiel, Ahmed; Perry, Theresa; Tolk, Chris; Tcheng, James E.; Eisenstein, Eric L.

2012-01-01

Background New data management models are emerging in multi-center clinical studies. We evaluated the incremental costs associated with decentralized vs. centralized models. Methods We developed clinical research network economic models to evaluate three data management models: centralized, decentralized with local software, and decentralized with shared database. Descriptive information from three clinical research studies served as inputs for these models. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome was total data management costs. Secondary outcomes included: data management costs for sites, local data centers, and central coordinating centers. Results Both decentralized models were more costly than the centralized model for each clinical research study: the decentralized with local software model was the most expensive. Decreasing the number of local data centers and case book pages reduced cost differentials between models. Conclusion Decentralized vs. centralized data management in multi-center clinical research studies is associated with increases in data management costs. PMID:21335692

Vibration localization in dual-span, axially moving beams. Part I: Formulation and results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Jawi, A. A. N.; Pierre, C.; Ulsoy, A. G.

1995-01-01

An investigation of the vibration localization phenomenon in dual-span, axially moving beams is presented. The effects of a tension difference among the spans, also referred to as disorder, on the natural modes of free vibration are studied in terms of inter-span coupling and transport speed. The equations governing the transverse vibration of the two-span, axially moving beam are derived through Hamilton's principle and solution methods are developed. Results demonstrate that normal mode localizationindeed occurs for both stationary and translating disordered two-span beams, especially for small inter-span coupling. The occurrence of localization is characterized by a peak deflection much greater in one span than in the other. In the stationary disordered case, localization becomes more pronounced as inter-span coupling decreases, i.e., as the span axial tension increases. In the axially moving disordered case, the transport speed has a significant influence on localization and, generally speaking, localization becomes stronger with increasing speed. For a moving beam with identical spans, the two loci of each pair of natural frequencies may exhibit one or more crossing(s) (depending on the value of tension) when plotted against the axial transport speed. These crossings become veerings when the beam is disordered, and localization is strongest at those speeds at which the eigenvalue veerings occur.

Geometrical optics in the near field: local plane-interface approach with evanescent waves.

PubMed

Bose, Gaurav; Hyvärinen, Heikki J; Tervo, Jani; Turunen, Jari

2015-01-12

We show that geometrical models may provide useful information on light propagation in wavelength-scale structures even if evanescent fields are present. We apply a so-called local plane-wave and local plane-interface methods to study a geometry that resembles a scanning near-field microscope. We show that fair agreement between the geometrical approach and rigorous electromagnetic theory can be achieved in the case where evanescent waves are required to predict any transmission through the structure.

State-local policy management project. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1981-08-01

The report describes case studies to explore new approaches for increasing state and local coordination in planning and managing programs in areas with significant scientific and technical components such as energy and environment. Specifically, the case studies reveal efforts of various states in the areas of energy conservation, weatherization, emergency preparedness, and air quality. Successes and failures of Maryland's decentralized approach to energy conservation are documented; success of the thermal and lighting efficiency standards program in Texas is discussed; state aid for local energy conservation programs in Clinton County, Michigan, is reviewed; and the success of the weatherization program inmore » Oregon is examined. Pilot programs in weatherization in Pennsylvania are shown to have led a statewide effort. Two Minnesota projects in emergency preparedness are documented and factors for success are listed. In addition, long-range planning for fuel shortages in New York is examined and the benefits of regional planning in Fairfax County, Virgina, are noted. Efforts are examined to improve air quality in Ohio, California, and New Jersey.« less

A study of self organized criticality in ion temperature gradient mode driven gyrokinetic turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mavridis, M.; Isliker, H.; Vlahos, L.; Görler, T.; Jenko, F.; Told, D.

2014-10-01

An investigation on the characteristics of self organized criticality (Soc) in ITG mode driven turbulence is made, with the use of various statistical tools (histograms, power spectra, Hurst exponents estimated with the rescaled range analysis, and the structure function method). For this purpose, local non-linear gyrokinetic simulations of the cyclone base case scenario are performed with the GENE software package. Although most authors concentrate on global simulations, which seem to be a better choice for such an investigation, we use local simulations in an attempt to study the locally underlying mechanisms of Soc. We also study the structural properties of radially extended structures, with several tools (fractal dimension estimate, cluster analysis, and two dimensional autocorrelation function), in order to explore whether they can be characterized as avalanches. We find that, for large enough driving temperature gradients, the local simulations exhibit most of the features of Soc, with the exception of the probability distribution of observables, which show a tail, yet they are not of power-law form. The radial structures have the same radial extent at all temperature gradients examined; radial motion (transport) though appears only at large temperature gradients, in which case the radial structures can be interpreted as avalanches.

Amplitude-dependent topological edge states in nonlinear phononic lattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pal, Raj Kumar; Vila, Javier; Leamy, Michael; Ruzzene, Massimo

2018-03-01

This work investigates the effect of nonlinearities on topologically protected edge states in one- and two-dimensional phononic lattices. We first show that localized modes arise at the interface between two spring-mass chains that are inverted copies of each other. Explicit expressions derived for the frequencies of the localized modes guide the study of the effect of cubic nonlinearities on the resonant characteristics of the interface, which are shown to be described by a Duffing-like equation. Nonlinearities produce amplitude-dependent frequency shifts, which in the case of a softening nonlinearity cause the localized mode to migrate to the bulk spectrum. The case of a hexagonal lattice implementing a phononic analog of a crystal exhibiting the quantum spin Hall effect is also investigated in the presence of weakly nonlinear cubic springs. An asymptotic analysis provides estimates of the amplitude dependence of the localized modes, while numerical simulations illustrate how the lattice response transitions from bulk-to-edge mode-dominated by varying the excitation amplitude. In contrast with the interface mode of the first example studies, this occurs both for hardening and softening springs. The results of this study provide a theoretical framework for the investigation of nonlinear effects that induce and control topologically protected wave modes through nonlinear interactions and amplitude tuning.

A study of self organized criticality in ion temperature gradient mode driven gyrokinetic turbulence

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mavridis, M.; Isliker, H.; Vlahos, L.

2014-10-15

An investigation on the characteristics of self organized criticality (Soc) in ITG mode driven turbulence is made, with the use of various statistical tools (histograms, power spectra, Hurst exponents estimated with the rescaled range analysis, and the structure function method). For this purpose, local non-linear gyrokinetic simulations of the cyclone base case scenario are performed with the GENE software package. Although most authors concentrate on global simulations, which seem to be a better choice for such an investigation, we use local simulations in an attempt to study the locally underlying mechanisms of Soc. We also study the structural properties ofmore » radially extended structures, with several tools (fractal dimension estimate, cluster analysis, and two dimensional autocorrelation function), in order to explore whether they can be characterized as avalanches. We find that, for large enough driving temperature gradients, the local simulations exhibit most of the features of Soc, with the exception of the probability distribution of observables, which show a tail, yet they are not of power-law form. The radial structures have the same radial extent at all temperature gradients examined; radial motion (transport) though appears only at large temperature gradients, in which case the radial structures can be interpreted as avalanches.« less

Translating National Level Forest Service Goals to Local Level Land Management: Carbon Sequestration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McNulty, S.; Treasure, E.

2017-12-01

The USDA Forest Service has many national level policies related to multiple use management. However, translating national policy to stand level forest management can be difficult. As an example of how a national policy can be put into action, we examined three case studies in which a desired future condition is evaluated at the national, region and local scale. We chose to use carbon sequestration as the desired future condition because climate change has become a major area of concern during the last decade. Several studies have determined that the 193 million acres of US national forest land currently sequester 11% to 15% of the total carbon emitted as a nation. This paper provides a framework by which national scale strategies for maintaining or enhancing forest carbon sequestration is translated through regional considerations and local constraints in adaptive management practices. Although this framework used the carbon sequestration as a case study, this framework could be used with other national level priorities such as the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) or the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Velarde and the Llano Canal: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Horvath, Rosemary

1976-01-01

In arid New Mexico, decisions about water have always been a particularly strong source of tension between local communities and the bureaucracy. In one revent case, the community of Velarde had successfully blocked plans for a diversion dam and canal which would have brought new water into the Espanola valley, but would also have destroyed…

The Cocoa Shop: A Database Management Case

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pratt, Renée M. E.; Smatt, Cindi T.

2015-01-01

This is an example of a real-world applicable case study, which includes background information on a small local business (i.e., TCS), description of functional business requirements, and sample data. Students are asked to design and develop a database to improve the management of the company's customers, products, and purchases by emphasizing…

For Better or Worse: The Influence of FE Franchising on Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fletcher, Mick, Ed.

Seven papers look at lessons from the franchising experience in further education (FE) in Britain. "Franchising--A Case Study in FE Funding" (Mick Fletcher) looks at franchised provision in the light of universal themes that cut across all of FE: funding tariff, employer contributions, and local priorities. "The Case for…

Virological and serological study of human infection with swine influenza A H1N1 virus in China.

PubMed

Zu, Rongqiang; Dong, Libo; Qi, Xian; Wang, Dayan; Zou, Shumei; Bai, Tian; Li, Ming; Li, Xiaodan; Zhao, Xiang; Xu, Cuiling; Huo, Xiang; Xiang, Nijuan; Yang, Shuai; Li, Zi; Xu, Zhen; Wang, Hua; Shu, Yuelong

2013-11-01

Pigs are considered to be "mixing vessels" for the emergence of influenza viruses with pandemic potential. 2009 Pandemic Influenza H1N1 further proved this hypothesis, and raised the needs for risk assessment of human cases caused by swine influenza virus. A field investigation was conducted after a case identified with infection of European avian-like swine influenza H1N1 virus. The diagnosis was confirmed by real-time PCR, virus isolation, whole genome sequencing and serological assays. Samples from local pigs and close contacts were tested to identify the source of infection and route of transmission. The virus from the index case was similar to viruses circulating in the local pigs. The case's grandfather was asymptomatic with sero-conversion. A total of 42.8% of swine sera were positive for European avian-like swine H1N1. This study highlighted the importance of performing surveillance on swine influenza to monitor new virus emergence in humans. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Iatrogenic trigeminal post-traumatic neuropathy: a retrospective two-year cohort study.

PubMed

Klazen, Y; Van der Cruyssen, F; Vranckx, M; Van Vlierberghe, M; Politis, C; Renton, T; Jacobs, R

2018-06-01

With the growing demand for dental work, trigeminal nerve injuries are increasingly common. This retrospective cohort study examined 53 cases of iatrogenic trigeminal nerve injury seen at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospitals of Leuven between 2013 and 2014 (0.6% among 8845 new patient visits). Patient records were screened for post-traumatic trigeminal nerve neuropathy caused by nerve injury incurred during implant surgery, endodontic treatment, local anaesthesia, tooth extraction, or specifically third molar removal. The patients ranged in age from 15 to 80years (mean age 42.1years) and 68% were female. The referral delay ranged from 1day to 6.5years (average 10months). The inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) was most frequently injured (28 cases), followed by the lingual nerve (LN) (21 cases). Most nerve injuries were caused during third molar removal (24 cases), followed by implant placement (nine cases) and local anaesthesia injuries (nine cases). Pain symptoms were experienced by 54% of patients suffering IAN injury, compared to 10% of patients with LN injury. Persistent neurosensory disturbances were identified in 60% of patients. While prevention remains the key issue, timely referral seems to be a critical factor for the successful treatment of post-traumatic neuropathy. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Controlling rogue waves in inhomogeneous Bose-Einstein condensates.

PubMed

Loomba, Shally; Kaur, Harleen; Gupta, Rama; Kumar, C N; Raju, Thokala Soloman

2014-05-01

We present the exact rogue wave solutions of the quasi-one-dimensional inhomogeneous Gross-Pitaevskii equation by using similarity transformation. Then, by employing the exact analytical solutions we have studied the controllable behavior of rogue waves in the Bose-Einstein condensates context for the experimentally relevant systems. Additionally, we have also investigated the nonlinear tunneling of rogue waves through a conventional hyperbolic barrier and periodic barrier. We have found that, for the conventional nonlinearity barrier case, rogue waves are localized in space and time and get amplified near the barrier, while for the dispersion barrier case rogue waves are localized in space and propagating in time and their amplitude is reduced at the barrier location. In the case of the periodic barrier, the interesting dynamical features of rogue waves are obtained and analyzed analytically.

