Children's Rights: Countering the Opposition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Starr, R. H., Jr.; And Others

The problems of enacting and implementing child advocacy laws at State and Federal levels are presented along with two cases which illustrate these problems and point to the advocacy role that psychologists can perform. The first case deals with the use of corporal punishment in family day care homes in Michigan. In 1974, rules against corporal…

PHYSICS OF OUR DAYS: Nonlinear long waves on water and solitons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeytounian, R. Kh

1995-12-01

The water wave problem has been pivotal in the history of nonlinear wave theory. This problem is one of the most interesting and successful applications of nonlinear hydrodynamics. Waves on the free surface of a body of water (perfect liquid) have always been a fascinating subject, for they represent a familiar yet complex phenomenon, easy to observe but very difficult to describe! The archetypical model equations of Kordeweg and de Vries and of Boussinesq, for example, were originally derived as approximations for water waves, and research into the problem has been sustained vigorously up to the present day. In the present paper, the derivation of the model equations is given in depth and rational use is made of asymptotic methods. Indeed, it is important to understand that in some cases the derivation of these approximate equations is intuitive and heuristic. In fact, it is not clear how to insert the model equation under consideration into a hierarchy of rational approximations, which in turn result from the exact formulation of the selected water wave problem.

Rehabilitation of a One-day-Old Neonate with Cleft Lip and Palate using Palatal Obturator: A Case Report.

PubMed

Bansal, Rajesh; Kumar Pathak, Ashish; Bhatia, Baldev; Gupta, Sailesh; Kumar Gautam, Keshav

2012-05-01

Feeding a neonate with a complete cleft lip and palate is difficult pursuit due to communication between oral cavity and nasal cavity. A multidisciplinary approach is required to manage the complex problems involved in case of such neonates and their families. Present case is of a 1-day-old neonate having complete bilateral cleft lip and palate for which palatal obturator was constructed. A stepwise simple, easy and uncomplicated procedure for making accurate impressions, maxillary cast and fabrication of palatal obturator in infants with cleft lip and palate has been presented. The objective to present this case report is to emphasize the fact that how these palatal obturators /plates help in feeding, speech/language development, presurgical orthopedics and prevent other associated otorhinolaryngeal problems. How to cite this article: Bansal R, Pathak AK, Bhatia B, Gupta S, Gautam KK. Rehabilitation of a One-day Old Neonate with Cleft Lip and Palate using Palatal Obturator: A Case Report. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2012;5(2):145-147.

India.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Semaan, Leslie

This text examines India's rich and long history, then uses this perspective to focus on present day problems and aspirations. It forces students to reevaluate their stereotyped images of India by presenting a nation that has striven to recover from a past of colonial domination, is presently faced with regional ethnic discord and disparity, and…

Medical serials control systems by computer--a state of the art review.

PubMed

Brodman, E; Johnson, M F

1976-01-01

A review of the problems encountered in serials control systems is followed by a description of some of the present-day attempts to solve these problems. Specific networks are described, notably PHILSOM (developed at Washington University School of Medicine Library), the UCLA Biomedical Library's system, and OCLC in Columbus, Ohio. Finally, the role of minicomputers in present and future developments is discussed, and some cautious guesses are made on future directions in the field.

Description and Operation of the Mark 1B Plasma Focus Radiation Facility,

DTIC Science & Technology

plasma focus facility (Mk 1B) at The Aerospace Corporation produces x-ray fluences that are applicable to most radiation testing problems (e.g., integrated circuits or transistors). Although the facility has only one beryllium window for exposing 1.6-cm-dia samples to doses of 25 to 45 krad (Si) per shot, three more windows could be added and the additional samples exposed simultaneously. The facility is experiencing switch problems and is presently averaging 50 shots per week--15 shots per day for 3 or 4 days. The results of a comprehensive switch analysis should

My Voice Heard: The Journey of a Young Man with a Cerebral Visual Impairment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Macintyre-Beon, Catriona; Mitchell, Kate; Gallagher, Ian; Cockburn, Debbie; Dutton, Gordon N.; Bowman, Richard

2012-01-01

This longitudinal case study presents John's journey through childhood and adolescence, living with visual difficulties associated with a cerebral visual impairment. It highlights the day-to-day problems that John encountered, giving practical solutions and strategies that have enabled his dream of going to a university to be realized. John and…

Using Problem-Based Learning Software with At-Risk Students: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Samsonov, Pavel; Pedersen, Susan; Hill, Christine L.

2006-01-01

In an extension of research examining student-centered pedagogy, the present case study examined how at-risk students used Alien Rescue, a problem-based learning (PBL) software program for middle school science. Twenty-nine participants were observed and interviewed over the twelve class days in which they were engaged in Alien Rescue. Students'…

Problem Solving and Engineering Design, Introducing Bachelor Students to Engineering Practice at K. U. Leuven

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heylen, Christel; Smet, Marc; Buelens, Hermans; Sloten, Jos Vander

2007-01-01

A present-day engineer has a large scientific knowledge; he is a team-player, eloquent communicator and life-long learner. At the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, the course "Problem Solving and Engineering Design" introduces engineering students from the first semester onwards into real engineering practice and teamwork. Working in small…

Sunrayce 97 Continues Day 7 - Smith Center to St. Francis

Science.gov Websites

Angeles driver and team leader Roman Vasquez says, "We haven't had any problems. The car's been withdraw from the race yesterday due to suspension problems. The team was presented an "Inspector's . The team worked as a group in arriving at their decision to withdraw from the competition. Sunrayce 97

Toward Equity for Blacks in Higher Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lyons, Charles A.

The present condition of the United States regarding the education of black college-age youth and the status of historically black colleges is discussed in this paper. Background information on the role of black colleges and an elaboration of present-day problems facing black colleges are presented. The declining enrollment, drop-out rate, counter…

Medical serials control systems by computer--a state of the art review.

PubMed Central

Brodman, E; Johnson, M F

1976-01-01

A review of the problems encountered in serials control systems is followed by a description of some of the present-day attempts to solve these problems. Specific networks are described, notably PHILSOM (developed at Washington University School of Medicine Library), the UCLA Biomedical Library's system, and OCLC in Columbus, Ohio. Finally, the role of minicomputers in present and future developments is discussed, and some cautious guesses are made on future directions in the field. PMID:1247704

Interpersonal problems and negative affect in Borderline Personality and Depressive Disorders in daily life

PubMed Central

Hepp, Johanna; Lane, Sean P.; Carpenter, Ryan W.; Niedtfeld, Inga; Brown, Whitney C.; Trull, Timothy J.

2016-01-01

Theories of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) suggest that interpersonal problems in BPD act as triggers for negative affect and, at the same time, are a possible result of affective dysregulation. Therefore, we assessed the relations between momentary negative affect (hostility, sadness, fear) and interpersonal problems (rejection, disagreement) in a sample of 80 BPD and 51 depressed outpatients at 6 time-points over 28 days. Data were analyzed using multivariate multi-level modeling to separate momentary-, day-, and person-level effects. Results revealed a mutually reinforcing relationship between disagreement and hostility, rejection and hostility, and between rejection and sadness in both groups, at the momentary and day level. The mutual reinforcement between hostility and rejection/disagreement was significantly stronger in the BPD group. Moreover, the link between rejection and sadness was present at all three levels of analysis for the BPD group, while it was localized to the momentary level in the depressed group. PMID:28529826

Urological considerations in space medicine.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cockett, A. T. K.; Adey, W. R.; Roberts, A. P.

1972-01-01

Urological problems encountered during the preparation phases of Biosatellite III, flight of Bonny the Space Monkey, are detailed. The solution to each problem is detailed. The catheter system employed, antibiotic coverage used, and bacteria encountered in the urine of the five animals are detailed. Urinary calcium levels in three ground based animals are illustrated. Testicular alterations encountered in all animals are mentioned. It is concluded that space flights of duration beyond nine days may present serious problems of a urological nature.

[Biomedical foundation for human safety in aviation].

PubMed

Ushakov, I B

2004-01-01

According to the author, preventive medical issues of providing human safety in aviation are related to the fundamental biomedical and socio-psychological problems of human beings in the present-day world. Factual material for analysis was compiled in the study performed at the State Research and Test Institute of Military Medicine. Outlined are main vectors of the future attack on the problem.

Church Colleges Today. Perspectives of a Church Agency on Their Problems and Possibilities. Studies in Christian Higher Education, No. 15.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Geler, Woodrow A., Ed.

Six articles giving the perspective of the United Methodist Church on the problems and possibilities in higher education are presented. The topics include: Why is the Church in Higher Education?, Church-College Relationships and Challenges, Higher Education for Blacks, The Crisis in Enrollment, New Generations for New Days, and Trends and…

Problem Solving Techniques in Child Rearing: A Training Script for Parents of Young Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shure, Myrna B.; Spivack, George

Presented is a sequenced series of approximately 25 lessons designed to help mothers increase the interpersonal problem solving ability and behavioral adjustment of their 4- and 5-year-old children. It is explained that the program which takes 20 minutes per day over a 3 month period, combines an educational and preventive mental health approach.…

Brain Ultrasonography Findings in Neonatal Seizure; a Cross-sectional Study.

PubMed

Nabavi, Seyed Saeed; Partovi, Parinaz

2017-01-01

Screening of newborns with seizure, who have curable pathologic brain findings, might be able to improve their final outcome by accelerating treatment intervention. The present study aimed to evaluate the brain ultrasonography findings of newborns hospitalized with complaint of seizure. The present cross-sectional study designed to evaluate brain ultrasonography findings of hospitalized newborns complaining seizure. Neonatal seizure was defined as presence of tonic, clonic, myoclonic, and subtle attacks in 1 - 28 day old newborns. 100 newborns with the mean age of 5.82 ± 6.29 days were evaluated (58% male). Most newborns were in the < 10 days age range (76%), term (83%) and with normal birth weight (81%). 22 (22%) of the ultrasonography examinations showed a pathologic finding. A correlation was only found between birth age and probability of the presence of a pathologic problem in the brain as the frequency of these problems was significantly higher in pre-term newborns (p = 0.023). Based on the findings of the present study, frequency of pathologic findings in neonatal brain ultrasonography was 22%. Hemorrhage (12%) and hydrocephaly (7%) were the most common findings. The only factor correlating with increased probability of positive findings was the newborns being pre-term.

Organisation of Prevention in Primary Health Care.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Council of Europe, Strasbourg (France).

This report examines the possiblities of increasing the amount of preventive work being carried out by primary care workers in European communities. Before making practical recommendations about promoting prevention, an analysis is presented of the main present day problems. These center on the environment (not only physical but also social and…

Corporations and Child Care: Profit-Making Day Care, Workplace Day Care, and a Look at the Alternatives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Avrin, Cookie; And Others

This report presents a critical look at the ways profit-making child care centers treat the problems of racism and sexism, handle parent and community involvement, and provide care for children. Quantifiable factors in child care which have been found to bear a relationship to quality, warmth and flexibility are evaluated (staff/child ratios,…

The infinite sites model of genome evolution.

PubMed

Ma, Jian; Ratan, Aakrosh; Raney, Brian J; Suh, Bernard B; Miller, Webb; Haussler, David

2008-09-23

We formalize the problem of recovering the evolutionary history of a set of genomes that are related to an unseen common ancestor genome by operations of speciation, deletion, insertion, duplication, and rearrangement of segments of bases. The problem is examined in the limit as the number of bases in each genome goes to infinity. In this limit, the chromosomes are represented by continuous circles or line segments. For such an infinite-sites model, we present a polynomial-time algorithm to find the most parsimonious evolutionary history of any set of related present-day genomes.

Daily stress and the trajectory of mood: spillover, response assimilation, contrast, and chronic negative affectivity.

PubMed

Marco, C A; Suls, J

1993-06-01

Experience sampling methodology was used to examine the effects of current and prior problems on negative mood within and across days. Forty male community residents wore signal watches and kept dairy records of problem occurrence and mood 8 times a day for 8 consecutive days. Trait negative affectivity (NA), prior mood, and concurrent stress were related to mood during the day. Mood in response to a current problem was worse if the prior time had been problem free than if the prior time had been stressful. High NA Ss were more reactive to concurrent stressors than were low NAs, but the effect was small. NA and current-day stress were the major influences of mood across days. High NAs were more distressed by current-day problems and recovered more slowly from problems of the preceding day. The benefits of conceptualizing the effects of daily stressors on mood in terms of spillover, response assimilation, habituation, and contrast are discussed.

Sessions with Associated Abstracts by Day: Teaching Materials and Methods.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Physiologist, 1984

1984-01-01

Presented are abstracts of five papers on teaching materials/methods presented at the 35th annual meeting of the American Physiological Society. Topic areas include expert system used as a teacher/consultant in hemostasis problems, computer assisted testing, and excitation/conduction properties of membranes as illustrated by the compound action…

Applying problem-based learning to otolaryngology teaching.

PubMed

Abou-Elhamd, K A; Rashad, U M; Al-Sultan, A I

2011-02-01

Undergraduate medical education requires ongoing improvement in order to keep pace with the changing demands of twenty-first century medical practice. Problem-based learning is increasingly being adopted in medical schools worldwide. We review its application in the specialty of ENT, and we present our experience of using this approach combined with more traditional methods. We introduced problem-based learning techniques into the ENT course taught to fifth-year medical students at Al-Ahsa College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. As a result, the teaching schedule included both clinical and theoretical activities. Six clinical teaching days were allowed for history-taking, examination techniques and clinical scenario discussion. Case scenarios were discussed in small group teaching sessions. Conventional methods were employed to teach audiology and ENT radiology (one three-hour session each); a three-hour simulation laboratory session and three-hour student presentation were also scheduled. In addition, students attended out-patient clinics for three days, and used multimedia facilities to learn about various otolaryngology diseases (in another three-hour session). This input was supplemented with didactic teaching in the form of 16 instructional lectures per semester (one hour per week). From our teaching experience, we believe that the application of problem-based learning to ENT teaching has resulted in a substantial increase in students' knowledge. Furthermore, students have given encouraging feedback on their experience of combined problem-based learning and conventional teaching methods.

Chance-Constrained Day-Ahead Hourly Scheduling in Distribution System Operation

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

Jiang, Huaiguang; Zhang, Yingchen; Muljadi, Eduard

This paper aims to propose a two-step approach for day-ahead hourly scheduling in a distribution system operation, which contains two operation costs, the operation cost at substation level and feeder level. In the first step, the objective is to minimize the electric power purchase from the day-ahead market with the stochastic optimization. The historical data of day-ahead hourly electric power consumption is used to provide the forecast results with the forecasting error, which is presented by a chance constraint and formulated into a deterministic form by Gaussian mixture model (GMM). In the second step, the objective is to minimize themore » system loss. Considering the nonconvexity of the three-phase balanced AC optimal power flow problem in distribution systems, the second-order cone program (SOCP) is used to relax the problem. Then, a distributed optimization approach is built based on the alternating direction method of multiplier (ADMM). The results shows that the validity and effectiveness method.« less

Comparison of optimized algorithms in facility location allocation problems with different distance measures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Rakesh; Chandrawat, Rajesh Kumar; Garg, B. P.; Joshi, Varun

2017-07-01

Opening the new firm or branch with desired execution is very relevant to facility location problem. Along the lines to locate the new ambulances and firehouses, the government desires to minimize average response time for emergencies from all residents of cities. So finding the best location is biggest challenge in day to day life. These type of problems were named as facility location problems. A lot of algorithms have been developed to handle these problems. In this paper, we review five algorithms that were applied to facility location problems. The significance of clustering in facility location problems is also presented. First we compare Fuzzy c-means clustering (FCM) algorithm with alternating heuristic (AH) algorithm, then with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithms using different type of distance function. The data was clustered with the help of FCM and then we apply median model and min-max problem model on that data. After finding optimized locations using these algorithms we find the distance from optimized location point to the demanded point with different distance techniques and compare the results. At last, we design a general example to validate the feasibility of the five algorithms for facilities location optimization, and authenticate the advantages and drawbacks of them.

Development of Skylab environmental protection for photographic film

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Askew, W. C.; Clarke, W. A.; Best, C. A.

1971-01-01

The problems of providing adequate environmental protection for photographic film on three Skylab missions and the technical and management approach to resolving these problems are presented. The radiation, temperature, and humidity environments to which film will be exposed for up to 230 days in space and the effects of these environments on film are discussed. The report concludes with a definition of the design requirements for the Skylab film repository.

Resource Management: An Historical Perspective,

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-12-31

still applicable in the present-day environment . As the generation of experienced resource managers from the Korean War retires, it is useful to...management problems might be very different in a 1980s environment than in the 1940s, but the generic types of problems, solutions, and political...resource limita- tions are more likely to be imposed by external constraints -- e.g., the absence of adequate resource management plans, the reluctance

Quantum communication and information processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beals, Travis Roland

Quantum computers enable dramatically more efficient algorithms for solving certain classes of computational problems, but, in doing so, they create new problems. In particular, Shor's Algorithm allows for efficient cryptanalysis of many public-key cryptosystems. As public key cryptography is a critical component of present-day electronic commerce, it is crucial that a working, secure replacement be found. Quantum key distribution (QKD), first developed by C.H. Bennett and G. Brassard, offers a partial solution, but many challenges remain, both in terms of hardware limitations and in designing cryptographic protocols for a viable large-scale quantum communication infrastructure. In Part I, I investigate optical lattice-based approaches to quantum information processing. I look at details of a proposal for an optical lattice-based quantum computer, which could potentially be used for both quantum communications and for more sophisticated quantum information processing. In Part III, I propose a method for converting and storing photonic quantum bits in the internal state of periodically-spaced neutral atoms by generating and manipulating a photonic band gap and associated defect states. In Part II, I present a cryptographic protocol which allows for the extension of present-day QKD networks over much longer distances without the development of new hardware. I also present a second, related protocol which effectively solves the authentication problem faced by a large QKD network, thus making QKD a viable, information-theoretic secure replacement for public key cryptosystems.

Insomnia in shift work.

PubMed

Vallières, Annie; Azaiez, Aïda; Moreau, Vincent; LeBlanc, Mélanie; Morin, Charles M

2014-12-01

Shift work disorder involves insomnia and/or excessive sleepiness associated with the work schedule. The present study examined the impact of insomnia on the perceived physical and psychological health of adults working on night and rotating shift schedules compared to day workers. A total of 418 adults (51% women, mean age 41.4 years), including 51 night workers, 158 rotating shift workers, and 209 day workers were selected from an epidemiological study. An algorithm was used to classify each participant of the two groups (working night or rotating shifts) according to the presence or absence of insomnia symptoms. Each of these individuals was paired with a day worker according to gender, age, and income. Participants completed several questionnaires measuring sleep, health, and psychological variables. Night and rotating shift workers with insomnia presented a sleep profile similar to that of day workers with insomnia. Sleep time was more strongly related to insomnia than to shift work per se. Participants with insomnia in the three groups complained of anxiety, depression, and fatigue, and reported consuming equal amounts of sleep-aid medication. Insomnia also contributed to chronic pain and otorhinolaryngology problems, especially among rotating shift workers. Work productivity and absenteeism were more strongly related to insomnia. The present study highlights insomnia as an important component of the sleep difficulties experienced by shift workers. Insomnia may exacerbate certain physical and mental health problems of shift workers, and impair their quality of life. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of Homeless and Non-Homeless Problem Drug Users Recruited from Primary Care Safety-Net Clinics.

PubMed

Krupski, Antoinette; Graves, Meredith C; Bumgardner, Kristin; Roy-Byrne, Peter

2015-11-01

The present study of homeless non-treatment-seeking problem drug users was designed to complement and extend previous studies which focused exclusively on treatment-seeking homeless problem drug users. Data were available for 866 primary care patients with drug problems, 30% homeless and 70% housed. In the 2 years prior to baseline, homeless participants had less chronic medical co-morbidity than problem drug users who were housed yet were significantly more likely to have used emergency department services, to have used them more frequently, and at higher cost. Compared to their housed counterparts, homeless participants were also more likely to have been admitted to specialized chemical dependency treatment and/or detoxification services, to have been arrested for a felony or gross misdemeanor, and to report having psychiatric problems in the prior 30 days. Additional support may be necessary for homeless patients presenting in primary care to benefit from substance abuse treatment given their more severe drug use problems coupled with their co-morbid health, psychiatric, and psychosocial problems. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Thunder on the Right: Past and Present.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morris, Robert C.

Present day right wing attacks on schools and the back to basics movement are in many ways similar to the criticisms made during the McCarthy era of 1949-54, neither movement offering any novel solutions to educational or social problems. Allen A. Zoll and the National Council on American Education provided much rhetoric on constitutional rights…

Closing comments

Treesearch

Fred B. Knight

1977-01-01

The papers presented during the two and one half days of this symposium have provided all of us with a deeper understanding of the present knowledge on intensive management but they have also left us with many questions about the future. There is first an overwhelming feeling that we are doing too little about our problems and perhaps we are too late to meet potential...

Behavior problems among young children in low-income urban day care centers.

PubMed

Gross, D; Sambrook, A; Fogg, L

1999-02-01

The purposes of this study were to describe: (a) the frequency and correlates of behavior problems among a sample of 2- and 3-year-old children from low-income families as seen by their parents and day care teachers, (b) the degree to which parents and teachers agree about the children's behavior problems in their respective contexts, and (c) family characteristics that distinguish toddlers with behavior problems both at home and at day care from the rest of the sample. Parents of 133 toddlers from 10 Chicago day care centers completed measures of child behavior problems, child behavioral intensity, parenting self-efficacy, discipline strategies, and stress. Children's day care teachers also completed a measure of child behavior problems. Parent-reported behavior problems were associated with higher child behavioral intensity, greater parent stress, lower self-efficacy, and discipline strategies characterized by irritability, coercion, and inconsistency. Parent and teacher ratings on child behavior were correlated for boys' behavior problems only. Parents reported more child behavior problems than teachers. Approximately 8% of the children were rated as having behavior problems at home and at day care. Although most of the children are functioning well, many of these parents and toddlers are engaged in highly stressful and coercive relationships.

Do fatty acids help in overcoming reading difficulties? A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and carnosine supplementation on children with dyslexia.

PubMed

Kairaluoma, L; Närhi, V; Ahonen, T; Westerholm, J; Aro, M

2009-01-01

There are claims that dietary supplementation of unsaturated fatty acids could help children with dyslexia to overcome their reading problems. However, these claims have not yet been empirically tested. This study was designed to test whether dietary supplementation was superior to placebo in treating reading, spelling or other reading-related skills of children with dyslexia. The experimental group (eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, n = 30) ate dietary supplements and the control group (placebo, n = 31) placebos during the 90-day treatment period. The supplements contained omega-3 fatty acid (ethyl-EPA, 500 mg/day) and carnosine (400 mg/day). The groups were matched for reading skills, grade, gender, attention problems, intelligence and amount of special education. The literacy-related skills of the two groups were assessed before and after the treatment period. No group differences were observed between EPA and placebo in measures of reading accuracy or speed, spelling, decoding fluency, arithmetical skills, reading-related language skills, attention or behavioural problems. The present findings do not support the hypothesis that omega-3 fatty acid (ethyl-EPA) or carnosine has a role in the treatment of reading and spelling problems in children with dyslexia.

Postoperative Pain, an Unmet Problem in Day or Overnight Italian Surgery Patients: A Prospective Study

PubMed Central

Antonielli D'Oulx, Maria Delfina; Paradiso, Rosetta; Perretta, Laura; Dimonte, Valerio

2016-01-01

Background. Because of economic reasons, day surgery rates have steadily increased in many countries and the trend is to perform around 70% of all surgical procedures as day surgery. Literature shows that postoperative pain treatment remains unfulfilled in several fields such as orthopedic and general surgery patients. In Italy, the day surgery program is not yet under governmental authority and is managed regionally by local practices. Aim. To investigate the trends in pain intensity and its relation to type of surgeries and pain therapy protocols, in postoperative patients, discharged from three different Ambulatory Surgeries located in North West Italy (Piedmont region). Method. The present study enrolled 276 patients who undergone different surgical procedures in ambulatory regimen. Patients recorded postoperative pain score twice a day, compliance with prescribed drugs, and pain related reasons for contacting the hospital. Monitoring lasted for 7 days. Results. At discharge, 72% of patients were under weak opioids, 12% interrupted the treatment due to side effects, 17% of patients required extra drugs, and 15% contacted the hospital reporting pain problems. About 50% of patients experienced moderate pain during the first day after surgery. Results from our study show that most of the patients experienced avoidable pain after discharge. PMID:28115878

Numerical modeling of the atmosphere with an isentropic vertical coordinate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hsu, Yueh-Jiuan G.; Arakawa, Akio

1990-01-01

A theta-coordinate model simulating the nonlinear evolution of a baroclinic wave is presented. In the model, vertical discretization maintains important integral constraints such as conservation of the angular momentum and total energy. A massless-layer approach is used in the treatment of the intersections of coordinate surfaces with the lower boundary. This formally eliminates the intersection problem, but raises other computational problems. Horizontal discretization of the continuity and momentum equations in the model are designed to overcome these problems. Selected results from a 10-day integration with the 25-layer, beta-plane version of the model are presented. It is concluded that the model can simulate the nonlinear evolution of a baroclinic wave and associated dynamical processes without major computational difficulties.

Patient navigation reduces time to care for patients with breast symptoms and abnormal screening mammograms.

PubMed

McKevitt, Elaine; Dingee, Carol; Warburton, Rebecca; Pao, Jin-Si; Brown, Carl J; Wilson, Christine; Kuusk, Urve

2018-05-01

Concern has been raised about delays for patients presenting with breast symptoms in Canada. Our objective was to determine if our Rapid Access Breast Clinic (RABC) improved care for patients presenting with breast symptoms compared to the traditional system (TS). A retrospective chart review tabulated demographic, surgical, pathology and radiologic information. Wait times to care were determined for patients presenting with symptomatic and screen detected breast problems. Time from presentation to surgeon evaluation was shorter in the RABC group for patients with breast symptoms (81 vs 35 days, p < .0001) and abnormal screens (72 vs 40 days, p = .092). Cancer patients with abnormal screens had shorter wait times than patients with breast symptoms in the TS (47 vs 70 days, p = .036). Coordination of imaging and clinical care reduces wait times in patients with both abnormal screening mammograms and symptomatic breast presentations and should be expanded in our province. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Black-hole production at LHC: Special features, problems, and expectations

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

Savina, M. V., E-mail: savina@cern.ch

2011-03-15

A brief survey of the present-day status of the problem of multidimensional-black-hole production at accelerators according to models featuring large extra dimensions is given. The respective production cross section and the Hawking temperature and decay rate are estimated versus model parameters. Possible flaws and assumptions whose accurate inclusion can reduce significantly the probability of blackhole production at accelerators in relation to earlier optimistic estimates are also discussed.

[On the problems of getting an opinion, finding a decision when working in psychiatrie institutions. - Experiences with counselling a psychiatrie institution (author's transl)].

PubMed

Veltin, A

1981-08-01

Exemplifying an occurrence within an every day's situation of a clinic makes obvious, how conflicts between claims of treatment and therapeutic reality can be present and painfully discussed. This can appear within that space of tension which is immanent to a institution of that kind. Emphasis is laid on the importance of institutional Counseling for the solving of these problems.

Elephants, people, parks and development: the case of the Luangwa Valley, Zambia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abel, Nick; Blaikie, Piers

1986-11-01

New ideas about conserving wildlife are emerging to compete with conventional national park policies. But methods of analyzing wildlife conservation problems in Africa are inadequate for the analysis of complex issues of policy. Much of the analysis of conservation policy attempts to be ‘apolitical’ on issues charged with social conflict. Analyses are too often ahistorical when history can say a great deal about the origins of present-day ecological problems. Further-more, problems are commonly analyzed within narrow discilinary frameworks which predetermine the nature of conclusions and lead to professionally biased proposals. This case study of the Luangwa Valley, Zambia, is used to demonstrate a method which attempts to remedy these weaknesses, In the first part of the article we examine the role of the Luangwa National Parks in the context of the Zambian political economy, and identify social groups which compete for the resources of the national parks. Next we trace the historical origins of present-day ecological changes. These analyses lead toward a model of the Parks and some of their relationships with the national economy. We end with a proposal for communal use of wildlife which attempts to resolve some of the contradictions inherent in current policy.

ORD’s Urban Watershed Management Branch

EPA Science Inventory

This is a poster for the Edison Science Day, tentatively scheduled for June 10, 2009. This poster presentation summarizes key elements of the EPA Office of Research and Development’s (ORD) Urban Watershed Management Branch (UWMB). An overview of the national problems posed by w...

Advances in Chemical Mixtures Risk Methods

EPA Science Inventory

This presentation is an overview of emerging issues for dose addition in chemical mixtures risk assessment. It is intended to give the participants a perspective of recent developments in methods for dose addition. The workshop abstract is as follows:This problems-based, half-day...

A set-covering based heuristic algorithm for the periodic vehicle routing problem.

PubMed

Cacchiani, V; Hemmelmayr, V C; Tricoire, F

2014-01-30

We present a hybrid optimization algorithm for mixed-integer linear programming, embedding both heuristic and exact components. In order to validate it we use the periodic vehicle routing problem (PVRP) as a case study. This problem consists of determining a set of minimum cost routes for each day of a given planning horizon, with the constraints that each customer must be visited a required number of times (chosen among a set of valid day combinations), must receive every time the required quantity of product, and that the number of routes per day (each respecting the capacity of the vehicle) does not exceed the total number of available vehicles. This is a generalization of the well-known vehicle routing problem (VRP). Our algorithm is based on the linear programming (LP) relaxation of a set-covering-like integer linear programming formulation of the problem, with additional constraints. The LP-relaxation is solved by column generation, where columns are generated heuristically by an iterated local search algorithm. The whole solution method takes advantage of the LP-solution and applies techniques of fixing and releasing of the columns as a local search, making use of a tabu list to avoid cycling. We show the results of the proposed algorithm on benchmark instances from the literature and compare them to the state-of-the-art algorithms, showing the effectiveness of our approach in producing good quality solutions. In addition, we report the results on realistic instances of the PVRP introduced in Pacheco et al. (2011)  [24] and on benchmark instances of the periodic traveling salesman problem (PTSP), showing the efficacy of the proposed algorithm on these as well. Finally, we report the new best known solutions found for all the tested problems.

A set-covering based heuristic algorithm for the periodic vehicle routing problem

PubMed Central

Cacchiani, V.; Hemmelmayr, V.C.; Tricoire, F.

2014-01-01

We present a hybrid optimization algorithm for mixed-integer linear programming, embedding both heuristic and exact components. In order to validate it we use the periodic vehicle routing problem (PVRP) as a case study. This problem consists of determining a set of minimum cost routes for each day of a given planning horizon, with the constraints that each customer must be visited a required number of times (chosen among a set of valid day combinations), must receive every time the required quantity of product, and that the number of routes per day (each respecting the capacity of the vehicle) does not exceed the total number of available vehicles. This is a generalization of the well-known vehicle routing problem (VRP). Our algorithm is based on the linear programming (LP) relaxation of a set-covering-like integer linear programming formulation of the problem, with additional constraints. The LP-relaxation is solved by column generation, where columns are generated heuristically by an iterated local search algorithm. The whole solution method takes advantage of the LP-solution and applies techniques of fixing and releasing of the columns as a local search, making use of a tabu list to avoid cycling. We show the results of the proposed algorithm on benchmark instances from the literature and compare them to the state-of-the-art algorithms, showing the effectiveness of our approach in producing good quality solutions. In addition, we report the results on realistic instances of the PVRP introduced in Pacheco et al. (2011)  [24] and on benchmark instances of the periodic traveling salesman problem (PTSP), showing the efficacy of the proposed algorithm on these as well. Finally, we report the new best known solutions found for all the tested problems. PMID:24748696

Direct Solve of Electrically Large Integral Equations for Problem Sizes to 1M Unknowns

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shaeffer, John

2008-01-01

Matrix methods for solving integral equations via direct solve LU factorization are presently limited to weeks to months of very expensive supercomputer time for problems sizes of several hundred thousand unknowns. This report presents matrix LU factor solutions for electromagnetic scattering problems for problem sizes to one million unknowns with thousands of right hand sides that run in mere days on PC level hardware. This EM solution is accomplished by utilizing the numerical low rank nature of spatially blocked unknowns using the Adaptive Cross Approximation for compressing the rank deficient blocks of the system Z matrix, the L and U factors, the right hand side forcing function and the final current solution. This compressed matrix solution is applied to a frequency domain EM solution of Maxwell's equations using standard Method of Moments approach. Compressed matrix storage and operations count leads to orders of magnitude reduction in memory and run time.