Estrogen- and progesterone-receptor status in ECOG 2197: comparison of immunohistochemistry by local and central laboratories and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction by central laboratory.

PubMed

Badve, Sunil S; Baehner, Frederick L; Gray, Robert P; Childs, Barrett H; Maddala, Tara; Liu, Mei-Lan; Rowley, Steve C; Shak, Steven; Perez, Edith A; Perez, Edith D; Shulman, Lawrence J; Martino, Silvana; Davidson, Nancy E; Sledge, George W; Goldstein, Lori J; Sparano, Joseph A

2008-05-20

Central and local laboratory concordance for hormone receptor measurement is therapeutically important. This study compares estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) measured by local laboratory immunohistochemistry (IHC), central IHC, and central reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using a proprietary 21-gene assay. A case-control sample of 776 breast cancer patients from Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) study E2197 was evaluated. Central IHC Allred score for ER and PR was obtained using tissue microarrays and 1D5 ER antibody and 636 PR antibody. Quantitative RT-PCR for ER and PR in whole sections was performed using the 21-gene assay. For ER, the concordance between local and central IHC was 90% (95% CI, 88% to 92%), between local IHC and central RT-PCR was 91% (95% CI, 89% to 93%), and between central IHC and central RT-PCR was 93% (95% CI, 91% to 95%). For PR, the concordance between local IHC and central IHC was 84% (95% CI, 82% to 87%), between local IHC and central RT-PCR was 88% (95% CI, 85% to 90%), and between central IHC and central RT-PCR was 90% (95% CI, 88% to 92%). Although concordance was high, IHC ER-negative cases that were RT-PCR positive were more common than IHC ER-positive cases that were RT-PCR negative. In ER-positive patients, ER expression by central IHC Allred score was marginally associated with recurrence (P = .091), and ER expression by central RT-PCR was significantly associated with recurrence (P = .014). However, recurrence score, which incorporates additional genes/pathways, was a highly significant predictor of recurrence (P < .0001). There is a high degree of concordance among local IHC, central IHC, and central RT-PCR by the proprietary gene assay for ER and PR status. Although ER expression is marginally associated with relapse in ER-positive patients treated with chemohormonal therapy, recurrence score is a highly significant predictor of recurrence.

Metapopulation dynamics and the evolution of dispersal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parvinen, Kalle

A metapopulation consists of local populations living in habitat patches. In this chapter metapopulation dynamics and the evolution of dispersal is studied in two metapopulation models defined in discrete time. In the first model there are finitely many patches, and in the other one there are infinitely many patches, which allows to incorporate catastrophes into the model. In the first model, cyclic local population dynamics can be either synchronized or not, and increasing dispersal both synchronizes and stabilizes metapopulation dynamics. On the other hand, the type of dynamics has a strong effect on the evolution of dispersal. In case of non-synchronized metapopulation dynamics, dispersal is much more beneficial than in the case of synchronized metapopulation dynamics. Local dynamics has a substantial effect also on the possibility of evolutionary branching in both models. Furthermore, with an Allee effect in the local dynamics of the second model, even evolutionary suicide can occur. It is an evolutionary process in which a viable population adapts in such a way that it can no longer persist.

Contrasting perceptions of anthropogenic coastal agricultural landscape meanings and management in Italy and Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Targetti, Stefano; Sherren, Kate; Raggi, Meri; Viaggi, Davide

2016-04-01

The Anthropocene concept entails the idea that humans have become the most influential driving factor on the environment. In this context, it is useful to get insights from coastal areas that are affected by a huge impact of human activities in shaping the territory, are prone to several threats linked with climate change, and featured by interlinked economic, cultural and social systems. We compare evidence from three different methods focusing on the perceptions of coastal agricultural landscapes: i) a survey focusing on residents' perceptions of local rural landscape elements; ii) an expert-elicitation multicriteria exercise (Analytic Network Process) focusing on the relationship between economic actors, ecosystem services and local competitiveness; and iii) a Q-methodology survey to identify public discourses concerning management alternatives. The methods were applied in two coastal case studies characterized by land drainage, shoreline barriers and coastal armoring that represent high cultural heritage; created by humans they rely on active management to persist. Moreover, in both the case studies concerns have been raised about the role of agriculture in the rural development context and the perspectives of local stakeholders towards the management of the reclaimed lands. The first area is located on the southern side of the Po River Delta (Emilia Romagna, Italy). The area was reclaimed during the 19th and 20th centuries for agricultural production and is now characterized by intensive agriculture in the hinterlands, an urbanised coastal area with a developed tourism sector, and the presence of remnant wetlands which are mostly included in the Po Delta Natural Park (covering around 30% of the case study). The second area is located in the dykelands of the Bay of Fundy (Nova Scotia, Canada) whose origins go back to the 17th Century when French settlers built the first dykes to reclaim salt marshes for farmland. While some are still farmed, a range of different cultural and economic assets is present in the Dykelands including commercial and recreational infrastructures. Both case study areas are included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites ("Ferrara, City of the Renaissance, and its Po Delta" and the "Landscape of Grand Pré"). In both cases evidence points to the tendency of the residents to acknowledge public goods related to recreational assets as important to manage for, whereas more pragmatic experts/educated stakeholders are more prone to rate protection-related services (e.g. flood protection) together with cultural services. Several differences were also evidenced in the two case studies. First, the importance of farming in the Dykelands was mainly a cultural/emotional attachment, whereas provision services were considered as the main valorisation factor in the Po Delta area. Secondly, second-home dwellers in the Po Delta showed a higher interest on local landscape elements, non residents in the Dykelands showed a higher interest in governance of the territory than on management of specific traditional landscape elements such as dykelands or wetlands. These results outline the need to consider different management perspectives and options and the critical role of awareness concerning local environmental threats and challenges in the two case study areas.

A Manual for the Illinois Student Longitudinal Case Study System (ISLCS). Procedures and Materials for Planning and Implementing the ISLCS.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carvell, Fred; Carvell, Joan B.

Designed for local school and district vocational educators, this manual contains instructions and materials necessary to plan and implement a student longitudinal followup system. Part 1 provides background information and definitions used in the system. In part 2 are described the 11 major activities that must be undertaken by local program…

News Coverage and Access to Contextual Policy Information in the Case of Recreational Water Rights in Colorado

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crow, Deserai Anderson

2011-01-01

Local news media help shape the agendas from which new policies emerge. Furthermore, local media help determine public understanding of complex issues. Media should inform citizens and policymakers on important policy issues. This study uses a content analysis of 11 newspapers to understand the manner in which reporters covered a specific…

Eliciting Students' Understanding of a Local Socioscientific Issue through the Use of Critical Response Pedagogies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karahan, Engin; Andzenge, Senenge T.; Roehrig, Gillian

2017-01-01

This study introduces a critical response pedagogy (CRP), an arts-based critical technique to facilitate meaningful dialogue in focus group settings, to secondary school science education students to engage them in discussion about sediment and chemical load in their local river basin community. Using a holistic single case design, twenty-two 11th…

Developing Policy and Practice for Dyslexia across a Local Authority: A Case Study of Educational Psychology Practice at Organisational Level

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woods, Kevin; Stothard, Jan; Lydon, Jackie; Reason, Rea

2013-01-01

In this paper two premises are set out: first, that within Children's Services educational psychologists (EPs) have a distinctive contribution to make towards policy and practice in relation to "dyslexia"; second, that they may be well placed to lead development work at an organisational level within a local authority. Building on…

The Significance of Context for Curriculum Development in Engineering Education: A Case Study across Three African Countries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Case, Jennifer M.; Fraser, Duncan M.; Kumar, Anil; Itika, Ambrose

2016-01-01

Curriculum reform is a key topic in the engineering education literature, but much of this discussion proceeds with little engagement with the impact of the local context in which the programme resides. This article thus seeks to understand the influence of local contextual dynamics on curriculum reform in engineering education. The empirical…

Rural Women in Local Agrofood Production: Between Entrepreneurial Initiatives and Family Strategies. A Case Study in Greece

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anthopoulou, Theodosia

2010-01-01

Recent years have seen a relative flourishing in the Greek countryside of small women's businesses engaged in the production of local traditional agrofood products for an emerging consumer demand for foods of specific quality. In the present article the central research question may be summarized as: "to what extent do these women perceive…

The Work of Teachers and Others in and around a Birmingham Slum School 1891-1920

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wright, Susannah

2009-01-01

The "Floodgate Street area" was a notorious slum district in the city of Birmingham in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This article presents a case study, drawing on the rich archival sources available for this area, to examine the language that local authority and voluntary workers used to describe the local area, and…

"The Sacred Spark of Wonder": Local Museums, Australian Curriculum History, and Pre-Service Primary Teacher Education: A Tasmanian Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brett, Peter

2014-01-01

This article explores the intersections between museum learning in a distinctive Tasmanian setting, the possibilities of a new national History curriculum, and the evolving views and professional practices of pre-service primary teachers at one Australian university. Following a brief overview of the framework for local and Australian history that…

Math Readiness and Preparation for Competitive College Majors and Careers: The Case of Black Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thomas, Gail E.

This study examines factors that determine the enrollment of black students in the high school math courses (i.e., advanced algebra, trigonometry, calculus) that are necessary for competitive college and major field access. The data are from a local college survey of juniors and seniors who were enrolled in eight (8) local public and private…

A Global Approach to School Education and Local Reality: A Case Study of Community Participation in Haryana, India

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Narwana, Kamlesh

2015-01-01

In post-Jomtien phase, community participation in school education management has appeared as one of the most prominent features in all educational development programmes at global level. In line with this trend, India has also placed a significant focus on local communities in school management through various programmes such as LokJumbish,…

Local discrepancies in continental scale biomass maps: a case study over forested and non-forested landscapes in Maryland, USA

Treesearch

Wenli Huang; Anu Swatantran; Kristofer Johnson; Laura Duncanson; Hao Tang; Jarlath O' Neil Dunne; George Hurtt; Ralph Dubayah

2015-01-01

Continental-scale aboveground biomass maps are increasingly available, but their estimates vary widely, particularly at high resolution. A comprehensive understanding of map discrepancies is required to improve their effectiveness in carbon accounting and local decision-making. To this end, we compare four continental-scale maps with a recent high-resolution lidar-...

Building Local Economic Development Capacity: A Case Study of Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bredfeldt, Erik A.

2009-01-01

This dissertation examines the role of the community college in building institutional capacity within the context of a community's local and regional economy and provides recommendations on the manner in which the role of the community college can be enhanced with respect to interaction with other urban and regional partners. It seeks to at least…

Localized nasopharyngeal amyloidosis mimicking malignancy: A case report.

PubMed

Kim, Jong Seung; Kwon, Sam Hyun

2017-07-01

Nasopharyngeal amyloidosis is a benign, slowly progressive disease that is characterized by extracellular eosinophilic deposition. We report a rare case of localized nasopharyngeal amyloidosis. The initial chief complaint of this patient was frequent epistaxis and right aural fullness. The initial diagnosis was nasopharyngeal tumor. There is no universally effective medical treatment for nasopharyngeal amyloidosis but surgery can be an option. We performed careful observation with regular follow-up by nasopharyngoscopy and radiologic study. The patient reported no further complaints at 1-year follow-up and the lesion from nasopharyngeal amyloidosis was still present. Although it is rare, nasopharyngeal amyloidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of epistaxis, nasal obstruction, and otitis media with effusion, which are the main symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In the absence of systemic disease, localized nasopharyngeal amyloidosis may be treated conservatively.

Particle statistics and lossy dynamics of ultracold atoms in optical lattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yago Malo, J.; van Nieuwenburg, E. P. L.; Fischer, M. H.; Daley, A. J.

2018-05-01

Experimental control over ultracold quantum gases has made it possible to investigate low-dimensional systems of both bosonic and fermionic atoms. In closed one-dimensional systems there are many similarities in the dynamics of local quantities for spinless fermions and strongly interacting "hard-core" bosons, which on a lattice can be formalized via a Jordan-Wigner transformation. In this study, we analyze the similarities and differences for spinless fermions and hard-core bosons on a lattice in the presence of particle loss. The removal of a single fermion causes differences in local quantities compared with the bosonic case because of the different particle exchange symmetry in the two cases. We identify deterministic and probabilistic signatures of these dynamics in terms of local particle density, which could be measured in ongoing experiments with quantum gas microscopes.

The Local Discontinuous Galerkin Method for Time-Dependent Convection-Diffusion Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cockburn, Bernardo; Shu, Chi-Wang

1997-01-01

In this paper, we study the Local Discontinuous Galerkin methods for nonlinear, time-dependent convection-diffusion systems. These methods are an extension of the Runge-Kutta Discontinuous Galerkin methods for purely hyperbolic systems to convection-diffusion systems and share with those methods their high parallelizability, their high-order formal accuracy, and their easy handling of complicated geometries, for convection dominated problems. It is proven that for scalar equations, the Local Discontinuous Galerkin methods are L(sup 2)-stable in the nonlinear case. Moreover, in the linear case, it is shown that if polynomials of degree k are used, the methods are k-th order accurate for general triangulations; although this order of convergence is suboptimal, it is sharp for the LDG methods. Preliminary numerical examples displaying the performance of the method are shown.

A Historical Perspective on Local Environmental Movements in Japan: Lessons for the Transdisciplinary Approach on Water Resource Governance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, T.

2014-12-01

Typical studies on natural resources from a social science perspective tend to choose one type of resource—water, for example— and ask what factors contribute to the sustainable use or wasteful exploitation of that resource. However, climate change and economic development, which are causing increased pressure on local resources and presenting communities with increased levels of tradeoffs and potential conflicts, force us to consider the trade-offs between options for using a particular resource. Therefore, the transdisciplinary approach that accurately captures the advantages and disadvantages of various possible resource uses is particularly important in the complex social-ecological systems, where concerns about inequality with respect to resource use and access have become unavoidable. Needless to say, resource management and policy require sound scientific understanding of the complex interconnections between nature and society, however, in contrast to typical international discussions, I discuss Japan not as an "advanced" case where various dilemmas have been successfully addressed by the government through the optimal use of technology, but rather as a nation seeing an emerging trend that is based on a awareness of the connections between local resources and the environment. Furthermore, from a historical viewpoint, the nexus of local resources is not a brand-new idea in the experience of environmental governance in Japan. There exist the local environment movements, which emphasized the interconnection of local resources and succeeded in urging the governmental action and policymaking. For this reason, local movements and local knowledge for the resource governance warrant attention. This study focuses on the historical cases relevant to water resource management including groundwater, and considers the contexts and conditions to holistically address local resource problems, paying particular attention to interactions between science and society. I will argue the research design to enhance the holistic view of local stakeholders on local resources as the key to effective transdisciplinary approach through the on-going research project focusing on the water-energy-food nexus.

The international implications of national and local coordination on building energy codes: Case studies in six cities

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Evans, Meredydd; Yu, Sha; Staniszewski, Aaron

Building energy efficiency is an important strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions globally. In fact, 55 countries have included building energy efficiency in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. This research uses building energy code implementation in six cities across different continents as case studies to assess what it may take for countries to implement the ambitions of their energy efficiency goals. Specifically, we look at the cases of Bogota, Colombia; Da Nang, Vietnam; Eskisehir, Turkey; Mexico City, Mexico; Rajkot, India; and Tshwane, South Africa, all of which are “deep dive” cities under the Sustainable Energy formore » All's Building Efficiency Accelerator. The research focuses on understanding the baseline with existing gaps in implementation and coordination. The methodology used a combination of surveys on code status and interviews with stakeholders at the local and national level, as well as review of published documents. We looked at code development, implementation, and evaluation. The cities are all working to improve implementation, however, the challenges they currently face include gaps in resources, capacity, tools, and institutions to check for compliance. Better coordination between national and local governments could help improve implementation, but that coordination is not yet well established. For example, all six of the cities reported that there was little to no involvement of local stakeholders in development of the national code; only one city reported that it had access to national funding to support code implementation. More robust coordination could better link cities with capacity building and funding for compliance, and ensure that the code reflects local priorities. By understanding gaps in implementation, it can also help in designing more targeted interventions to scale up energy savings.« less

The international implications of national and local coordination on building energy codes: Case studies in six cities

DOE PAGES

Evans, Meredydd; Yu, Sha; Staniszewski, Aaron; ...

2018-04-17

Building energy efficiency is an important strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions globally. In fact, 55 countries have included building energy efficiency in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. This research uses building energy code implementation in six cities across different continents as case studies to assess what it may take for countries to implement the ambitions of their energy efficiency goals. Specifically, we look at the cases of Bogota, Colombia; Da Nang, Vietnam; Eskisehir, Turkey; Mexico City, Mexico; Rajkot, India; and Tshwane, South Africa, all of which are “deep dive” cities under the Sustainable Energy formore » All's Building Efficiency Accelerator. The research focuses on understanding the baseline with existing gaps in implementation and coordination. The methodology used a combination of surveys on code status and interviews with stakeholders at the local and national level, as well as review of published documents. We looked at code development, implementation, and evaluation. The cities are all working to improve implementation, however, the challenges they currently face include gaps in resources, capacity, tools, and institutions to check for compliance. Better coordination between national and local governments could help improve implementation, but that coordination is not yet well established. For example, all six of the cities reported that there was little to no involvement of local stakeholders in development of the national code; only one city reported that it had access to national funding to support code implementation. More robust coordination could better link cities with capacity building and funding for compliance, and ensure that the code reflects local priorities. By understanding gaps in implementation, it can also help in designing more targeted interventions to scale up energy savings.« less

The occurrence of paraesthesia of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve after dental local anaesthetic use: a case report.

PubMed

Moorthy, Advan; Stassen, Leo F A

2015-01-01

Paraesthesia can be a complication of surgical intervention. Its occurrence after dental local anaesthetic use is a rare event in general dental practice. Reported cases have mainly described its presentation for the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve with very few reports for the maxillary division of this nerve. This report describes a case of paraesthesia in the maxillary region following local anaesthetic use prior to removal of an upper molar tooth.

Fostering Local Health Department and Health System Collaboration Through Case Conferences for At-Risk and Vulnerable Populations.

PubMed

Vest, Joshua R; Caine, Virginia; Harris, Lisa E; Watson, Dennis P; Menachemi, Nir; Halverson, Paul

2018-05-01

In case conferences, health care providers work together to identify and address patients' complex social and medical needs. Public health nurses from the local health department joined case conference teams at federally qualified health center primary care sites to foster cross-sector collaboration, integration, and mutual learning. Public health nurse participation resulted in frequent referrals to local health department services, greater awareness of public health capabilities, and potential policy interventions to address social determinants of health.

Collaborating for Success: Collaborative Arrangements for 14-19 Provision in the West Midlands. Summary and Analysis of Research Findings from Six Case Studies. Research Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hardman, Jill

2006-01-01

These findings from six case study areas in the West Midlands examine how 14-19 collaborative arrangements have developed and changed in response to local circumstances, assess the impact of the developments and changes on the curriculum offer, learner choice and participation, and identify the main success factors for starting and sustaining…

Teamwork, Discourses and Literacy. A Case Study of Workers' Resistance to the Introduction of New Workplace Practices. Research Report No. 4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Black, Stephen

The role of workplace literacy and numeracy education in the introduction of new workplace practices was examined in a case study of a local council in New South Wales, Australia. Two researchers worked over a 6-week period to interview the manager, 2 team leaders, and 15 team members involved in the introduction of competitive maintenance and…

"I Made Her Realise that I Could Be There for Her, that I Could Support Her": Child Protection Practices with Women in Domestic Violence Cases

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lapierre, Simon; Cote, Isabelle

2011-01-01

This article presents findings from a study that investigated child protection policies and practices, and focuses on data gathered in a child protection agency located in Quebec, Canada. This research project draws upon a qualitative case-study methodology, involving a documentary analysis of both national and local child protection policies, as…

The make or buy debate: considering the limitations of domestic production in Tanzania.

PubMed

Wilson, Kinsley Rose; Kohler, Jillian Clare; Ovtcharenko, Natalia

2012-06-29

In order to ensure their population's regular access to essential medicines, many least developed countries and developing countries are faced with the policy question of whether to import or manufacture drugs locally, in particular for life-saving antiretroviral medicines for HIV/AIDS patients. In order for domestic manufacturing to be viable and cost-effective, the local industry must be able to compete with international suppliers of medicines by producing sufficiently low cost ARVs. This paper considers the 'make-or-buy' dilemma by using Tanzania as a case study. Key informant interviews, event-driven observation, and purposive sampling of documents were used to evaluate the case study. The case study focused on Tanzania's imitation technology transfer agreement to locally manufacture a first-line ARV (3TC + d4T + NVP), reverse engineering the ARV. Tanzania is limited by weak political support for the use of TRIPS flexibilities, limited production capacity for ARVs and limited competitiveness in both domestic and regional markets. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare encourages the use of flexibilities while others push for increased IP protection. Insufficient production capacity and lack of access to donor-financed tenders make it difficult to obtain economies of scale and provide competitive prices. Within the "make-or-buy" context, it was determined that there are significant limitations in domestic manufacturing for developing countries. The case study highlights the difficulty of governments to make use of economies of scale and produce low-cost medicines, attract technology transfer, and utilize the flexibilities of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). The results demonstrate the importance of evaluating barriers to the use of TRIPS flexibilities and long-term planning across sectors in future technology transfer and manufacturing initiatives.

Political will, traditional leaders and the fight against HIV/AIDS: a South African case study.

PubMed

Campbell, Catherine

2010-01-01

"Political will" and leadership are increasingly considered key contextual influences on the outcomes of HIV/AIDS programmes in sub-Saharan Africa. Such debates tend to focus on the role of national leadership in shaping responses to the epidemic, with little attention to local leaders. Yet many of the settings in which HIV/AIDS flourishes are geographically distant from the reach of national leadership and policies. Furthermore, local leaders often play a key role in shaping how national policies and decisions are interpreted and implemented in local areas. Against this background, we present a case study of the impact of the leadership style of a traditional Chief on a community-based AIDS programme in a South African rural community, which sought to build community-level "AIDS competence", using the "empowerment via participation" approach. The case study involved 134 interviews and 57 focus groups conducted over three years. Thematic content analysis revealed a number of direct and indirect ways in which his leadership style impacted on project outcomes. Despite his strong support for the programme, the Chief's "traditional" attitudes towards women and youth, his celebration of polygamy, and his authoritarian governance style undermined the project's "empowerment via participation" agenda - especially the programme's attempts to reduce AIDS stigma, to build female and youth capacity to control their sexual health, and to encourage men to take responsibility for their role in tackling AIDS.

Adverse reactions of trivalent influenza vaccine in HIV-infected individuals.