Water problems in the present trend towards greater aridity

USGS Publications Warehouse

Leopold, Luna Bergere; Craig, Harmon

1957-01-01

In the past few days we have heard a number of scientists, gathered here at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, discuss research work which, in one manner or another, bears on problems related to water resources. They have been discussing, particularly, problems in the field of climatology, and have speculated on the meaning of the results of this research. One of the problems under discussion was the nature, and possible cause, of the climatic fluctuation which we have experienced in recent decades, and its relation to climatic changes in recent geologic time since the last glaciation. These discussions have given me the courage, or perhaps the recklessness, to indulge in some speculation relative to various aspects of water resource problems in the United States.

Health and health services among the Navajo Indians.

PubMed

Haraldson, S S

1988-01-01

The Navajo are the largest Indian tribe in the continental U.S. with a population in 1986 estimated at 171,097. The Navajo Nation (Reservation) is located along the borders where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah meet. Social and economic changes have accrued among the Navajo at a rapid rate during this century. At present, revenues are derived from oil, coal and uranium and from federal grants and contracts. High unemployment rates have been a major problem among the Navajo. This article reviews health, disease and health care among the present day Navajo. Mortality rates from accidents and suicide are disproportionately high and have as their causes longstanding social and behavioral problems. Although there has been a sharp decline in morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases, there are still major environmental health problems.

A review of research pertaining to asphalt composition and its relation to quality.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1984-01-01

This report reviews both early and recent research on asphalt quality with emphasis on compositional factors and how the findings of such research relate to present-day problems with asphalt cements and asphaltic paving mixtures. It is shown that his...

This Is Your Life.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knill, Fawcett

1982-01-01

Eleven questions, primarily dealing with the structure of the human body, are presented. In addition to a question on calculation of age in days, hours, minutes, and seconds, there are problems on the muscles, and the respiratory, circulatory, and skeletal systems. Answers to general questions are provided. (MP)

To Know and to Teach: Mathematical Pedagogy from a Historical Context.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swetz, Frank

1995-01-01

Investigated historical works for pedagogical techniques. Found the use of instructional discourse, logical sequencing of mathematical problems and exercises, and employment of visual aids. Concludes that much of present day mathematical pedagogy evolved from distant historical antecedents. (30 references) (Author/MKR)

Project Ideals: Administrative Organization (Area J).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kimbrough, Ralph B.; Andes, John O.

This pamphlet surveys the research and literature concerned with the effectiveness of different types of administrative organizations and the problems of articulation among different schools. Discussions and bibliographies are presented for the following topics: (1) the extended school year and day, (2) educational parks, (3) alternative…

Road Risk Modeling and Cloud-Aided Safety-Based Route Planning.

PubMed

Li, Zhaojian; Kolmanovsky, Ilya; Atkins, Ella; Lu, Jianbo; Filev, Dimitar P; Michelini, John

2016-11-01

This paper presents a safety-based route planner that exploits vehicle-to-cloud-to-vehicle (V2C2V) connectivity. Time and road risk index (RRI) are considered as metrics to be balanced based on user preference. To evaluate road segment risk, a road and accident database from the highway safety information system is mined with a hybrid neural network model to predict RRI. Real-time factors such as time of day, day of the week, and weather are included as correction factors to the static RRI prediction. With real-time RRI and expected travel time, route planning is formulated as a multiobjective network flow problem and further reduced to a mixed-integer programming problem. A V2C2V implementation of our safety-based route planning approach is proposed to facilitate access to real-time information and computing resources. A real-world case study, route planning through the city of Columbus, Ohio, is presented. Several scenarios illustrate how the "best" route can be adjusted to favor time versus safety metrics.

Measuring Family Problem Solving: The Family Problem Solving Diary.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kieren, Dianne K.

The development and use of the family problem-solving diary are described. The diary is one of several indicators and measures of family problem-solving behavior. It provides a record of each person's perception of day-to-day family problems (what the problem concerns, what happened, who got involved, what those involved did, how the problem…

Development of a severe local storm prediction system: A 60-day test of a mesoscale primitive equation model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paine, D. A.; Zack, J. W.; Kaplan, M. L.

1979-01-01

The progress and problems associated with the dynamical forecast system which was developed to predict severe storms are examined. The meteorological problem of severe convective storm forecasting is reviewed. The cascade hypothesis which forms the theoretical core of the nested grid dynamical numerical modelling system is described. The dynamical and numerical structure of the model used during the 1978 test period is presented and a preliminary description of a proposed multigrid system for future experiments and tests is provided. Six cases from the spring of 1978 are discussed to illustrate the model's performance and its problems. Potential solutions to the problems are examined.

Bearing design - Historical aspects, present technology and future problems; Proceedings of the International Conference, San Francisco, CA, August 18-21, 1980

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, W. J.

1980-01-01

The considered investigations deal with some of the more important present day and future bearing requirements, and design methodologies available for coping with them. Solutions to many forthcoming bearing problems lie in the utilization of the most advanced materials, design methods, and lubrication techniques. Attention is given to materials for rolling element bearings, numerical analysis techniques and design methodology for rolling element bearing load support systems, lubrication of rolling element bearings, journal bearing design for high speed turbomachinery, design and energy losses in the case of turbulent flow bearings, and fluid film bearing response to dynamic loading.

Secondary prevention of work-related disability in nonspecific low back pain: does problem-solving therapy help? A randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

van den Hout, Johanna H C; Vlaeyen, Johan W S; Heuts, Peter H T G; Zijlema, Johan H L; Wijnen, Joseph A G

2003-01-01

Given the individual and economic burden of chronic work disability in low back pain patients, there is a need for effective preventive interventions. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether problem-solving therapy had a supplemental value when added to behavioral graded activity, regarding days of sick leave and work status. Randomized controlled trial. Employees who were recently on sick leave as a result of nonspecific low back pain were referred to the rehabilitation center by general practitioner, occupational physician, or rehabilitation physician. Forty-five employees had been randomly assigned to the experimental treatment condition that included behavioral graded activity and problem-solving therapy (GAPS), and 39 employees had been randomly assigned to behavioral graded activity and group education (GAGE). Days of sick leave and work status. Data were retrieved from occupational health services. Data analyses showed that employees in the GAPS group had significantly fewer days of sick leave in the second half-year after the intervention. Moreover, work status was more favorable for employees in this condition, in that more employees had a 100% return-to-work and fewer patients ended up receiving disability pensions one year after the intervention. Sensitivity analyses confirmed these results. The addition of problem-solving therapy to behavioral graded activity had supplemental value in employees with nonspecific low back pain.

Characteristics and outcomes of pediatric patients presenting at Cambodian referral hospitals without appointments: an observational study.

PubMed

Yore, Mackensie A; Strehlow, Matthew C; Yan, Lily D; Pirrotta, Elizabeth A; Woods, Joan L; Somontha, Koy; Sovannra, Yim; Auerbach, Lauren; Backer, Rebecca; Grundmann, Christophe; Mahadevan, Swaminatha V

2018-03-13

Emergency medicine is a young specialty in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Although many patients seeking emergency or acute care are children, little information is available about the needs and current treatment of this group in LMICs. In this observational study, we sought to describe characteristics, chief complaints, management, and outcomes of children presenting for unscheduled visits to two Cambodian public hospitals. Children enrolled in the study presented without appointment for treatment at one of two Cambodian public referral hospitals during a 4-week period in 2012. Researchers used standardized questionnaires and hospital records to collect demographic and clinical data. Patients were followed up at 48 h and 14 days after initial presentation. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with hospital admission. This study included 867 unscheduled visits. Mean patient age was 5.7 years (standard deviation 4.8 years). Of the 35 different presenting complaints, fever (63%), respiratory problems (25%), and skin complaints (24%) were most common. The majority of patients were admitted (51%), while 1% were transferred to another facility. Seven patients (1%) died within 14 days. Follow-up rates were 83% at 48 h and 75% at 14 days. Predictors of admission included transfer or referral from another health provider, seeking prior care for the presenting problem, low socioeconomic status, onset of symptoms within 24 h of seeking care, abnormal vital signs or temperature, and chief complaint of abdominal pain or fever. While the admission rate in this study was high, mortality was low. More effective identification and management of children who can be treated and released may free up scarce inpatient resources for children who warrant admission.

Predictors of mental health-related acute service utilisation and treatment costs in the 12 months following an acute psychiatric admission.

PubMed

Siskind, Dan; Harris, Meredith; Diminic, Sandra; Carstensen, Georgia; Robinson, Gail; Whiteford, Harvey

2014-11-01

A key step in informing mental health resource allocation is to identify the predictors of service utilisation and costs. This project aims to identify the predictors of mental health-related acute service utilisation and treatment costs in the year following an acute public psychiatric hospital admission. A dataset containing administrative and routinely measured outcome data for 1 year before and after an acute psychiatric admission for 1757 public mental health patients was analysed. Multivariate regression models were developed to identify patient- and treatment-related predictors of four measures of service utilisation or cost: (a) duration of index admission; and, in the year after discharge from the index admission (b) acute psychiatric inpatient bed-days; (c) emergency department (ED) presentations; and (d) total acute mental health service costs. Split-sample cross-validation was used. A diagnosis of psychosis, problems with living conditions and prior acute psychiatric inpatient bed-days predicted a longer duration of index admission, while prior ED presentations and self-harm predicted a shorter duration. A greater number of acute psychiatric inpatient bed-days in the year post-discharge were predicted by psychosis diagnosis, problems with living conditions and prior acute psychiatric inpatient admissions. The number of future ED presentations was predicted by past ED presentations. For total acute care costs, diagnosis of psychosis was the strongest predictor. Illness acuity and prior acute psychiatric inpatient admission also predicted higher costs, while self-harm predicted lower costs. The development of effective models for predicting acute mental health treatment costs using existing administrative data is an essential step towards a workable activity-based funding model for mental health. Future studies would benefit from the inclusion of a wider range of variables, including ethnicity, clinical complexity, cognition, mental health legal status, electroconvulsive therapy, problems with activities of daily living and community contacts. © The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 2014.

Fashions in Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lawrence, Frances

1973-01-01

In this historical view of the 19th century British initiatives to learn about Continental education methods and problems, the author challenges present-day educationists to reestablish that initiative and enthusiasm, cut off by World War I, so that today more than strictly comparative data can be shared in European education. (JH)

The position of the analyst as expert: yesterday and today.

PubMed

Fresenius, W

2000-11-01

The interrelation between law and analytical chemistry 150 years ago is outlined, showing that similar problems to today already existed at that time. Examples of present-day cases of judicial investigations are given and consequences for the duty of the analytical chemist are discussed.

Early Mathematics Fluency with CCSSM

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matney, Gabriel T.

2014-01-01

To develop second-grade students' confidence and ease, this author presents examples of learning tasks (Number of the Day, Word Problem Solving, and Modeling New Mathematical Ideas) that align with Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and that build mathematical fluency to promote students' creative expression of mathematical…

Daily links between school problems and youth perceptions of interactions with parents: A diary study of school-to-home spillover

PubMed Central

Bai, Sunhye; Reynolds, Bridget M.; Robles, Theodore F.; Repetti, Rena L.

2016-01-01

This study examined how academic and peer problems at school are linked to family interactions at home on the same day, using eight consecutive weeks of daily diary data collected from early adolescents (60% female; M age = 11.28, SD = 1.50), mothers and fathers in 47 families. On days when children reported more academic problems at school, they, but not their parents, reported less warmth and more conflict with mothers, and more conflict and less time spent around fathers. These effects were partially explained by same-day child reports of higher negative mood. Peer problems were less consistently associated with parent-child interactions over and above the effects of academic problems that day. A one-time measure of parent-child relationship quality moderated several daily associations, such that the same-day link between school problems and child-report of family interactions was stronger among children who were closer to their parents. PMID:29307958

Emerging Drug Threats and Perils Facing Utah's Youth. Hearing before the Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate, One Hundred Sixth Congress, Second Session (Salt Lake City and Cedar City, Utah, July 6-7, 2000).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

This report documents the proceedings of a two-day hearing held in Utah to begin a public dialogue on how professionals can work together to combat the dangers of substance abuse problems among adolescents. The introductory comments by the presiding chairman, Senator Orin Hatch, spell out the present problem in Utah. The senator points out how…

Prevention: lessons from video display installations

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

Margach, C.B.

1983-04-01

Workers interacting with video display units for periods in excess of two hours per day report significantly increased visual discomfort, fatigue and inefficiencies, as compared with workers performing similar tasks, but without the video viewing component. Difficulties in focusing and the appearance of myopia are among the problems being described. With a view to preventing or minimizing such problems, principles and procedures are presented providing for (a) modification of physical features of the video workstation and (b) improvement in the visual performances of the individual video unit operator.

Effects of alcohol on a problem solving task.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1972-03-01

Twenty subjects were tested on two separate days on a simple problem-solving task. Half of the subjects received alcohol on the first day of testing and half on the second day of testing. A control group of 11 subjects was also tested on two days and...

Performance-Based Funding in Public Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Foster, Charles A.; Marquart, Deanna J.

This report examines three performance-based funding (PBF) plans: (1) merit pay for teachers and/or administrators; (2) career ladders; and (3) formula-driven incentive payments to schools. The report contends that present-day problems in public schools result largely from the organizational structure of the educational enterprise. Being based on…

The Basic Principle of Calculus?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hardy, Michael

2011-01-01

A simple partial version of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus can be presented on the first day of the first-year calculus course, and then relied upon repeatedly in assigned problems throughout the course. With that experience behind them, students can use the partial version to understand the full-fledged Fundamental Theorem, with further…

Event-Specific Cannabis Use and Use-Related Impairment: The Relationship to Campus Traditions

PubMed Central

Buckner, Julia D.; Henslee, Amber M.; Jeffries, Emily R.

2015-01-01

Objective: Despite high rates of college cannabis use, little work has identified high-risk cannabis use events. For instance, Mardi Gras (MG) and St. Patrick’s Day (SPD) are characterized by more college drinking, yet it is unknown whether they are also related to greater cannabis use. Further, some campuses may have traditions that emphasize substance use during these events, whereas other campuses may not. Such campus differences may affect whether students use cannabis during specific events. The present study tested whether MG and SPD were related to more cannabis use at two campuses with different traditions regarding MG and SPD. Further, given that Campus A has specific traditions regarding MG whereas Campus B has specific traditions regarding SPD, cross-campus differences in event-specific use were examined. Method: Current cannabis-using undergraduates (N = 154) at two campuses completed an online survey of event-specific cannabis use and event-specific cannabis-related problems. Results: Participants used more cannabis during MG and SPD than during a typical weekday, typical day on which the holiday fell, and a holiday unrelated to cannabis use (Presidents’ Day). Among those who engaged in event-specific use, MG and SPD cannabis use was greater than typical weekend use. Campus differences were observed. For example, Campus A reported more cannabis-related problems during MG than SPD, whereas Campus B reported more problems during SPD than MG. Conclusions: Specific holidays were associated with more cannabis use and use-related problems. Observed between-campus differences indicate that campus traditions may affect event-specific cannabis use and use-related problems. PMID:25785793

The twilight of the training analysis system.

PubMed

Kernberg, Otto F

2014-04-01

This paper briefly reviews challenges to psychoanalysis at this time, including those derived from both external, societal origins and internal psychoanalytic problems. It focuses attention on serious conflicts around psychoanalytic education, and refers to the training analysis system as a central problem determining fundamental constraints on present-day psychoanalytic education. These constraints are examined in some detail, and the general advantages and disadvantages of the training analysis system are outlined. The effects of all these dynamics on the administrative organization of the American Psychoanalytic Association are explored, and a proposal for a fundamental reorganization of our educational system to resolve the correspondent problems is outlined.

Medical care at the Sweetwaters Music Festival.

PubMed

Yates, K M; Hazell, W C; Schweder, L

2001-04-13

To describe medical cover and medical presentations at the four-day 1999 Sweetwaters Music Festival, and make comparisons with other festivals. All medical contacts were counted, and patients presenting to the medical tent were included in the study. Case records were studied to determine demographic data, nature of complaint, treatment and disposition. A Medline literature search was performed to obtain information on other festivals. There were 2,231 medical contacts overall (8.9% of estimated attendees) and 217 presentations to the medical tent (0.9% of estimated attendees). 53% of patients presenting to the medical tent were men and the mean patient age was 25 years. Lacerations (16%), intoxication (13%), local infections (12%) and soft tissue injuries (9%) were the most common problems. There were no deaths or cardiac arrests. Problems encountered were similar to other music festivals, with minor injuries predominant.

Daily Interactions in the Parent-Adult Child Tie: Links between Children’s Problems and Parents’ Diurnal Cortisol Rhythms

PubMed Central

Birditt, Kira S.; Kim, Kyungmin; Zarit, Steven H.; Fingerman, Karen L.; Loving, Timothy J.

2016-01-01

Studies have established that grown children’s problems affect parental well-being, but a dearth of research has addressed daily interactions and biological systems that may underlie these associations. This study examined whether parents have different types of daily interactions with adult children who have problems and whether those interactions are associated with variations in parents’ diurnal cortisol rhythms. Middle-aged parents (n = 197) reported their interactions with adult children for seven consecutive days and provided saliva, analyzed for cortisol, three times a day (wake, 30 minutes after wake, bedtime) for four of those days. Parents were more likely to report negative encounters but not less likely to report positive interactions or contact with adult children who suffered from problems. Interactions with adult children who had physical-emotional problems had more immediate same day associations with cortisol whereas interactions with adult children who had lifestyle-behavioral problems had more delayed, or next day associations with cortisol. Daily interactions and their associations with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis may be important mechanisms by which adult children with problems negatively affect parental well-being. PMID:26476176

Daily interactions in the parent-adult child tie: Links between children's problems and parents' diurnal cortisol rhythms.

PubMed

Birditt, Kira S; Kim, Kyungmin; Zarit, Steven H; Fingerman, Karen L; Loving, Timothy J

2016-01-01

Studies have established that grown children's problems affect parental well-being, but a dearth of research has addressed daily interactions and biological systems that may underlie these associations. This study examined whether parents have different types of daily interactions with adult children who have problems and whether those interactions are associated with variations in parents' diurnal cortisol rhythms. Middle-aged parents (n=197) reported their interactions with adult children for seven consecutive days and provided saliva, analyzed for cortisol, three times a day (wake, 30 min after wake, bedtime) for four of those days. Parents were more likely to report negative encounters but not less likely to report positive interactions or contact with adult children who suffered from problems. Interactions with adult children who had physical-emotional problems had more immediate same day associations with cortisol whereas interactions with adult children who had lifestyle-behavioral problems had more delayed, or next day associations with cortisol. Daily interactions and their associations with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis may be important mechanisms by which adult children with problems negatively affect parental well-being. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Behavioral correlation with television watching and videogame playing among children in the United Arab Emirates.

PubMed

Yousef, Said; Eapen, Valsamma; Zoubeidi, Taoufik; Mabrouk, Abdelazim

2014-08-01

Television viewing and videogame use (TV/VG) appear to be associated with some childhood behavioral problems. There are no studies addressing this problem in the United Arab Emirates. One hundred ninety-seven school children (mean age, 8.7 ± 2.1 years) were assessed. Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) subscale scores and socio-demographic characteristics were compared between children who were involved with TV/VG more than 2 hours/day and those involved less than 2 hours/day (the recommended upper limit by The American Academy of Pediatrics). Thirty-seven percent of children who were involved with TV/VG time of more than 2 hours/day scored significantly higher on CBCL syndrome scales of withdrawn, social problems, attention problems, delinquent behavior, aggressive behavior, internalizing problems, externalizing problems and the CBCL total scores compared with their counterparts. Moreover, these children were younger in birth order and had fewer siblings. After controlling for these confounders using logistic regression, we found that TV/VG time more than 2 hours/day was positively associated with withdrawn (p = 0.008), attention problem (p = 0.037), externalizing problems (p = 0.007), and CBCL total (p = 0.014). Involvement with TV/VG for more than 2 hours/day is associated with more childhood behavioral problems. Counteracting negative effects of the over-involvement with TV/VG in children requires increased parental awareness.

Post World War II orcharding creates present day DDT-problems in The Sørfjord (Western Norway)--a case study.

PubMed

Ruus, Anders; Green, Norman W; Maage, Amund; Amundsen, Carl Einar; Schøyen, Merete; Skei, Jens

2010-10-01

The Sørfjord has a long history of agriculture and industry, and environmental monitoring has been conducted for decades, comprising analyses of contaminants in mussel, fish and sediments. DDT was used as an insecticide in orchards surrounding the fjord between World War II and 1970. Since the early 1990 s, elevated concentrations of DDT were found in mussels and fish. Unexpectedly, DDT-concentrations increased towards present day, despite the discontinuation of use. The highest concentrations in mussels (in 2006) corresponded to about two orders of magnitude higher than background. Analyses of sediment core sections also indicated increased input towards present day. Shifts in climatic parameters, as well as increased amounts of soil dissolved organic carbon following a decline in atmospheric sulphate deposition may have contributed to this phenomenon. We warrant the need for increased knowledge of the effects of alterations in variables acting regionally and globally on the disposition of contaminants in ecosystems. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Late intestinal obstruction due to an intestinal volvulus in a pregnant patient with a previous Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

PubMed

Gazzalle, Anajara; Braun, Débora; Cavazzola, Leandro Totti; Wendt, Luiz Roberto; Navarini, Daniel; Fauri, Marcelo de Azevedo; Vitola, Santo Pascual

2010-12-01

This is a case of a 33 weeks pregnant woman, presented 2 years after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, with abdominal pain for 2 days. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed 1 day earlier in another hospital, without improving the pain. She presented at our hospital with acute abdominal pain and clinical signs of intestinal obstruction, undergoing an exploratory laparotomy that revealed a volvulus and necrosis of the jejunum from the gastroenteroanastomosis through the lateral enteroenterostomy, which was resected with the reconstruction of the Roux-en-Y limb performed at the same operation. Patient and neonate presented with improvement after surgery and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 15. Internal hernias after bariatric surgery have been reported as the cause of acute abdomen problems during pregnancy, which may progress to necrosis and perforation. The delay of surgical intervention could have brought a tragic outcome for mother and neonate.

Possible Side-Effects from Vaccines

MedlinePlus

... 1 child in 50) These problems generally occur 1-3 days after the shot. Moderate Problems (Uncommon) Seizure (jerking or staring) (about ... problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1 or 2 days. Your doctor can tell you ...

Recent developments for realistic solar models

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

Serenelli, Aldo M.

2014-05-02

The 'solar abundance problem' has triggered a renewed interest in revising the concept of SSM from different perspectives: 1) constituent microphysics: equation of state, nuclear rates, radiative opacities; 2) constituent macrophysics: the physical processes impact the evolution of the Sun and its present-day structure, e.g. dynamical processes induced by rotation, presence of magnetic fields; 3) challenge the hypothesis that the young Sun was chemically homogeneous: the possible interaction of the young Sun with its protoplanetary disk. Here, I briefly review and then present a (personal) view on recent advances and developments on solar modeling, part of them carried out asmore » attempts to solve the solar abundance problem.« less

Thermophilic anaerobic co-digestion of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) with food waste (FW): Enhancement of bio-hydrogen production.

PubMed

Angeriz-Campoy, Rubén; Álvarez-Gallego, Carlos J; Romero-García, Luis I

2015-10-01

Bio-hydrogen production from dry thermophilic anaerobic co-digestion (55°C and 20% total solids) of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and food waste (FW) was studied. OFMSW coming from mechanical-biological treatment plants (MBT plants) presents a low organic matter concentration. However, FW has a high organic matter content but several problems by accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and system acidification. Tests were conducted using a mixture ratio of 80:20 (OFSMW:FW), to avoid the aforementioned problems. Different solid retention times (SRTs) - 6.6, 4.4, 2.4 and 1.9 days - were tested. It was noted that addition of food waste enhances the hydrogen production in all the SRTs tested. Best results were obtained at 1.9-day SRT. It was observed an increase from 0.64 to 2.51 L H2/L(reactor) day in hydrogen productivity when SRTs decrease from 6.6 to 1.9 days. However, the hydrogen yield increases slightly from 33.7 to 38 mL H2/gVS(added). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The role of the helicopter in transportation. [technology assessment for use in civil aviation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dajani, J. S.; Warner, D.; Epstein, D.; Obrien, J.

1976-01-01

A general overview is presented of the role that the helicopter plays in the current aviation scene with special emphasis on its use in the airport access function. Technological problems of present-day aircraft are discussed along with some plausible solutions. The economic and regulatory aspects of commercial helicopter operations are presented. Finally six commercial operations utilizing helicopters are reviewed and conditions that enhance the success of the helicopter in the airport access function are proposed.

Internet use and video gaming predict problem behavior in early adolescence.

PubMed

Holtz, Peter; Appel, Markus

2011-02-01

In early adolescence, the time spent using the Internet and video games is higher than in any other present-day age group. Due to age-inappropriate web and gaming content, the impact of new media use on teenagers is a matter of public and scientific concern. Based on current theories on inappropriate media use, a study was conducted that comprised 205 adolescents aged 10-14 years (Md = 13). Individuals were identified who showed clinically relevant problem behavior according to the problem scales of the Youth Self Report (YSR). Online gaming, communicational Internet use, and playing first-person shooters were predictive of externalizing behavior problems (aggression, delinquency). Playing online role-playing games was predictive of internalizing problem behavior (including withdrawal and anxiety). Parent-child communication about Internet activities was negatively related to problem behavior. Copyright © 2010 The Association for Professionals in Services for Adolescents. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Gambling involvement and increased risk of gambling problems.

PubMed

Phillips, James G; Ogeil, Rowan; Chow, Yang-Wai; Blaszczynski, Alex

2013-12-01

The opportunity to gamble has undergone rapid expansion with technology allowing for access to gambling products 24 h a day. This increased online availability challenges governments' abilities to restrict access to gambling. Indeed, the ready access to multiple forms of gambling may potentially contribute to impaired control over urges for problem gamblers. The present study considered whether problem gamblers manifested a tendency to engage in multiple forms of gambling and identified forms of gambling which were more strongly related to problem gambling. In reanalyses of two surveys (Sample 1, N = 464, Sample 2, N = 1141), significant relationships accounting for between 11.3 and 13.5% of the variance were found between the numbers of forms of gambling accessed and degree of problem. Participation in online poker, playing cards and sports wagering were linked to problem gambling. Access to multiple forms of gambling may pose difficulties for the tracking and control of gambling.

Solar water disinfection

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

Anderson, R.; Collier, R.

Non-potable drinking water is a major problem for much of the world`s population. It has been estimated that from 15 to 20 million children under the age of 5 die from diarrheal conditions brought on by infected drinking water every year. This is equivalent to a fully-loaded DC-10 crashing every ten minutes of every day, 365 days a year. Heat is one of the most effective methods of disinfecting drinking water. Using conventional means of heating water (heating on an open-flamed stove) results in an extremely energy-intensive process. The main obstacle is that for areas of the world where potablemore » water is a problem, fuel supplies are either too expensive, not available, or the source of devastating environmental problems (deforestation). The apparatus described is a solar-powered water disinfection device that can overcome most if not all of the barriers that presently limit technological solutions to drinking water problems. It uses a parabolic trough solar concentrator with a receiver tube that is also a counterflow heat exchanger. The system is totally self-contained utilizing a photovoltaic-powered water pump, and a standard automotive thermostat for water flow control. The system is designed for simplicity, reliability and the incorporation of technology readily accessible in most areas of the world. Experiments at the Florida Solar Energy Center have demonstrated up to 2,500 liters of safe drinking water per day with 28 square meters of solar concentrator.« less

A rapid method of toilet training the institutionalized retarded1

PubMed Central

Azrin, N. H.; Foxx, R. M.

1971-01-01

Incontinence is a major unsolved problem in the institutional care of the profoundly retarded. A reinforcement and social analysis of incontinence was used to develop a procedure that would rapidly toilet train retardates and motivate them to remain continent during the day in their ward setting. Nine profoundly retarded adults were given intensive training (median of four days per patient), the distinctive features of which were artificially increasing the frequency of urinations, positive reinforcement of correct toileting but a delay for “accidents”, use of new automatic apparatus for signalling elimination, shaping of independent toileting, cleanliness training, and staff reinforcement procedures. Incontinence was reduced immediately by about 90% and eventually decreased to near-zero. These results indicate the present procedure is an effective, rapid, enduring, and administratively feasible solution to the problem of incontinence of the institutionalized retarded. PMID:16795291

Engineering approximations in welding: Bridging the gap between the speculation and simulation

DOE PAGES

Robino, Charles V.

2016-01-15

During the course of their careers, welding engineers and welding metallurgists are often confronted with questions regarding welding process and properties that on the surface appear to be simple and direct, but are in fact quite challenging. These questions generally mask an underlying complexity whose underpinnings in scientific and applied research predate even the founding of the American Welding Society, and previous Comfort A. Adams lectures provide ample and fascinating evidence of the breadth and depth of this complexity. Using these studies or their own experiences and investigations as a basis, most welding and materials engineers have developed engineering toolsmore » to provide working approaches to these day-to-day questions and problems. In this article several examples of research into developing working approaches to welding problems are presented.« less

Engineering approximations in welding: Bridging the gap between the speculation and simulation

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

Robino, Charles V.

During the course of their careers, welding engineers and welding metallurgists are often confronted with questions regarding welding process and properties that on the surface appear to be simple and direct, but are in fact quite challenging. These questions generally mask an underlying complexity whose underpinnings in scientific and applied research predate even the founding of the American Welding Society, and previous Comfort A. Adams lectures provide ample and fascinating evidence of the breadth and depth of this complexity. Using these studies or their own experiences and investigations as a basis, most welding and materials engineers have developed engineering toolsmore » to provide working approaches to these day-to-day questions and problems. In this article several examples of research into developing working approaches to welding problems are presented.« less

Using self-organizing maps to develop ambient air quality classifications: a time series example

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Development of exposure metrics that capture features of the multipollutant environment are needed to investigate health effects of pollutant mixtures. This is a complex problem that requires development of new methodologies. Objective Present a self-organizing map (SOM) framework for creating ambient air quality classifications that group days with similar multipollutant profiles. Methods Eight years of day-level data from Atlanta, GA, for ten ambient air pollutants collected at a central monitor location were classified using SOM into a set of day types based on their day-level multipollutant profiles. We present strategies for using SOM to develop a multipollutant metric of air quality and compare results with more traditional techniques. Results Our analysis found that 16 types of days reasonably describe the day-level multipollutant combinations that appear most frequently in our data. Multipollutant day types ranged from conditions when all pollutants measured low to days exhibiting relatively high concentrations for either primary or secondary pollutants or both. The temporal nature of class assignments indicated substantial heterogeneity in day type frequency distributions (~1%-14%), relatively short-term durations (<2 day persistence), and long-term and seasonal trends. Meteorological summaries revealed strong day type weather dependencies and pollutant concentration summaries provided interesting scenarios for further investigation. Comparison with traditional methods found SOM produced similar classifications with added insight regarding between-class relationships. Conclusion We find SOM to be an attractive framework for developing ambient air quality classification because the approach eases interpretation of results by allowing users to visualize classifications on an organized map. The presented approach provides an appealing tool for developing multipollutant metrics of air quality that can be used to support multipollutant health studies. PMID:24990361

Chronic Absenteeism in Tennessee's Early Grades

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Attridge, Jonathon

2016-01-01

Although the average daily attendance rate for Tennessee students is 95 percent, almost 45,000, or 10 percent, of Tennessee K-3 students missed at least a month's worth of school days during the 2014-15 school year. These "chronically absent" students present a particular problem for schools that are charged with developing foundational…

Institutional Roles for In-Service Education of School Administrators.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lynch, Patrick D., Ed.; Blackstone, Peggy L., Ed.