PubMed

Hajiabdolbaghi, Mahboube; Jam, Sara; SeyedAlinaghi, SeyedAhmad; Jafari, Sirous; Badie, Banafshe Moradmand; Sabzvari, Duman

2010-01-01

In this study, we assessed the adverse reactions to influenza vaccination in HIV-infected individuals. From November 2006 to January 2007, a total of 203 HIV-infected persons were recruited. Demographic data were collected. Subjects were evaluated 48 h and 15 days after vaccination for symptoms and significant health events as possible side effects. Participants were instructed to measure their temperature in the morning and evening for 2 days post-immunization and to assess injection site and systemic adverse reactions. 80.3% of the subjects were male. The mean age of the subjects was 36.9 +/- 7.9 years. Local and systemic reactions were reported by 61 (30%) and 62 (30.5%) persons, respectively. The most common adverse reactions to the influenza vaccine included skin redness (37 cases), induration (32 cases), and pain (55 cases) as local reactions, and fever (22 cases), myalgia (46 cases), headache (12 cases) and weakness (35 cases) as general reactions. 1.4 % of the subjects had fever over 38.5 degrees C. There were significant associations between myalgia and flushing with CD4 counts (P<0.05). We found no relationship between adverse reactions and sex, history of smoking, allergy, alcohol, and drug usage, stage of HIV infection, anti-retroviral therapies, anti-TB medication and previous vaccination. We concluded that inactivated influenza vaccine administered in HIV-infected adults did not result in potential adverse events in this study population.

Role of Surgical Margin on Local Recurrence in High Risk Extremity Osteosarcoma: A Case-Controlled Study

PubMed Central

Song, Won Seok; Kong, Chang-Bae; Cho, Wan Hyeong; Cho, Sang Hyun; Lee, Jeong Dong; Lee, Soo-Yong

2013-01-01

Background The relationship between surgical margin and local recurrence (LR) in osteosarcoma patients with poor responses to chemotherapy is unclear. Moreover, the incidences of LR according to three different resection planes (bone, soft tissue, and perineurovascular) are not commonly known. Methods We evaluated the incidence of LR in three areas. To assess whether there is a role of surgical margin on LR in patients resistant to preoperative chemotherapy, we designed a case (35 patients with LR) and control (70 patients without LR) study. Controls were matched for age, location, initial tumor volume, and tumor volume change during preoperative chemotherapy. Results LR occurred at the soft tissues in 18 cases (51.4%), at the perineurovascular tissues in 11 cases (31.4%), and at the bones in six cases (17.2%). The proportion of inadequate perineurovascular margin was higher in the case group than in the control group (p = 0.01). Within case-control group (105 patients), a correlation between each margin status and LR at corresponding area was found in the bone (p < 0.001) and perineurovascular area (p = 0.001). Conclusions LR is most common in soft tissues. In patients showing similar unfavorable responses to chemotherapy, the losses of perineurovascular fat plane on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging may be a valuable finding in predicting LR. PMID:24009908

Inbreeding and road effect zone in a Ranidae: the case of Agile frog, Rana dalmatina Bonaparte, 1840.

PubMed

Lesbarrères, David; Pagano, Alain; Lodé, Thierry

2003-08-01

Inbreeding has often been invoked in the extinction of local populations. In eleven western France populations of Agile frog studied, observed heterozygosity was significantly lower than expected in all cases, giving new evidence of such a depression in small populations. It especially occurred in ponds located near an highway rather than in undisturbed populations (FIS = 0.544 and 0.315, respectively). Thus, our results argue for a "road effect zone". Discussing about road distance and conservation policies, we propose that roads are directly involved in inbreeding and in local extinction. Thus, road construction ought to consider conservation management.

Communicating a marine protected area through the local press: the case of the National Marine Park of Alonissos, Northern Sporades, Greece.

PubMed

Dikou, Angela; Dionysopoulou, Niki

2011-05-01

Local distrust for Marine Protected Area (MPA) managers is emerging as an important factor obstructing the fulfillment of MPA objectives, and, thus, there is a need to develop a means of enhancing relationship building between MPA managers and local people. We used the National Marine Park of Alonissos, Northern Sporades (NMPANS), Greece, as a relevant case-study to investigate whether the local print media's framing of the marine park and its management affected locals' attitudes. We conducted a longitudinal review of local newspaper articles pertaining to the NMPANS during 1980-2008, and we conducted telephone interviews with local people. We found that salience of the NMPANS in the local print media remained limited and sporadic, the main stakeholder remained the centralized public sector, and the regional print media was rather detached, moderate, and largely supportive of the NMPANS throughout 1980-2008. The progression of the management periods of the NMPANS, however, was accompanied by increased importance of the NMPANS, increased deviance from conservation as the chief objective of the NMPANS's establishment, a shift from presenting facts to presenting reactions, and a shift from a positive to a mixed image of the NMPANS. Locals who relied on newspapers for local news were better informed about the NMPANS, more likely to accept the NMPANS, and more likely to participate in meetings regarding the NMPANS regardless of gender, age, and occupation than those who did not rely on newspapers. The local print media may be utilized as a free-choice learning vehicle to enhance the value of an MPA among local people and to enhance the development of trust between park managers and locals through a proactive, empowering, and cognitive media strategy.

Communicating a Marine Protected Area Through the Local Press: The Case of the National Marine Park of Alonissos, Northern Sporades, Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dikou, Angela; Dionysopoulou, Niki

2011-05-01

Local distrust for Marine Protected Area (MPA) managers is emerging as an important factor obstructing the fulfillment of MPA objectives, and, thus, there is a need to develop a means of enhancing relationship building between MPA managers and local people. We used the National Marine Park of Alonissos, Northern Sporades (NMPANS), Greece, as a relevant case-study to investigate whether the local print media's framing of the marine park and its management affected locals' attitudes. We conducted a longitudinal review of local newspaper articles pertaining to the NMPANS during 1980-2008, and we conducted telephone interviews with local people. We found that salience of the NMPANS in the local print media remained limited and sporadic, the main stakeholder remained the centralized public sector, and the regional print media was rather detached, moderate, and largely supportive of the NMPANS throughout 1980-2008. The progression of the management periods of the NMPANS, however, was accompanied by increased importance of the NMPANS, increased deviance from conservation as the chief objective of the NMPANS's establishment, a shift from presenting facts to presenting reactions, and a shift from a positive to a mixed image of the NMPANS. Locals who relied on newspapers for local news were better informed about the NMPANS, more likely to accept the NMPANS, and more likely to participate in meetings regarding the NMPANS regardless of gender, age, and occupation than those who did not rely on newspapers. The local print media may be utilized as a free-choice learning vehicle to enhance the value of an MPA among local people and to enhance the development of trust between park managers and locals through a proactive, empowering, and cognitive media strategy.

A Case of Localized Scleroderma in a Sculptor and His Wife

PubMed Central

Bakst, Richard; Kovarik, Carrie; Werth, Victoria P.

2011-01-01

SUMMARY The etiology of localized scleroderma is unknown, and its pathogenetic relationship to its systemic counterpart is unclear. Environmental exposures, notably to silica dust, have long been suspected in the pathogenesis of the disorder. However, its’ relationship to the localized variant has not been well described. Here we present two cases of localized scleroderma in a sculptor and his wife who have extensive exposure to silica dust. PMID:19955998

Incidence of childhood linear scleroderma and systemic sclerosis in the UK and Ireland.

PubMed

Herrick, Ariane L; Ennis, Holly; Bhushan, Monica; Silman, Alan J; Baildam, Eileen M

2010-02-01

Childhood scleroderma encompasses a rare, poorly understood spectrum of conditions. Our aim was to ascertain the incidence of childhood scleroderma in its different forms in the UK and Ireland, and to describe the age, sex, and ethnicity of the cases. The members of 5 specialist medical associations including pediatricians, dermatologists, and rheumatologists were asked to report all cases of abnormal skin thickening suspected to be localized (including linear) scleroderma or systemic sclerosis (SSc) in children <16 years of age first seen between July 2005 and July 2007. We received notification of 185 potential cases, and 94 valid cases were confirmed: 87 (93%) with localized scleroderma and 7 (7%) with SSc. This gave an incidence rate per million children per year of 3.4 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.7-4.1) for localized scleroderma, including an incidence rate of 2.5 (95% CI 1.8-3.1) for linear scleroderma, and 0.27 (95% CI 0.1-0.5) for SSc. Of the 87 localized cases, 62 (71%) had linear disease. Of localized disease cases, 55 (63%) were female, 71 (82%) were classified as white British, and the patients' mean age when first seen in secondary care was 10.4 years. Of the 7 SSc cases, all were female, 6 (86%) were white British, and the mean age when first seen was 12.1 years. The median delay between onset and being first seen was 13.1 months for localized scleroderma and 7.2 months for SSc. These data provide additional estimates of the incidence of this rare disorder and its subforms.

The incidence of malaria in travellers to South-East Asia: is local malaria transmission a useful risk indicator?

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background The presence of ongoing local malaria transmission, identified though local surveillance and reported to regional WHO offices, by S-E Asian countries, forms the basis of national and international chemoprophylaxis recommendations in western countries. The study was designed to examine whether the strategy of using malaria transmission in a local population was an accurate estimate of the malaria threat faced by travellers and a correlate of malaria in returning travellers. Methods Malaria endemicity was described from distribution and intensity in the local populations of ten S-E Asian destination countries over the period 2003-2008 from regionally reported cases to WHO offices. Travel acquired malaria was collated from malaria surveillance reports from the USA and 12 European countries over the same period. The numbers of travellers visiting the destination countries was based on immigration and tourism statistics collected on entry of tourists to the destination countries. Results In the destination countries, mean malaria rates in endemic countries ranged between 0.01 in Korea to 4:1000 population per year in Lao PDR, with higher regional rates in a number of countries. Malaria cases imported into the 13 countries declined by 47% from 140 cases in 2003 to 66 in 2008. A total of 608 cases (27.3% Plasmodium falciparum (Pf)) were reported over the six years, the largest number acquired in Indonesia, Thailand and Korea. Four countries had an incidence > 1 case per 100,000 traveller visits; Burma (Myanmar), Indonesia, Cambodia and Laos (range 1 to 11.8-case per 100,000 visits). The remaining six countries rates were < 1 case per 100,000 visits. The number of visitors arriving from source countries increased by 60% from 8.5 Million to 13.6 million over the 6 years. Conclusion The intensity of malaria transmission particularly sub-national activity did not correlate with the risk of travellers acquiring malaria in the large numbers of arriving visitors. It is proposed to use a threshold incidence of > 1 case per 100,000 visits to consider targeted malaria prophylaxis recommendations to minimize use of chemoprophylaxis for low risk exposure during visits to S-E Asia. Policy needs to be adjusted regularly to reflect the changing risk. PMID:20920352

IMPROVEMENT SUPPORT RESEARCH OF LOCAL DISASTER PREVENTION POWER USING THE FIRE SPREADING SIMULATION SYSTEM IN CASE OF A BIG EARTHQUAKE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Futagami, Toru; Omoto, Shohei; Hamamoto, Kenichirou

This research describes the risk communication towards improvement in the local disaster prevention power for Gobusho town in Marugame city which is only a high density city area in Kagawa Pref. Specifically, the key persons and authors of the area report the practice research towards improvement in the local disaster prevention power by the PDCA cycle of the area, such as formation of local voluntary disaster management organizations and implementation of an emergency drill, applying the fire spreading simulation system in case of a big earthquake. The fire spreading simulation system in case of the big earthquake which authors are developing describes the role and subject which have been achieved to BCP of the local community as a support system.

How rural land use management facilitates drought risk adaptation in a changing climate - A case study in arid northern China.

PubMed

Lei, Yongdeng; Zhang, Hailin; Chen, Fu; Zhang, Linbo

2016-04-15

Under a warming climate, frequent drought and water scarcity in northern China have severely disrupted agricultural production and posed a substantial threat to farmers' livelihoods. Based on first-hand data collected through in-depth interviews with local managers and farmer households, this study evaluated the effectiveness of rural land use management in mitigating drought risk, ensuring food security and improving farmers' livelihoods. Our findings indicate that a) reforestation on low-yield cropland not only can improve the eco-environment but can also prominently mitigate the production risk to local farmers; b) replacing the traditional border irrigation with sprinkler irrigation has substantially curbed agricultural water usage and increased the per unit of output; and c) in recent years, instead of planting water-intensive grain crops, local farmers cultivated more forage crops to raise animals, which greatly diversified their income sources and reduced the drought risk of agricultural production. By performing an empirical case study in drought-prone Inner Mongolia, this study provides decision-makers with insights into how to strategically adapt to drought risk and reduce rural poverty within the broader context of climate change. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Local cutaneous allergy to monocomponent insulin.