This document is a compilation of papers read at a 4-day conference attended by 60 participants from throughout the United States. Chapters include (1) "In-Service Education of School Administrators: Background, Present Status, and Problems," by Robert B. Howsam; (2) "Notes on Institutional Relationships in the In-Service Education of the…

Teaching about the Holocaust in Multicultural Societies: Appreciating the Learner

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gryglewski, Elke

2010-01-01

The discussion in Germany regarding teaching about the Holocaust in multicultural classrooms mirrors an ongoing debate about the reality of present-day Germany: instead of dealing with the many learners with non-German backgrounds residing in the country, various educators have instead complained about problems relating to general discipline or a…

Substance Use, Aggression Perpetration, and Victimization: Temporal Co-Occurrence in College Males and Females

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Margolin, Gayla; Ramos, Michelle C.; Baucom, Brian R.; Bennett, Diana C.; Guran, Elyse L.

2013-01-01

Many studies have documented associations of substance use with aggression perpetration and aggression victimization; however, little is known about the co-occurrence of these problem behaviors within the same day in college students. The present study investigated whether substance use and aggression increase the likelihood of each other and…

Military Day Care: Problems and Perspective.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Corey, George D.

This paper presents some legal and social policy aspects of military child care facilities in the United States. Under the jurisdiction of Article I of the United States Constitution, the federal government has the right to determine the social welfare rights of people living on military installations; yet these people are not included in programs…

Music Theatre: At the Crest of Music Education's Third Wave

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Legg, Robert; Green, Alex

2015-01-01

In the United Kingdom, curricular music education has seen two main waves of development and is in the process of shaping a third. Ideas from the second wave have maintained theoretical dominance to the present day, despite the concerns expressed by some about their practical implementation. This paper suggests that problems with the…

The Donkey and the Stick: Revisited.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Clifford E.

The fable of the "Donkey and the Stick" is used as an analogy to present day industrial relations problems. The managerial approach of autocratic leadership has long since outlived its usefulness; rewards based along Maslow's hierarchy of needs should be used for employee motivation. The point is made from the fable that employees can't be…

Association of TV watching with sleep problems in a church-going population.

PubMed

Serrano, Salim; Lee, Jerry W; Dehom, Salem; Tonstad, Serena

2014-01-01

Sensory stimuli/inactivity may affect sleep. Sleep problems are associated with multiple health problems. We assessed TV habits in the Adventist Health Study-2 at baseline and sleep problems in the Biopsychosocial Religion and Health Study 1 to 4 years later. After exclusions, 3914 subjects split equally into TV watchers less than 2 hours per day or 2 or more hours per day. Watching TV 2 or more hours per day predicted problems falling asleep, middle of the night awakening, and waking early with inability to sleep again in multiple logistic regression. Excess TV watching disturbed sleep induction and quality, though the relationship may be bidirectional. TV habits should be considered in individuals with sleep problems.

Contamination of the freshwater ecosystem by pesticides

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cope, Oliver B.

1966-01-01

A large part of our disquieting present-day pesticide problem is intimately tied to the freshwater ecosystem. Economic poisons are used in so many types of terrain to control so many kinds of organisms that almost all lakes and streams are likely to be contaminated. In addition to accidental contamination many pesticides are deliberately applied directly to fresh waters for suppression of aquatic animals or plants. The problem is intensified because of the extreme susceptibility of freshwater organisms. The complexity of freshwater environments and their variety makes it difficult to comprehend the total effect of pesticides.

Kantian epistemology as an alternative to heroic astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McLaughlin, W. I.

Theoretical and observational methods in astronomy have advanced to a point where certain of their outcomes are difficult to comprehend with the traditional categories of human knowledge. The philosophical discipline of epistemology, the theory of knowledge, is used here to address four current problems in observational astronomy, exobiology, cosmology, and quantum mechanics. The problems are united by an epistemological content which, when unrecognized, has resulted in some heroic solutions of an ad hoc nature. Immanuel Kant's critical philosophy is employed because his work is consistent with basic attitudes in present-day physics and biology.

Kantian epistemology as an alternative to heroic astronomy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mclaughlin, W. I.

1985-01-01

Theoretical and observational methods in astronomy have advanced to a point where certain of their outcomes are difficult to comprehend with the traditional categories of human knowledge. The philosophical discipline of epistemology, the theory of knowledge, is used here to address four current problems in observational astronomy, exobiology, cosmology, and quantum mechanics. The problems are united by an epistemological content which, when unrecognized, has resulted in some heroic solutions of an ad hoc nature. Kant's critical philosophy is employed because his work is consistent with basic attitudes in present-day physics and biology.

[Intussusception in infant with diagnostic botulism: A case report].

PubMed

Spini, Roxana G; Ferraris, Verónica; Glasman, María P; Orofino, Guillermina; Casanovas, Alejandra; Debaisi, Gustavo

2015-10-01

Botulism is an important public health problem in Argentina. It is a potentially fatal disease, and its diagnosis may be difficult. There are rare presentation forms of the disease, such as acute abdomen. We present a 4-month baby with a 3-day constipation condition, associated with weakness and abnormal eating attitude in the last 12 hours. The baby presented preserved muscle tone, with no changes in sucking or deglutition according to the mother's observations. Altered sensorium and acute abdomen were found; the patient was entered into the operating room with presumptive diagnosis of intussusception, which was confirmed by pneumatic desinvagination. During hospitalization, the patient did not make good progress and presented weak cry, progressive hypotonia and respiratory failure requiring intensive care. Clostridium botulinum was isolated from the stool sample and botulinum toxin type A was isolated from serum. The patient was treated with equine botulinum toxin. Twenty five days after admission, he was totally recovered.

School Absenteeism: An Online Survey via Social Networks.

PubMed

Pflug, Verena; Schneider, Silvia

2016-06-01

School absenteeism is a significant social and public health problem. However, existing prevalence rates are often not representative due to biased assessment processes at schools. The present study assessed school absenteeism in Germany using a nationwide online self-report survey. Although our definition of school absenteeism was more conservative than in previous studies, nearly 9 % of the 1359 high school students reported school absenteeism within the past 7 days. Absent students lived less often with both parents, were on average of lower socioeconomic status, and reported more emotional problems, behavioral problems and less prosocial behavior than attending students. Being an indicator of a wide variety of problems in children and adolescents, school absenteeism deserves much more attention. Future directions for research and implications for prevention and intervention programs are discussed.

An approach to solve replacement problems under intuitionistic fuzzy nature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balaganesan, M.; Ganesan, K.

2018-04-01

Due to impreciseness to solve the day to day problems the researchers use fuzzy sets in their discussions of the replacement problems. The aim of this paper is to solve the replacement theory problems with triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. An effective methodology based on fuzziness index and location index is proposed to determine the optimal solution of the replacement problem. A numerical example is illustrated to validate the proposed method.

Family Conflict, Mood, and Adolescents’ Daily School Problems: Moderating Roles of Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms

PubMed Central

Timmons, Adela C.; Margolin, Gayla

2014-01-01

Using daily diary data, this study examined cross-day associations between family conflict and school problems and tested mediating effects of daily negative mood and moderating effects of psychological symptoms. For 2 weeks, parents and adolescents (N = 106; mean age = 15.4) reported daily conflict; adolescents reported daily negative mood and school problems. Results indicated bidirectional, multi-day spillover between parent-adolescent conflict and school problems with daily negative mood statistically accounting for spillover both within and across days. Externalizing symptoms strengthened links between father-adolescent conflict and school problems, whereas depressive and anxious symptoms strengthened links between parent-adolescent conflict and daily negative mood. By demonstrating cross-domain transmission of daily problems, these findings highlight the salience of everyday events as possible intervention targets. PMID:25346538

[The life of Polish students at the Polish School of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh].

PubMed

Gebertt, S

1994-01-01

The article has been written by a former student of the Polish School of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, a member of the Polish Forces in Britain. The reminiscences concentrate on day to day life of others, like himself, seconded from the Forces to continue their medical studies. Statistical data concerning the activities of Polish School of Medicine are presented and analysed. Detailed mention is made of various routes by which Polish students reached Great Britain from the time of defeat and partition of Poland between Germany and Soviet Union. The various phases of relationship and attitudes between Polish Armed Forces and the body of students are described and illustrated by extracts from personal memoirs. The number of other topics is presented and discussed: The difficulties and problems encountered in living and studying amongst people, who although sympathetic, but whose language, culture and customs were completely foreign to the Poles. The ways in which individuals and groups of students tried and in many instances managed to overcome these obstacles, forging links with their Scottish colleagues and population at large. The participation in various joint activities like Settlement Day, work in agricultural camps, sports, Scottish students Unions and Representative Councils etc. are described. "Inner life" of Polish students concentrated in "Bursa" (an equivalent of University Residence) is presented in a light-hearted way. Large detachments of a foreign army, living, amongst albeit friendly population, are bound to cause, sometimes serious, friction. Very much in relation to this problem the role of Polish students as ambassadors of Poland and Polish Causes are presented and their value assessed.

Task one report: Optical system study. [characteristics of laser equipment for space communication systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

An optical system which can be incorporated in a present day or near future space-borne laser communications system is described. Techniques of implementing these systems are presented and their design problems and use are discussed. Optical system weight is estimated as a function of aperture diameter for a typical present day or near future laser communication system. The optical communications system considered is a two-way, high data rate optical communications link from a spacecraft to a spacecraft or from a spacecraft to a ground station. Each station has a laser transmitter and receiver and a pointing and tracking system. Thus each station can track the laser transmitter of the other. Optical beamwidths are considered to be as small as an arc-second with the beam pointed to a fraction of this beamwidth.

Profiling the robustness, efficiency and limits of the forward-adjoint method for 3-D mantle convection modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Price, M. G.; Davies, J. H.

2018-02-01

Knowledge of Earth's past mantle structure is inherently unknown. This lack of knowledge presents problems in many areas of Earth science, including in mantle circulation modelling (MCM). As a mathematical model of mantle convection, MCMs require boundary and initial conditions. While boundary conditions are readily available from sources such as plate reconstructions for the upper surface, and as free slip at the core-mantle boundary, the initial condition is not known. MCMs have historically `created' an initial condition using long `spin up' processes using the oldest available plate reconstruction period available. While these do yield good results when models are run to present day, it is difficult to infer with confidence results from early in a model's history. Techniques to overcome this problem are now being studied in geodynamics, such as by assimilating the known internal structure (e.g. from seismic tomography) of Earth at present day backwards in time. One such method is to use an iterative process known as the forward-adjoint method. While this is an efficient means of solving this inverse problem, it still strains all but the most cutting edge computational systems. In this study we endeavour to profile the effectiveness of this method using synthetic test cases as our known data source. We conclude that savings in terms of computational expense for forward-adjoint models can be achieved by streamlining the time-stepping of the calculation, as well as determining the most efficient method of updating initial conditions in the iterative scheme. Furthermore, we observe that in the models presented, there exists an upper limit on the time interval over which solutions will practically converge, although this limit is likely to be linked to Rayleigh number.

Large Scale Deformation of the Western US Cordillera

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bennett, Richard A.

2001-01-01

Destructive earthquakes occur throughout the western US Cordillera (WUSC), not just within the San Andreas fault zone. But because we do not understand the present-day large-scale deformations of the crust throughout the WUSC, our ability to assess the potential for seismic hazards in this region remains severely limited. To address this problem, we are using a large collection of Global Positioning System (GPS) networks which spans the WUSC to precisely quantify present-day large-scale crustal deformations in a single uniform reference frame. Our work can roughly be divided into an analysis of the GPS observations to infer the deformation field across and within the entire plate boundary zone and an investigation of the implications of this deformation field regarding plate boundary dynamics.

Children's diurnal cortisol responses to negative events at school and home.

PubMed

Bai, Sunhye; Robles, Theodore F; Reynolds, Bridget M; Repetti, Rena L

2017-09-01

This study examined the within-and between-person associations between daily negative events - peer problems, academic problems and interparental conflict - and diurnal cortisol in school-age children. Salivary cortisol levels were assessed four times per day (at wakeup, 30min later, just before dinner and at bedtime) on eight days in 47 youths ages 8-13 years old (60% female; M age=11.28, SD=1.50). The relative contributions of within- and between-person variances in each stressor were estimated in models predicting same-day diurnal cortisol slope, same-day bedtime cortisol, and next morning wakeup cortisol. Children who reported more peer problems on average showed flatter slopes of cortisol decline from wakeup to bedtime. However, children secreted more cortisol at wakeup following days when they had reported more peer or academic problems than usual. Interparental conflict was not significantly associated with diurnal cortisol. Findings from this study extend our understanding of short-term cortisol responses to naturally occurring problems in daily life, and help to differentiate these daily processes from the cumulative effects of chronic stress. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Exploring Problem Based Learning to Promote 21st Century Learning Skills in Full Day Kindergarten

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tsoukalas, Jillian M.

2012-01-01

The kindergarten program at the study site transitioned from half day to full day, yet the curriculum was not updated to accommodate the full day schedule, or to include best practices. In order to prepare learners for their future in education, activities were implemented to determine how problem based learning can promote acquisition of the 21st…

[Age-specific effects at the beginning of in-/out-/day patient welfare measures].

PubMed

Rücker, Stefan; Büttner, Peter; Petermann, Ulrike; Petermann, Franz

2014-01-01

The study presented examines age-specific differences in emotional and behaviour problems as well as resources at the beginning of in-, out- and day-patient youth welfare measures. Additionally, parenting-skills were investigated. A sample of N = 126 was divided by the median (10.1 years) thus leading to two groups: ages six to ten (version for parents) versus eleven to sixteen (self-completion). Children and adolescents were evaluated with the SDQ, parenting skills with the DEAPQ-EL-GS. Values of both groups were compared cross-sectionally with multivariate, one-factorial variance analysis. Parents of younger children achieve significantly better results for parenting-skills. Compared to the older ones, younger children show significantly greater behaviour problems. Younger children belong to the group especially affected in youth welfare measures. Therefore, measures should be specifically adapted for this group to reduce symptoms.

Problems caused by regulatory delays and lack of regulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reamer, Lynne A.

1994-12-01

An FDA perspective on some of the problems encountered during the device review process is described. Emphasis is placed on the need for communication and teamwork among all parties to make the system work. Manufacturers are encouraged to `Do it right the first time.' Pertinent questions are asked of the manufacturers and proposed solutions are presented. Day to day reality at FDA is described and document workload is revealed. Lack of regulation, or more appropriately, when less regulation is appropriate is discussed. FDA has distributed to manufacturers a new draft guidance document to help in the decisionmaking process and when to submit a 510(k) when modifications are made to a device. This and other mechanisms are in place at the FDA to streamline the review process. Manufacturers are cautioned about their decisions and to seek advice from qualified persons. FDA emphasizes that help is available and that when in doubt, call.

The First-Day Quiz as a Teaching Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ochs, Raymond S.

1998-04-01

The problem with chemical education today is not merely that the students are inattentive, that our instructors are incompetent, or that the subject is intrinsically difficult. I believe the problem is that the fundamentals of the subject are not imparted. As students emerge from the basic courses in chemistry, despite exposure to a range of specific topics, they are commonly unclear on the basic ideas and how they might apply to more advanced topics. In this contribution, I describe a first-day quiz for students in an advanced chemistry class, presented to them ostensibly as a test of basic knowledge. While this approach is not unprecedented, it is apparently rare, as it comes as a surprise to those colleagues I have discussed it with. The important objective of the exercise is to allow students to realize what they don't know about fundamental chemistry, which I have found makes them more receptive to chemical education.

The attitudes, feelings, and experiences of online gamers: a qualitative analysis.

PubMed

Hussain, Zaheer; Griffiths, Mark D

2009-12-01

The playing of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) is now a highly popular leisure activity. The present study set out to explore the attitudes, experiences, and feelings of online gamers. The study entailed 71 interviews with online gamers (52 males, 19 females) from 11 different countries. Six main themes emerged from the analyses of the interview transcripts: (a) online gaming and integration into day-to-day lives; (b) online gaming, excessive play, and problems; (c) addiction; (d) psychosocial impact of online gaming; (e) online gaming, dissociation, and time loss; and (f) online gaming and the alleviation of negative feelings and mood states. These findings specifically showed how gamers used MMORPGs to alleviate negative feelings and provided detailed descriptions of personal problems that had arisen due to playing MMORPGs. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to previous qualitative and quantitative research in the area.

Associations between school difficulties and health-related problems and risky behaviours in early adolescence: A cross-sectional study in middle-school adolescents in France.

PubMed

Chau, Kénora; Kabuth, Bernard; Causin-Brice, Odile; Delacour, Yves; Richoux-Picard, Catherine; Verdin, Monique; Armand, Isabelle; Chau, Nearkasen

2016-10-30

Health-related problems and risky behaviours (substance use) are frequent in adolescents, may alter their physical and mental capabilities, and may thus generate school absenteeism, low academic performance, and school dropout ideation. This study assessed their associations and the contribution of socioeconomic factors among 1559 middle-school adolescents (mean age 13.5+1.3) from north-eastern France. They completed a questionnaire including socioeconomic characteristics, health-related problems (poor physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and living environment) assessed with the World Health Organization's quality of life measure (score<25th percentile), risky behaviours, school absences during the present school year, last-trimester academic performance, and school dropout ideation. Data were analysed using logistic regression models. School absenteeism was frequent (12.6% of subjects for 8-14 days, and 6.0% for ≥15 days); 8.2% of subjects had low academic performance (average school-mark <10/20) and 3.9% school dropout ideation. All school difficulties were strongly associated with all health-related problems (gender-age-school-level-adjusted odds ratios gasOR between 1.5 and 4.2), and with risky behaviours (gasOR between 1.4 and 14). Socioeconomic factors differently contributed to these associations (contribution reaching 77%). Policy makers, schools, physicians and parents should be more aware of the problems and help adolescents to reduce health-related problems and risky behaviours and to increase resilience. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ground-level Ozone (Smog) Information | New England | US ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2017-09-05

Ground-level ozone presents a serious air quality problem in New England. In 2008, EPA revised the ozone standard to a level of 0.075 parts per million, 8-hour average. Over the last 5 years (2006 through 2010), there have been an average of 31 days per summer when New England's air exceeded this standard.

Mathematics Education in Singapore--An Insider's Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaur, Berinderjeet

2014-01-01

Singapore's Education System has evolved over time and so has Mathematics Education in Singapore. The present day School Mathematics Curricula can best be described as one that caters for the needs of every child in school. It is based on a framework that has mathematical problem solving as its primary focus. The developments from 1946 to 2012…

College Athletics in the Twenties: The Golden Age or Fool's Gold?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Freeman, William H.

A study of the problems ensuing from the growth of intercollegiate athletics during the 1920's into monumental fund-raising events reveals striking social parallels between that time and the present day. This paper examines the social and economic conditions that contributed to the "sports boom" of the Twenties and comments on the similarities…

Education as a Resource of the Information Society

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zborovskii, G. E.; Shuklina, E. A.

2007-01-01

The literature on sociology in this country in the past few years has featured vigorous discussion of matters relating to the modernization of education in Russia. It is the authors opinion, that the examination of this set of problems has been limited primarily to the present day, and not enough attention is being given to the emergence of the…

Chambers of Commerce and Career Education. Monographs on Career Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoyt, Kenneth B.

This monograph, summarizing the ideas of participants attending a two-day mini-conference, was developed to help educators better understand some of the problems to be overcome in gaining support from their local chamber of commerce for career education. This booklet first presents the educator with five facts of life regarding the goals,…

Aircraft Piston Engine Exhaust Emission Symposium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

A 2-day symposium on the reduction of exhaust emissions from aircraft piston engines was held on September 14 and 15, 1976, at the Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Papers were presented by both government organizations and the general aviation industry on the status of government contracts, emission measurement problems, data reduction procedures, flight testing, and emission reduction techniques.

Education Futurism and the Mexican-American Student.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bane, Mary E.

Since today's education is strictly white middle class with little diversion to other ethnic cultures, the Mexican American student finds that it is not relevant to his being or his present day situation. Compounding the problem is that the Mexican American has to deal with the existence of two cultures--one of his parents which he maintains at…

Four Radical Panaceas for Reversing Mass Failure in Certificate English Language Examinations in Nigeria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fasasi, Khabyr Alowonle; Amadi, Gloria U.

2015-01-01

Given the present-day perspectives of Nigerians to the imperatives of qualitative education in the lives of youths, quite a lot of Nigerians have strongly bemoaned and condemned the recurrent woeful performances of students in Certificate examinations. Many research works have therefore concerned themselves with solving the problems of mass…

The Nature and Characteristics of Youthful Extremism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zubok, Iu. A.; Chuprov, V. I.

2010-01-01

Extremism is an acute problem of the present day. Moods of extremism are manifested in all spheres of the life and activities of young people--in education, work, business, political life, and leisure activity. They can be found in both individual and group social self-determination and are influenced by the immediate social environment as well as…

Modeling a Day in the Life of a Diabetic

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brod, Ryan; Gomber, John; Mendoza, Jurelle; Roginski, Jonathan; Smith, Tyler

2010-01-01

The material presented here was used for a semester-long capstone project for a first semester freshman course entitled Mathematical Modeling and Introduction to Calculus. The goals for the students in this work were twofold: first, enable the students to gain insight into an actual problem that affects millions of people in the United States and…

20th Century British Colonialism in Cyprus through Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Özmatyatli, Içim Özenli; Özkul, Ali Efdal

2013-01-01

Problem Statement: The island of Cyprus, due to its strategic location, was under the influence of many conquerors throughout the centuries. Cultural traces of these captors have survived to the present day. This long, turbulent history has had a profound effect on the Cypriot educational system, with the most recent influence being the impact of…

Problems of the Teaching of Patriotism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lutovinov, V. I.; Meshkova, S. I.

2009-01-01

Today it can be said with full justification that there is a social mandate to educate the kind of individual who is well trained for the needs of the present day, who is moral, resourceful, and prepared to make decisions in any situation, who is capable of cooperation and intercultural interaction, and who possesses a sense of responsibility for…

Methodological Problems of the Present-Day Sociology of Education: A Roundtable

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Russian Education and Society, 2011

2011-01-01

An all-Russian conference on "Education and Society" was held on 22 October 2009 at the Academy of Labor and Social Relations, in the course of which roundtables were conducted with leading representatives of Russian sociological science. The conference was timed to coincide with the twentieth anniversary of the founding of the Russian…

Implementing a Structured Reading Program in an Afterschool Setting: Problems and Potential Solutions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hartry, Ardice; Fitzgerald, Robert; Porter, Kristie

2008-01-01

In this article, Ardice Hartry, Robert Fitzgerald, and Kristie Porter present results from their implementation study of a structured reading program for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders in an afterschool setting. As the authors explain, schools and districts often view an extended school day as a promising way to address the literacy needs of…

In-Service Workshop Model. Development Work, Volunteer Service and Project Review. Core Curriculum Resource Materials.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edwards, Dan

A model is provided for an inservice workshop to provide systematic project review, conduct individual volunteer support and problem solving, and conduct future work planning. Information on model use and general instructions are presented. Materials are provided for 12 sessions covering a 5-day period. The first session on climate setting and…

New Directions in Telecollaborative Research and Practice: Selected Papers from the Second Conference on Telecollaboration in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jager, Sake, Ed.; Kurek, Malgorzata, Ed.; O'Rourke, Breffni, Ed.

2016-01-01

Trinity College Dublin was proud to host, in April 2016, the Second International Conference on Telecollaboration in Higher Education, with the theme "New Directions in Telecollaborative Research and Practice." Over two and a half days, 150 participants offered 95 research presentations, posters, and "problem shared" sessions.…

New Game Plan for College Sport. ACE/Praeger Series on Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lapchick, Richard E., Ed.

2006-01-01

The same general challenges, in varying forms, have confronted those responsible for intercollegiate sport from 1980 to the present day. Now the time has come to reexamine these problems in the light of new research (such as the Knight Foundation Commission on Intercollegiate Athletes) and new analyses; and to review old solutions to see where…

Situational Interest and Academic Achievement in the Active-Learning Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rotgans, Jerome I.; Schmidt, Henk G.

2011-01-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate how situational interest develops over time and how it is related to academic achievement in an active-learning classroom. Five measures of situational interest were administered at critical points in time to 69 polytechnic students during a one-day, problem-based learning session. Results revealed…

Superpowers Influence in the Horn of Africa

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-05-19

Greenfield: In its extent, its government and its problems, present day Ethiopia is largely the creaLion of the Emperor Menelik II . The process dating...conflict or cooperation between those involved during the next ten to fifteen years or so. 4 U / .- ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT... ii CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION ..... ................. . . Survey of the Literature ..... ........... 3 Objective of the

Computing relative plate velocities: a primer

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

Bevis, M.

1987-08-01

Standard models of present-day plate motions are framed in terms of rates and poles of rotation, in accordance with the well-known theorem due to Euler. This article shows how computation of relative plate velocities from such models can be viewed as a simple problem in spherical trigonometry. A FORTRAN subroutine is provided to perform the necessary computations.

Probabilistic Reasoning and Prediction with Young Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kinnear, Virginia; Clark, Julie

2014-01-01

This paper reports findings from a classroom based study with 5 year old children in their first term of school. A data modelling activity contextualised by a picture story book was used to present a prediction problem. A data table with numerical data values provided for three consecutive days of rubbish collection was provided, with a fourth day…

Reaching Out to Problem Anger: Assessing the Effectiveness of One-Day Cognitive Behavioural Workshops in a Community Setting in the UK.

PubMed

Illman, Nathan A; Brown, June S L

2016-09-01

Problem anger is frequently experienced by the general population and is known to cause significant problems for the individual and those around them. Whilst psychological treatments for problem anger are becoming increasingly established, this is still an under-researched area of mental health. We present an evaluation of a series of one-day anger management workshops for the public, targeting problem anger with a cognitive-behavioural approach. The main aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief group-based anger intervention in terms of subjectively reported anger provocation levels and of depression and anxiety. Workshop participants completed a number of questionnaire measures at baseline before the intervention and at 1 month follow-up. The key questionnaires measured self-reported anger provocation levels (Novaco Anger Scale-Provocation Inventory), depressive symptomatology (PHQ-9) and symptoms of generalized anxiety (GAD-7). Change scores were analysed using repeated measures analyses. We found a significant reduction in anger provocation among workshop participants at 1 month follow-up (p = .03). Reductions in depression and anxiety were not statistically significant. We conclude that this brief psychoeducational anger intervention was effective in a small community sample and suggest future work should assess the effectiveness on similar brief interventions using a larger client group and examine outcomes on a broader range of anger measures.

The effect of daily challenges in children with autism on parents' couple problem-solving interactions.

PubMed

Hartley, Sigan L; Papp, Lauren M; Blumenstock, Shari M; Floyd, Frank; Goetz, Greta L

2016-09-01

The vulnerability-stress-adaptation model guided this examination of the impact of daily fluctuations in the symptoms and co-occurring behavior problems of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on parents' couple problem-solving interactions in natural settings and as these interactions spontaneously occur. A 14-day daily diary was completed by mothers and fathers in 176 families who had a child with ASD. On each day of the diary, parents separately reported on the child with ASD's daily level of symptoms and co-occurring behavior problems and the topic and level of negative affect in their most meaningful or important daily couple problem-solving interaction. Multilevel modeling was used to account for the within-person, within-couple nested structure of the data. Results indicated that many parents are resilient to experiencing a day with a high level of child ASD symptoms and co-occurring behavior problems and do not report more negative couple problem-solving interactions. However, household income, level of parental broader autism phenotype, and presence of multiple children with special care needs served as vulnerability factors in that they were related to a higher overall rating of negative affect in couple interactions and moderated the impact of reporting a day with a high level of child ASD symptoms and co-occurring behavior problems on next-day ratings of negative couple problem-solving interactions. The magnitude of these effects was small. Understanding mechanisms that support adaptive couple interactions in parents of children with ASD is critical for promoting best outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

The Effect of Daily Challenges in Children with Autism on Parents’ Couple Problem-Solving Interactions

PubMed Central

Hartley, Sigan L.; Papp, Lauren M.; Blumenstock, Shari; Floyd, Frank; Goetz, Greta L.

2016-01-01

The vulnerability-stress-adaptation model guided this examination of the impact of daily fluctuations in the symptoms and co-occurring behavior problems of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on parents’ couple problem-solving interactions in natural settings and as these interactions spontaneously occur. A 14-day daily diary was completed by mothers and fathers in 176 families who had a child with ASD. On each day of the diary, parents separately reported on the child with ASD's daily level of symptoms and co-occurring behavior problems and the topic and level of negative affect in their most meaningful or important daily couple problem-solving interaction. Multilevel modeling was used to account for the within-person, within-couple nested structure of the data. Results indicated that many parents are resilient to experiencing a day with a high level of child ASD symptoms and co-occurring behavior problems and do not report more negative couple problem-solving interactions. However, household income, level of parental broader autism phenotype, and presence of multiple children with special care needs served as vulnerability factors in that they were related to a higher overall rating of negative affect in couple interactions and moderated the impact of reporting a day with a high level of child ASD symptoms and co-occurring behavior problems on next-day ratings of negative couple problem-solving interactions. The magnitude of these effects was small. Understanding mechanisms that support adaptive couple interactions in parents of children with ASD is critical for promoting best outcomes. PMID:27336179

Climate change and temperature extremes: A review of heat- and cold-related morbidity and mortality concerns of municipalities.

PubMed

Gronlund, Carina J; Sullivan, Kyle P; Kefelegn, Yonathan; Cameron, Lorraine; O'Neill, Marie S

2018-08-01

Cold and hot weather are associated with mortality and morbidity. Although the burden of temperature-associated mortality may shift towards high temperatures in the future, cold temperatures may represent a greater current-day problem in temperate cities. Hot and cold temperature vulnerabilities may coincide across several personal and neighborhood characteristics, suggesting opportunities for increasing present and future resilience to extreme temperatures. We present a narrative literature review encompassing the epidemiology of cold- and heat-related mortality and morbidity, related physiologic and environmental mechanisms, and municipal responses to hot and cold weather, illustrated by Detroit, Michigan, USA, a financially burdened city in an economically diverse metropolitan area. The Detroit area experiences sharp increases in mortality and hospitalizations with extreme heat, while cold temperatures are associated with more gradual increases in mortality, with no clear threshold. Interventions such as heating and cooling centers may reduce but not eliminate temperature-associated health problems. Furthermore, direct hemodynamic responses to cold, sudden exertion, poor indoor air quality and respiratory epidemics likely contribute to cold-related mortality. Short- and long-term interventions to enhance energy and housing security and housing quality may reduce temperature-related health problems. Extreme temperatures can increase morbidity and mortality in municipalities like Detroit that experience both extreme heat and prolonged cold seasons amidst large socioeconomic disparities. The similarities in physiologic and built-environment vulnerabilities to both hot and cold weather suggest prioritization of strategies that address both present-day cold and near-future heat concerns. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Cortisol in the morning and dimensions of anxiety, depression, and aggression in children from a general population and clinic-referred cohort: An integrated analysis. The TRAILS study.

PubMed

Dietrich, Andrea; Ormel, Johan; Buitelaar, Jan K; Verhulst, Frank C; Hoekstra, Pieter J; Hartman, Catharina A

2013-08-01

Anxiety and depressive problems have often been related to higher hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis activity (basal morning cortisol levels and cortisol awakening response [CAR]) and externalizing problems to lower HPA-axis activity. However, associations appear weaker and more inconsistent than initially assumed. Previous studies from the Tracking Adolescents Individual Lives Study (TRAILS) suggested sex-differences in these relationships and differential associations with specific dimensions of depressive problems in a general population sample of children (10-12 years). Using the TRAILS population sample (n=1604), we tested hypotheses on the association between single day cortisol (basal morning levels and CAR) and specifically constructed dimensions of anxiety (cognitive versus somatic), depressive (cognitive-affective versus somatic), and externalizing problems (reactive versus proactive aggression), and explored the modifying role of sex. Moreover, we repeated analyses in an independent same-aged clinic-referred sample (n=357). Structural Equation Modeling was used to investigate the association between cortisol and higher- and lower-order (thus, broad and specific) problem dimensions based on self-reports in an integrated model. Overall, findings were consistent across the population and clinic-referred samples, as well as with the existing literature. Most support was found for higher cortisol (mainly CAR) in relation to depressive problems. However, in general, associations were weak in both samples. Therefore, the present results shed doubt on the relevance of single day cortisol measurements for problem behaviors in the milder range. Associations may be stronger in more severe or persistent psychopathology. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstinence versus Moderation Goals in Brief Motivational Treatment for Pathological Gambling.

PubMed

Stea, Jonathan N; Hodgins, David C; Fung, Tak

2015-09-01

The present study examined the nature and impact of participant goal selection (abstinence versus moderation) in brief motivational treatment for pathological gambling via secondary analyses from a randomized controlled trial. The results demonstrated that the pattern of goal selection over time could be characterized by both fluidity and stability, whereby almost half of participants switched their goal at least one time, over 25% of participants selected an unchanging goal of 'quit most problematic type of gambling', almost 20% selected an unchanging goal of 'quit all types of gambling', and approximately 10% selected an unchanging goal of 'gamble in a controlled manner.' The results also demonstrated that pretreatment goal selection was uniquely associated with three variables, whereby compared to participants who selected the goal to 'cut back on problem gambling', those who selected the goal to 'quit problem gambling' were more likely to have greater gambling problem severity, to have identified video lottery terminal play as problematic, and to have greater motivation to overcome their gambling problem. Finally, the results demonstrated that goal selection over time had an impact on the average number of days gambled over the course of treatment, whereby those with abstinence-based goals gambled significantly fewer days than those with moderation-based goals. Nevertheless, goal selection over time was not related to dollars gambled, dollars per day gambled, or perceived goal achievement. The findings do not support the contention that abstinence-based goals are more advantageous than moderation goals and are discussed in relation to the broader alcohol treatment literature.

Summary of hydrologic conditions of the Louisville area of Kentucky

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bell, Edwin Allen

1966-01-01

Water problems and their solutions have been associated with the growth and development of the Louisville area for more than a century. Many hydrologic data that aided water users in the past can be applied to present water problems and will be helpful for solving many similar problems in the future. Most of the water problems of Louisville, a water-rich area, concern management and are associated with the distribution of supplies, the quality of water, drainage, and waste disposal. The local hydrologic system at Louisville is dominated by the Ohio River and the glacial-outwash deposits beneath its flood plain. The water-bearing limestones in the uplands are ,secondary sources of water. The average flow of the Ohio River at Louisville, 73 billion gallons per day, and the potential availability of 370 million gallons per day of ground water suitable for industrial cooling purposes minimize the chance of acute water shortage in the area. Under current development, use of water averages about 211 million gallons per day, excluding about 392 million gallons of Ohio River water circulated daily through steampower plants and returned directly to the river. Optimum use and control of the water resources will be dependent on solving several water problems. The principal sources of water are in the Ohio River bottom land, whereas the new and potential centers of use are in the uplands. Either water must be piped to these new centers from the present sources or new supplies must be developed. Available data on streamflow and ground water are adequate to plan for the development of small local supplies. Since the completion of floodwalls and levees in 1953, widespread damage from flooding is a thing of the past in the Louisville area. Some local flooding of unprotected areas and of lowlands along tributary streams still takes place. The analyses of streamflow data are useful in planning for protection of these areas, but additional streamflow records and flood-area mapping are needed to best solve the problem. Droughts are a problem only to users of small water supplies in the uplands, where additional water either can be imported or developed locally. Pollution and undesirable chemical quality of water for some uses are the most serious drawbacks to the optimum development of the water resources in Louisville and Jefferson County. Available chemical analyses of ground water are useful for determining its suitability for various uses, but additional data are needed to guide management decisions. Sources of contamination should be inventoried and water samples analyzed periodically to monitor changes in quality.

Dental problems and emergencies of trekkers--epidemiology and prevention. Results of the ADEMED Expedition 2008.

PubMed

Küpper, Thomas; Hettlich, Malaika; Horz, Hans-Peter; Lechner, Karin; Scharfenberg, Christine; Conrads, Georg; Yekta, Said S; Lampert, Friedrich; Gore, Claudia

2014-04-01

Dental problems are rarely mentioned in the training of medical students or physicians in travel medicine, and there are little data on dental problems of travellers in the literature. We studied the epidemiology of dental problems amongst trekkers in Nepal to develop strategies for preventive care during/before travelling and propose a curriculum for dental First Aid training. We undertook a prospective, cross-sectional questionnaire and clinical dental survey of Trekkers at Manang (3550 m, Annapurna Circuit, Nepal). The questionnaire was developed based on published literature and clinical experience (exploring: availability of dental kits, dental history, current dental problems, and nutritional behavior). Dental examination included: dental status, papillary bleeding index (PBI), and plaque index (Quigley and Hein; QH). Questionnaire and clinical findings were compared to data of the Annapurna Conservancy Authority about the number of days of trekkers in the region to estimate the incidence of dental problems of trekkers. None of the 309 participants carried a dental first aid kit. Dental problems, potentially treatable with a dental first aid kit, were reported by 50/309 (16.5%). Oral hygiene en route was significantly worse than home hygiene practice; overall increased plaque indices were found (Median QH: 2.25 in women; 2.36 in men). Participants who visited a dentist ≤6 months before departure had significantly fewer problems, and had lower PBI [males 0.07 (IQR 0.0 to 0.29), females 0.0 (IQR 0.0 to 0.11)]. Combining our findings with data of the park authorities on person days in the region (2007), we found a risk of dental problems as follows: any dental problem 1:23.7 trekking days; gingival bleeding 1:37.7 trekking days; dental pain 1:145.2 trekking days; lost fillings 1:339 trekking days; fractured teeth 1:509 trekking days. Dental problems can pose significant discomfort for anybody travelling in regions with low/missing infrastructure. Improved awareness regarding dental first aid is essential and physicians counseling travellers in preventive strategies should advise a dental checkup pre-departure. Dental first aid and emergency treatment in the field should be included in the training curricula in travel medicine for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Chronically ill rural women: self-identified management problems and solutions.

PubMed

Cudney, Shirley; Sullivan, Therese; Winters, Charlene A; Paul, Lynn; Oriet, Pat

2005-03-01

To add to the knowledge base of illness management of chronically ill, rural women by describing the self-identified problems and solutions reported by women participants in the online health-education segment of the Women to Women (WTW) computer outreach project. WTW is a research-based computer intervention providing health education and online peer support for rural women with chronic diseases. Messages posted to the online chat room were examined to determine the women's self-management problems and solutions. The self-identified problems were: (1) difficulties in carrying through on self-management programmes; (2) negative fears and feelings; (3) poor communication with care providers; and (4) disturbed relationships with family and friends. The self-identified solutions to these problems included problem-solving techniques that were tailored to the rural lifestyle. Although not all problems were 'solvable', they could be 'lived with' if the women's prescriptions for self-management were used. Glimpses into the women's day-to-day experiences of living with chronic illness gleaned from the interactive health-education discussions will give health professionals insights into the women's efforts to manage their illnesses. The data provide health professionals with information to heighten their sensitivity to their clients' day-to-day care and educational needs.

Stock Market Index Data and indicators for Day Trading as a Binary Classification problem.

PubMed

Bruni, Renato

2017-02-01

Classification is the attribution of labels to records according to a criterion automatically learned from a training set of labeled records. This task is needed in a huge number of practical applications, and consequently it has been studied intensively and several classification algorithms are available today. In finance, a stock market index is a measurement of value of a section of the stock market. It is often used to describe the aggregate trend of a market. One basic financial issue would be forecasting this trend. Clearly, such a stochastic value is very difficult to predict. However, technical analysis is a security analysis methodology developed to forecast the direction of prices through the study of past market data. Day trading consists in buying and selling financial instruments within the same trading day. In this case, one interesting problem is the automatic individuation of favorable days for trading. We model this problem as a binary classification problem, and we provide datasets containing daily index values, the corresponding values of a selection of technical indicators, and the class label, which is 1 if the subsequent time period is favorable for day trading and 0 otherwise. These datasets can be used to test the behavior of different approaches in solving the day trading problem.

Smaborns Dagpasning: Et Problem for Foraeldre og Kommuner. (Day-Care of Pre-School Children: A Problem to Parents and Local Authorities. With an English Summary). Publication No. 103.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gronhoj, Bodil

Survey data were collected for the purposes of describing and comparing various forms of day care provision for preschool children within Danish municipalities with different day care provision and different degrees of urbanization. Information concerning the family background of subjects, parental assessment of different aspects of day care and…

Solving Tomorrow's Problems Today? Daily Anticipatory Coping and Reactivity to Daily Stressors.

PubMed

Neupert, Shevaun D; Ennis, Gilda E; Ramsey, Jennifer L; Gall, Agnes A

2016-07-01

The present study examined the day-to-day fluctuation of state-like anticipatory coping (coping employed prior to stressors) and how these coping processes relate to important outcomes for older adults (i.e., physical health, affect, memory failures). Forty-three older adults aged 60-96 (M = 74.65, SD = 8.19) participated in an 8-day daily diary study of anticipatory coping, stressors, health, affect, and memory failures. Participants reported anticipatory coping behaviors on one day with respect to 6 distinct stressor domains that could occur the following day. Multilevel models indicated that anticipatory coping changes from day to day and within stressor domains. Lagged associations suggested that yesterday's anticipatory coping for potential upcoming arguments is related to today's physical health and affect. Increased stagnant deliberation is associated with reduced cognitive reactivity (i.e., fewer memory failures) to arguments the next day. Taken together, these findings suggest that anticipatory coping is dynamic and associated with important daily outcomes. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Psychiatric symptoms and disorders among Yazidi children and adolescents immediately after forced migration following ISIS attacks.

PubMed

Ceri, Veysi; Özlü-Erkilic, Zeliha; Özer, Ürün; Yalcin, Murat; Popow, Christian; Akkaya-Kalayci, Türkan

2016-09-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate psychiatric problems and disorders among Yazidi Kurd refugee children and adolescents, who were assessed immediately after their forced migration following life-threatening attacks by ISIS terrorists. We retrospectively analyzed the psychiatric assessments of 38 Yazidi children and adolescents (age 2-18, mean 12 years, m:f = 16:22), which were performed upon their arrival at the refugee camp. All children and adolescents exhibited psychiatric problems and disorders, 50 % had one, and 50 % had more than one. The most relevant problems were disturbed sleeping (71 % of children), followed by depression (36.8 %), conversion disorders (28.9 %), adjustment (21.8 %), acute (18.4 %) and posttraumatic stress (PTSD, 10.5 %) disorders, and non-organic enuresis (18.4 %). Our study confirms the results of previous studies, asserting that refugee children and adolescents do not just suffer from PTSD but from various other problems that are already present in the first days of resettlement. Children and adolescents living in refugee camps urgently need psychosocial support.

Recent examples of mesoscale numerical forecasts of severe weather events along the east coast

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kocin, P. J.; Uccellini, L. W.; Zack, J. W.; Kaplan, M. L.

1984-01-01

Mesoscale numerical forecasts utilizing the Mesoscale Atmospheric Simulation System (MASS) are documented for two East Coast severe weather events. The two events are the thunderstorm and heavy snow bursts in the Washington, D.C. - Baltimore, MD region on 8 March 1984 and the devastating tornado outbreak across North and South Carolina on 28 March 1984. The forecasts are presented to demonstrate the ability of the model to simulate dynamical interactions and diabatic processes and to note some of the problems encountered when using mesoscale models for day-to-day forecasting.

Medical survey of European astronauts during Mir missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clément, G.; Hamilton, D.; Davenport, L.; Comet, B.

2010-10-01

This paper reviews the medical operations performed on six European astronauts during seven space missions on board the space station Mir. These missions took place between November 1988 and August 1999, and their duration ranged from 14 days to 189 days. Steps of pre-flight medical selection and flight certification are presented. Countermeasures program used during the flight, as well as rehabilitation program following short and long-duration missions are described. Also reviewed are medical problems encountered during the flight, post-flight physiological changes such as orthostatic intolerance, exercise capacity, blood composition, muscle atrophy, bone density, and radiation exposure.

Using ridge regression in systematic pointing error corrections

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guiar, C. N.

1988-01-01

A pointing error model is used in the antenna calibration process. Data from spacecraft or radio star observations are used to determine the parameters in the model. However, the regression variables are not truly independent, displaying a condition known as multicollinearity. Ridge regression, a biased estimation technique, is used to combat the multicollinearity problem. Two data sets pertaining to Voyager 1 spacecraft tracking (days 105 and 106 of 1987) were analyzed using both linear least squares and ridge regression methods. The advantages and limitations of employing the technique are presented. The problem is not yet fully resolved.

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

Dress, W.B.

Rosen's modeling relation is embedded in Popper's three worlds to provide an heuristic tool for model building and a guide for thinking about complex systems. The utility of this construct is demonstrated by suggesting a solution to the problem of pseudo science and a resolution of the famous Bohr-Einstein debates. A theory of bizarre systems is presented by an analogy with entangled particles of quantum mechanics. This theory underscores the poverty of present-day computational systems (e.g., computers) for creating complex and bizarre entities by distinguishing between mechanism and organism.

Distress Tolerance Links Sleep Problems with Stress and Health in Homeless.

PubMed

Reitzel, Lorraine R; Short, Nicole A; Schmidt, Norman B; Garey, Lorra; Zvolensky, Michael J; Moisiuc, Alexis; Reddick, Carrie; Kendzor, Darla E; Businelle, Michael S

2017-11-01

We examined associations between sleep problems, distress intolerance, and perceived stress and health in a convenience sample of homeless adults. Participants (N = 513, 36% women, Mage = 44.5 ±11.9) self-reported sleep adequacy, sleep duration, unintentional sleep during the daytime, distress tolerance, urban stress, and days of poor mental health and days of poor physical health over the last month. The indirect effects of sleep problems on stress and health through distress tolerance were examined using a non-parametric, bias-corrected bootstrapping procedure. Sleep problems were prevalent (eg, 13.0 ±11.4 days of inadequate sleep and 4.7 ±7.9 days of unintentionally falling asleep during the preceding month). Distress intolerance partially accounted for the associations of inadequate sleep and unintentionally falling asleep, but not sleep duration, with urban stress and more days of poor mental and physical health. Many homeless individuals endure sleep problems. Given the connections between sleep and morbidity and mortality, results further support the need for more attention directed toward facilitating improvements in sleep quality to improve the quality of life of homeless adults, potentially including attention to improving distress tolerance skills.

Going for a Swim

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Covington, Savannah

2016-01-01

Is anything more refreshing than going for a nice, long swim? The math scenarios presented in this article will take the reader back to hot summer days and remind the reader what a cool dip in the water feels like. Solving these problems is enjoyable and encourages the solver to think of the many ways that math is all around--even in the middle of…

The Breath of Life. The Problem of Poisoned Air.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carr, Donald E.

The origins and nature of air pollution, from earliest days to the present, are examined in this book. Although air pollution has been with us since the discovery of fire, it is proffered that the major culprit now is the burning of gasoline and low-grade heating oil. All other sources of air pollution are negligible. The main thesis is that only…

Key Stage 3 Mathematics Teachers: The Current Situation, Initiatives and Visions. Proceedings of a National Day Conference.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnston-Wilder, Sue

This book contains edited versions of papers presented at a conference held at The Open University. The papers provide significant evidence of the depth of the problem of supply and retention of teachers of mathematics, and discusses the need for a structural review of the recruitment, selection, and training of teachers of mathematics. The…

Internet Use and Video Gaming Predict Problem Behavior in Early Adolescence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holtz, Peter; Appel, Markus

2011-01-01

In early adolescence, the time spent using the Internet and video games is higher than in any other present-day age group. Due to age-inappropriate web and gaming content, the impact of new media use on teenagers is a matter of public and scientific concern. Based on current theories on inappropriate media use, a study was conducted that comprised…

Conference on Teacher Certification; Current Problems in Certification and Prospects for Reciprocity (2nd, Montreal, June 8-9, 1970).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Canadian Teachers' Federation, Ottawa (Ontario).

This report contains the proceedings of a 2-day interprovincial conference attended by 38 teachers, registrars, university professors, and trustees to discuss means of reducing the complexity of teacher certification regulations and of enabling teachers to move more freely among the various provinces. Included are four presentations on the…

The School Dog Is Not the School Dog: The Dilemma of Writing Biographies of Religious Educators.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Godfrey, John R.

Analyzing the life and work of members of religious groups presents predicaments not always encountered in other biographical endeavors. Some problems faced by religious biographers can be illustrated by looking at works analyzing the writings and life of Ellen White (1827-1915), a Seventh-Day Adventist pioneer and educator. For more than a…

The Library as the Community Switchboard. Bay Area Reference Center Workshop, February 14 and 15, 1973.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

San Francisco Public Library, CA. Bay Area Reference Center.

In a two-day workshop at the San Francisco Public Library, the staff of the Bay Area Reference Center (BARC) led discussions on how the library can serve as a community information and referral center. Various speakers reviewed the problems and possibilities of such a service and presented guidelines for the establishment, volunteer staffing, and…

Cysticercosis: The day to day public health problem and the various sites affected by it - A one year study.

PubMed

Srikanth, S; Anandam, G

2013-07-01

The present study is done to highlight the various regions in the body affected by cysticercosis and to educate the people about the personal hygiene and prevention of the parasite. This is a study done on patients who were referred for swelling in the body, which were diagnosed as cysticercosis in one of their differential diagnosis clinically. During the 1 year study (from October 2011 to September 2012) we diagnosed seven cases of cysticercosis involving the various sites in the body. Our cases highlight the rare presentation of cysticercus infestation as cause of treatablelymphadenopathy. Cysticercosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of cervical swellings especially in endemic regions. Timely diagnosis and intervention help in preventing fatal complications.

Operational impact of health problems observed during a four-month military deployment in Ivory Coast.

PubMed

Sauvet, Fabien; Lebeau, Christian; Foucher, Stéphane; Flusain, Olivier; Jouanin, Jean Claude; Debonne, Jean-Marc

2009-09-01

Diseases always have a significant impact during military deployments. We evaluated the operational impact of health problems observed in a French infantry battalion (n = 690) during a 4-month assignment in Ivory Coast. In all, 55.7% of soldiers consulted at least once and sought care for 608 health problems. A total operational incapacity was observed in 22.2% of cases (7.6/1,000 person-days). The 5 diseases causing the greatest operational incapacity were diarrhea (2.1 days lost/1,000 person-days), musculoskeletal diseases and injuries (53.7 days), malaria (29 days), dental diseases (30.9 days), and fevers of undetermined origin (7 days). The incidence of diarrhea and skin infections was higher in rank-and-file troops than among noncommissioned officers. It was also higher during the mission's first month, when individual susceptibility to infections is suspected to be highest. Some diseases that are not serious nonetheless have a significant operational impact and should be better studied to determine preventive measures.

The big picture: how social work can effectively utilize photographs.

PubMed

Marshall, Heather L; Craun, Sarah W; Theriot, Matthew T

2009-10-01

Social work has struggled with image problems and misperceptions of the profession and the types of services it provides. Photography is a medium that has been used effectively by other professions to change attitudes and perceptions. The present study examined the potential of photographs to change the image of available social services--namely, an adult day care program. Participants were divided into two groups: (1) a control group that only completed a survey on attitudes about adult day care services and (2) an experimental group that viewed photographs showing positive images of clients engaged in program activities before taking the survey. A multivariate regression demonstrated that those who saw the photographs before taking the survey had more positive attitudes about adult day care services. In fact, the variable representing the presentation of the photographs had the strongest effect on attitudes. Such findings suggest that photography is a potentially powerful tool to promote positive attitudes about social services programs. The implications of these results are discussed.

Giving radioiodine? Think about airport security alarms.

PubMed

Kaniuka-Jakubowska, S; Lewczuk, A; Mizan-Gross, K; Obołończyk, L; Lass, P; Sworczak, K

2012-01-01

An increased sensitivity of airport detectors, a growing number of isotopic tests, and globalization of the society have raised a number of false positive radioactive alarms at airports and public places. This paper presents two new cases of patients who triggered airport security alarms after receiving 740MBq of (131)I for non-toxic goitre and attempts to compare surprisingly limited literature concerning this problem. A 57-year-old man triggered a security alarm at three different airports on the 17th, 28th, and 31st day after radioiodine exposure. Interestingly enough, in the meantime, on the 18th and 22nd day, no radiation was detected in him at the airport where he was twice detained as a source of radiation later on. The second case presents a 45-year-old woman who activated security alarm detectors while crossing a border on her coach trip 28 days after radioiodine administration. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier España, S.L. and SEMNIM. All rights reserved.

An ethics dilemma: when parents and doctors disagree on the best treatment for the child.

PubMed

Oppenheim, Daniel; Brugières, Laurence; Corradini, Nadège; Vivant, Florence; Hartmann, Olivier

2004-09-01

The increasing complexity of present day medicine--with highly effective and yet risky treatments, individual and collective expectations, and evolving ideological and cultural landmarks--often gives rise to difficult ethical problems. Specific meetings are valuable for understanding such problems, acquiring the relevant skills and for gaining and transmitting experience on how to solve them. Parents and doctors may disagree about what is the best treatment. Such a difference of opinion is not rare but usually a solution can easily be found. This is not the case when the child is treated for a severe illness and when there is no clearly defined or satisfactory treatment for him\\her. We present how a dramatic conflict arose between the parents and the doctors faced with such a case (mostly because the staff failed to understand early enough the psychological factors at the root of the father's demands), how clinical, institutional and ethical problems were analysed during a meeting, and how they were solved.

Voice Problems in New Zealand Teachers: A National Survey.

PubMed

Leão, Sylvia H de S; Oates, Jennifer M; Purdy, Suzanne C; Scott, David; Morton, Randall P

2015-09-01

This study determined the prevalence and nature of voice problems in New Zealand (NZ) teachers using a national self-report questionnaire. Epidemiological cross-sectional survey. Participants were 1879 primary and secondary teachers (72.5% females). Three prevalence timeframes were estimated. Severity of voice problems, recovery time, days away from work, symptoms, health assistance, and voice education were also investigated. Prevalence of self-reported vocal problems was 33.2% during their teaching career, 24.7% over the teaching year, and 13.2% on the day of the survey. Primary teachers (P<0.001; odds ratio [OR]=1.74; confidence interval [CI]=1.33-2.40), females (P=0.008; OR=1.63; CI=1.13-2.37), and those aged 51-60 years (P=0.010; OR=1.45; CI=1.11-3.00) were more likely to report problems. Among teachers reporting voice problems during the year, 47% were moderate or severe; for 30%, voice recovery took more than 1 week. Approximately 28% stayed away from work 1-3 days owing to a vocal problem and 9% for more than 3 days. Women reported longer recovery times and more days away. Symptoms associated with voice problems (P<0.001) were voice quality alteration (OR=4.35; CI=3.40-5.57), vocal effort (OR=1.15; CI=0.96-1.37), voice breaks (OR=1.55; CI=1.30-1.84), voice projection difficulty (OR=1.25; CI=1.04-1.50), and throat discomfort (OR=1.22; CI=1.02-1.47). Of the teachers reporting voice problems, only 22.5% consulted a health practitioner. Only 38% of the teachers with chronic voice problems visited an otolaryngologist. Higher hours of voice training/education were associated with fewer self-reported voice problems. Voice problems are of concern for NZ teachers, as has been reported for teachers in other countries. There is still limited awareness among teachers about vocal health, potential risks, and specialized health services for voice problems. Copyright © 2015 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Childhood Obesity: A Heavy Problem

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Costley, Kevin C.; Leggett, Timothy

2010-01-01

The youth of today are faced with a big problem; they are becoming more obese every day. The time of children playing outside all day and being extremely active has been overtaken by the television and video games. The days of sitting down as a family and eating a good healthy meal has been replaced by the rush to the nearest fast food…

Intuitive Tip of the Tongue Judgments Predict Subsequent Problem Solving One Day Later

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collier, Azurii K.; Beeman, Mark

2012-01-01

Often when failing to solve problems, individuals report some idea of the solution, but cannot explicitly access the idea. We investigated whether such intuition would relate to improvements in solving and to the manner in which a problem was solved after a 24- hour delay. On Day 1, participants attempted to solve Compound Remote Associate…

A simple technique to increase profits in wood products marketing

Treesearch

George B. Harpole

1971-01-01

Mathematical models can be used to solve quickly some simple day-to-day marketing problems. This note explains how a sawmill production manager, who has an essentially fixed-capacity mill, can solve several optimization problems by using pencil and paper, a forecast of market prices, and a simple algorithm. One such problem is to maximize profits in an operating period...

More than just fun and games: the longitudinal relationships between strategic video games, self-reported problem solving skills, and academic grades.

PubMed

Adachi, Paul J C; Willoughby, Teena

2013-07-01

Some researchers have proposed that video games possess good learning principles and may promote problem solving skills. Empirical research regarding this relationship, however, is limited. The goal of the presented study was to examine whether strategic video game play (i.e., role playing and strategy games) predicted self-reported problem solving skills among a sample of 1,492 adolescents (50.8 % female), over the four high school years. The results showed that more strategic video game play predicted higher self-reported problem solving skills over time than less strategic video game play. In addition, the results showed support for an indirect association between strategic video game play and academic grades, in that strategic video game play predicted higher self-reported problem solving skills, and, in turn, higher self-reported problem solving skills predicted higher academic grades. The novel findings that strategic video games promote self-reported problem solving skills and indirectly predict academic grades are important considering that millions of adolescents play video games every day.

A randomized controlled trial of brief interventions for problem gambling in substance abuse treatment patients

PubMed Central

Petry, Nancy M.; Rash, Carla J.; Alessi, Sheila M.

2016-01-01

Objective This study evaluated the efficacy of brief gambling treatments in patients attending substance abuse treatment clinics. Methods Substance abuse treatment patients with gambling problems (N = 217) were randomly assigned to: a 10–15 minute Brief Psychoeducation intervention about gambling; a 10–15 minute Brief Advice intervention addressing gambling norms, risk factors, and methods to prevent additional problems; or four 50-min sessions consisting of motivational enhancement therapy plus cognitive-behavioral therapy for reducing gambling (MET+CBT). Gambling and related problems were assessed at baseline and throughout 24 months. Results In the sample as a whole, days and dollars wagered as well as gambling problems decreased markedly from baseline through month 5; thereafter, reductions in dollars wagered and gambling problems continued to decrease modestly but significantly, while days gambled remained constant. Brief Advice significantly reduced days gambled between baseline and month 5 relative to Brief Psychoeducation. The MET+CBT condition engendered no benefit beyond Brief Advice in terms of days gambled, but it did lead to more precipitous reductions in dollars gambled and problems experienced in the initial five months, and it engendered greater clinically significant improvements in gambling in both the short and long term. MET+CBT also resulted in initial decreases in self-reported alcohol use and problems, but it did not differentially impact self-reported illicit drug use problems or submission of positive samples. Conclusions Gambling problems tend to dissipate over time regardless of the intervention applied, but offering MET+CBT was more efficacious in decreasing gambling than providing a brief single session intervention. PMID:27398781

Re-assessing Present Day Global Mass Transport and Glacial Isostatic Adjustment From a Data Driven Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, X.; Jiang, Y.; Simonsen, S.; van den Broeke, M. R.; Ligtenberg, S.; Kuipers Munneke, P.; van der Wal, W.; Vermeersen, B. L. A.

2017-12-01

Determining present-day mass transport (PDMT) is complicated by the fact that most observations contain signals from both present day ice melting and Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA). Despite decades of progress in geodynamic modeling and new observations, significant uncertainties remain in both. The key to separate present-day ice mass change and signals from GIA is to include data of different physical characteristics. We designed an approach to separate PDMT and GIA signatures by estimating them simultaneously using globally distributed interdisciplinary data with distinct physical information and a dynamically constructed a priori GIA model. We conducted a high-resolution global reappraisal of present-day ice mass balance with focus on Earth's polar regions and its contribution to global sea-level rise using a combination of ICESat, GRACE gravity, surface geodetic velocity data, and an ocean bottom pressure model. Adding ice altimetry supplies critically needed dual data types over the interiors of ice covered regions to enhance separation of PDMT and GIA signatures, and achieve half an order of magnitude expected higher accuracies for GIA and consequently ice mass balance estimates. The global data based approach can adequately address issues of PDMT and GIA induced geocenter motion and long-wavelength signatures important for large areas such as Antarctica and global mean sea level. In conjunction with the dense altimetry data, we solved for PDMT coefficients up to degree and order 180 by using a higher-resolution GRACE data set, and a high-resolution a priori PDMT model that includes detailed geographic boundaries. The high-resolution approach solves the problem of multiple resolutions in various data types, greatly reduces aliased errors from a low-degree truncation, and at the same time, enhances separation of signatures from adjacent regions such as Greenland and Canadian Arctic territories.

Scheduling and calibration strategy for continuous radio monitoring of 1700 sources every three days

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Max-Moerbeck, Walter

2014-08-01

The Owens Valley Radio Observatory 40 meter telescope is currently monitoring a sample of about 1700 blazars every three days at 15 GHz, with the main scientific goal of determining the relation between the variability of blazars at radio and gamma-rays as observed with the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. The time domain relation between radio and gamma-ray emission, in particular its correlation and time lag, can help us determine the location of the high-energy emission site in blazars, a current open question in blazar research. To achieve this goal, continuous observation of a large sample of blazars in a time scale of less than a week is indispensable. Since we only look at bright targets, the time available for target observations is mostly limited by source observability, calibration requirements and slewing of the telescope. Here I describe the implementation of a practical solution to this scheduling, calibration, and slewing time minimization problem. This solution combines ideas from optimization, in particular the traveling salesman problem, with astronomical and instrumental constraints. A heuristic solution using well established optimization techniques and astronomical insights particular to this situation, allow us to observe all the sources in the required three days cadence while obtaining reliable calibration of the radio flux densities. Problems of this nature will only be more common in the future and the ideas presented here can be relevant for other observing programs.

Problem Types in Synthetic Organic Chemistry Research: Implications for the Development of Curricular Problems for Second-Year Level Organic Chemistry Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Raker, Jeffrey R.; Towns, Marcy H.

2012-01-01

Understanding of the nature of science is key to the development of new curricular materials that mirror the practice of science. Three problem types (project level, synthetic planning, and day-to-day) in synthetic organic chemistry emerged during a thematic content analysis of the research experiences of eight practising synthetic organic…

Predicting the Future as Bayesian Inference: People Combine Prior Knowledge with Observations when Estimating Duration and Extent

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Griffiths, Thomas L.; Tenenbaum, Joshua B.