PubMed Central

Borsey, D. Q.; Malone, D. N.

1979-01-01

A case is described of a patient who developed local cutaneous hypersensitivity soon after commencing treatment with monocomponent insulins (MCI). This appears to be the first record of such a case. PMID:156913

Risk assessment of groundwater environmental contamination: a case study of a karst site for the construction of a fossil power plant.

PubMed

Liu, Fuming; Yi, Shuping; Ma, Haiyi; Huang, Junyi; Tang, Yukun; Qin, Jianbo; Zhou, Wan-Huan

2017-12-20

This paper presents a demonstration of an integrated risk assessment and site investigation for groundwater contamination through a case study, in which the geologic and hydrogeological feature of the site and the blueprint of the fossil power plant (FPP) were closely analyzed. Predictions for groundwater contamination in case of accidents were performed by groundwater modeling system (GMS) and modular three-dimensional multispecies transport model (MT3DMS). Results indicate that the studied site area presents a semi-isolated hydrogeological unit with multiplicity in stratum lithology, the main aquifers at the site are consisted of the filled karst development layer with a thickness between 6.0 and 40.0 m. The poor permeability of the vadose zone at the FPP significantly restricted the infiltration of contaminants through the vadose zone to the subsurface. The limited influence of rarely isotropic porous karstified carbonate rocks on the groundwater flow system premised the simulate scenarios of plume migration. Analysis of the present groundwater chemistry manifested that that the groundwater at the site and the local area are of the HCO 3 -Ca, HCO 3 , and SO 4 -Ca types. A few of the water samples were contaminated by coliform bacteria and ammonia nitrogen as a result of the local cultivation. Prediction results indicate that the impact of normal construction and operation processes on the groundwater environment is negligible. However, groundwater may be partly contaminated within a certain period in the area of leakage from the diesel tanks, the industrial wastewater pool, and the cooling tower water tank in case of accidents. On a positive note, none of the plumes would reach the local sensitive areas for groundwater using. Finally, an anti-seepage scheme and a monitoring program are proposed to safeguard the groundwater protection. The integrated method of the site investigation and risk assessment used in this case study can facilitate the protection of groundwater for the construction of large-scale industrial project.

Clinical outcome in patients with peripherally-sited atypical lipomatous tumours and dedifferentiated liposarcoma.

PubMed

Kalimuthu, Sangeetha N; Tilley, Charles; Forbes, Georgina; Ye, Hongtao; Lehovsky, Katie; Pillay, Nischalan; Seddon, Beatrice M; O'Donnell, Paul; Pollock, Robin; Tirabosco, Roberto; Amary, M Fernanda; Flanagan, Adrienne M

2015-04-01

The reported incidence of local recurrence of peripheral atypical lipomatous tumours is highly variable and is likely to reflect the different inclusion criteria of cases, and the design of previous studies. We aimed to study the incidence of local recurrence of 90 cases of atypical lipomatous tumours and an additional 18 cases of de novo dedifferentiated liposarcoma. All tumours were diagnosed on the basis of MDM2 amplification: all patients had their first treatment in the same specialist sarcoma unit and were followed for a minimum of 60 months. The tumours were diagnosed between 1997 and 2009 and followed until the end of 2014. Seventy cases (78%) of atypical lipomatous tumours were located in the thigh (mean size 195 mm on presentation). Eight atypical lipomatous tumours (8.9%) recurred locally, of which 50% recurred after 60 months. The only two tumours with intralesional excisions recurred. Seven of the eight recurrent tumours were detected by the patient by self-examination. One case recurred a second time as a dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Seventeen per cent of the de novo dedifferentiated liposarcomas recurred within 60 months of presentation. Extending the study period revealed that atypical lipomatous tumour could recur up to 40 years after the first surgery. Furthermore, of 26 tumours that recurred in the extended study, 27% recurred more than once, and three of the seven that recurred more than once transformed into a dedifferentiated liposarcoma. We recommend that, following post-operative wound care, patients with atypical lipomatous tumour are referred back to their general practitioner for follow up, but that in the event of a suspected recurrence they have rapid access back to the specialist unit using a 'supported discharge' scheme. In the event of an intralesional excision and if a lesion recurs, patients are followed in a specialist unit at regular intervals: whether MRI scanning is a valuable means of monitoring such patients is unclear and requires an evidence base.

Assessing the Role of State and Local Public Health in Outreach and Enrollment for Expanded Coverage: A Case Study on New Orleans, Louisiana.

PubMed

Williams, Malcolm V; Lopez, Christian; Martin, Laurie T; Armstrong, Courtney

2017-01-01

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) laid the groundwork for a substantial increase in the number of people who have access to health insurance through Medicaid expansion or health insurance marketplaces. During the first open-enrollment season, states used a variety of strategies to reach out to and enroll newly eligible people. Typically, they used federal and state funding to develop navigator programs. Program design differed by location, and, although many stakeholders were involved in these efforts, state and local health departments (LHDs) were, and remain, a relatively untapped resource. This article is one in a series designed to highlight innovative models and best practices that leverage LHD involvement in ACA outreach and enrollment and to facilitate knowledge transfer to other geographic regions looking to leverage the full range of roles for LHDs in ACA outreach and enrollment. Each case study was designed to capture nuanced differences in how health departments support these efforts in their communities, identify facilitators and barriers to these approaches, and develop lessons learned from these activities. These studies identify compelling models for how state and local health departments can implement similar activities in their own communities. Further, they provide guidance and insight into the role LHDs can play now, and help redefine that role in the future, as states continue to enroll residents in health insurance coverage moving forward. This article focuses on a case study on New Orleans, Louisiana.

Epidemiological characteristics of imported and locally-acquired malaria in Singapore.

PubMed

Lee, Yong Chee Alvin; Tang, Choon Siang; Ang, Li Wei; Han, Hwi Kwang; James, Lyn; Goh, Kee Tai

2009-10-01

The objective of the study was to determine the trend of malaria, the epidemiological characteristics, the frequency of local transmission and the preventive and control measures taken. We analysed the epidemiological records of all reported malaria cases maintained by the Communicable Diseases Division, Ministry of Health, from 1983 to 2007 and the Anopheles vector surveillance data collected by the National Environment Agency during the same period. The annual incidence of reported malaria ranged from 2.9 to 11.1 per 100,000 population, with a sharp decline observed after 1997. There were 38 deaths, 92.1% due to falciparum malaria and 7.9% due to vivax malaria. Of the reported cases, 91.4% to 98.3% were imported, with about 90% originating from Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Among the various population groups with imported malaria, the proportion of cases involving work permit/employment pass holders had increased, while that of local residents had decreased. Between 74.8% and 95.1% of the local residents with imported malaria did not take personal chemoprophylaxis when they travelled overseas. Despite the extremely low Anopheles vector population, a total of 29 local outbreaks involving 196 cases occurred. Most of the larger outbreaks could be traced to foreign workers with imported relapsing vivax malaria and who did not seek medical treatment early. One of the outbreaks of 3 cases in 2007 was caused by Plasmodium knowlesi, a newly recognised simian malaria which was probably acquired in a forested area where long-tail macaques had been sighted. Singapore remains both vulnerable and receptive to the reintroduction of malaria and a high level of vigilance should be maintained indefinitely to prevent the re-establishment of endemicity. Medical practitioners should highlight the risk of malaria to travellers visiting endemic areas and also consider the possibility of simian malaria in a patient who has no recent travel history and presenting with daily fever spikes and with malaria parasite morphologically similar to that of P. malariae.

The Plasmodium vivax in China: decreased in local cases but increased imported cases from Southeast Asia and Africa.

PubMed

Feng, Jun; Xiao, Huihui; Zhang, Li; Yan, He; Feng, Xinyu; Fang, Wen; Xia, Zhigui

2015-03-05

Currently the local P. vivax was sharply decreased while the imported vivax malaria increased in China. Despite Southeast Asia was still the main import source of vivax malaria, the trend of Africa become serious, especially for west and central Africa. Herein we have clarified the trend of P. vivax in China from 2004-2012, and made some analysis for the differences of imported vivax back from different regions. There are significantly different of P. vivax between Southeast Asia and Africa, also the difference was observed for different regions in Africa. Additionally, we have explored the possibility for the difference of the P. vivax between migrant workers back from west and central Africa and the prevalence of local population. This reminds us that surveillance and training should be strengthened by medical staffs on the imported P. vivax cases reported especially from west and central Africa, in order to reduce the risk of malaria reintroduction and, specific tools should be developed, as well as the epidemiological study to avoid the misdiagnosis such as P. ovale and P. vivax.

The Role of Universities in Supporting Local Agroindustry: The Case of the Piceno District in Italy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tavoletti, Ernesto

2008-01-01

This paper analyses the role of universities in supporting local agroindustry using the case of the Piceno agroindustrial district in Italy. Emerging countries' comparative advantages, made stronger by increased international trade and the rediscovery of local traditions and typicality, do not signify that there will be a less knowledge-intensive…

'Healthy gums do matter': A case study of clinical leadership within primary dental care.

PubMed

Moore, D; Saleem, S; Hawthorn, E; Pealing, R; Ashley, M; Bridgman, C

2015-09-25

The Health and Social Care Act 2012 heralded wide reaching reforms intended to place clinicians at the heart of the health service. For NHS general dental practice, the conduits for this clinical leadership are the NHS England local professional networks. In Greater Manchester, the local professional network has developed and piloted a clinician led quality improvement project: 'Healthy Gums DO Matter, a Practitioner's Toolkit'. Used as a case study, the project highlighted the following facilitators to clinical leadership in dentistry: supportive environment; mentoring and transformational leadership; alignment of project goals with national policy; funding allowance; cross-boundary collaboration; determination; altruism; and support from wider academic and specialist colleagues. Barriers to clinical leadership identified were: the hierarchical nature of healthcare, territorialism and competing clinical commitments.

[Usefulness of local health reports to link the incidence rate of diarrhea with the quality of drinking water].

PubMed

Rodriguez-Alvarez, María S; Moraña, Liliana B; Salusso, María M; Gil, José; Seghezzo, Lucas

2018-03-20

In this study, we analyzed the reports of the health care center located in Vaqueros (Salta, Argentina) over an 8-month period. Moreover, we determined the concentration of Escherichia coli and Giardia spp. cysts in samples from four different drinking water sources. A statistical relationship between water quality and cases of diarrhea could not be found. However, using an odds ratio calculation, it was possible to determine that one of the studied drinking water systems acts as a protection factor in cases of diarrhea. The present work provides useful information for planning preventive measures by the local health system. Copyright © 2018 Asociación Argentina de Microbiología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Application of Local Vibrations in Delayed and Non-Union Fractures: a Case Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trombetta, Chiara; Abundo, Paolo; Foti, Calogero; Rosato, Nicola

2011-02-01

The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of local vibration treatments (LV) in delayed-union and non-union fractures, through therapeutic exercise vibration (TEV) practice, analysing the radiological trend. The Medical Engineering Service of the Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata in collaboration with the Chair-Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of the University of Rome Tor Vergata and the Boscosystem company, is developing a device dedicated to LV application, to favour bone regeneration and muscle strengthening. This case report analyses the bone activity of a male patient presenting a right tibial fracture, treated with TEV. At the end of the TEV program, clinical results confirmed independent ambulation with disappearance of perimalleolar edema, while radiographic images revealed the presence of bone repair activity around the fracture line.

Concordance of clinical diagnosis of T classification among physicians for locally advanced unresectable thoracic esophageal cancer.