2011-01-01

Predicting the future is a basic problem that people have to solve every day and a component of planning, decision making, memory, and causal reasoning. In this article, we present 5 experiments testing a Bayesian model of predicting the duration or extent of phenomena from their current state. This Bayesian model indicates how people should…

[Current problems in the laboratory control of louse-borne typhus infection in Ukraine].

PubMed

Klymchuk, M D

1996-01-01

Surveys designed to study spread of typhus infection (persistent form and Brill's disease), and state of laboratory diagnosis in Ukraine showed an important role the laboratory diagnosis plays in the system of epidemiological surveillance aimed at preventing epidemic typhus. Main trends of activities on perfection of the system of laboratory control of the infection under present-day conditions are outlined.

USSR and Eastern Europe Scientific Abstracts, Biomedical and Behavioral Sciences, Number 59

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-12-14

8217• *<* Environmental and Ecological Problems. 29 Epidemiology ~*2 Food Supply y Hydrobiology • *, Industrial Toxicology •’ ^ Microbiology...and evaluations of forage and seed production for varieties of northern hybrids in Moldavia. Agrotechnology is presented for the alfalfa hybrid...of vegetative mass, seed and forage production , and overall production . The vegetation periods ranged be- tween 107 and 138 days, with earliest

Coping and sickness absence

PubMed Central

Schaufeli, Wilmar B.; van Dijk, Frank J. H.; Blonk, Roland W. B.

2007-01-01

Objectives The aim of this study is to examine the role of coping styles in sickness absence. In line with findings that contrast the reactive–passive focused strategies, problem-solving strategies are generally associated with positive results in terms of well-being and overall health outcomes; our hypothesis is that such strategies are positively related to a low frequency of sickness absence and with short lengths (total number of days absent) and durations (mean duration per spell). Methods Using a prospective design, employees’ (N = 3,628) responses on a self-report coping inventory are used to predict future registered sickness absence (i.e. frequency, length, duration, and median time before the onset of a new sick leave period). Results and conclusions In accordance with our hypothesis, and after adjustment for potential confounders, employees with an active problem-solving coping strategy are less likely to drop out because of sickness absence in terms of frequency, length (longer than 14 days), and duration (more than 7 days) of sickness absence. This positive effect is observed in the case of seeking social support only for the duration of sickness absence and in the case of palliative reaction only for the length and frequency of absence. In contrast, an avoidant coping style, representing a reactive–passive strategy, increases the likelihood of frequent absences significantly, as well as the length and duration of sickness absence. Expression of emotions, representing another reactive–passive strategy, has no effect on future sickness absenteeism. The median time before the onset of a new episode of absenteeism is significantly extended for active problem-solving and reduced for avoidance and for a palliative response. The results of the present study support the notion that problem-solving coping and reactive–passive strategies are inextricably connected to frequency, duration, length and onset of sickness absence. Especially, active problem-solving decreases the chance of future sickness absence. PMID:17701200

Coping and sickness absence.

PubMed

van Rhenen, Willem; Schaufeli, Wilmar B; van Dijk, Frank J H; Blonk, Roland W B

2008-02-01

The aim of this study is to examine the role of coping styles in sickness absence. In line with findings that contrast the reactive-passive focused strategies, problem-solving strategies are generally associated with positive results in terms of well-being and overall health outcomes; our hypothesis is that such strategies are positively related to a low frequency of sickness absence and with short lengths (total number of days absent) and durations (mean duration per spell). Using a prospective design, employees' (N = 3,628) responses on a self-report coping inventory are used to predict future registered sickness absence (i.e. frequency, length, duration, and median time before the onset of a new sick leave period). In accordance with our hypothesis, and after adjustment for potential confounders, employees with an active problem-solving coping strategy are less likely to drop out because of sickness absence in terms of frequency, length (longer than 14 days), and duration (more than 7 days) of sickness absence. This positive effect is observed in the case of seeking social support only for the duration of sickness absence and in the case of palliative reaction only for the length and frequency of absence. In contrast, an avoidant coping style, representing a reactive-passive strategy, increases the likelihood of frequent absences significantly, as well as the length and duration of sickness absence. Expression of emotions, representing another reactive-passive strategy, has no effect on future sickness absenteeism. The median time before the onset of a new episode of absenteeism is significantly extended for active problem-solving and reduced for avoidance and for a palliative response. The results of the present study support the notion that problem-solving coping and reactive-passive strategies are inextricably connected to frequency, duration, length and onset of sickness absence. Especially, active problem-solving decreases the chance of future sickness absence.

The conclusion of a comparative efficacy study of fluralaner and sarolaner against the tick Amblyomma americanum on dogs is based on results obtained at study times that are outside the fluralaner label recommendations.

PubMed

Armstrong, Rob

2017-03-24

The only fluralaner-related conclusion presented in a study comparing the efficacy of fluralaner and sarolaner for control of the tick Amblyomma americanum on dogs is based on study times that are outside the label administration recommendations. Label recommendations for fluralaner treatment of A. americanum on dogs in the USA require re-administration at 56 days. This 56 day re-administration was not conducted in the study; therefore, all assessed time points following 56 days post-treatment in the study present comparisons that are not consistent with fluralaner administration recommendations. The only comparative time point assessed prior to 56 days showing a difference between treatments was at 42 days post-administration, a time point when methodological problems were identified by the investigators. Therefore, the only comparative study conclusion that a difference was shown between fluralaner and sarolaner beyond 6 weeks (42 days) after treatment is not based on recommended product use. Furthermore, if the study does not show that there is a difference between the treatments at times when the products are used as recommended, then there also can be no comparative discussion of the risk of tick-borne pathogen transmission risk between treatments.

Coping, productive time use, and negative mood among adults with severe mental illness: a daily diary study.

PubMed

Yanos, Philip T; West, Michelle L; Smith, Stephen M

2010-12-01

Most studies on coping among persons with severe mental illness have relied on retrospective self-report methods; a limitation of this methodology is susceptibility to recall bias. The purpose of the present investigation was to expand the current understanding of the impact of coping among persons with severe mental illness by examining coping strategies, mood, and social functioning (operationalized as productive time use) using a daily process design. Twenty-seven adults diagnosed with severe mental illness completed baseline clinical interviews and up to 20 days of nightly telephone interviews addressing coping and daily life. A total of 198 coping efforts were reported for 387 days. Mixed-effects regression analyses examined the association between type of daily coping strategy (problem-centered, neutral, or avoidant) and both daily proportion of time participants spent in productive activity and daily negative mood, controlling for demographic and clinical variables. The results indicated that productive time use was significantly lower on days when avoidant strategies were used, in contrast with days when problem-centered strategies and neutral strategies were used. There was no significant main effect of coping on negative mood, although there was a trend in the expected direction. Findings support the hypothesis that the types of coping strategies adults with severe mental illness use are related to better social functioning on a daily level. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[S1 Herpes zoster localization: acute urinary retention in woman].

PubMed

Vella, Marco; Mastrocinque, Giuseppe; Romeo, Salvatore; Giammanco, Giovanni; Melloni, Darwin

2011-01-01

Acute urinary retention in women is rare. The varicella-zoster virus causes inflammatory lesions of the sensory-root ganglions, meninges and, less frequently, spinal cord. Herpes zoster has been reported to affect, although rarely, lower urinary tract innervations, and acute urinary retention can be thought to occur in the presence of sacral dermatome involvement. Usually it is located in S2-4 dermatome and the prognosis for acute urinary retention is benign resolving in about 20 days. We present a case in which the S1 dermatome was involved and acute urinary retention developed. After 10 days of specific therapy and self-catheterization the problem resolved.

[Work days lost due to health problems in industry].

PubMed

Yano, Sylvia Regina Trindade; Santana, Vilma Sousa

2012-05-01

This cross-sectional study estimated the prevalence of work days lost due to health problems and associated factors among industrial workers. The study population was a simple random cluster sample of 3,403 workers from 16 to 65 years of age in the city of Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil. Data were collected with individual home interviews. Among industrial workers, one-year prevalence of work days lost to health problems was 12.5%, of which 5.5% were directly work-related and 4.1% aggravated by work. There were no statistically significant differences when compared to other worker categories. Self-perceived workplace hazards, history of work-related injury, and poor self-rated health were associated with work days lost due to work-related injuries/diseases. The findings showed that work days lost are common among both industrial and non-industrial workers, thereby affecting productivity and requiring prevention programs.

When to Renew Software Licences at HPC Centres? A Mathematical Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baolai, Ge; MacIsaac, Allan B.

2010-11-01

In this paper we study a common problem faced by many high performance computing (HPC) centres: When and how to renew commercial software licences. Software vendors often sell perpetual licences along with forward update and support contracts at an additional, annual cost. Every year or so, software support personnel and the budget units of HPC centres are required to make the decision of whether or not to renew such support, and usually such decisions are made intuitively. The total cost for a continuing support contract can, however, be costly. One might therefore want a rational answer to the question of whether the option for a renewal should be exercised and when. In an attempt to study this problem within a market framework, we present the mathematical problem derived for the day to day operation of a hypothetical HPC centre that charges for the use of software packages. In the mathematical model, we assume that the uncertainty comes from the demand, number of users using the packages, as well as the price. Further we assume the availability of up to date software versions may also affect the demand. We develop a renewal strategy that aims to maximize the expected profit from the use the software under consideration. The derived problem involves a decision tree, which constitutes a numerical procedure that can be processed in parallel.

An NQR Study of TNT Characteristics.

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-09-01

RDX , HMX , a r d some of t he heavy me t al 3~~: id~.s h~~’n for rn.nn ye.~rs been use d as rn~~lit~~ry nii p lns i n’t-~~~~, Thr p h y s i c a l...ambient temperatures of more than one coexisting crystal phase. This polymorphism is known to occur in TNT , HMX and PbN3, and is responsible for a...specific problems of TNT polymorphism and phase transitions were researched . This is one of the problems which is relevant to present day concerns . The

Cultivating Parabolas in the Parlor Garden: Reconciling Mathematics Education and Feminine Ideals in Nineteenth-Century America

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fiss, Andrew

2014-02-01

This article introduces the justification problem for mathematics, which it explores through the case study of 1820s-1840s rationales for the teaching of mathematics to women in the United States. It argues that, while educators in the 1820s justified women's studies through mental discipline (a common reason for men's study), those of the 1830s-1840s increasingly relied on separate, gendered justifications, tied to emerging ideals of middle-class femininity. This article therefore emphasizes the contingency of the justification problem, which serves to break the present-day cycle of gender stereotypes regarding mathematics.

Optimal Full Information Synthesis for Flexible Structures Implemented on Cray Supercomputers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lind, Rick; Balas, Gary J.

1995-01-01

This paper considers an algorithm for synthesis of optimal controllers for full information feedback. The synthesis procedure reduces to a single linear matrix inequality which may be solved via established convex optimization algorithms. The computational cost of the optimization is investigated. It is demonstrated the problem dimension and corresponding matrices can become large for practical engineering problems. This algorithm represents a process that is impractical for standard workstations for large order systems. A flexible structure is presented as a design example. Control synthesis requires several days on a workstation but may be solved in a reasonable amount of time using a Cray supercomputer.

[Clinical problems in medical mycology: Problem number 51].

PubMed

Romero, Mercedes; Messina, Fernando; Marín, Emmanuel; Arechavala, Alicia; Negroni, Ricardo; Depardo, Roxana; Walker, Laura; Benchetrit, Andrés; Santiso, Gabriela

A 48 year-old immunocompetent woman, who had a nodular lesion in the neck and a dense infiltrate at the lower lobe of the left lung, presented at the Mycology Unit of Muñiz Hospital of Buenos Aires City. The pulmonary infiltrate disappeared spontaneously 3 months later. The histopathological study of the nodular lesion showed capsulated yeasts (mucicarmin and alcian blue positive stains) compatible with Cryptococcus. The mycological study of a new sample, obtained by a nodular puncture, allowed the isolation of yeasts, identified as Cryptococcus gattii (VGII). Latex test for Cryptococcus capsular antigen in serum was positive (1/100). CSF cultures rendered negative results. Fluconazole at a daily dose of 800mg was given during 45 days with partial improvement; as cultures from a new clinical sample were positive for Cryptococcus, the antimycotic was changed to itraconazole 400mg/day for 5 months, with an excellent clinical response. Copyright © 2017 Asociación Española de Micología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Enhanced Nutrients Removal Using Reeds Straw as Carbon Source in a Laboratory Scale Constructed Wetland.

PubMed

Wang, Tong; Wang, Haiyan; Chang, Yang; Chu, Zhaosheng; Zhao, Yaqian; Liu, Ranbin

2018-05-27

The low carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio and high nitrate content characteristics of agricultural runoff restricted the nitrogen removal in constructed wetlands (CWs). To resolve such problems, the economically- and easily-obtained Phragmites Australis (reeds) litters were applied and packed in the surface layer of a surface flow CW as external carbon sources. The results demonstrated that the introduction of the reeds straw increased the C concentration as a result of their decomposition during the CW operation, which will help the denitrification in the ensuing operation of an entire 148 days. The total nitrogen (TN) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) () in the effluent reached the peak level of 63.2 mg/L and 83 mg/L at the fourth and the second day, respectively. Subsequently, the pollutants in the CW that were filled with straw decreased rapidly and achieved a stable removal after 13 days of operation. Moreover, the present study showed that the N removal efficiency increased with the increase of the hydraulic retention time (HRT). Under the HRT of four days, the CW presented 74.1 ± 6%, 87.4 ± 6% and 56.0 ± 6% removal for TN, NO₃⁻, and TP, respectively.

Comprehensive proteomic analysis of Penicillium verrucosum.

PubMed

Nöbauer, Katharina; Hummel, Karin; Mayrhofer, Corina; Ahrens, Maike; Setyabudi, Francis M C; Schmidt-Heydt, Markus; Eisenacher, Martin; Razzazi-Fazeli, Ebrahim

2017-05-01

Mass spectrometric identification of proteins in species lacking validated sequence information is a major problem in veterinary science. In the present study, we used ochratoxin A producing Penicillium verrucosum to identify and quantitatively analyze proteins of an organism with yet no protein information available. The work presented here aimed to provide a comprehensive protein identification of P. verrucosum using shotgun proteomics. We were able to identify 3631 proteins in an "ab initio" translated database from DNA sequences of P. verrucosum. Additionally, a sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment-ion spectra analysis was done to find differentially regulated proteins at two different time points of the growth curve. We compared the proteins at the beginning (day 3) and at the end of the log phase (day 12). © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Treatment of gastric phytobezoars with Coca-Cola® given via oral route: a case report

PubMed Central

Ertuğrul, Gökhan; Coşkun, Murat; Sevinç, Mahsuni; Ertuğrul, Fisun; Toydemir, Toygar

2012-01-01

Background A 43-year-old female patient presented with a chief complaint of upper abdominal pain. As her complaints had lasted for 1 month, an upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy was performed and discovered a bezoar in the stomach. Case presentation The bezoar was quite hard and light green-yellow in color. Pathological examination revealed phytobezoar. The patient was hospitalized and given oral Coca-Cola® Zero for seven days at a dose of 500 mL three times daily. Conclusion The upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy performed at the end of 7 days showed that the phytobezoar had softened and become smaller. The phytobezoar was broken into pieces with biopsy forceps and washing was applied, so the phytobezoar pieces could pass through the pylorus. The patient was discharged after the procedure without problem. PMID:22393302

The Value of Removing Daily Obstacles via Everyday Problem-Solving Theory: Developing an Applied Novel Procedure to Increase Self-Efficacy for Exercise

PubMed Central

Artistico, Daniele; Pinto, Angela Marinilli; Douek, Jill; Black, Justin; Pezzuti, Lina

2012-01-01

The objective of the study was to develop a novel procedure to increase self-efficacy for exercise. Gains in one’s ability to resolve day-to-day obstacles for entering an exercise routine were expected to cause an increase in self-efficacy for exercise. Fifty-five sedentary participants (did not exercise regularly for at least 4 months prior to the study) who expressed an intention to exercise in the near future were selected for the study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (1) an Experimental Group in which they received a problem-solving training session to learn new strategies for solving day-to-day obstacles that interfere with exercise, (2) a Control Group with Problem-Solving Training which received a problem-solving training session focused on a typical day-to-day problem unrelated to exercise, or (3) a Control Group which did not receive any problem-solving training. Assessment of obstacles to exercise and perceived self-efficacy for exercise were conducted at baseline; perceived self-efficacy for exercise was reassessed post-intervention (1 week later). No differences in perceived challenges posed by obstacles to exercise or self-efficacy for exercise were observed across groups at baseline. The Experimental Group reported greater improvement in self-efficacy for exercise compared to the Control Group with Training and the Control Group. Results of this study suggest that a novel procedure that focuses on removing obstacles to intended planned fitness activities is effective in increasing self-efficacy to engage in exercise among sedentary adults. Implications of these findings for use in applied settings and treatment studies are discussed. PMID:23372560

The Value of Removing Daily Obstacles via Everyday Problem-Solving Theory: Developing an Applied Novel Procedure to Increase Self-Efficacy for Exercise.

PubMed

Artistico, Daniele; Pinto, Angela Marinilli; Douek, Jill; Black, Justin; Pezzuti, Lina

2013-01-01

The objective of the study was to develop a novel procedure to increase self-efficacy for exercise. Gains in one's ability to resolve day-to-day obstacles for entering an exercise routine were expected to cause an increase in self-efficacy for exercise. Fifty-five sedentary participants (did not exercise regularly for at least 4 months prior to the study) who expressed an intention to exercise in the near future were selected for the study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (1) an Experimental Group in which they received a problem-solving training session to learn new strategies for solving day-to-day obstacles that interfere with exercise, (2) a Control Group with Problem-Solving Training which received a problem-solving training session focused on a typical day-to-day problem unrelated to exercise, or (3) a Control Group which did not receive any problem-solving training. Assessment of obstacles to exercise and perceived self-efficacy for exercise were conducted at baseline; perceived self-efficacy for exercise was reassessed post-intervention (1 week later). No differences in perceived challenges posed by obstacles to exercise or self-efficacy for exercise were observed across groups at baseline. The Experimental Group reported greater improvement in self-efficacy for exercise compared to the Control Group with Training and the Control Group. Results of this study suggest that a novel procedure that focuses on removing obstacles to intended planned fitness activities is effective in increasing self-efficacy to engage in exercise among sedentary adults. Implications of these findings for use in applied settings and treatment studies are discussed.

[Speech by Carlos Matus in the presentation of Adiós, Señor Presidente].

PubMed

Matus, Carlos

2014-04-01

The text of this article was written by Carlos Matus and read aloud by him at the first presentation of his book Adiós, Señor Presidente [Goodbye, Mr. President] in Venezuela in 1987. Matus describes the problems of the governments of Latin America of that day, in order to address the growing gap between the capacity of governments to govern and the complexity of social systems. For Matus, bridging this gap requires theories, techniques, systems and methods so as to develop government projects in which the governability of the system is not less than the magnitude of its problems. This document was recovered from the Mario Testa fund, in the Center for Documentation and Research Pensar en Salud (CEDOPS) of the Institute of Collective Health in the Universidad Nacional de Lanús.

Environmental noise and incident mental health problems: A prospective cohort study among school children in Germany.

PubMed

Dreger, Stefanie; Meyer, Nicole; Fromme, Hermann; Bolte, Gabriele

2015-11-01

Environmental noise is considered a threat to public health as 20% of the EU population is exposed to health influencing noise levels. An association of noise and mental health problems in children has been suggested by some studies, but results are not consistent and there are no longitudinal studies of this association. Our aim was to investigate the influence of different environmental noise sources at children's homes on incident mental health problems in school-aged children. A cohort study of children from first (t0) to fourth grade (t1) of primary school was conducted. Different environmental noise sources (day/night separately) at children's home were assessed via parental annoyance reports. Increased noise exposure between t0 and t1 was the exposure variable. Incident mental health problems were assessed with the parental version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). RRs and 95% CIs were analysed to investigate the association between different noise sources and incident mental health problems. The study population consisted of 583 boys and 602 girls. The most common increase in noise exposure between t0 and t1 was road traffic noise day (26.38%). After adjusting for covariates exposure to road traffic night was significantly associated with the total difficulties score (RR=2.06; 95% CI=1.25-3.40), emotional symptoms (RR=1.69, 95% CI=1.04-2.72), and conduct problems (RR=1.57, 95% CI=1.04-2.38). Noise by neighbours during the day was associated with conduct problems (RR=1.62, 95% CI=1.11-2.40) and hyperactivity (RR=1.69, 95% CI=1.08-2.65). Aircraft noise day and construction work day were not associated with any of the SDQ categories at a significant level. Environmental noise is an important public health problem. This is the first study to investigate the association of a broad range of noise sources and incident mental health problems in children in a cohort study. Our results suggest that exposure to noise at children's home is associated with mental health problems such as emotional symptoms, conduct problems and hyperactivity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pervasive and Non-Pervasive Conduct Problems in a Clinic Sample Aged 4-8 Years: Child, Family and Day-Care/School Factors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Drugli, May Britt; Larsson, Bo; Clifford, Graham; Fossum, Sturla

2007-01-01

Differences between pervasive (home and day-care/school) versus non-pervasive (home only) conduct problems were examined in regard to various child, parent/family, and day-care/school characteristics in an outpatient clinic sample of 120 children aged 4-8 years. All children scored above the 90th percentile on the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory…

Global Simultaneous Estimation of Present-Day Surface Mass Trend and GIA Using Multi-Sensor Geodetic Data Combination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, X.; Heflin, M. B.; Schotman, H.; Vermeersen, B. L.; Dong, D.; Gross, R. S.; Ivins, E. R.; Moore, A. W.; Owen, S. E.

2009-12-01

Separating geodetic signatures of present-day surface mass trend and Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA) requires multi-data types of different physical characteristics. We take a kinematic approach to the global simultaneous estimation problem. Three sets of global spherical harmonic coefficients from degree 1 to 60 of the present-day surface mass trend, vertical and horizontal GIA induced surface velocity fields, as well as rotation vectors of 15 major tectonic plates are solved for. The estimation is carried out using GRACE geoid trend, 3-dimensional velocities measured at 664 SLR/VLBI/GPS sites, the data-assimilated JPL ECCO ocean model. The ICE-5G/IJ05 (VM2) predictions are used as a priori GIA mean model. An a priori covariance matrix is constructed in the spherical harmonic domain for the GIA model by propagating the covariance matrices of random and geographically correlated ice thickness errors and upper/lower mantle viscosity errors so that the resulting magnitude and geographic pattern of the geoid uncertainties roughly reflect the difference between two recent GIA models. Unprecedented high-precision results are achieved. For example, geocenter velocities due to present-day surface mass trend and due to GIA are both determined to uncertainties of better than 0.1 mm/yr without using direct geodetic geocenter information. Information content of the data sets, future improvements, and benefits from new data will also be explored in the global inverse framework.

Security of Distributed-Phase-Reference Quantum Key Distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moroder, Tobias; Curty, Marcos; Lim, Charles Ci Wen; Thinh, Le Phuc; Zbinden, Hugo; Gisin, Nicolas

2012-12-01

Distributed-phase-reference quantum key distribution stands out for its easy implementation with present day technology. For many years, a full security proof of these schemes in a realistic setting has been elusive. We solve this long-standing problem and present a generic method to prove the security of such protocols against general attacks. To illustrate our result, we provide lower bounds on the key generation rate of a variant of the coherent-one-way quantum key distribution protocol. In contrast to standard predictions, it appears to scale quadratically with the system transmittance.

IYPT problems teach high school students about teamwork and the scientific method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kochanski, K.; Klishin, A.

2015-12-01

Laboratory work is often STEM students' primary exposure to key creative and communicative skills in the sciences, including experimental design, trouble shooting, team work, and oral presentations. The International Young Physicists' Tournament (IYPT) teaches these skills by inviting high school students to investigate simple unsolved systems instead of reproducing familiar results. Students work in teams to form hypotheses, gather data, and present their results orally in a tournament format. The IYPT has published 17 questions yearly since 1988, and its archives are an efficient source of experimental problems for outreach programs and have also been used for first-year undergraduate project classes (Planisic, 2009). We present insights and outcomes from two schools in which we introduced a new extracurricular program based on the IYPT model. Twenty-four students worked in small teams for three hours per day for six weeks. Surprisingly, most teams chose problems in unfamiliar subject areas such as fluid dynamics, and tailored their approaches to take advantage of individual skills including soldering, photography, and theoretical analysis. As the program progressed, students developed an increasingly intuitive understanding of the scientific method. They began to discuss the repeatability of their experiments without prompting, and were increasingly willing to describe alternative hypotheses.

Aging Parents' Daily Support Exchanges With Adult Children Suffering Problems.

PubMed

Huo, Meng; Graham, Jamie L; Kim, Kyungmin; Birditt, Kira S; Fingerman, Karen L

2017-06-17

When adult children incur life problems (e.g., divorce, job loss, health problems), aging parents generally report providing more frequent support and experiencing poorer well-being. Yet, it is unclear how adult children's problems may influence aging parents' daily support exchanges with these children or the parents' daily mood. Aging parents from the Family Exchanges Study Wave 2 (N = 207, Mage = 79.86) reported providing and receiving emotional support, practical support, and advice from each adult child each day for 7 days. Parents also rated daily positive and negative mood. Multilevel models showed that aging parents were more likely to provide emotional and practical support to adult children incurring life problems than children not suffering problems. Parents were also more likely to receive emotional support and advice from these children with problems. Further, parents reported less negative mood on days when providing practical support to children with problems. Examining daily support exchanges adds to our understanding of how children's problems influence parent-child ties in late life. Prior research suggests that children's problems upset parents. In this study, however, it appears that supporting adult children who suffer problems may alleviate aging parents' distress regarding such children. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Management of complex femoral nonunion with monorail external fixator: A prospective study.

PubMed

Agrawal, Hemendra Kumar; Garg, Mohit; Singh, Balvinder; Jaiman, Ashish; Khatkar, Vipin; Khare, Shailender; Batra, Sumit; Sharma, Vinod Kumar

2016-01-01

To evaluate 30 patients who underwent distraction osteogenesis with monorail external fixator for complex femoral nonunion. Complex femoral nonunion includes infective non-union, gap nonunion, and limb-length discrepancy secondary to traumatic bone loss, which needs specialized treatment to ensure the functional integrity of femoral bone. 30 patients, including 28 male and 2 female (aged 22-62 years) patients, underwent surgical debridement followed by bone transport with monorail fixator. The lengthening index, radiographic consolidation index, functional status, bone healing, and various problems, obstacles, and complications encountered during the treatment were assessed. Patients underwent a mean of 2.2 (range 1-4) surgeries before presentation. The mean bone defect after surgical debridement was 5.83 cm (range 2-16 cm). The mean treatment duration was 204.7 days (range 113-543 days). The mean lengthening index was 13.06 days/cm with range from 12 to 16 days/cm. Mean maturation index was 23.51 days/cm with range from 17 to 45.5 days/cm. In our study, bone result was excellent in 17, good in 9, fair in 3, and poor in 1 patient. In our study functional outcome is excellent in 9 [30%], good in 14 [46.67%], fair in 5, and poor in 2 patients. In our study, we encountered 34 problems, 17 obstacles, and 8 complications. We concluded that monorail external fixator is an effective treatment option for complex nonunion femoral shaft fracture and its functional outcome is comparable with any other treatment options. Lack of complications and its effectiveness makes monorail external fixator the treatment of choice for complex nonunion femoral shaft.

ALCOHOL USE, DEPRESSION, AND HIGH RISK OCCUPATIONS AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN THE UKRAINE

PubMed Central

Polshkova, S.; Chaban, O; Walton, MA

2016-01-01

This study examined alcohol consumption in relation to anxiety, depression, and involvement with high risk occupations (HRO; e.g., coal miners), among young adults in the Ukraine (aged 18–25) (N=192; 60.9% male; 100% Caucasian). Participants were grouped based on drinking status: (1) current drinkers (CDs; n=132) or (2) nondrinkers (NDs; n=60). Questionnaires assessed frequency of alcohol use, motives for drinking, problem identification, as well as anxiety and depression (i.e., Hamilton scales). Bivariate analyses showed that CDs were more likely than NDs to be single, have a HRO, and have greater anxiety and depression; for example, 91.7% of CDs had a HRO as compared to 56.7 % of NDs. Drinking status was not significantly related to age or gender. Among CDs, common motives for use included: to reduce anxiety and fears (60.6%), because my friends use alcohol (75.0%), to fight stress (78.8%), and to increase self-esteem (64.4%). Among CDs, past month drinking days were: 25% 1–2 days, 37.9% 3–7 days, 25% 8–21 days, and 12.1% 22–30 days. Regarding problem identification, 29.5% reported not having a problem, 34.8% reported possibly having a problem, 21.9% reported having a problem but not needing help, and 13.6% reported having a problem/needing help. Young adults involved in HRO may be a particularly high risk population given increased likelihood of alcohol use, anxiety, and depression. Early intervention strategies that incorporate motivational interviewing approaches to address coping and social motives for use may be beneficial to address substance use and mental health problems. PMID:27144438

Risk factors for readmission after neonatal cardiac surgery.

PubMed

Mackie, Andrew S; Gauvreau, Kimberlee; Newburger, Jane W; Mayer, John E; Erickson, Lars C

2004-12-01

Repeat hospitalizations place a significant burden on health care resources. Factors predisposing infants to unplanned hospital readmission after congenital heart surgery are unknown. This is a single-center, case-control study. Cases were rehospitalized or died within 30 days of discharge following an arterial switch operation (ASO) or Norwood procedure (NP) between 1992 and 2002. Controls underwent an ASO or NP between 1992 and 2002, and were neither readmitted nor died within 30 days of discharge. Patients and controls were matched by gender, year of birth, and procedure. Potential risk factors examined included indices of medical status at the time of discharge, determinants of access to health care, and provider characteristics. Forty-eight patients were readmitted; 19 of 498 (3.8%) following an ASO and 29 of 254 (11.4%) after a NP (p < 0.001). Six infants died within 30 days of discharge; 1 after an ASO and 5 after a NP. In multivariate analysis, predictors of readmission or death were: residual hemodynamic problem(s) (odds ratio [OR] 4.10 [1.18, 14.3], p = 0.026); an intensive care unit stay greater than 7 days (OR 5.17 [1.12, 23.9] p = 0.035) (ASO); residual hemodynamic problem(s) (OR 5.84 [1.98, 17.2], p = 0.001); and establishment of full oral intake less than 2 days before discharge (OR 5.83 [1.83, 18.6], p = 0.003) (NP). Combining both groups, living in a low income Zip Code (< 30,000 dollars/annum) was associated with a lower likelihood of readmission (OR 0.25 [0.07, 0.85], p = 0.027). Residual hemodynamic problem(s) predispose to hospital readmission after the ASO and NP. Low socioeconomic status may reduce the likelihood of readmission even when problems arise.

Alcohol Use, Depression, and High-Risk Occupations Among Young Adults in the Ukraine.