PubMed

Yokota, Tomoya; Yasuda, Takushi; Kato, Hiroyuki; Nozaki, Isao; Sato, Hiroshi; Miyata, Yoshinori; Kuroki, Yoshifumi; Kato, Ken; Hamamoto, Yasuo; Tsubosa, Yasuhiro; Ogawa, Hirofumi; Ito, Yoshinori; Kitagawa, Yuko

2018-02-01

We conducted a multicenter phase II trial assessing chemoselection with docetaxel plus 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin induction chemotherapy and subsequent conversion surgery for locally advanced, unresectable esophageal cancer. The aim of this study was to validate the concordance of clinical T diagnosis among physicians in the cases of this trial. Computed tomography scans and esophagoscopic images of 48 patients taken at baseline were centrally reviewed by 6 senior physicians with experience in esophageal oncology. Individual reviewers voted for definitive T4, relative T4, relative T3, or definitive T3. Discordant diagnoses between reviewers were resolved by the majority opinion. The reviewers were blinded to patient clinical outcome data and to the vote of the other reviewers. Ninety percent of cases were diagnosed as clinical T4 by investigators, while 33.3-75.0% (median 70.8%) of cases were judged to be T4 by 6 reviewers. Discordant diagnosis between investigators and reviewers occurred in 33% (16/48) of all cases (Cohen's kappa coefficient 0.0519), including 12 cases where curative resection was considered possible (48%, n = 25) and 4 cases where curative resection was considered impossible (17%, n = 23). Critical discordance (one reviewer voted for definitive T3 but the other voted for definitive T4, and vice versa) between reviewers occurred in 0-12.5% of cases (median 2.1%). There were inter-observer variations in clinical diagnosis of the T category of locally advanced, unresectable esophageal cancer. Accurate clinical diagnosis of T classification is required for determining the optimum treatment for each patient.

Integrating care for older people with complex needs: key insights and lessons from a seven-country cross-case analysis.

PubMed

Wodchis, Walter P; Dixon, Anna; Anderson, Geoff M; Goodwin, Nick

2015-01-01

To address the challenges of caring for a growing number of older people with a mix of both health problems and functional impairment, programmes in different countries have different approaches to integrating health and social service supports. The goal of this analysis is to identify important lessons for policy makers and service providers to enable better design, implementation and spread of successful integrated care models. This paper provides a structured cross-case synthesis of seven integrated care programmes in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, the UK and the USA. All seven programmes involved bottom-up innovation driven by local needs and included: (1) a single point of entry, (2) holistic care assessments, (3) comprehensive care planning, (4) care co-ordination and (5) a well-connected provider network. The process of achieving successful integration involves collaboration and, although the specific types of collaboration varied considerably across the seven case studies, all involved a care coordinator or case manager. Most programmes were not systematically evaluated but the two with formal external evaluations showed benefit and have been expanded. Case managers or care coordinators who support patient-centred collaborative care are key to successful integration in all our cases as are policies that provide funds and support for local initiatives that allow for bottom-up innovation. However, more robust and systematic evaluation of these initiatives is needed to clarify the 'business case' for integrated health and social care and to ensure successful generalization of local successes.

Specific binding of Ulex europaeus agglutinin I lectin to sarcolemma of distal myopathy with rimmed vacuole formation.

PubMed

Yatabe, K; Kawai, M

1997-08-01

Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA I) binding was studied in 83 patients with various neuromuscular disorders. UEA I labelled endomysial capillaries and endothelial cells of perimysial blood vessels in all the examined muscles. There was no UEA I binding to muscle fibres except for all (9) cases of distal myopathy with rimmed vacuole formation (DMRV), 1 of 5 cases of inclusion body myositis and 1 of 36 cases of inflammatory myopathies. The UEA I binding was completely eliminated by preincubation of UEA I solution with L-fucose. Using electron microscopy, the UEA I binding was localized to sarcolemma and intrasarco-plasmic membranous organelles other than mitochondria. Myosatellite cells were not labelled. These findings revealed the existence of fucosylated proteins or lipids in a subset of skeletal muscles suffering from DMRV. Biochemical identification of the fucosylated substance and further detailed study on subcellular localization of UEA I binding may yield important clues to the unknown pathogenesis of DMRV.

Diagnosis and treatment of clear cell hidradenocarcinoma of the scalp.

PubMed

Shu, Kai; Xiao, Qungen; Büchele, Fabian; Zhang, Suojun; Jiang, Wei; Lei, Ting

2012-12-01

Clear cell hidradenocarcinoma (CCH) is an exceedingly rare and highly malignant tumor of the eccrine sweat glands. Its treatment is extremely difficult due to the characteristically aggressive clinical course including repeated local recurrence and uncontrollable distal metastasis coming along with a very poor prognosis. Most published case studies recommend a wide surgical excision followed by adjuvant conservative therapy, which is generally considered to be the standard treatment. Two cases of nodular CCH of the scalp either presenting as a singular primary lesion or at an already metastatic stage were analyzed retrospectively. Wide local excision of the tumor couldn't prevent the primary carcinoma from recurring and metastasizing. Both cases received various therapies but the results were unsatisfactory. Although most authors have recommended that early wide surgical excision of the tumor is a feasible therapeutic measurement, our results raise doubts on the efficacy of this treatment strategy. As alternative approaches (i.e. chemotherapy, radiotherapy) are similarly controversial, further studies and a wide exchange of clinical experiences are crucial.

Magnetic resonance imaging validation of pituitary gland compression and distortion by typical sellar pathology.

PubMed

Cho, Charles H; Barkhoudarian, Garni; Hsu, Liangge; Bi, Wenya Linda; Zamani, Amir A; Laws, Edward R

2013-12-01

Identification of the normal pituitary gland is an important component of presurgical planning, defining many aspects of the surgical approach and facilitating normal gland preservation. Magnetic resonance imaging is a proven imaging modality for optimal soft-tissue contrast discrimination in the brain. This study is designed to validate the accuracy of localization of the normal pituitary gland with MRI in a cohort of surgical patients with pituitary mass lesions, and to evaluate for correlation between presurgical pituitary hormone values and pituitary gland characteristics on neuroimaging. Fifty-eight consecutive patients with pituitary mass lesions were included in the study. Anterior pituitary hormone levels were measured preoperatively in all patients. Video recordings from the endoscopic or microscopic surgical procedures were available for evaluation in 47 cases. Intraoperative identification of the normal gland was possible in 43 of 58 cases. Retrospective MR images were reviewed in a blinded fashion for the 43 cases, emphasizing the position of the normal gland and the extent of compression and displacement by the lesion. There was excellent agreement between imaging and surgery in 84% of the cases for normal gland localization, and in 70% for compression or noncompression of the normal gland. There was no consistent correlation between preoperative pituitary dysfunction and pituitary gland localization on imaging, gland identification during surgery, or pituitary gland compression. Magnetic resonance imaging proved to be accurate in identifying the normal gland in patients with pituitary mass lesions, and was useful for preoperative surgical planning.

Immunohistochemical localization of c-fos in the nuclei of the medulla oblongata in relation to asphyxia.

PubMed

Nogami, M; Takatsu, A; Endo, N; Ishiyama, I

1999-01-01

The immediately early gene product c-fos is known to be induced in neurons under noxious stimuli. Therefore, the immunohistochemistry of c-fos expression in human brains might offer information on the localization of stimulated neurons. In this study, the immunohistochemical localization of c-fos was studied in the neurons of the hypoglossal nucleus (XII), the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagal nerve (X), the nucleus solitarius (Sol), the accessory cuneate nucleus (Cun), the spinal trigeminal nucleus (V) and the inferior olive (Oli) of the human medulla oblongata from forensic autopsy cases. The neurons in the X nucleus showed the highest percentage of positive reactions for c-fos, followed in descending order by the Cun, V, Oli, XII and Sol. The c-fos immunoreactivity in the Cun and X was statistically significantly higher than in the Sol, XII and Oli. Although neurons in the Sol are known to be involved in respiration, there was no statistically significant difference in the c-fos immunoreactivity in the neurons in the Sol between asphyxia and non-asphyxia cases. On the other hand, the percentage of neurons positive for the c-fos immunoreactivity was statistically significantly higher in the Oli of asphyxia cases than of non-asphyxia cases. Our results indicate the difference in the immunoreactivity of c-fos among the nuclei of the human medulla oblongata and that the c-fos immunoreactivity in the Oli might assist the diagnosis of asphyxia.

Facial peeling skin syndrome: a case report and a brief review.

PubMed

Janjua, Shahbaz Ahmad; Hussain, Ijaz; Khachemoune, Amor

2007-03-01

Peeling skin syndrome is an extremely rare genodermatosis of possible autosomal recessive inheritance, characterized by asymptomatic spontaneous exfoliation of the stratum corneum at a subcorneal or intracorneal level. It usually presents at birth or appears later in early childhood. The condition may be generalized or localized. Here we describe a case of localized continual skin peeling limited to the facial skin in a 6-month-old infant, with two other members of the family affected with the same condition. A few cases of localized skin peeling limited to the acral surfaces have been described in the literature, but a familial case of localized skin peeling limited to the facial skin has not been described before. We believe that our patient represents a new subtype of peeling skin syndrome, limited to the skin of the face.

Social Service Professionals' Perceptions of Nonoffending Caregivers in Child Sexual Abuse Cases

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wolfteich, Paula M.; Cline, Monica L.

2013-01-01

This study was designed to assess social service workers' perceptions of nonoffending caregivers in cases of child sexual abuse. Attributions of blame were examined by administering questionnaires to staff at local social service agencies. It was hypothesized that social service workers who worked in the field longer, were male, or had less…

Teacher Evaluation and Collective Bargaining: Resolving Policy at a Local Level

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paige, Mark

2013-01-01

This case study analyzes controversial teacher evaluation policies in the context of collective bargaining. Dr. Jill Abrams, a new superintendent in a struggling school district, is at the center of the case. Her school board demands a form of teacher evaluation she finds problematic because it includes value-added modeling. Moreover, the board…

Providing Better Education Services to the Poor: Accountability and Context in the Case of Guatemalan Decentralization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gershberg, Alec Ian; Meade, Ben; Andersson, Sven

2009-01-01

We explore how two community-based reform models align with the World Bank's "World Development Report 2004" accountability framework. Using a qualitative case study of rural Guatemalan primary schools, we examine local governance through interviews with a range of stakeholders. While both reforms appear appropriate according to the…

On Location: The Structure of Case and Adpositions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Radkevich, Nina V.

2010-01-01

The general goal of this dissertation is two-fold: first, I provide a unified structure for spatial expressions (local cases and adpositions) and second, I propose a novel approach to vocabulary insertion and generation of portmanteau morphemes. I propose a novel structure for local case affixes, based on data from 114 languages and argue that…

[A Retrospective Analysis of 88 Solved Intentional Homicide Cases].

PubMed

Tang, Jia-quan; Liu, Jian-feng

2016-04-01

To summarize the key points, difficulties and relevant practical experiences for analyzing the scene of solved intentional homicide cases. The data of 88 solved intentional homicide cases in a county from 2004 to 2013 were collected and the retrospective analysis was performed. The number of local female victims obviously higher than non-local female victims and the number of non-local suspects is obviously higher than local suspects. The number of Male suspects showed higher compared with the female. Most of them were temporary workers, unemployment or farmers with less education backgrounds. The main causes of victims' death were mechanical injury or asphyxia. The murders were acquaintances in most intentional homicide cases. The motive of the stranger murders was commonly money. The murder behavior types of homicide cases were related with people, money and sexual assault. Camouflage and guilty behavior showed the most significance. The accurate identification of suspects is one of the most important task in forensic investigation and reflects the importance of the criminal scene analysis for intentional homicide cases. It also provides the direction of future research.

Comparison of the effects of using local and central snow deposits: a case study in Luleå.

PubMed

Reinosdotter, K; Viklander, M; Malmqvist, P A

2003-01-01

The aim of the study was to determine if an increased use of local land-based snow deposits would be more sustainable than the use of a central snow deposit. The study focused on transport related emissions, costs for transporting the snow, technical attendance, local effects, public acceptance, land use, effects on the recipient environmental control and potential for accidents. General information was obtained from an inventory regarding snow handling that was made in 14, geographically spread, Swedish municipalities during 2001. The comparison of costs for transporting snow and transport-related emissions was based on information gathered from the municipality of Luleå. The study showed that using local land-based snow deposits would decrease traffic-related emissions such as CO2, CO and NO(x) by 40% annually and would decrease the annual cost for transporting snow by nearly 80%. On the other hand local snow deposits may lead to an increased risk of accidents and to negative local effects such as delayed growing season, flooding and drainage problems. Available land for local snow deposits in the cities is hard to find, and is usually expensive. Therefore a combination of local and central snow deposits is likely to be the most realistic option.