PubMed

Polshkova, Svitlana; Chaban, Oleg; Walton, Maureen A

2016-06-06

This study examined alcohol consumption in relation to anxiety, depression, and involvement with high risk occupations (HRO; e.g., coal miners), among young adults in the Ukraine (aged 18-25) (N = 192; 60.9% male; 100% Caucasian). Participants were grouped on the basis of drinking status: (1) current drinkers (CDs; n = 132) or (2) nondrinkers (NDs; n = 60). Questionnaires assessed frequency of alcohol use, motives for drinking, problem identification, as well as anxiety and depression (i.e., Hamilton scales). Bivariate analyses showed that CDs were more likely than NDs to be single, have a HRO, and have greater anxiety and depression; for example, 91.7% of CDs had a HRO as compared to 56.7% of NDs. Drinking status was not significantly related to age or gender. Among CDs, common motives for use included: to reduce anxiety and fears (60.6%), because my friends use alcohol (75.0%), to fight stress (78.8%), and to increase self-esteem (64.4%). Among CDs, past month drinking days were: 25% 1-2 days, 37.9% 3-7 days, 25% 8-21 days, and 12.1% 22-30 days. Regarding problem identification, 29.5% reported not having a problem, 34.8% reported possibly having a problem, 21.9% reported having a problem but not needing help, and 13.6% reported having a problem/needing help. Young adults involved in HRO may be a particularly high risk population given increased likelihood of alcohol use, anxiety, and depression. Early intervention strategies that incorporate motivational interviewing approaches to address coping and social motives for use may be beneficial to address substance use and mental health problems.

Use of risk-adjusted CUSUM charts to monitor 30-day mortality in Danish hospitals.

PubMed

Rasmussen, Thomas Bøjer; Ulrichsen, Sinna Pilgaard; Nørgaard, Mette

2018-01-01

Monitoring hospital outcomes and clinical processes as a measure of clinical performance is an integral part of modern health care. The risk-adjusted cumulative sum (CUSUM) chart is a frequently used sequential analysis technique that can be implemented to monitor a wide range of different types of outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe how risk-adjusted CUSUM charts based on population-based nationwide medical registers were used to monitor 30-day mortality in Danish hospitals and to give an example on how alarms of increased hospital mortality from the charts can guide further in-depth analyses. We used routinely collected administrative data from the Danish National Patient Registry and the Danish Civil Registration System to create risk-adjusted CUSUM charts. We monitored 30-day mortality after hospital admission with one of 77 selected diagnoses in 24 hospital units in Denmark in 2015. The charts were set to detect a 50% increase in 30-day mortality, and control limits were determined by simulations. Among 1,085,576 hospital admissions, 441,352 admissions had one of the 77 selected diagnoses as their primary diagnosis and were included in the risk-adjusted CUSUM charts. The charts yielded a total of eight alarms of increased mortality. The median of the hospitals' estimated average time to detect a 50% increase in 30-day mortality was 50 days (interquartile interval, 43;54). In the selected example of an alarm, descriptive analyses indicated performance problems with 30-day mortality following hip fracture surgery and diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The presented implementation of risk-adjusted CUSUM charts can detect significant increases in 30-day mortality within 2 months, on average, in most Danish hospitals. Together with descriptive analyses, it was possible to use an alarm from a risk-adjusted CUSUM chart to identify potential performance problems.

Problem Based Learning (PBL) - An Effective Approach to Improve Learning Outcomes in Medical Teaching.

PubMed

Preeti, Bajaj; Ashish, Ahuja; Shriram, Gosavi

2013-12-01

As the "Science of Medicine" is getting advanced day-by-day, need for better pedagogies & learning techniques are imperative. Problem Based Learning (PBL) is an effective way of delivering medical education in a coherent, integrated & focused manner. It has several advantages over conventional and age-old teaching methods of routine. It is based on principles of adult learning theory, including student's motivation, encouragement to set goals, think critically about decision making in day-to-day operations. Above all these, it stimulates challenge acceptance and learning curiosity among students and creates pragmatic educational program. To measure the effectiveness of the "Problem Based Learning" as compared to conventional theory/didactic lectures based learning. The study was conducted on 72 medical students from Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana. Two modules of problem based sessions designed and delivered. Pre & Post-test score's scientific statistical analysis was done. Student feed-back received based on questionnaire in the five-point Likert scale format. Significant improvement in overall performance observed. Feedback revealed majority agreement that "Problem-based learning" helped them create interest (88.8 %), better understanding (86%) & promotes self-directed subject learning (91.6 %). Substantial improvement in the post-test scores clearly reveals acceptance of PBL over conventional learning. PBL ensures better practical learning, ability to create interest, subject understanding. It is a modern-day educational strategy, an effective tool to objectively improve the knowledge acquisition in Medical Teaching.

How Should the History of Education Be Written? Some Reflections about the Nature of the Discipline from the Perspective of the Reception of Our Work

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Depaepe, Marc

2004-01-01

How should history of education be written? To put the question is far more easier than to provide a concrete answer. In contemporary research, there continue to be pedagogistic complaints about finding answers to present-day educational problems via history. In our view, such an ahistorical utilitarianism as well as the legitimizing and/or…

Strategies of Rural Development in Asia--A Discussion. Summary of Discussion, Research Studies and Country Statements Presented to the Seminar on Approaches to Rural Development in Asia (Malaysia, May-June, 1975).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Inayatullah, C., Ed.

A 10-day seminar for senior government officials concerned with making rural development policies in selected Asian countries focused on programs adopted by various Asian governments to tackle rural development problems. To compare various approaches, seven indicators of rural development were used: agricultural productivity; rural employment;…

Crew report. [on Skylab altitude simulation tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bobko, K. J.; Crippen, R. L.; Thornton, W. E.

1973-01-01

A 56-day chamber simulation of Skylab was successfully completed. The atmosphere (5 psi, 70 percent oxygen, 30 percent nitrogen, 5 mm carbon dioxide) and medical features including a 21-day pre- and 18-day post-test medical protocols were closely simulated. No apparent crew health problems were induced by the atmosphere, semiclosed environment, or other test features; and no appreciable crew degradation appeared over this period. The chamber and associated systems performed without major problems.

Executive functions in adults with developmental dyslexia.

PubMed

Smith-Spark, James H; Henry, Lucy A; Messer, David J; Edvardsdottir, Elisa; Zięcik, Adam P

2016-01-01

Executive functioning (EF) deficits are well recognized in developmental dyslexia, yet the majority of studies have concerned children rather than adults, ignored the subjective experience of the individual with dyslexia (with regard to their own EFs), and have not followed current theoretical perspectives on EFs. The current study addressed these shortfalls by administering a self-report measure of EF (BRIEF-A; Roth, Isquith, & Gioia, 2005) and experimental tasks to IQ-matched groups of adults with and without dyslexia. The laboratory-based tasks tested the three factors constituting the framework of EF proposed by Miyake et al. (2000). In comparison to the group without dyslexia, the participants with dyslexia self-reported more frequent EF problems in day-to-day life, with these difficulties centering on metacognitive processes (working memory, planning, task monitoring, and organization) rather than on the regulation of emotion and behaviour. The participants with dyslexia showed significant deficits in EF (inhibition, set shifting, and working memory). The findings indicated that dyslexia-related problems have an impact on the daily experience of adults with the condition. Further, EF difficulties are present in adulthood across a range of laboratory-based measures, and, given the nature of the experimental tasks presented, extend beyond difficulties related solely to phonological processing. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Tinmaz, Esra; Demir, Ibrahim

Over the past decades, uncontrolled population growth and rapid urbanization and industrialization have resulted in environmental problems in Corlu Town, Turkey. One of the most important problems is solid waste due to inadequate management practices. Nowadays, increasing public awareness of the environment compels local authorities to define and to adopt new solutions for waste management. This paper presents a general overview of current solid waste management practices in Corlu Town and principles of the recommended municipal solid waste (MSW) management system. In Corlu, 170 tonnes of municipal solid waste are generated each day, or 1.150 kg per capita per day.more » Approximately one-half of the municipal solid waste generated is organic material and 30% of the MSW consists of recyclable materials. The recommended system deals with maximizing recycling and minimizing landfilling of municipal solid waste, and consists of separation at source, collection, sorting, recycling, composting and sanitary landfilling. This study also analyzed the recommended system with respect to feasibility and economics. To evaluate whether the suggested system is cost effective or not, the operating cost of the recommended system and market prices of recyclable materials were compared, and the results show that the recommended system will reduce required landfill volume up to 27% of compared to the present situation. The profit of the recommended system is estimated to be about 80 million US dollars.« less

[Transference Focused Psychotherapy for Borderline-Adolescents in a Day Clinic Treatment Program].

PubMed

Krischer, Maya; Ponton-Rodriguez, Tamara; Gooran, Ghazal Rostami; Bender, Stephan

2017-07-01

Transference Focused Psychotherapy for Borderline-Adolescents in a Day Clinic Treatment Program This paper focuses on the concept of transference focused psychotherapy (TFP) modified for juvenile borderline patients. Adolescents with borderline developmental personality disorder (bpd) have an essential deficit in their personality structure that leads to oscillations in their self-esteem and in a "split" perception of the world. They suffer from a variety of symptoms and severe impairments on their own and their families' quality of life. Their fragmented perception of themselves and others make relationships almost unbearable for them. Relationships are mostly marked by severe anxiety of resentment and rejection. For these patients this causes intolerable trouble at school where every day conflicts take place. Self-mutilation and suicidal thoughts often seem the only way out. By now, there is an agreement that an early specialized assessment and treatment is necessary in order to stop the typical consequences of their self-mutilative and dysfunctional behavior. Still, in contrast to adult age, empirical evidence is missing which proves the effectiveness of treating adolescent borderline patients. In this paper we present a research project on the effectiveness of transference focused psychotherapy with adolescent borderline patients (TFP-A) in a day clinic setting, combining TFP with group skills training as known from dialectic behavior therapy (DBT). Furthermore, we give first results on analyzing the effectiveness of our day clinic treatment program based on TFP-A, focusing on improving core symptoms such as affective problems, aggressive behavior against self and others and interpersonal problems.

Testing Crew Responses to Varied Higher Plant Presentations in the MARS-500 Day Mission Simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marquit, J. D.; Bates, S. C.; Gushin, V. I.; Synchev, V. N.; Levinskikh, M. A.; Podolsky, I. G.; Marchant, C. C.; Bingham, G. E.

2008-06-01

Maintaining psychological and behavioral health of humans during long-duration space missions is of great importance for the future success of space exploration as the hostile space environment adversely impacts the psychological, social, and physiological well-being of humans in space. Growing and tending plants has been proposed as a countermeasures for the negative impacts of long-duration space missions[3] as interactions with plant life on earth have been found to be beneficial to humans in other settings. Preliminary results from a pilot 14-day chamber study appear to support the notion that interactions with plant life may act as a countermeasure for the negative impacts of life in space. Additional data will be collected during the Mars 500-day Chamber Study at Institute of Biomedical Problems (IMBP).

Administratively Necessary Days: More than an Administrative Problem.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Markson, Elizabeth W.; And Others

1983-01-01

Surveyed discharge planners at 49 acute care hospitals to ascertain problems they perceived in placing elderly patients. Selected hospital characteristics and placement practices and the ways in which they are associated with hospital back-up (sometimes called administratively necessary days) and delays in placement were analyzed. (Author/JAC)

Modeling the Round Earth through Diagrams

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Padalkar, Shamin; Ramadas, Jayashree

2008-01-01

Earlier studies have found that students, including adults, have problems understanding the scientifically accepted model of the Sun-Earth-Moon system and explaining day-to-day astronomical phenomena based on it. We have been examining such problems in the context of recent research on visual-spatial reasoning. Working with middle school students…

Optimal heliocentric trajectories for solar sail with minimum area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petukhov, Vyacheslav G.

2018-05-01

The fixed-time heliocentric trajectory optimization problem is considered for planar solar sail with minimum area. Necessary optimality conditions are derived, a numerical method for solving the problem is developed, and numerical examples of optimal trajectories to Mars, Venus and Mercury are presented. The dependences of the minimum area of the solar sail from the date of departure from the Earth, the time of flight and the departing hyperbolic excess of velocity are analyzed. In particular, for the rendezvous problem (approaching a target planet with zero relative velocity) with zero departing hyperbolic excess of velocity for a flight duration of 1200 days it was found that the minimum area-to-mass ratio should be about 12 m2/kg for trajectory to Venus, 23.5 m2/kg for the trajectory to Mercury and 25 m2/kg for trajectory to Mars.

Proceedings of the Department of Energy ALARA Workshop

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

Dionne, B.J.; Baum, J.W.

1992-01-01

The report contains summaries of papers, discussions, and operational exercises presented at the first Department of Energy ALARA Workshop held at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York on April 21--22, 1992. The purpose of this workshop was to provide a forum for, and enhance communication among, ALARA personnel, as well as to inform DOE's field office and contractor personnel about the Office of Health's programs and expectations from the entire DOE complex efforts in the ALARA area.The two-day workshop consisted of one day dedicated to presentations on implementing various elements of a formal ALARA program at the DOE contractors' facilities,more » regulatory aspects of ALARA programs, and DOE Headquarters' ALARA expectations/initiatives. The second day was devoted to detailed discussions on ALARA improvements and problems, and operational exercises on cost-benefit analyses and on ALARA job/experiment reviews. At this workshop, 70 health physicists and radiation safety engineers from 5 DOE Headquarter Offices, 7 DOE operations/area offices, and 27 contractor facilities exchanged information, which is expected to stimulate further improvement in the DOE contractors' ALARA programs. Individual papers are indexed separately.« less

Diminished alternative reinforcement as a mechanism linking conduct problems and substance use in adolescence: a longitudinal examination.

PubMed

Khoddam, Rubin; Cho, Junhan; Jackson, Nicholas J; Leventhal, Adam M

2018-06-01

To determine whether diminished alternative reinforcement (i.e. engagement and enjoyment from substance-free activities) mediated the longitudinal association of conduct problems with substance use in early-mid-adolescence. Structural equation modeling tested whether the association between wave 1 (baseline) conduct problems and wave 3 (24-month follow-up) substance use outcomes was mediated by diminished alternative reinforcement at wave 2 (12-month follow-up). Additional analyses tested whether sex and socio-economic status moderated this association. Ten high schools in Los Angeles, CA, USA, 2013-15. Students (n = 3396, 53.5% female, mean [standard deviation (SD)] age at wave 1 baseline = 14.1 (0.42) years). Self-reported conduct problems (11-item questionnaire), alternative reinforcement (44-item questionnaire) and use of alcohol, marijuana and combustible cigarettes during the past 6 months (yes/no) and the past 30 days (nine-level ordinal response based on days used in past 30 days). Significant associations of wave 1 conduct problems with wave 3 marijuana use during the past 6 months (β = 0.25) and past 30 days (β = 0.26) were mediated by wave 2 diminished alternative reinforcement (β indirect effect : 6 months = 0.013, 30 days = 0.017, Ps < 0.001). Associations of conduct problems with alcohol or combustible cigarette use were not mediated by alternative reinforcement. All associations did not differ by sex and socio-economic status. Diminished alternative reinforcement may be a modifiable mechanism linking early adolescent conduct problems and subsequent marijuana use that could be targeted in prevention programs to offset the adverse health and social sequelae associated with comorbid conduct problems and marijuana use in early-mid adolescence. © 2018 Society for the Study of Addiction.

FOREWORD: 5th International Workshop on New Computational Methods for Inverse Problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vourc'h, Eric; Rodet, Thomas

2015-11-01

This volume of Journal of Physics: Conference Series is dedicated to the scientific research presented during the 5th International Workshop on New Computational Methods for Inverse Problems, NCMIP 2015 (http://complement.farman.ens-cachan.fr/NCMIP_2015.html). This workshop took place at Ecole Normale Supérieure de Cachan, on May 29, 2015. The prior editions of NCMIP also took place in Cachan, France, firstly within the scope of ValueTools Conference, in May 2011, and secondly at the initiative of Institut Farman, in May 2012, May 2013 and May 2014. The New Computational Methods for Inverse Problems (NCMIP) workshop focused on recent advances in the resolution of inverse problems. Indeed, inverse problems appear in numerous scientific areas such as geophysics, biological and medical imaging, material and structure characterization, electrical, mechanical and civil engineering, and finances. The resolution of inverse problems consists of estimating the parameters of the observed system or structure from data collected by an instrumental sensing or imaging device. Its success firstly requires the collection of relevant observation data. It also requires accurate models describing the physical interactions between the instrumental device and the observed system, as well as the intrinsic properties of the solution itself. Finally, it requires the design of robust, accurate and efficient inversion algorithms. Advanced sensor arrays and imaging devices provide high rate and high volume data; in this context, the efficient resolution of the inverse problem requires the joint development of new models and inversion methods, taking computational and implementation aspects into account. During this one-day workshop, researchers had the opportunity to bring to light and share new techniques and results in the field of inverse problems. The topics of the workshop were: algorithms and computational aspects of inversion, Bayesian estimation, Kernel methods, learning methods, convex optimization, free discontinuity problems, metamodels, proper orthogonal decomposition, reduced models for the inversion, non-linear inverse scattering, image reconstruction and restoration, and applications (bio-medical imaging, non-destructive evaluation...). NCMIP 2015 was a one-day workshop held in May 2015 which attracted around 70 attendees. Each of the submitted papers has been reviewed by two reviewers. There have been 15 accepted papers. In addition, three international speakers were invited to present a longer talk. The workshop was supported by Institut Farman (ENS Cachan, CNRS) and endorsed by the following French research networks: GDR ISIS, GDR MIA, GDR MOA and GDR Ondes. The program committee acknowledges the following research laboratories: CMLA, LMT, LURPA and SATIE.

Linear and nonlinear aspects of the tropical 30-60 day oscillation: A modeling study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stevens, Duane E.; Stephens, Graeme L.

1991-01-01

The scientific problem focused on study of the tropical 30-60 day oscillation and explanation for this phenomenon is discussed. The following subject areas are covered: the scientific problem (the importance of low frequency oscillations; suggested mechanisms for developing the tropical 30-60 day oscillation); proposed research and its objective; basic approach to research; and results (satellite data analysis and retrieval development; thermodynamic model of the oscillation; the 5-level GCM).

Risk of mental health problems in adolescents skipping meals: The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010 to 2012.

PubMed

Lee, Gyungjoo; Han, Kyungdo; Kim, Hyunju

Adolescents frequently skip meals, doing so even more than once per day. This is associated with more mental health problems. This study identified mental health problems' associations with skipping meals and the frequency thereof among adolescents. This cross-sectional population-based study used a data set of 1,413 adolescents from the 2010 to 2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Hierarchical multivariable logistic regression was conducted to determine the risk of mental health problems, including stress, depressive mood, and suicidal ideation in relation to skipping meals and the frequency thereof per day. Breakfast skipping significantly increased the risks of stress and depressive mood. Stress, depressive mood, and suicidal ideation were significantly prevalent as the daily frequency of skipping meals increased. Specific strategies should be developed at government or school level to decrease the frequency of skipping meals per day, associated with serious mental health problems in adolescents. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Shift work: health, performance and safety problems, traditional countermeasures, and innovative management strategies to reduce circadian misalignment

PubMed Central

Smith, Mark R; Eastman, Charmane I

2012-01-01

There are three mechanisms that may contribute to the health, performance, and safety problems associated with night-shift work: (1) circadian misalignment between the internal circadian clock and activities such as work, sleep, and eating, (2) chronic, partial sleep deprivation, and (3) melatonin suppression by light at night. The typical countermeasures, such as caffeine, naps, and melatonin (for its sleep-promoting effect), along with education about sleep and circadian rhythms, are the components of most fatigue risk-management plans. We contend that these, while better than nothing, are not enough because they do not address the underlying cause of the problems, which is circadian misalignment. We explain how to reset (phase-shift) the circadian clock to partially align with the night-work, day-sleep schedule, and thus reduce circadian misalignment while preserving sleep and functioning on days off. This involves controlling light and dark using outdoor light exposure, sunglasses, sleep in the dark, and a little bright light during night work. We present a diagram of a sleep-and-light schedule to reduce circadian misalignment in permanent night work, or a rotation between evenings and nights, and give practical advice on how to implement this type of plan. PMID:23620685

Non-linear multi-objective model for planning water-energy modes of Novosibirsk Hydro Power Plant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alsova, O. K.; Artamonova, A. V.

2018-05-01

This paper presents a non-linear multi-objective model for planning and optimizing of water-energy modes for the Novosibirsk Hydro Power Plant (HPP) operation. There is a very important problem of developing a strategy to improve the scheme of water-power modes and ensure the effective operation of hydropower plants. It is necessary to determine the methods and criteria for the optimal distribution of water resources, to develop a set of models and to apply them to the software implementation of a DSS (decision-support system) for managing Novosibirsk HPP modes. One of the possible versions of the model is presented and investigated in this paper. Experimental study of the model has been carried out with 2017 data and the task of ten-day period planning from April to July (only 12 ten-day periods) was solved.

Engaging the Public Through an Interactive Astronomy Outreach Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, Kristen

2018-01-01

The growing technology sector of the U.S. economy in an increasingly complex world has made it more important than ever for students to gather information, think critically, and solve problems. These skills are often acquired through the study of STEM disciplines. In an effort to inspire students and the public in the Charlotte, NC area to take an interest in STEM related fields, the Physics Department at Davidson College has recently developed an interactive astronomy community engagement program. This program is comprised of off-campus events that bring STEM programming to K-12 children, on-campus public star parties, and a day-long astronomy fair called Davidson Space Day. This presentation will illustrate the implementation of each of these components of our outreach program, present an evaluation of their success, and describe future goals and lessons learned thus far. This outreach program was made possible through funding from the NC Space Grant Consortium.

User's Guide for ERB 7 Matrix. Volume 1: Experiment Description and Quality Control Report for Year 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tighe, R. J.; Shen, M. Y. H.

1984-01-01

The Nimbus 7 ERB MATRIX Tape is a computer program in which radiances and irradiances are converted into fluxes which are used to compute the basic scientific output parameters, emitted flux, albedo, and net radiation. They are spatially averaged and presented as time averages over one-day, six-day, and monthly periods. MATRIX data for the period November 16, 1978 through October 31, 1979 are presented. Described are the Earth Radiation Budget experiment, the Science Quality Control Report, Items checked by the MATRIX Science Quality Control Program, and Science Quality Control Data Analysis Report. Additional material from the detailed scientific quality control of the tapes which may be very useful to a user of the MATRIX tapes is included. Known errors and data problems and some suggestions on how to use the data for further climatologic and atmospheric physics studies are also discussed.

[Blood transfusion - safety of the inventory].

PubMed

Tissot, Jean-Daniel; Danic, Bruno; Schneider, Thierry

2015-02-01

Over the years, transfusion medicine has been faced to many different problems, notably those related to transmission of pathogens. Major progresses have been accomplished in terms of security. However, nowadays, the discipline is confronted to the day-to-day variability and availability of blood products. More and more donors are excluded from blood donation due to various reasons, and the donor selection criteria have increased over the years, influencing the number of donors able to give blood. This paradox represents one of the constraints that transfusion medicine should resolve in the future. This paper presents some aspects either common or different between France and Switzerland. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Thrombocytopenia associated with vaccination of a dog with a modified-live paramyxovirus vaccine.

PubMed

McAnulty, J F; Rudd, R G

1985-06-01

Thrombocytopenia (10,000/mm3), with hematochezia and melena, appeared in a dog 8 days after it was given modified-live canine distemper, virus vaccine and persisted for approximately 5 days. Clinical investigation discounted other possible causes of thrombocytopenia; the condition was considered to be associated with vaccination. The problem spontaneously resolved. The appearance of thrombocytopenia after modified-live canine distemper virus vaccination is not unknown and may assume a severe form. This condition may be mistaken for idiopathic thrombocytopenia of immune origin, and in other instances, it may contribute significantly to surgical risk if concurrent coagulation disorders are present. Administration of levamisole HCl may alleviate the decrease in platelet count in affected animals.

Antibacterial protection by enterocin AS-48 in sport and energy drinks with less acidic pH values.

PubMed

Viedma, Pilar Martinez; Abriouel, Hikmate; Ben Omar, Nabil; López, Rosario Lucas; Valdivia, Eva; Gálvez, Antonio

2009-04-01

The low pH and acid content found in sports and energy drinks are a matter of concern in dental health. Raising the pH may solve this problem, but at the same time increase the risks of spoilage or presence of pathogenic bacteria. In the present study, commercial energy drinks were adjusted to pH 5.0 and challenged with Listeria monocytogenes (drinks A to F), Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus licheniformis (drink A) during storage at 37 degrees C. L. monocytogenes was able to grow in drink A and survived in drinks D and F for at least 2 days. Addition of enterocin AS-48 (1 microg/ml final concentration) rapidly inactivated L. monocytogenes in all drinks tested. S. aureus and B. cereus also survived quite well in drink A, and were completely inactivated by 12.5 microg/ml enterocin AS-48 after 2 days of storage or by 25 microg/ml bacteriocin after 1 day. B. licheniformis was able to multiply in drink A, but it was completely inactivated by 5 microg/ml enterocin AS-48 after 2 days of storage or by 12.5 microg/ml bacteriocin after 1 day. Results from the present study suggest that enterocin AS-48 could be used as a natural preservative against these target bacteria in less acidic sport and energy drinks.

Side Effects of Long-Term Continuous Intra-arterial Nimodipine Infusion in Patients with Severe Refractory Cerebral Vasospasm after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

PubMed

Kieninger, Martin; Flessa, Julia; Lindenberg, Nicole; Bele, Sylvia; Redel, Andreas; Schneiker, André; Schuierer, Gerhard; Wendl, Christina; Graf, Bernhard; Silbereisen, Vera

2018-02-01

Long-term continuous intra-arterial nimodipine infusion (CIAN) is a rescue therapy option in cases of severe refractory cerebral vasospasm (CV) following acute non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, CIAN therapy can be associated with relevant side effects. Available studies focus on intracerebral complications, whereas extracerebral side effects are rarely examined. Aim of the present study was to generate descriptive data on the clinical course during CIAN therapy and expectable extracerebral side effects. All patients treated with CIAN therapy for at least 5 days between May 2011 and December 2015 were included. We retrospectively extracted data from the patient data management system regarding the period between 2 days before the beginning and 5 days after the termination of CIAN therapy to analyze the course of ventilation parameters and pulmonary gas exchange, hemodynamic support, renal and liver function, integrity of the gastrointestinal tract, and the occurrence of infectious complications. In addition, we recorded the mean daily values of intracranial pressure (ICP) and intracerebral problems associated with CIAN therapy. Data from 28 patients meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed. The mean duration of long-term CIAN therapy was 10.5 ± 4.5 days. Seventeen patients (60.7%) reached a good outcome level (Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] 4-5) 6 months after SAH. An impairment of the pulmonary gas exchange occurred only at the very beginning of CIAN therapy. The required vasopressor support with norepinephrine was significantly higher on all days during and the first day after CIAN therapy compared to the situation before starting CIAN therapy. Two patients required short-time resuscitation due to cardiac arrest during CIAN therapy. Acute kidney injury was observed in four patients, and one of them required renal replacement therapy with sustained low-efficiency daily dialysis. During CIAN therapy, 23 patients (82.1%) needed the escalation of a previous antiinfective therapy or the onset of antibiotics which was in line with a significant increase of C-reactive protein and white blood cell count. Obstipation was observed in 22 patients (78.6%). Ten patients (35.7%) even showed insufficient defecation on at least seven consecutive days. Compared to the situation before, ICP was significantly higher during the whole period of CIAN therapy. Long-term CIAN therapy is associated with diverse side effects. The leading problems are an impairment of the hemodynamic situation and cardiac problems, an increase in infectious complications, a worsening of the motility of the gastrointestinal tract, and rising ICP values. Teams on neurointensive care units must be aware of these side effects to avoid that the beneficial effects of CIAN therapy on CV reported elsewhere are foiled by the problems this technique can be associated with.

Paediatric otogenic tetanus: an evidence of poor immunization in Nigeria.

PubMed

Ogunkeyede, Segun Ayodeji; Daniel, Adekunle; Ogundoyin, Omowonuola

2017-01-01

Suppurative otitis media is a common childhood infection that predisposes to otogenic tetanus. Tetanus is a vaccine preventable disease that is associated with high cost of care and mortality. This study highlights reasons for otogenic tetanus in Nigerian children and way of reducing the menace. This is a 5-year retrospective review of all patients managed for otogenic tetanus in at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University College Hospital, Ibadan. The data collected include demographic, clinical presentations, tetanus immunisation history, and duration of hospital admission, and management- outcome. There were 23 patients comprising of 13(56.5 %) males and 10 (43.5%) females, male to female ratio was 1.3:1. The age ranged between 11 months and12 years (mean age 3.4 years ± 2.1). All the patients presented with discharging ear, trismus and spasms. The onset of symptoms prior hospital presentation ranged between 2 - 11 days (mean 3.0 days ± 1.3). Only 12(52.1%) patients had complete childhood tetanus immunisation, 6(26.1) % had no tetanus immunisation and no other childhood immunisation, while 5(21.7%) had partial tetanus immunisation. The discharging ears were managed by self-medication and other harmful health practices. The hospital admission ranged from 20 days - 41days (average of 23days) and there were 3(13.0 %) death. Tetanus immunization was not received because of; non- availability of the vaccine at health centers, lack of health facility in communities, fear of complications from immunization, poor awareness of the immunization programme. Tetanus, an immunisable disease, is still a major problem in Nigeria.

Unhealthy sleep practices, conduct problems, and daytime functioning during adolescence.

PubMed

Lin, Wen-Hsu; Yi, Chin-Chun

2015-02-01

Although sleep has been linked to activities in various domains of life, one under-studied link is the relationship between unhealthy sleep practices and conduct problems among adolescents. The present study investigates the influence of adolescents' unhealthy sleep practices-short sleep (e.g., less than 6 h a day), inconsistent sleep schedule (e.g., social jetlag), and sleep problems-on conduct problems (e.g., substance use, fighting, and skipping class). In addition, this study examines unhealthy sleep practices in relationship to adolescent emotional well-being, defiant attitudes, and academic performance, as well as these three domains as possible mediators of the longitudinal association between sleep practices and conduct problems. Three waves of the Taiwan Youth Project (n = 2,472) were used in this study. At the first time-point examined in this study, youth (51% male) were aged 13-17 (M = 13.3). The results indicated that all three measures of unhealthy sleep practices were related to conduct problems, such that short sleep, greater social jetlag, and more serious sleep problems were concurrently associated with greater conduct problems. In addition, short sleep and sleep problems predicted conduct problems one year later. Furthermore, these three unhealthy sleep practices were differently related to poor academic performance, low levels of emotional well-being, and defiant attitudes, and some significant indirect effects on later conduct problems through these three attributes were found. Cultural differences and suggestions for prevention are discussed.

Effect of Combined Manual Acupuncture and Massage on Body Weight and Body Mass Index Reduction in Obese and Overweight Women: A Randomized, Short-term Clinical Trial.

PubMed

He, Junfeng; Zhang, Xing; Qu, Yating; Huang, Huiyong; Liu, Xia; Du, Jia; Guo, Shengtong

2015-04-01

Obesity is one of the leading health risk factors worldwide and is associated with several other risk factors and health problems. Acupuncture is utilized to treat a variety of health problems, one of which is obesity. Fifty-six obese women with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m(2) were recruited for this trial and were randomly divided into two groups, one with combined manual acupuncture and massage therapy (MAMT), and the other with only manual acupuncture therapy (MAT). In addition, 40 overweight women with BMI 23-25 kg/m(2) were randomly divided into two groups, one with MAMT and the other with MAT. Therapy was carried out once per day for 21 days, and the body weights and the BMIs were recorded every day. The results showed that both MAMT and MAT could reduce body weight and BMI significantly, compared with the pretreatment values, for all the participants (p < 0.001); however, the differences in body weight and BMI reductions between pre- and posttreatment for the MAMT and the MAT groups were not statistically significant. The optimal periods for reductions in both body weight and in BMI were the first 4 days. Accounting for the economic strategy (time and money) in alternative therapy, MAT alone may present a reasonable option in the treatment of overweight and obesity in adults. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

A Comparison of Earned Value Management and Earned Schedule as Schedule Predictors on DoD ACAT I Programs

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

33 Mario Vanhoucke and Stephan Vandevoorde – “Measuring the Accuracy of Earned Value/Earned Schedule Forecasting Predictors” (2007...technical problem to the present day ‘ super projects’” (Clark and Lorenzoni, 1997: 2). Cost engineering has “application regardless of industry...large construction projects, but also the acceptance of earned schedule principles on an international scale. Mario Vanhoucke and Stephan Vandevoorde

Matching and Abstraction in Knowledge Systems,

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-01-01

Example 3 (d) Example 1 Example 2 * Example 3 * Example 4 FIGURE 11 In 1906 a psychologist by the name of Sir Francis Galton used the technology of his day...iii o PREFACE This briefing was presented at the Symposium on Artificial Intelligence in Information Science during the 1979 Annual Meeting of the...set of alternatives for the -2- preferred ones. A central theoretical problem common to the two fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information

Active waste-injection systems in Florida, 1976

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vecchioli, John; McKenzie, D.J.; Pascale, C.A.; Wilson, W.E.