Sabuk Janur: tools to move community participation in reducing natural disasters and environment (case study at Lawu mount slope in Indonesia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lestari, E.; Purnomo, S. H.; Komariah; Wibowo, A.

2018-03-01

Globalization in general both traditional values and local knowledge that exist in a society, but this is different in the community of mountain slope lawu on the Java Island precisely in Karanganyar regency of Central Java is still maintained local cultural values to maintain sustainability Springs. This is a foothold for cheaper the benefits of community culture that play an important role in environmental conservation and social solidarity to cope with natural disasters and the environment. The research method used is qualitative with explanatory case study approach. The results showed that the Myth of Sabuk Janur proved able to build public awareness in preserving the environment and overcoming natural disasters and the environment. The high level of community participation in every development is evident from every stage of community participation in a program. Where the solidarity of social visible in all conditions, namely social solidarity in the nature of the in-celebration and the nature of overcoming the disaster that befall. The preservation of local cultural values is still done because of the existence of the identity of local communities. This is because the integration of national value and local potential becomes a prerequisite in every development plan. Thus the cultural approach is an effective strategy in solving the problems exist in an area, especially in overcoming natural disasters and the environment.

Translating national level forest service goals to local level land management: carbon sequestration

Treesearch

Steven McNulty; Emrys Treasure; Lisa Jennings; David Meriwether; David Harris; Paul Arndt

2017-01-01

The USDA Forest Service has many national level policies related to multiple use management. However, translating national policy to stand level forest management can be difficult. As an example of how a national policy can be put into action, we examined three case studies in which a desired future condition is evaluated at the national, region, and local scale. We...

Working with Local, State and Federal Partners to Address Health Education Needs of Hurricane Katrina Evacuees in Houston: A CDC Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoover, D. Michele; Dopson, Stephanie; Drehobl, Patricia

2010-01-01

For health educators to successfully meet the challenges of responding to public health emergencies, it is important to establish and understand the role of collaborations with local, state and federal partners in identifying potential public health issues and to develop theory-based models or strategies to address these issues before, during and…

Putting Place on the Menu: The Negotiation of Locality in UK Food Tourism, from Production to Consumption

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sims, Rebecca

2010-01-01

This paper uses a case study of tourism in the Lake District and Exmoor to explore the relationship between "local food" and sustainable rural tourism in the UK. Drawing on qualitative interviews with tourists, food producers and cafe, pub and restaurant owners, I use an approach based upon the commodity chain to trace the shifts in the…

Navigating the Language and Demands of School Leadership in an Age of High-Stakes Accountability: A Case Study of High School Principals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bonasera, Mark

2012-01-01

Today's public school principals lead under conditions of significant pressures for change. At the local level, principals are the primary receivers and interpreters of the discourses and demands for change coming from central administration. Principals must make sense of these discourses and demands for change at the local school level, and they…

Integration of environmental simulation models with satellite remote sensing and geographic information systems technologies: case studies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Steyaert, Louis T.; Loveland, Thomas R.; Brown, Jesslyn F.; Reed, Bradley C.

1993-01-01

Environmental modelers are testing and evaluating a prototype land cover characteristics database for the conterminous United States developed by the EROS Data Center of the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Nebraska Center for Advanced Land Management Information Technologies. This database was developed from multi temporal, 1-kilometer advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR) data for 1990 and various ancillary data sets such as elevation, ecological regions, and selected climatic normals. Several case studies using this database were analyzed to illustrate the integration of satellite remote sensing and geographic information systems technologies with land-atmosphere interactions models at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. The case studies are representative of contemporary environmental simulation modeling at local to regional levels in global change research, land and water resource management, and environmental simulation modeling at local to regional levels in global change research, land and water resource management and environmental risk assessment. The case studies feature land surface parameterizations for atmospheric mesoscale and global climate models; biogenic-hydrocarbons emissions models; distributed parameter watershed and other hydrological models; and various ecological models such as ecosystem, dynamics, biogeochemical cycles, ecotone variability, and equilibrium vegetation models. The case studies demonstrate the important of multi temporal AVHRR data to develop to develop and maintain a flexible, near-realtime land cover characteristics database. Moreover, such a flexible database is needed to derive various vegetation classification schemes, to aggregate data for nested models, to develop remote sensing algorithms, and to provide data on dynamic landscape characteristics. The case studies illustrate how such a database supports research on spatial heterogeneity, land use, sensitivity analysis, and scaling issues involving regional extrapolations and parameterizations of dynamic land processes within simulation models.

Potential of tourism and recreational postindustrial city (Radzionków GIS-based case study)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ślesak, Barbara; Absalon, Damian; Pytel, Sławomir

2014-10-01

The paper presents an analysis of the land structure use in the town Radzionków. The study area, despite of the industrial past, distinguished by a large proportion of green areas: parks, forests, agricultural lands, recreational areas. The study shows how important is the role of shaping the image of the municipality as an interesting tourist, plays right policy and how important local municipal authorities may support use of local tourism resources through appropriate and targeted use of space (Municipal Development Plan).

Brownfields Portfields: Charting a Course for Port Revitalization

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The following case studies illustrate how the Pilot Port communities and the Portfields partnership are leveraging resources and promoting innovative approaches to invigorate and enhance local community revitalization efforts.

Hemangiopericytoma in the central nervous system. A study of eight cases.

PubMed

Mekni, A; Kourda, J; Chelly, I; Ferchichi, L; Bellil, K; Hammouda, K B; Kchir, N; Zitouna, M; Khaldi, M; Haouet, S

2008-02-01

Most hemangiopericytomas (HPC) are located in the musculoskeletal system and the skin, while the location in the central nervous system (CNS) is rare. The latter represents 2 to 4% in large series of meningeal tumors, thus accounting for less than 1% of all CNS tumors. In the central nervous system, tumors with a hemangiopericytomatous histolopathological pattern can be either hemangiopericytomas or solitary fibrous tumors. CNS-HPCs have a relentless tendency for local recurrence and metastases outside the CNS. Metastasis can also appear many years after adequate treatment of the primary tumor. We present a pathological study of eight patients with CNS-HPC and compare our results with corresponding published data. The CNS-HPC group consisted of three males and five females with a mean age of 36.75 years. The tumors were supratentorial in four cases, infratentorial in two cases, tentorial in one case and located in the spinal cord in the last one. Histologically, CNS-HPCs were similar to their soft tissue counterparts. One case demonstrated increased cellularity, marked nuclear hyperchromasia and marked cellular pleomorphism with infiltration of the cerebellum. All patients underwent surgery with gross-total resection in all cases. No patients received postoperative radiation therapy. Only four patients recurred locally after six, seven and eight months, and five years. Our study presents the pathological features of CNS-HPC as a distinct entity from both meningioma and solitary fibrous tumors. A comparative review of literature with our results is discussed.

Deliberating Tarceva: A case study of how British NHS managers decide whether to purchase a high-cost drug in the shadow of NICE guidance.

PubMed

Hughes, David; Doheny, Shane

2011-11-01

This paper examines audio-recorded data from meetings in which NHS managers decide whether to fund high-cost drugs for individual patients. It investigates the work of a Welsh individual patient commissioning (IPC) panel responsible for sanctioning the purchase of 'un-commissioned' treatments for exceptional cases. The case study presented highlights the changing rationales used for approving or denying a cancer drug, Tarceva, during a period when NICE first suggested it was not cost effective, but then changed its position in a final technology appraisal recommending use when the cost did not exceed that of an alternative product. Our data show how decisions taken in the shadow of NICE guidance remain complex and subject to local discretion. Guidance that takes time to prepare, is released in stages, and relates to particular disease stages, must be interpreted in the context of particular cases. The case-based IPC panel discourse stands in tension with the standardised population-based recommendations in guidance. Panel members, who based their decisions on the central notions of 'efficacy' and 'exceptionality', often struggled to apply NICE information on cost-effectiveness to their deliberations on efficacy (clinical effectiveness). The case study suggests that the complex nature of decision making makes standardization of outcomes very difficult to achieve, so that local professional judgement is likely to remain central to health care rationing at this level. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phyllodes Tumor of the Breast

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Belkacemi, Yazid; University of Lille II, Lille; Bousquet, Guilhem

Purpose: To better identify prognostic factors for local control and survival, as well as the role of different therapeutic options, for phyllodes tumors, a rare fibroepithelial neoplasm of the breast. Methods and Materials: Data from 443 women treated between 1971 and 2003 were collected from the Rare Cancer Network. The median age was 40 years (range, 12-87 years). Tumors were benign in 284 cases (64%), borderline in 80 cases (18%), and malignant in 79 cases (18%). Surgery consisted of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) in 377 cases (85%) and total mastectomy (TM) in 66 cases (15%). Thirty-nine patients (9%) received adjuvant radiotherapymore » (RT). Results: After a median follow-up of 106 months, local recurrence (LR) and distant metastases rates were 19% and 3.4%, respectively. In the malignant and borderline group (n = 159), RT significantly decreased LR (p = 0.02), and TM had better results than BCS (p = 0.0019). Multivariate analysis revealed benign histology, negative margins, and no residual disease (no RD) after initial treatment and RT delivery as independent favorable prognostic factors for local control; benign histology and low number of mitosis for disease-free survival; and pathologic tumor size

[Clinical significance of four quadrant localization in the diagnosis and treatment of metastatic carcinoma of the neck with unknown primary].

PubMed

Gao, Y Y; Chen, X H

2017-06-05

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical significance of four quadrant localization in the diagnosis and treatment of unknown primary cervical metastases. Method: The clinical data with unknown primary cervical metastases, were analyzed retrospectively. All the patients have not been found the original site in the initial treatment. There are four quadrants in the neck, the neck line as the longitudinal axis, and edge of cricoid cartilage as the horizontal axis. When cervical metastasis occurred in the left and right upper quadrant, the primary tumor site and radiotherapy from the skull base to the root of the neck; when appear in left and right lower quadrant, the primary investigation site and radiotherapy from neck to thoracic mediastinum, left lower abdomen also includes following primary search. At the same time, bilateral cervical metastasis cancers, focusing on the central line near the primary focus. Specific treatment strategies include ipsilateral total neck dissection and radical radiotherapy of the above radiotherapy site. Result: Left upper neck in 4 cases, right upper neck in 5 cases, left lower neck in 7 cases, lower right neck in 8 cases and mixed area in 6 cases. Only 10 of 30 patients (33.3%) with primary sites were found in the follow up period. In accordance with the four quadrant localization, the median time was 6 months. Conclusion: Four quadrant localization to locate the primary site is accurate, and individualized comprehensive treatment is the key to improve the curative effect. Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.

On local search for bi-objective knapsack problems.

PubMed

Liefooghe, Arnaud; Paquete, Luís; Figueira, José Rui

2013-01-01

In this article, a local search approach is proposed for three variants of the bi-objective binary knapsack problem, with the aim of maximizing the total profit and minimizing the total weight. First, an experimental study on a given structural property of connectedness of the efficient set is conducted. Based on this property, a local search algorithm is proposed and its performance is compared to exact algorithms in terms of runtime and quality metrics. The experimental results indicate that this simple local search algorithm is able to find a representative set of optimal solutions in most of the cases, and in much less time than exact algorithms.

Memetic Approaches for Optimizing Hidden Markov Models: A Case Study in Time Series Prediction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bui, Lam Thu; Barlow, Michael

We propose a methodology for employing memetics (local search) within the framework of evolutionary algorithms to optimize parameters of hidden markov models. With this proposal, the rate and frequency of using local search are automatically changed over time either at a population or individual level. At the population level, we allow the rate of using local search to decay over time to zero (at the final generation). At the individual level, each individual is equipped with information of when it will do local search and for how long. This information evolves over time alongside the main elements of the chromosome representing the individual.

Methodological proposal for studying suicide as a complex phenomenon.

PubMed

Minayo, Maria Cecília de Souza; Cavalcante, Fátima Gonçalves; de Souza, Edinilsa Ramos

2006-08-01

The authors present a methodological proposal for studying suicide and suicide attempts from a combined socio-anthropological, epidemiological, and psychosocial perspective. This interdisciplinary and complex research model simultaneously examined individual, socioeconomic, historical/cultural, and population data as few studies have succeeded to date. Considering that the present study was conducted in a specific social reality, the authors created a methodological approach to comprehend the effects of a crisis in an industrial restructuring process in a mining company town in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, that was associated with unusually high suicide rates. Since it referred to a small geographic area (with only 100,000 inhabitants), the research is considered an ideal case study. The authors created different strategies to trace the local epidemiological profile, adapted a psychosocial autopsy technique to elucidate suicide cases and a psychosocial harm assessment technique to comprehend suicide attempts, and conducted a local analysis of the socio-cultural context. The methods proposed here (with advantages and limitations) proved productive for elucidating the study hypothesis.

Implementing interorganizational cooperation in labour market reintegration: a case study.

PubMed

Ståhl, Christian

2012-06-01

To bring people with complex medical, social and vocational needs back to the labour market, interorganizational cooperation is often needed. Yet, studies of processes and strategies for achieving sustainable interorganizational cooperation are sparse. The aim of this study was to analyse the implementation processes of Swedish legislation on financial coordination, with specific focus on different strategies for and perspectives on implementing interorganizational cooperation. A multiple-case study was used, where two local associations for financial coordination were studied in order to elucidate and compare the development of cooperative work in two settings. The material, collected during a 3-year period, consisted of documents, individual interviews with managers, and focus groups with officials. Two different implementation strategies were identified. In case 1, a linear strategy was used to implement cooperative projects, which led to difficulties in maintaining cooperative work forms due to a fragmented and time-limited implementation process. In case 2, an interactive strategy was used, where managers and politicians were continuously involved in developing a central cooperation team that became a central part of a developing structure for interorganizational cooperation. An interactive cooperation strategy with long-term joint financing was here shown to be successful in overcoming organizational barriers to cooperation. It is suggested that a strategy based on adaptation to local conditions, flexibility and constant evaluation is preferred for developing sustainable interorganizational cooperation when implementing policies or legislation affecting interorganizational relationships.

Northwest Forest Plan—the first 10 years (1994–2003): socioeconomic monitoring of Coos Bay District and three local communities.

Treesearch

Rebecca J. McLain; Lisa Tobe; Susan Charnley; Ellen M. Donoghue; Cassandra. Moseley

2006-01-01

This case study examines the socioeconomic changes that took place between 1990 and 2000 in and around lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Coos Bay District in southwestern Oregon for purposes of assessing the effects of the Northwest Forest Plan (the Plan) on rural economies and communities in the Coos Bay region. The case study included an analysis...

Local control of osteogenic sarcoma by radiation and chemotherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Caceres, E.; Zaharia, M.; Valdivia, S.

Sixteen patients with osteogenic sarcoma of limbs were treated with high dose methotrexate followed by leucovorin rescue, adriamycin and radiotherapy to the primary tumor. A post-treatment surgical biopsy was performed in 15 of the 16 patients. In 12 of 15 patients (80%), the follow-up biopsy was negative for active tumor. Complications of treatment were myelosuppression (16 cases), moist desquamation (13 cases), soft tissue necrosis (2 cases) local infection (2 cases), fibrosis (9 cases) and bone fracture (4 cases). The mean survival time in this group of patients was 712 days.

Local box-counting dimensions of discrete quantum eigenvalue spectra: Analytical connection to quantum spectral statistics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakhr, Jamal; Nieminen, John M.

2018-03-01

Two decades ago, Wang and Ong, [Phys. Rev. A 55, 1522 (1997)], 10.1103/PhysRevA.55.1522 hypothesized that the local box-counting dimension of a discrete quantum spectrum should depend exclusively on the nearest-neighbor spacing distribution (NNSD) of the spectrum. In this Rapid Communication, we validate their hypothesis by deriving an explicit formula for the local box-counting dimension of a countably-infinite discrete quantum spectrum. This formula expresses the local box-counting dimension of a spectrum in terms of single and double integrals of the NNSD of the spectrum. As applications, we derive an analytical formula for Poisson spectra and closed-form approximations to the local box-counting dimension for spectra having Gaussian orthogonal ensemble (GOE), Gaussian unitary ensemble (GUE), and Gaussian symplectic ensemble (GSE) spacing statistics. In the Poisson and GOE cases, we compare our theoretical formulas with the published numerical data of Wang and Ong and observe excellent agreement between their data and our theory. We also study numerically the local box-counting dimensions of the Riemann zeta function zeros and the alternate levels of GOE spectra, which are often used as numerical models of spectra possessing GUE and GSE spacing statistics, respectively. In each case, the corresponding theoretical formula is found to accurately describe the numerically computed local box-counting dimension.

The effects of natural language processing on cross-institutional portability of influenza case detection for disease surveillance.

PubMed

Ferraro, Jeffrey P; Ye, Ye; Gesteland, Per H; Haug, Peter J; Tsui, Fuchiang Rich; Cooper, Gregory F; Van Bree, Rudy; Ginter, Thomas; Nowalk, Andrew J; Wagner, Michael

2017-05-31

This study evaluates the accuracy and portability of a natural language processing (NLP) tool for extracting clinical findings of influenza from clinical notes across two large healthcare systems. Effectiveness is evaluated on how well NLP supports downstream influenza case-detection for disease surveillance. We independently developed two NLP parsers, one at Intermountain Healthcare (IH) in Utah and the other at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) using local clinical notes from emergency department (ED) encounters of influenza. We measured NLP parser performance for the presence and absence of 70 clinical findings indicative of influenza. We then developed Bayesian network models from NLP processed reports and tested their ability to discriminate among cases of (1) influenza, (2) non-influenza influenza-like illness (NI-ILI), and (3) 'other' diagnosis. On Intermountain Healthcare reports, recall and precision of the IH NLP parser were 0.71 and 0.75, respectively, and UPMC NLP parser, 0.67 and 0.79. On University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reports, recall and precision of the UPMC NLP parser were 0.73 and 0.80, respectively, and IH NLP parser, 0.53 and 0.80. Bayesian case-detection performance measured by AUROC for influenza versus non-influenza on Intermountain Healthcare cases was 0.93 (using IH NLP parser) and 0.93 (using UPMC NLP parser). Case-detection on University of Pittsburgh Medical Center cases was 0.95 (using UPMC NLP parser) and 0.83 (using IH NLP parser). For influenza versus NI-ILI on Intermountain Healthcare cases performance was 0.70 (using IH NLP parser) and 0.76 (using UPMC NLP parser). On University of Pisstburgh Medical Center cases, 0.76 (using UPMC NLP parser) and 0.65 (using IH NLP parser). In all but one instance (influenza versus NI-ILI using IH cases), local parsers were more effective at supporting case-detection although performances of non-local parsers were reasonable.

Local Treatment of Metastatic Prostate Cancer: What is the Evidence So Far?

PubMed

Leonel Almeida, Pedro; Jorge Pereira, Bruno

2018-01-01

Advances in technological, laboratorial, and imaging studies and new treatments available in the last decades significantly improved prostate cancer survival rates. However, this did not occur in metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) at diagnosis which, in young and fit patients, will become invariably resistant to the established treatments. Progression will lead to an impairment in patients' quality of life and disease-related death. The authors intend to perform a literature review of the advantages of primary treatment of mPCa. Articles were retrieved and filtered for relevance from PubMed, SciELO, and ScienceDirect until March 2017. Primary treatment is currently indicated only in cases of nonmetastatic PCa. Nonetheless, there might be some benefits in doing local treatment in mPCa in order to control local disease, prevent new metastasis, and improve the efficacy of chemotherapy and hormonotherapy with similar complications rate when compared to locally confined cancer. Independent factors that have a negative influence are age above 70 years, cT4 stage or high-grade disease, PSA ≥ 20 ng/ml, and pelvic lymphadenopathies. The presence of 3 or more of these factors conditions CSS and OS is the same between patients who performed local treatment and those who did not. Metastasis degree and location number can also influence outcome. Meanwhile, patients with visceral metastases have worse results. There is growing evidence supporting local treatment in cases of metastatic prostate cancer at diagnosis in the context of a multimodal approach. However, it should be kept in mind that most of the existing studies are retrospective and it would be important to make consistent prospective studies with well-defined patient selection criteria in order to sustain the existing data and understand the main indications to select patients and perform primary treatment in mPCa.

COSMOLOGY OF CHAMELEONS WITH POWER-LAW COUPLINGS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mota, David F.; Winther, Hans A.

2011-05-20

In chameleon field theories, a scalar field can couple to matter with gravitational strength and still evade local gravity constraints due to a combination of self-interactions and the couplings to matter. Originally, these theories were proposed with a constant coupling to matter; however, the chameleon mechanism also extends to the case where the coupling becomes field dependent. We study the cosmology of chameleon models with power-law couplings and power-law potentials. It is found that these generalized chameleons, when viable, have a background expansion very close to {Lambda}CDM, but can in some special cases enhance the growth of the linear perturbationsmore » at low redshifts. For the models we consider, it is found that this region of the parameter space is ruled out by local gravity constraints. Imposing a coupling to dark matter only, the local constraints are avoided, and it is possible to have observable signatures on the linear matter perturbations.« less

Exploring conservation discourses in the Galapagos Islands: A case study of the Galapagos giant tortoises.

PubMed

Benitez-Capistros, Francisco; Hugé, Jean; Dahdouh-Guebas, Farid; Koedam, Nico

2016-10-01

Conservation discourses change rapidly both at global and local scales. To be able to capture these shifts and the relationships between humans and nature, we focused on a local and iconic conservation case: the Galapagos giant tortoises (Chelonoidis spp.). We used the Q methodology to contextualize conservation for science and decision making and to explore the multidimensionality of the conservation concept in Galapagos. The results indicate four prevailing discourses: (1) Multi-actor governance; (2) giant tortoise and ecosystems conservation; (3) community governance; and (4) market and tourism centred. These findings allow us to identify foreseeable points of disagreement, as well as areas of consensus, and to discuss the implication of the findings to address socio-ecological conservation and sustainability challenges. This can help the different involved stakeholders (managers, scientists and local communities) to the design and apply contextualized conservation actions and policies to contribute to a better sustainable management of the archipelago.

Health promotion in local churches in Victoria: an exploratory study.

PubMed

Ayton, Darshini; Manderson, Lenore; Smith, Ben J; Carey, Gemma

2016-11-01

Church-based health promotion has increasingly gained attention in strategies to address health disparities. In Australia, we have limited understanding of the role of local churches in health promotion and without this, how they might be involved in meaningful partnerships to tackle public health challenges. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore how churches are involved in health promotion in the state of Victoria. The research involved in-depth interviews with ministers from 30 churches in urban and rural Victoria, and case studies with 10 of these churches to enable further exploration. These case studies, conducted in 2010, included interviews with church staff, focus groups with volunteers, participant observation and document analysis. Analysis was iterative, utilising open, axial and thematic coding. Three different expressions of church - traditional, new modern and emerging - were identified and found to differentiate the levels and types of health promotion activity. Case studies illustrate the different expressions of how church mission influences health promotion activity. The traditional churches were involved particularly in disease screening and health education activities with their own, predominantly older congregation members. The new modern churches tended to have the material and human resources to be harnessed in health promotion activities involving congregation members and others. Emerging churches, in contrast, engaged in broad health-promoting activities, including disease prevention, lifestyle activities and socio-ecological approaches at a community level. These research findings highlight the opportunities and challenges of engaging with local churches in health promotion efforts and public health programmes to address health inequities. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.