1979-01-01

As of the end of 1976, seven systems were injecting liquid wastes into Florida 's subsurface environment at a combined average rate of 15 million gallons per day. This report presents for each of these systems information on the kind and amount of waste injected and type of pretreatment, construction characteristics of the injection and monitor wells, type of test and monitoring data available, and brief discussion of any operational problems experienced. (Kosco-USGS)

Psychological coping styles and cortisol over the day in healthy older adults.

PubMed

O'Donnell, Katie; Badrick, Ellena; Kumari, Meena; Steptoe, Andrew

2008-06-01

Patterns of psychological coping are associated with a variety of health outcomes but the underlying pathways are not yet established. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between salivary cortisol output over the course of a day and coping style. Data were available from 350 men and 192 women with an average age of 60.9 years. Participants were drawn from the Whitehall II cohort, and had no history of cardiovascular disease. Individuals who were taking medication that might affect cortisol levels were also excluded. Saliva samples were provided on waking, then 0.5, 2.5, 8 and 12h after waking, and just before the participant went to sleep. Coping style was measured with a standard instrument, the COPE, and data were factor analysed to generate three factors: seeking social support, problem engagement and problem avoidance. The relationships between these factors and the cortisol awakening response (CAR), the slope of cortisol change over the day and total cortisol output over the day (excluding the waking period) were assessed using multiple linear regression. Cortisol output over the day was inversely associated with coping with stress by seeking social support (p=0.034) and by problem engagement (p=0.003), independently of age, gender, body mass index, smoking, depression, self-rated health, time of waking and income. Individuals who coped by problem engagement and seeking support had lower cortisol levels. Additionally, gender, BMI, smoking, self-rated health and time of waking were independently related to cortisol output over the day. There were no significant associations between coping and the CAR or cortisol slope over the day. The results indicate that adaptive coping styles are related to low levels of cortisol over the day, suggesting that neuroendocrine pathways may partly mediate relationships between psychological coping and health.

Clinical course and quality of care in ART-naïve patients newly presenting in a HIV outpatient clinic.

PubMed

Platten, M; Linnemann, R; Kümmerle, T; Jung, N; Wyen, C; Ehren, K; Gravemann, S; Gillor, D; Cornely, O A; Fischer, J; Lehmann, C; Rockstroh, J K; Fätkenheuer, G; Vehreschild, J J

2014-10-01

Little data exist about the quality of care for HIV-infected subjects in Germany. We investigated the clinical course of HIV-infected subjects newly presenting in our HIV outpatient clinic. Antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve HIV-infected subjects presenting between 2007 and 2008 were followed until June 2012. Clinical data and laboratory parameters were collected prospectively and analysed retrospectively. From 281 subjects included, 34 patients (12%) were lost to follow-up. 247 subjects remained, and 171 patients were followed for 1,497 days [1,121/1,726] (all data: median [interquartile range]). ART was started in 199 patients (81%) 182 days [44/849] after HIV diagnosis, and all patients were treated according to European guidelines or within clinical trials. The CD4 cell count at first presentation was 320/µL [160/500] and declined to 210/µL [100/300] at ART start. 12 months thereafter, the CD4 cell count increased to 410/µL [230/545]. The HIV RNA was suppressed below 50 copies/mL after 108 days [63/173] in 182 patients (91%). Initial ART was changed in 71 patients (36%) after 281 days [99/718], in five patients (7%) due to virological failure, in 66 patients (93%) due to other reasons, e.g. side effects or patient's request. Two-thirds of the included patients were followed for more than 3 years, and ART was initiated in 81% of the patients leading to complete virological suppression in most patients. Compliance of physicians with treatment guidelines was high. Late presentation with a severely compromised immune function remains a problem and impairs the otherwise good prognosis of HIV infection.

Investigation of sonic boom for the Space Shuttle: Low cross-range orbiter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levy, Lionel L., Jr.; Hicks, Raymond M.; Mendoza, Joel P.

1993-01-01

It is desired that the Space Shuttle Orbiter be capable of landing at airports equipped to handle present-day jet transports. Since the majority of such airports are located near heavily populated areas, an investigation has been undertaken to determine whether or not the sonic boom generated during reentry of Space Shuttle Orbiters is potentially a serious problem. The investigation was concerned with the low cross-range orbiter and reentry concept proposed by Faget of the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC). This report describes the approach used and presents the results obtained to date.

Landau ghost pole problem in quantum field theory: From 50th of last century to the present day

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

Jafarov, Rauf G., E-mail: rauf-jafarov@hotmail.com; Mutallimov, Mutallim M.

2016-03-25

In this paper we present our results of the investigation of asymptotical behavior of amplitude at short distances in four-dimensional scalar field theory with ϕ{sup 4} interaction. To formulate of our calculating model – two-particle approximation of the mean-field expansion we have used an Rochev’s iteration scheme of solution of the Schwinger-Dyson equations with the fermion bilocal source. We have considered the nonlinear integral equations in deep-inelastic region of momenta. As result we have a non-trivial behavior of amplitude at large momenta.

Impact of restricted amoxicillin/clavulanic acid use on Escherichia coli resistance--antibiotic DU90% profiles with bacterial resistance rates: a visual presentation.

PubMed

Mimica Matanovic, Suzana; Bergman, Ulf; Vukovic, Dubravka; Wettermark, Björn; Vlahovic-Palcevski, Vera

2010-10-01

High use of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (AMC) at the University Hospital Osijek (Croatia) contributed to high rates of resistance in Enterobacteriaceae, in particular Escherichia coli (50%). Thus, in order to decrease bacterial resistance, AMC use was restricted. We present results of the restriction on resistance amongst antibiotics accounting for 90% of antibiotic use [drug utilisation 90% (DU90%)]. Data were analysed on antibiotic use and microbiological susceptibility of E. coli during two 9-month periods, before and after the restriction of AMC use. Drug use was presented as numbers of defined daily doses (DDDs) and DDDs/100 bed-days. Resistance of E. coli to antibiotics was presented as percentages of isolated strains in the DU90% segment. Use of AMC was 16 DDDs/100 bed-days or 30% of all antibiotics before the intervention. Use of AMC fell to 2 DDDs/100 bed-days or 4% after the intervention, and resistance of E. coli fell from 37% to 11%. In conclusion, restricted use of AMC resulted in a significant decrease of E. coli resistance. DU90% resistance profiles are simple and useful tools in highlighting problems in antibiotic use and resistance but may also be useful in long-term follow-up of antibiotic policy. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. and the International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.

Extension of the shelf life of prawns (Penaeus japonicus) by vacuum packaging and high-pressure treatment.

PubMed

López-Caballero, M E; Pérez-Mateos, M; Borderías, J A; Montero, P

2000-10-01

The present study has investigated the application of high pressures (200 and 400 MPa) in chilled prawn tails, both conventionally stored (air) and vacuum packaged. Vacuum packaging and high-pressure treatment did extend the shelf life of the prawn samples, although it did affect muscle color very slightly, giving it a whiter appearance. The viable shelf life of 1 week for the air-stored samples was extended to 21 days in the vacuum-packed samples, 28 days in the samples treated at 200 MPa, and 35 days in the samples pressurized at 400 MPa. Vacuum packaging checked the onset of blackening, whereas high-pressure treatment aggravated the problem. From a microbiological point of view, batches conventionally stored reached about 6 log CFU/g or even higher at 14 days. Similar figures were reached in total number of bacteria in vacuum-packed samples and in pressurized at 200-MPa samples at 21 days. When samples were pressurized at 400 MPa, total numbers of bacteria were below 5.5 log CFU/g at 35 days of storage. Consequently, a combination of vacuum packaging and high-pressure treatment would appear to be beneficial in prolonging freshness and preventing spotting.

Immunohistological analysis of eotaxin and RANTES in the model animal of eosinophilic otitis media.

PubMed

Kudo, Naomi; Matsubara, Atsushi; Nishizawa, Hisanori; Miura, Tomoya

2017-05-01

The most crucial clinical problem of Eosinophilic Otitis Media (EOM) is sensorineural hearing loss. A previous report revealed that repeated antigen stimulation of middle ear causes eosinophilic inflammation not only in the middle ear but also in the inner ear. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the mechanism of eosinophil infiltration to the inner ear in the animal model of EOM. Continuous OVA stimulation to the middle ear of guinea pigs was performed for 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days. Histological observation was made for eosinophil infiltration and morphological change of the inner ear. Immunostaining for eotaxin and RANTES was performed to study immunoreactivity of those chemokines. In the 7-day stimulation side, a few eosinophils were found in the scala tympani, without obvious morphological damage of the inner ear. Moreover, immunoreactivity of both eotaxin and RANTES was significantly higher in the OVA stimulation sides than control sides. For both eotaxin and RANTES, the number of immunopositive cells was significantly increased in the 14-day stimulation side over the 7-day stimulation side. Eotaxin and RANTES seem to play some important roles for the eosinophil infiltration in the middle and inner ear of model animal of EOM.

A Descriptive Study of Gambling Among Emerging Adult Males in French-Speaking Switzerland.

PubMed

Tomei, Alexander; Tichelli, Emmanuel; Ewering, Neil; Nunweiler-Hardegger, Sophie; Simon, Olivier

2015-09-01

The aims were twofold: to examine the gambling habits of emerging adult males in the French-speaking regions of Switzerland and to what extent these habits predict problem gambling within this population. We also evaluated problem gambling rates and provided data concerning variables such as gambling location, level of information about problem gambling and awareness of treatment centers. 606 Swiss male conscripts, aged 18-22 years, completed a self-report questionnaire. This was administered during their army recruitment day in 2012. Problem gambling was assessed through the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) (Ferris and Wynne 2001). 78.5% of the respondents were lifetime gamblers, 56.1% were past-year gamblers. Four out of ten past-year gamblers played in private spaces and in back rooms. The PGSI indicated that 10.8% of past-year gamblers presented with moderate gambling problems, whilst 1.4% appeared to be problem gamblers. The majority of respondents had never received information about problem gambling. Moreover, they were unaware of the existence of treatment centers for problem gambling in their region. PGSI scores were significantly predicted by the variety of games played. Problem gambling rates among young men appear to be higher than those of the general Swiss population. This confirms that emerging adult males are a particularly vulnerable population with regards to gambling addiction. The implications of this are considered for youth gambling-prevention programs.

Test results of six-month test of two water electrolysis systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mills, E. S.; Wells, G. W.

1972-01-01

The two water electrolysis systems used in the NASA space station simulation 90-day manned test of a regenerative life support system were refurbished as required and subjected to 26-weeks of testing. The two electrolysis units are both promising systems for oxygen and hydrogen generation and both needed extensive long-term testing to evaluate the performance of the respective cell design and provide guidance for further development. Testing was conducted to evaluate performance in terms of current, pressure, variable oxygen demands, and orbital simulation. An automatic monitoring system was used to record, monitor and printout performance data at one minute, ten minute or one-hour intervals. Performance data is presented for each day of system operation for each module used during the day. Failures are analyzed, remedial action taken to eliminate problems is discussed and recommendations for redesign for future space applications are stated.

Neonatal episodic hypoglycemia: a finding of valproic acid withdrawal.

PubMed

Çoban, Dilek; Kurtoğlu, Selim; Akın, Mustafa Ali; Akçakuş, Mustafa; Güneş, Tamer

2010-01-01

The treatment of epilepsy during pregnancy is a worldwide problem. Drugs need to be used to control seizures in the mothers. In utero, exposure to valproic acid (VPA) and phenytoin (PH) may cause congenital malformations and also withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, jitteriness and symptoms of hypoglycemia. We present here a newborn with episodic hypoglycemia due to in utero exposure to VPA and PH. The mother was diagnosed as having complex partial epilepsy and was treated with PH (200 mg/day) and VPA (600 mg/day). The offspring developed jitteriness on the second day of life. The infant was hypoglycemic (32 mg/dl). These findings were accepted as withdrawal symptoms, since serum levels of VPA and PH were 37.8 μg/ml (50-100 μg/ml) and 6.37 μg/dl (10-20 μg/ml), respectively. Measurement of blood glucose is important and should be carefully monitored in infants exposed to antiepileptics in utero.

Making Debris Avoidance Decisions for ESMO's EOS Mission Set

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mantziaras, Dimitrios

2016-01-01

The presentation will cover the aspects of making debris risk decisions from the NASA Mission Director's perspective, specifically for NASA Earth Science Mission Operations (ESMO) Earth Observing System (EOS) mission set. ESMO has been involved in analyzing potential debris risk conjunctions with secondary objects since the inception of this discipline. Through the cumulated years of experience and continued exposure to various debris scenarios, ESMO's understanding of the problem and process to deal with this issue has evolved. The presentation will describe the evolution of the ESMO process, specifically as it relates to the maneuver execution and spacecraft risk management decision process. It will briefly cover the original Drag Make-Up Maneuver, several day, methodical manually intensive, ramp up waive off approach, to the present day more automated, pre-canned onboard command, tools based approach. The presentation will also cover the key information needed to make debris decisions and challenges in doing so while still trying to meet science goals, constellation constraints and manage resources. A slide or two at the end of the presentation, will be devoted to discussing what further improvements could be helpful to improve decision making and future process improvement plans challenges.

World Food Day Curriculum, Grades K-3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zander, Janet

Hunger and malnutrition lead to the deaths of 13-18 million people a year; 75 percent of these victims are children. World Food Day was created to focus attention on the world's food and farm problems and to encourage the world's people to become directly involved in the solution of these problems. It is sponsored jointly by the United Nations…

Stable Roles, Changed Skills: Teacher Candidate Responses to Instruction about Adolescent Psychosocial Support Practices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Phillippo, Kate; Blosser, Allison

2017-01-01

By virtue of their day-to-day contact with students, teachers are uniquely positioned to notice and respond to student psychosocial issues, both mental health problems and issues like peer harassment that can contribute to mental health problems. Yet, teachers' opportunities to learn about providing psychosocial support remain scattered. The…

Pre-Service Teachers' Level of Problem Solving and Its Relation with Creative Drama Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arslan, Suna

2015-01-01

This study seeks an answer to the question "Can Creative Drama programs be benefited from in developing the experiences of noticing educational and psychosocial problems and solving them in relation with the teaching profession?." The importance given to Creative Drama method in educational programs increases day by day. Drama education…

Family Environment, Coping, and Mental Health in Adolescents Attending Therapeutic Day Schools

PubMed Central

Rodriguez, Erin M.; Donenberg, Geri R.; Emerson, Erin; Wilson, Helen W.; Brown, Larry K.; Houck, Christopher

2014-01-01

OBJECTIVE This study examined associations among family environment, coping, and emotional and conduct problems in adolescents attending therapeutic day schools due to mental health problems. METHODS Adolescents (N=417; 30.2% female) ages 13–20 (M=15.25) reported on their family environment (affective involvement and functioning), coping (emotion-focused support-seeking, cognitive restructuring, avoidant actions), and emotional and conduct problems. RESULTS Poorer family environment was associated with less emotion-focused support-seeking and cognitive restructuring, and more emotional and conduct problems. Emotional problems were negatively associated with cognitive restructuring, and conduct problems were negatively associated with all coping strategies. Cognitive restructuring accounted for the relationship between family environment and emotional problems. Cognitive restructuring and emotion-focused support-seeking each partially accounted for the relationship between family functioning and conduct problems, but not the relationship between family affective involvement and conduct problems. CONCLUSIONS Findings implicate the role of coping in the relationship between family environment and adolescent mental health. PMID:25151645

Testing bidirectional associations among emotion regulation strategies and substance use: a daily diary study.

PubMed

Weiss, Nicole H; Bold, Krysten W; Sullivan, Tami P; Armeli, Stephen; Tennen, Howard

2017-04-01

Alcohol and marijuana are widely used among college students. Emotion regulation strategies have been linked to alcohol and marijuana use, but little attention has been devoted to modeling the directionality of these associations. The aims of the current study were to test whether (a) daytime use of emotion regulation strategies influences the likelihood of evening substance use and (b) evening substance use influences the likelihood of next-day use of emotion regulation strategies. Longitudinal daily diary data were collected for 30 days via on-line surveys. Northeastern United States. A total of 1640 college students (mean age = 19.2 years, 54% female, 80% European American) were recruited each semester between Spring 2008 and Spring 2012. Daily diaries assessed emotion regulation strategies (distraction, reappraisal, problem-solving, avoidance) and substance use (any drinking, heavy drinking, marijuana use, co-use of any drinking/heavy drinking and marijuana). Covariates included gender, age, race/ethnicity, fraternity/sorority involvement and baseline depression. Daytime distraction [odds ratio (OR) = 0.95], reappraisal (OR = 0.95) and problem-solving (OR = 0.94) predicted lower odds of evening marijuana use (P-values < 0.02). Evening heavy drinking (OR = 0.90) and marijuana use (OR = 0.89) predicted lower odds of next-day problem-solving, with heavy drinking also predicting higher odds (OR = 1.08) of next-day avoidance and marijuana use also predicting higher odds (OR = 1.08) of next-day reappraisal (P-values < 0.03). There appear to be reciprocal relations among emotion regulation strategies and substance use: greater daytime use of distraction, reappraisal, and problem solving predicts lower evening substance use, while higher evening substance use predicts higher next-day avoidance and reappraisal but lower next-day problem-solving. © 2016 Society for the Study of Addiction.

General hospital resources consumed by an elderly population awaiting long-term care.

PubMed

Coughlan, T; O'Neill, D

2001-01-01

The provision of extended care facilities in urban Ireland has lagged behind the growth in the numbers of older people. A final pathway for placement is often through the general hospital and the attendant delay results in a diversion of resources. We developed a database of the long-term care waiting lists for the years 1994-present and this was analysed for the six years 1994-1999. We calculated the number of bed-days consumed by elderly patients awaiting placement in long-term care facilities and thus the hospital resources consumed during these periods. The total number of bed-days consumed over the study period was 51,923, the mean being 8653.8 days. Approximately 23.9% of patients die in hospital while awaiting long-term placement. Translating these bed-days into opportunity cost losses in areas relevant to the general hospital we found that 560 extra elective orthopaedic procedures and 1,212 extra transurethral prostatectomies could have been performed per year. The problem of overnight stays in casualty could have been totally abolished if only 65% of these beds were free. Elective theatre is often cancelled with one of the primary reasons being lack of beds. If even a proportion of these beds could be freed up few if any theatre sessions would have to be cancelled, assuming bed availability to be the only factor. This study confirms that the lack of appropriate accommodation for older people requiring extended care is consuming a significant proportion of health care resources. An accelerated program of building of publicly funded long-term placement facilities is urgently required to ameliorate this problem, especially in the greater Dublin area. Further study is required to determine whether this problem exists in other health board areas and if so whether it exists to the same extent.

Mind the Costs: Rescaling and Multi-Level Environmental Governance in Venice Lagoon

PubMed Central

Fritsch, Oliver

2010-01-01

Competences over environmental matters are distributed across agencies at different scales on a national-to-local continuum. This article adopts a transaction costs economics perspective in order to explore the question whether, in the light of a particular problem, the scale at which a certain competence is attributed can be reconsidered. Specifically, it tests whether a presumption of least-cost operation concerning an agency at a given scale can hold. By doing so, it investigates whether the rescaling of certain tasks, aiming at solving a scale-related problem, is likely to produce an increase in costs for day-to-day agency operations as compared to the status quo. The article explores such a perspective for the case of Venice Lagoon. The negative aspects of the present arrangement concerning fishery management and morphological remediation are directly linked to the scale of the agencies involved. The analysis suggests that scales have been chosen correctly, at least from the point of view of the costs incurred to the agencies involved. Consequently, a rescaling of those agencies does not represent a viable option. PMID:20162274

Mind the Costs: Rescaling and Multi-Level Environmental Governance in Venice Lagoon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roggero, Matteo; Fritsch, Oliver

2010-07-01

Competences over environmental matters are distributed across agencies at different scales on a national-to-local continuum. This article adopts a transaction costs economics perspective in order to explore the question whether, in the light of a particular problem, the scale at which a certain competence is attributed can be reconsidered. Specifically, it tests whether a presumption of least-cost operation concerning an agency at a given scale can hold. By doing so, it investigates whether the rescaling of certain tasks, aiming at solving a scale-related problem, is likely to produce an increase in costs for day-to-day agency operations as compared to the status quo. The article explores such a perspective for the case of Venice Lagoon. The negative aspects of the present arrangement concerning fishery management and morphological remediation are directly linked to the scale of the agencies involved. The analysis suggests that scales have been chosen correctly, at least from the point of view of the costs incurred to the agencies involved. Consequently, a rescaling of those agencies does not represent a viable option.

Mind the costs: rescaling and multi-level environmental governance in Venice lagoon.

PubMed

Roggero, Matteo; Fritsch, Oliver

2010-07-01

Competences over environmental matters are distributed across agencies at different scales on a national-to-local continuum. This article adopts a transaction costs economics perspective in order to explore the question whether, in the light of a particular problem, the scale at which a certain competence is attributed can be reconsidered. Specifically, it tests whether a presumption of least-cost operation concerning an agency at a given scale can hold. By doing so, it investigates whether the rescaling of certain tasks, aiming at solving a scale-related problem, is likely to produce an increase in costs for day-to-day agency operations as compared to the status quo. The article explores such a perspective for the case of Venice Lagoon. The negative aspects of the present arrangement concerning fishery management and morphological remediation are directly linked to the scale of the agencies involved. The analysis suggests that scales have been chosen correctly, at least from the point of view of the costs incurred to the agencies involved. Consequently, a rescaling of those agencies does not represent a viable option.

The performance of health workers in Ethiopia: results from qualitative research.

PubMed

Lindelow, Magnus; Serneels, Pieter

2006-05-01

Insufficient attention has been paid to understanding what determines the performance of health workers. This paper reports on findings from focus group discussions with both health workers and users of health services in Ethiopia, a country with some of the poorest health outcomes in the world. We describe performance problems identified by both health users and health workers participating in the focus group discussions, including absenteeism and shirking, pilfering drugs and materials, informal health care provision and illicit charging, and corruption. In the second part of the paper we present four structural reasons why these problems arise: (i) the ongoing transition from health sector dominated by the public sector, towards a more mixed model; (ii) the failure of government policies to keep pace with the transition towards a mixed model of service delivery; (iii) weak accountability mechanisms and the erosion of professional norms in the health sector; and (iv) the impact of HIV/AIDS. The discussions underline the need to base policies on a micro-analysis of how health workers make constrained choices, both in their career and in their day to day professional activities.

[To see oneself in a context--medicine and historia--the two cultures].

PubMed

Schiøtz, A

2000-12-10

Historians and physicians have different social vantage points and have developed widely different professional cultures. This diversity is a distinct feature of their research, their theoretical approaches, and their scholarly methods. The historian's and the physician's points of view both seem to be necessary parts of medical history. The subject itself as well as the scholars involved may profit from teamwork. The author also asks whether historical knowledge in the field of medicine is useful for today's practitioners. Her answer is yes. Historical insight might contribute to a better understanding of day-to-day problems and the complex structures of which physicians are part. Furthermore, it is suggested that physicians will benefit from insights into why their discipline and their professional position have developed in the ways they have. At its best, historical knowledge can contribute to a deeper understanding of the limitations of medicine, and so may add to physicians' ability to adjust their role in line with the present time. Historical knowledge might even contribute to increased respect for other branches of knowledge and for other people's skills and professional problems.

PREFACE: Spanish Relativity Meeting (ERE 2010): Gravity as a Crossroad in Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aldaya, Víctor; Barceló, Carlos; Jaramillo, José Luis

2011-09-01

The 2010 edition of the Spanish Relativity Meeting (ERE2010) took place in Granada from 6-10 September 2010, and was hosted by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA - CSIC). This event represented the 34th edition of Encuentros Relativistas Españoles (ERE), an international conference devoted to relativity and gravitation and organized every year by one of the Spanish groups working in this area. The particular scientific flavour of the 2010 edition was captured by the subtitle of the conference, 'Gravity as a Crossroad in Physics'. Our underlying rationale was to present gravitational physics as a scientific 'locus' for the interaction between (separate) communities in physics. It is a remarkable property of gravity that its specific problems provide a framework that calls for the interchange of ideas, concepts and methodologies from very different communities. In this edition we aimed to reflect this interdisciplinary perspective in the scientific programme. Each day during the week was devoted to a particular 'dialogue' between two communities who share some of their ultimate goals, but differ in their conceptual background, methodology or technical approach. These 'dialogues' were envisaged as opportunities to compare alternative viewpoints, maintaining a focus on their complementary nature. This led to the organization of the week as follows: Day 1: Fundamental vs Effective Approaches in Theoretical GravityThis day compared approaches to gravity that differ conceptually in their understanding of the nature of the basic physical degrees of freedom of the theory, namely confronting viewpoints supporting the fundamental status of such degrees of freedom with other research programs favouring some emergence mechanism. Gravitational analogues were also discussed on this day. Day 2: Geometric vs Quantum Field/String Theory Approaches to Quantum GravityThis day was focused on quantum gravity. A particular emphasis was placed on the comparison between geometric approaches to the quantization of general relativity (e.g. loop quantum gravity in the context of the canonical program) and approaches leaning on or evolving from a (quantum) field theory treatment of gravity (e.g. string/M-theory). Day 3: Theoretical Cosmology vs Physical CosmologyThis day addressed the current challenges in cosmology from a double perspective. On the one hand, offering an analysis of the large scale picture of the universe emerging from the accumulated body of observational data and, on the other hand, assessing the theoretical attempts to explain such a picture putting a special emphasis on the role of gravity. Day 4: Relativity vs AstrophysicsThis day was focused on astrophysical problems where general relativity plays a fundamental role. Challenges and difficulties encountered by relativists modelling specific astrophysical scenarios were disucssed as well as the problems found by astrophysicists needing general relativity as a key conceptual ingredient. Particular emphasis was placed on gravitational waves and compact objects. Day 5: Mathematical Relativity vs Numerical RelativityThis day discussed fundamental problems in general relativity, and more generally in gravity physics, where a close collaboration between relativists in the geometry/analysis community on the one hand, and relativists in the numerical community on the other hand, can prove to be particularly successful and insightful. The contributions in this volume have been organized in two blocks, corresponding to plenary and parallel sessions during the conference. In both cases we have kept the chronological order of the presented talks. The only exception to this rule is the parallel session dedicated to the memory of the late S Brian Edgar, labeled as IV.A during the conference, which we have placed immediately after the plenary session contributions. The result of the 'dialogue experience' at the conference was extremely satisfactory and gratifying. Scientific sessions were thrilled by tantalizing and inspiring discussions, often continued in long walks around the Cármenes of the old city. In this spirit, we wish to thank all of the participants of the ERE meeting for their enthusiasm and especially the contributors to these proceedings for their synthesis effort. Granada, 25 July 2011 Víctor Aldaya, Carlos Barceló and José Luis Jaramillo

Studies on the therapeutic effect of propolis along with standard antibacterial drug in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infected BALB/c mice.

PubMed

Kalia, Preeti; Kumar, Neelima R; Harjai, Kusum

2016-11-25

Antibiotic resistance is an emerging public health problem. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has described antibiotic resistance as one of the world's most pressing health problems in 21 st century. WHO rated antibiotic resistance as "one of the three greatest threats to human health". One important strategy employed to overcome this resistance is the use of combination of drugs. Many plants, natural extracts have been shown to exhibit synergistic response with standard drugs against microorganisms. The present study focused on the antibacterial potential of propolis in combination with the standard antibiotic Cefixime against the typhoid causing bacteria i.e. Salmonella. Ethanolic extract of propolis was taken for the present work. For the experiment BALB/c mice were taken as animal model and divided into ten groups. Along with normal and infected control groups, four different combinations of cefixime and propolis were used. Biochemical, hematological and histopathological indices were studied by following the standard protocols. In BALB/c mice, Salmonella causes severe biochemical, hematological and histopathological alterations by 5 th day of infection. Ethanolic extract of propolis at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight of mice when used alone to treat Salmonella infection in mice gave significant results by 30 th day of treatment. Similarly, when cefixime (4 mg/kg body weight of mice) was used to treat infection in mice, significant results as compared to infected control were observed after 5 th day. But when propolis and cefixime were used together in different concentrations in combination therapy, evident results were observed after 5 days of treatment. The levels of various liver and kidney function enzymes, blood indices and the histopathology of liver, spleen and kidney were restored to near normal after 5 days of treatment and at much lower doses as compared to the effective dose when used alone. The study confirmed that significant results were observed in three combinations of cefixime and propolis as compared to infected controls. Propolis acted synergistically with cefixime and enhanced the efficacy of antibiotic and reduced its effective dose in combined therapy.

Problem Solvers: Problem--How Long Can You Stand?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Teaching Children Mathematics, 2010

2010-01-01

Healthy lifestyles are increasingly emphasized these days. This month the authors begin a series of mathematical problems that also address physical activity. They hope that these problems offer opportunities to investigate mathematics and also reinforce the desire to lead a healthy life. In their first problem of the academic year, students…

Complementary feeding recommendations based on locally available foods in Indonesia.

PubMed

Fahmida, Umi; Santika, Otte; Kolopaking, Risatianti; Ferguson, Elaine

2014-12-01

Affordable, locally contextual complementary feeding recommendations (CFRs) that take into account cultural diversity and differences in food availability will be more likely to result in long-term improvements in complementary feeding practices than general recommendations. More objective approaches, such as linear programming (LP), have been recommended to identify optimal but CFRs to meet nutrient requirements given local food availability, food patterns, food portions, and cost. To present results of our previous studies in which we developed CFRs using LP and to provide an example of how these CFRs can be put into practice in a community intervention trial in Indonesia. Dietary data were obtained using single 24-hour dietary recall or 1-day weighed diet record combined with 1-day 24-hour recall and 5-day food intake tally. With the use of the LP approach, nutrient intakes were optimized while ensuring that a realistic diet was selected by using constraints such as the diet's energy content, food patterns, food portions, and cost. The price per 100 g of edible portion was obtained from market surveys in two or three local markets in each study area. LP analysis was performed using Super Solver in MS Excel or Optifood software. Iron, zinc, calcium, and niacin were problem nutrients in all age groups of children (6 to 8, 9 to 11, and 12 to 23 months) in both rural and periurban areas, except among children of higher socioeconomic status in urban areas. Thiamin and folate were also problem nutrients found in some settings. Animal-source foods (meat, fish, poultry, and eggs [MFPE] and fortified foods were the nutrient-dense foods identified by LP to fill the nutrient gaps of these problem nutrients. Iron, calcium, zinc, niacin, and potentially folate and thiamine are typical "problem nutrients" in complementary foods of Indonesian children. However, the extent of dietary inadequacy varies across age groups, area, and socioeconomic level. MFPE and fortified foods can improve micronutrient adequacy in complementary feeding diets and should be promoted in CFRs.

Quantum annealing for the number-partitioning problem using a tunable spin glass of ions

PubMed Central

Graß, Tobias; Raventós, David; Juliá-Díaz, Bruno; Gogolin, Christian; Lewenstein, Maciej

2016-01-01

Exploiting quantum properties to outperform classical ways of information processing is an outstanding goal of modern physics. A promising route is quantum simulation, which aims at implementing relevant and computationally hard problems in controllable quantum systems. Here we demonstrate that in a trapped ion setup, with present day technology, it is possible to realize a spin model of the Mattis-type that exhibits spin glass phases. Our method produces the glassy behaviour without the need for any disorder potential, just by controlling the detuning of the spin-phonon coupling. Applying a transverse field, the system can be used to benchmark quantum annealing strategies which aim at reaching the ground state of the spin glass starting from the paramagnetic phase. In the vicinity of a phonon resonance, the problem maps onto number partitioning, and instances which are difficult to address classically can be implemented. PMID:27230802

Trading strategies for distribution company with stochastic distributed energy resources

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

Zhang, Chunyu; Wang, Qi; Wang, Jianhui

2016-09-01

This paper proposes a methodology to address the trading strategies of a proactive distribution company (PDISCO) engaged in the transmission-level (TL) markets. A one-leader multi-follower bilevel model is presented to formulate the gaming framework between the PDISCO and markets. The lower-level (LL) problems include the TL day-ahead market and scenario-based real-time markets, respectively with the objectives of maximizing social welfare and minimizing operation cost. The upper-level (UL) problem is to maximize the PDISCO’s profit across these markets. The PDISCO’s strategic offers/bids interactively influence the outcomes of each market. Since the LL problems are linear and convex, while the UL problemmore » is non-linear and non-convex, an equivalent primal–dual approach is used to reformulate this bilevel model to a solvable mathematical program with equilibrium constraints (MPEC). The effectiveness of the proposed model is verified by case studies.« less

A Generalized Formulation of Demand Response under Market Environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Minh Y.; Nguyen, Duc M.

2015-06-01

This paper presents a generalized formulation of Demand Response (DR) under deregulated electricity markets. The problem is scheduling and controls the consumption of electrical loads according to the market price to minimize the energy cost over a day. Taking into account the modeling of customers' comfort (i.e., preference), the formulation can be applied to various types of loads including what was traditionally classified as critical loads (e.g., air conditioning, lights). The proposed DR scheme is based on Dynamic Programming (DP) framework and solved by DP backward algorithm in which the stochastic optimization is used to treat the uncertainty, if any occurred in the problem. The proposed formulation is examined with the DR problem of different loads, including Heat Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Electric Vehicles (EVs) and a newly DR on the water supply systems of commercial buildings. The result of simulation shows significant saving can be achieved in comparison with their traditional (On/Off) scheme.

An experience sampling study of learning, affect, and the demands control support model.

PubMed

Daniels, Kevin; Boocock, Grahame; Glover, Jane; Holland, Julie; Hartley, Ruth

2009-07-01

The demands control support model (R. A. Karasek & T. Theorell, 1990) indicates that job control and social support enable workers to engage in problem solving. In turn, problem solving is thought to influence learning and well-being (e.g., anxious affect, activated pleasant affect). Two samples (N = 78, N = 106) provided data up to 4 times per day for up to 5 working days. The extent to which job control was used for problem solving was assessed by measuring the extent to which participants changed aspects of their work activities to solve problems. The extent to which social support was used to solve problems was assessed by measuring the extent to which participants discussed problems to solve problems. Learning mediated the relationship between changing aspects of work activities to solve problems and activated pleasant affect. Learning also mediated the relationship between discussing problems to solve problems and activated pleasant affect. The findings indicated that how individuals use control and support to respond to problem-solving demands is associated with organizational and individual phenomena, such as learning and affective well-being.

Osteomalacia: a case series of patients with atypical clinical orthopaedic presentations.

PubMed

Fok, A W M; Ng, T P

2010-12-01

Osteomalacia is uncommon in an affluent subtropical city like Hong Kong, where sunlight exposure is adequate and nutritional support is good. We present three patients who had osteomalacia with different presentations. A 74-year-old male with oncogenic osteomalacia presented with multiple bone pain. His biochemical markers returned to normal 4 days postoperatively after resection of a second toe giant cell tumour of tendon sheath. A 62-year-old woman with a history of liver problem and proximal muscle weakness was admitted with atraumatic fracture of the left distal humerus due to osteomalacia. An 81-year-old vegetarian woman with inadequate sun exposure complained of multiple bone pains. Subsequent investigation revealed dietary- and sunlight-deficient osteomalacia with multiple bony abnormalities including marked femur bowing.

The Effects of Air Pollution on Cardiovascular and Respiratory Causes of Emergency Admission.

PubMed

Shahi, Ali Mohammad; Omraninava, Ali; Goli, Mitra; Soheilarezoomand, Hamid Reza; Mirzaei, Nader

2014-01-01

Today, air pollution is one of the critical problems in metropolitans and necessary preparations are needed for confronting this crisis. The present study was based on the goal of determining the relationship of air pollutant levels with the rate of emergency admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular patients. In the present retrospective cross-sectional study, all respiratory and cardiovascular patients, referred to emergency department during 2012, were assessed. The meteorological and air pollution data were collected. Information regarding the numbers and dates (month, day) of admission for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases was achieved from the hospital's electronic registration system. The relation of air pollution and respiratory and cardiovascular admissions were analyzed by generalize additive model (GAM). 5922 patients were assessed which included 4048 (68.36%) cardiovascular and 1874 (31.64%) respiratory. Carbon monoxide (CO) level was an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease on the same day (RR=1.49; 95% CI: 1.25- 1.77; P<0.001), the day before (RR=1.22; 95% CI: 1.02- 1.45; P=0.03), and the last two days (RR=1.3; 95% CI: 1.09- 1.54; P<0.001). The same process was repeated for ozone (O3). In addition, the O3 level on the same day (RR=1.49; 95% CI: 1.25- 1.77; P<0.001), the day before (RR=1.22; 95% CI: 1.02- 1.45; P=0.03), the last two days (RR=1.3; 95% CI: 1.09- 1.54; P<0.001), and the last week (RR=1.004; 95% CI: 1.0007-1.008; P=0.02) were independent risk factors of respiratory admissions. The increased level of particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5) like O3 led to growth in the admissions to emergency department. The findings of the present study suggested that rising levels of CO and O3 during two days leads to a significant increase in cardiovascular admission on the third day. Furthermore, increase in O3, PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and CO levels causes a rise in respiratory admissions to emergency department.

Use of the Amplatzer Type 2 Plug for Flow Redirection in Failing Autogenous Hemodialysis Fistulae

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

Bozkurt, Alper, E-mail: bozkurtalper@yahoo.com; Kırbaş, İsmail, E-mail: drismailk@yahoo.com; Kasapoglu, Benan, E-mail: benankasapoglu@hotmail.com

PurposeTo present our experience with redirecting the outflow of mature arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) in patients with cannulation and/or suboptimal flow problems by percutaneous intervention using the Amplatzer Vascular Plug II (AVP II).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients who presented with difficulty in cannulation and/or suboptimal flow in the puncture zone of the AVF and who underwent intervention using the AVP II to redirect the outflow through a better cannulation zone from March 2009 to November 2012. The mean survival rate of all AVFs was estimated, and the effects of patient age, sex, and AVF age on the AVF survival time were determined.ResultsInmore » total, 31 patients (17 male and 14 female) with a mean age of 57.8 years (range, 20–79 years) were included. In 2 patients, the AVF failed within the first 15 days because of rapid thrombosis. In 9 patients, the new AVF route was working effectively until unsalvageable thrombosis developed. One of the 31 patients died 9 months before the last radiologic evaluation. The new AVF route was still being used for dialysis in the remaining 19 patients. The mean AVF survival rate was 1,061.4 ± 139.4 days (range, 788–1,334 days). Patient age, sex, and AVF age did not affect the survival time.ConclusionWe suggest that the AVP II is useful for redirecting the outflow of AVFs with cannulation problems and suboptimal flow. Patency of existing AVFs may be extended, thereby extending surgery-free or catheter intervention-free survival period.« less

The furnace in the basement: Part 1, The early days of the Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Program, 1970--1973

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

Smith, M.C.

1995-09-01

This report presents the descriptions of the background information and formation of the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory Geothermal Energy Group. It discusses the organizational, financial, political, public-relations,geologic, hydrologic, physical, and mechanical problems encountered by the group during the period 1970--1973. It reports the failures as well as the successes of this essential first stage in the development of hot dry rock geothermal energy systems.

The story of 520 days on a simulated flight to Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poláčková Šolcová, Iva; Šolcová, Iva; Stuchlíková, Iva; Mazehóová, Yvona

2016-09-01

The project Mars-500 was the first long-term simulation of a manned flight to Mars. We examined the ways crew members described their experiences and their life during simulation, what they saw as key episodes and key topics in simulation, as well as key problems and key benefits. The aim of this paper is to present the Mars-500 simulation in its complexity, from beginning to end, as a one narrative story.

Food Assistance: Efforts To Control Fraud and Abuse in the Child and Adult Care Food Program Should Be Strengthened. United States General Accounting Office Report to Congressional Committees.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robertson, Robert E.

The Child and Adult Care Food Program provides over $1.5 billion in benefits annually to children and adults in day care. In order to address the longstanding problems of fraud and abuse present in the program, state agencies have been charged with the responsibility for implementing Food and Nutrition Service's (FNS) regulations to prevent and…

The workshop. [use and application of remotely sensed data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wake, W. H.

1981-01-01

The plan is presented for a two day workshop held to provide educational and training experience in the reading, interpretation, and application of LANDSAT and correlated larger scale imagery, digital printout maps, and other collateral material for a large number of participants with widely diverse levels of expertise, backgrounds, and occupations in government, industry, and education. The need for using surface truth field studies with correlated aerial imagery in solving real world problems was demonstrated.

Translations on Eastern Europe Political, Sociological, and Military Affairs, Number 1418

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-07-18

such as [Text] or [Excerpt] in the first line of each item, or following the last line of a brief, indicate how the original information was...ADDRESSES BUCHAREST DINNER HONORING HUSAK VISIT Bucharest SCINTEIA in Romanian 23 Jun 77 pp 1, 3 AU [ Toast by Romanian President Nicolae Ceausescu at...problem is how to preserve the liveliness of the former formats under present day conditions. The technology, of course, is only a means. It is no

Research on solid waste management system: to improve existing situation in Corlu Town of Turkey.

PubMed

Tinmaz, Esra; Demir, Ibrahim

2006-01-01

Over the past decades, uncontrolled population growth and rapid urbanization and industrialization have resulted in environmental problems in Corlu Town, Turkey. One of the most important problems is solid waste due to inadequate management practices. Nowadays, increasing public awareness of the environment compels local authorities to define and to adopt new solutions for waste management. This paper presents a general overview of current solid waste management practices in Corlu Town and principles of the recommended municipal solid waste (MSW) management system. In Corlu, 170 tonnes of municipal solid waste are generated each day, or 1.150 kg per capita per day. Approximately one-half of the municipal solid waste generated is organic material and 30% of the MSW consists of recyclable materials. The recommended system deals with maximizing recycling and minimizing landfilling of municipal solid waste, and consists of separation at source, collection, sorting, recycling, composting and sanitary landfilling. This study also analyzed the recommended system with respect to feasibility and economics. To evaluate whether the suggested system is cost effective or not, the operating cost of the recommended system and market prices of recyclable materials were compared, and the results show that the recommended system will reduce required landfill volume up to 27% of compared to the present situation. The profit of the recommended system is estimated to be about 80 million US dollars.

Teaching experimental design.

PubMed

Fry, Derek J

2014-01-01

Awareness of poor design and published concerns over study quality stimulated the development of courses on experimental design intended to improve matters. This article describes some of the thinking behind these courses and how the topics can be presented in a variety of formats. The premises are that education in experimental design should be undertaken with an awareness of educational principles, of how adults learn, and of the particular topics in the subject that need emphasis. For those using laboratory animals, it should include ethical considerations, particularly severity issues, and accommodate learners not confident with mathematics. Basic principles, explanation of fully randomized, randomized block, and factorial designs, and discussion of how to size an experiment form the minimum set of topics. A problem-solving approach can help develop the skills of deciding what are correct experimental units and suitable controls in different experimental scenarios, identifying when an experiment has not been properly randomized or blinded, and selecting the most efficient design for particular experimental situations. Content, pace, and presentation should suit the audience and time available, and variety both within a presentation and in ways of interacting with those being taught is likely to be effective. Details are given of a three-day course based on these ideas, which has been rated informative, educational, and enjoyable, and can form a postgraduate module. It has oral presentations reinforced by group exercises and discussions based on realistic problems, and computer exercises which include some analysis. Other case studies consider a half-day format and a module for animal technicians. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The development of Fournier's gangrene following rubber band ligation of haemorrhoids

PubMed Central

Subramaniam, Daryl; Hureibi, Khalid; Zia, Khawaja; Uheba, Mokthar

2013-01-01

The development of Fournier's gangrene in an 80-year-old male patient with diabetes after a routine outpatient haemorrhoid banding procedure is described. Four days following the procedure, the patient noticed an increasing amount of pain and swelling of the perianal region. When the patient presented to the emergency department 18 days later, immediate radical debridement of ischiorectal necrotic tissue was performed. A defunctioning loop sigmoid colostomy was also formed. Subsequent operations required excision of the scrotum and abdominoperineal excision of the rectum. Histology studies later confirmed the presence of necrotising fasciitis. The case acts as a reminder that clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for high-risk patients still suffering from problems following the procedure. PMID:24287481

Dual pricing algorithm in ISO markets

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

O'Neill, Richard P.; Castillo, Anya; Eldridge, Brent

The challenge to create efficient market clearing prices in centralized day-ahead electricity markets arises from inherent non-convexities in unit commitment problems. When this aspect is ignored, marginal prices may result in economic losses to market participants who are part of the welfare maximizing solution. In this essay, we present an axiomatic approach to efficient prices and cost allocation for a revenue neutral and non-confiscatory day-ahead market. Current cost allocation practices do not adequately attribute costs based on transparent cost causation criteria. Instead we propose an ex post multi-part pricing scheme, which we refer to as the Dual Pricing Algorithm. Lastly,more » our approach can be incorporated into current dayahead markets without altering the market equilibrium.« less

Dual pricing algorithm in ISO markets

DOE PAGES

O'Neill, Richard P.; Castillo, Anya; Eldridge, Brent; ...

2016-10-10

The challenge to create efficient market clearing prices in centralized day-ahead electricity markets arises from inherent non-convexities in unit commitment problems. When this aspect is ignored, marginal prices may result in economic losses to market participants who are part of the welfare maximizing solution. In this essay, we present an axiomatic approach to efficient prices and cost allocation for a revenue neutral and non-confiscatory day-ahead market. Current cost allocation practices do not adequately attribute costs based on transparent cost causation criteria. Instead we propose an ex post multi-part pricing scheme, which we refer to as the Dual Pricing Algorithm. Lastly,more » our approach can be incorporated into current dayahead markets without altering the market equilibrium.« less

Real Life Math Mysteries: A Kids' Answer to the Question, "What Will We Ever Use This For?"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Washington, Mary Ford

This book contains real-life mathematics problems and is designed to conform to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' (NCTM) goals as outlined in the NCTM Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics. The problems come from each person's day-to-day experiences in their careers. Persons from various careers represented are…

How to Stop Dealing with the Same Types of Problems Day after Day, Part 2

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martin, Gary

2005-01-01

Gaining expertise in leadership requires time, commitment, an adequate knowledge base, and a working plan for learning and growth. Without a plan for learning, only tacit or "how-to" expertise is developed. Leaders often know how to solve the problems facing them, but fail to analyze and act on the underlying causes. This results in administrators…

How to Stop Dealing with the Same Types of Problems Day after Day, Part 1

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martin, Gary

2005-01-01

Gaining expertise in leadership requires time, commitment, an adequate knowledge base, and a working plan for learning and growth. Without a plan for learning, only tacit or "how-to" expertise is developed. Leaders often know how to solve the problems facing them, but they fail to analyze and act on the underlying causes. This results in…

Solving nuts-and-bolts nuclear problems

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

Olmstead, A.; Schoen, J.

1979-05-01

The Operations and Maintenance Information Service (MIS), created and operated by NUS Corp., was designed to improve plant availability through the exchange of practical information between nuclear plants and a return to an emphasis on the problem-solving process. MIS meetings cover a range of plant problems and have been unique in bringing the rapid feedback of information pertinent to the day-to-day working operation of a total plant. Much of the response is by telephone contact, although the monthly newsletter, semi-annual meetings, and scheduled plant visits are also helpful.

The Role of Personality in Daily Food Allergy Experiences

PubMed Central

Conner, Tamlin S.; Mirosa, Miranda; Bremer, Phil; Peniamina, Rana

2018-01-01

Food allergies present numerous challenges to coping in everyday life. Even simple things like planning a lunch with a friend can be stressful for people with food allergies. But are some people more adversely impacted by having a food allergy than other people? This paper addressed this question by investigating whether individual differences in the Big Five personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) are related to food allergy-related problems in everyday life among adults with food allergies. Participants were 108 adults (85% female; mean age = 40.2; age range 18–87) with a physician-diagnosed food allergy [most commonly to gluten (54.6%), peanuts (21.3%), cow's milk (16.7%), and shellfish/seafood (16.7%)]. Participants completed an initial online survey that measured demographics, food allergy information, and personality traits using the Big Five Inventory (John et al., 1991). For 2 weeks, participants completed a daily online survey that queried the occurrence of 25 food allergy issues that day and participants' overall stress and mood that day. Neuroticism did not predict more frequent allergy issues or greater stress/poorer mood on days with more allergy issues. Instead, higher openness to experience predicted a range of issues including going hungry because there is no safe food available, problems finding suitable foods when grocery shopping, feeling anxious at social occasions involving food, being excluded, and feeling embarrassed and poorly understood about their food allergy. Conscientious people were less embarrassed or self-conscious about their food allergy, but they had more problems eating out, and their positive mood was more impaired by allergy issues than their less conscientious peers. Extraversion and agreeableness played minor roles. Personality testing can identify people that may have difficulty living with food allergies–such as those higher in openness to experience. PMID:29467686

The Role of Personality in Daily Food Allergy Experiences.

PubMed

Conner, Tamlin S; Mirosa, Miranda; Bremer, Phil; Peniamina, Rana

2018-01-01

Food allergies present numerous challenges to coping in everyday life. Even simple things like planning a lunch with a friend can be stressful for people with food allergies. But are some people more adversely impacted by having a food allergy than other people? This paper addressed this question by investigating whether individual differences in the Big Five personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) are related to food allergy-related problems in everyday life among adults with food allergies. Participants were 108 adults (85% female; mean age = 40.2; age range 18-87) with a physician-diagnosed food allergy [most commonly to gluten (54.6%), peanuts (21.3%), cow's milk (16.7%), and shellfish/seafood (16.7%)]. Participants completed an initial online survey that measured demographics, food allergy information, and personality traits using the Big Five Inventory (John et al., 1991). For 2 weeks, participants completed a daily online survey that queried the occurrence of 25 food allergy issues that day and participants' overall stress and mood that day. Neuroticism did not predict more frequent allergy issues or greater stress/poorer mood on days with more allergy issues. Instead, higher openness to experience predicted a range of issues including going hungry because there is no safe food available, problems finding suitable foods when grocery shopping, feeling anxious at social occasions involving food, being excluded, and feeling embarrassed and poorly understood about their food allergy. Conscientious people were less embarrassed or self-conscious about their food allergy, but they had more problems eating out, and their positive mood was more impaired by allergy issues than their less conscientious peers. Extraversion and agreeableness played minor roles. Personality testing can identify people that may have difficulty living with food allergies-such as those higher in openness to experience.

Adding problem-based learning tutorials to a traditional lecture-based curriculum: a pilot study in a dental school.

PubMed

Katsuragi, Hiroaki

2005-09-01

This article reports on the implementation of a problem-based learning (PBL) tutorial in our advanced program for second year students within an existing curriculum. The program was opened on the last 5 days of the summer vacation and students could volunteer to be part of the group. Students separated themselves into small groups by random sampling. The PBL tutorials were done during the first 3 days for medical problems according to our original scenarios (based on medical cases), and during the last 2 days, students made presentations of their learning outcomes, using information technology (IT) by themselves. Throughout this program, students were expected to engage in self-learning, except for a 1(1/2)-h group session with a tutor. Assessment was done by attendance at a group session and by portfolio analysis. Following the portfolio analysis, students identified the number of learning issues (group A, 26 +/- 7 issues; group B, 20 +/- 3 issues; group C, 21 +/- 7 issues). Research, by questionnaire, revealed that 84% of the students were strongly interested in each scenario and 95% of the students felt familiar with each scenario. The levels of satisfaction with the tutor were different in the three groups. All of the students were comfortable in the discussion room and IT center. These results suggested that PBL tutorials are supported by the scenario, the tutor, and the location of the group session, as well as by self-learning. Moreover, one of the most important factors for a PBL tutorial that the student is ready for the free discussions and has enough time for individual self-learning.

STS-114: Discovery Impromptu Briefing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

Dr. Griffin, NASA Administrator, is accompanied by members of The U.S. House of Representatives in this STS-114 Discovery Impromptu briefing. The U.S. House of Representatives present include: Sherwood Boehlert, House Science Committee Chairman, Senator Hutchinson, Sheila Jackson, 18th Congressional District Texas, Al Green, 9th Congressional District, Representative Jim Davis, Florida, and Gene Green, 29th District, Texas. Griffin talks about the problem that occurred with the external fuel tank sensor of the Space Shuttle Discovery and the effort NASA is pursuing to track the problem, and identify the root cause. He answers questions from the news media about the next steps for the Space Shuttle Discovery, time frame for the launch, and activities for the astronauts for the next few days.

Integrating Behavioral Health into Pediatric Primary Care: Implications for Provider Time and Cost.

PubMed

Gouge, Natasha; Polaha, Jodi; Rogers, Rachel; Harden, Amy

2016-12-01

Integrating a behavioral health consultant (BHC) into primary care is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer medical visits, and increased provider satisfaction; however, few studies have evaluated the feasibility of this model from an operations perspective. Specifically, time and cost have been identified as barriers to implementation. Our study aimed to examine time spent, patient volume, and revenue generated during days when the on-site BHC was available compared with days when the consultant was not. Data were collected across a 10-day period when a BHC provided services and 10 days when she was not available. Data included time stamps of patient direct care; providers' direct reports of problems raised; and a review of medical and administrative records, including billing codes and reimbursement. This study took place in a rural, stand-alone private pediatric primary care practice. The participants were five pediatric primary care providers (PCPs; two doctors of medicine, 1 doctor of osteopathy, 2 nurse practitioners) and two supervised doctoral students in psychology (BHCs). Pediatric patients (N = 668) and their parents also participated. On days when a BHC was present, medical providers spent 2 fewer minutes on average for every patient seen, saw 42% more patients, and collected $1142 more revenue than on days when no consultant was present. The time savings demonstrated on days when the consultant was available point to the efficiency and potential financial viability of this model. These results have important implications for the feasibility of hiring behavioral health professionals in a fee-for-service system. They have equally useful implications for the utility of moving to a bundled system of care in which collaborative practice is valued.

Correction of vitamin D deficiency using sublingually administered vitamin D2 in a Crohn's disease patient with mal-absorption and a new ileostomy.

PubMed

McCullough, Patrick; Heaney, Robert

2017-10-01

Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to be associated with many adverse health problems. Studies have shown that patients with Crohn's disease who have low vitamin D levels have a poorer quality of life than those with more adequate levels. It has also been shown that patients with mal-absorption problems have a difficult time achieving normal vitamin D levels in spite of aggressive supplementation, and that exposure to UVB radiation may be the most effective treatment option for these patients. We present a case in which 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were normalized within 2 weeks in a severely vitamin D deficient patient with Crohn's disease with mal-absorption and a new ileostomy, utilizing sublingually administered vitamin D2. A 58 year-old white female was admitted with a new ileostomy following partial bowel resection due to complications from Crohn's disease. She was found to be severely vitamin D deficient at the time of admission, with a level of 6.1ng/ml on hospital day 3. Her treatment with vitamin D was delayed for a few days. She was initially treated with 5000 units of vitamin D3 orally twice a day for 3days (days 7-10). After discussion with the patient and obtaining her consent, vitamin D3 was stopped, and she was then treated with a total of 8 doses of 50,000 units of vitamin D2 administered sublingually. She was given the first 3 doses on alternating days (days 11, 13, 15), and then 5 more doses on consecutive days (days 17-21). The rise in her 25-hydroxyvitamin D level in response to treatment with sublingual vitamin D2 was significant. On day 10, after receiving 3days of orally administered vitamin D3, her level was 9.8ng/ml. One week later, after receiving 3 sublingual doses of vitamin D2, it rose to 20.3ng/ml. It was then measured on alternating days twice over the next 4days, and it rose to 45.5ng/ml, and then to 47.4ng/ml on the day of discharge to home. The major finding of this study is that sublingual administration of vitamin D2 appears to work effectively when intestinal absorption is impaired. The optimal dosing regimen still needs to be determined for the average Crohn's disease patient. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Proceedings of the Department of Energy ALARA Workshop

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

Dionne, B.J.; Baum, J.W.

1992-12-31

The report contains summaries of papers, discussions, and operational exercises presented at the first Department of Energy ALARA Workshop held at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York on April 21--22, 1992. The purpose of this workshop was to provide a forum for, and enhance communication among, ALARA personnel, as well as to inform DOE`s field office and contractor personnel about the Office of Health`s programs and expectations from the entire DOE complex efforts in the ALARA area.The two-day workshop consisted of one day dedicated to presentations on implementing various elements of a formal ALARA program at the DOE contractors` facilities,more » regulatory aspects of ALARA programs, and DOE Headquarters` ALARA expectations/initiatives. The second day was devoted to detailed discussions on ALARA improvements and problems, and operational exercises on cost-benefit analyses and on ALARA job/experiment reviews. At this workshop, 70 health physicists and radiation safety engineers from 5 DOE Headquarter Offices, 7 DOE operations/area offices, and 27 contractor facilities exchanged information, which is expected to stimulate further improvement in the DOE contractors` ALARA programs. Individual papers are indexed separately.« less

Social Desirability Bias in the Reporting of Alcohol Consumption: A Randomized Trial.

PubMed

Kypri, Kypros; Wilson, Amanda; Attia, John; Sheeran, Paschal; Miller, Peter; McCambridge, Jim

2016-05-01

To investigate reporting of alcohol consumption, we manipulated the contexts of questions in ways designed to induce social desirability bias. We undertook a two-arm, parallel-group, individually randomized trial at an Australian public university. Students were recruited by email to a web-based "Research Project on Student Health Behavior." Respondents answered nine questions about their physical activity, diet, and smoking. They were unknowingly randomized to a group presented with either (A) three questions about their alcohol consumption or (B) seven questions about their alcohol dependence and problems (under a prominent header labeled "Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test"), followed by the same three alcohol consumption questions from (A). A total of 3,594 students (mean age = 27, SD = 10) responded and were randomized: 1,778 to Group A and 1,816 to Group B. Outcome measures were the number of days they drank alcohol, the typical number of drinks they consumed per drinking day, and the number of days they consumed six or more drinks. The primary analysis included participants with any alcohol consumption in the preceding 4 weeks (1,304 in Group A; 1,340 in Group B) using between-group, two-tailed t tests. In Groups A and B, respectively, means (and SDs) of the number of days drinking were 5.89 (5.92) versus 6.06 (6.12), p = .49; typical number of drinks per drinking day: 4.02 (3.87) versus 3.82 (3.76), p = .17; and number of days consuming six or more drinks: 1.69 (2.94) versus 1.67 (3.25), p = .56. We could not reject the null hypothesis because earlier questions about alcohol dependence and problems showed no sign of biasing the respondents' subsequent reports of alcohol consumption. These data support the validity of university students' reporting of alcohol consumption in web-based studies.

Investigation of a simplified artificial lighting programme to improve the fertility of sows in commercial piggeries.

PubMed

Tast, A; Hälli, O; Virolainen, J V; Oravainen, J; Heinonen, M; Peltoniemi, O A T

2005-05-28

Two artificial lighting regimens were studied in a commercial unit of 800 sows. The aim was to develop a simplified lighting regimen to overdrive the effects of season on reproduction. A long-day group had a constant 16 hours light and eight hours dark photoperiod in all units during a production cycle. A short-day group had eight hours of light and 16 hours darkness in a farrowing unit for four weeks and in a mating unit for four weeks. After one month of pregnancy the short-day group was transferred to 16 hours light and eight hours dark for the rest of the dry-sow period. Production data were collected for eight months, and the farrowing rate, weaning to oestrus interval, culling rate for fertility problems and the number of live-born piglets were analysed. Seasonal infertility, which had previously affected the herd, was not detected in either group during the follow-up period. The farrowing rate was 90 per cent for both groups. The median weaning to oestrus interval was five days in both lighting regimens with ranges from four to 74 days in the short-day group and three to 55 days in the long-day group. The long-day programme had a positive effect on the weaning to oestrus interval. When the sows were classified as either "normal", with a weaning to oestrus interval of up to 10 days, or "problem" animals, with a weaning to oestrus interval of over 10 days, the short-day programme also had a positive effect. The culling rate for fertility problems was 2.4 per cent for the short-day group and 3.2 per cent for the long-day group (P=0.027). The only significant predictor for the number of live-born piglets was parity (P=0.027).

Influence of geomagnetic activity and earth weather changes on heart rate and blood pressure in young and healthy population

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozheredov, V. A.; Chibisov, S. M.; Blagonravov, M. L.; Khodorovich, N. A.; Demurov, E. A.; Goryachev, V. A.; Kharlitskaya, E. V.; Eremina, I. S.; Meladze, Z. A.

2017-05-01

There are many references in the literature related to connection between the space weather and the state of human organism. The search of external factors influence on humans is a multi-factor problem and it is well known that humans have a meteo-sensitivity. A direct problem of finding the earth weather conditions, under which the space weather manifests itself most strongly, is discussed in the present work for the first time in the helio-biology. From a formal point of view, this problem requires identification of subset (magnetobiotropic region) in three-dimensional earth's weather parameters such as pressure, temperature, and humidity, corresponding to the days when the human body is the most sensitive to changes in the geomagnetic field variations and when it reacts by statistically significant increase (or decrease) of a particular physiological parameter. This formulation defines the optimization of the problem, and the solution of the latter is not possible without the involvement of powerful metaheuristic methods of searching. Using the algorithm of differential evolution, we prove the existence of magnetobiotropic regions in the earth's weather parameters, which exhibit magneto-sensitivity of systolic, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate of healthy young subjects for three weather areas (combinations of atmospheric temperature, pressure, and humidity). The maximum value of the correlation confidence for the measurements attributable to the days of the weather conditions that fall into each of three magnetobiotropic areas is an order of 0.006, that is almost 10 times less than the confidence, equal to 0.05, accepted in many helio-biological researches.

Influence of geomagnetic activity and earth weather changes on heart rate and blood pressure in young and healthy population.

PubMed

Ozheredov, V A; Chibisov, S M; Blagonravov, M L; Khodorovich, N A; Demurov, E A; Goryachev, V A; Kharlitskaya, E V; Eremina, I S; Meladze, Z A

2017-05-01

There are many references in the literature related to connection between the space weather and the state of human organism. The search of external factors influence on humans is a multi-factor problem and it is well known that humans have a meteo-sensitivity. A direct problem of finding the earth weather conditions, under which the space weather manifests itself most strongly, is discussed in the present work for the first time in the helio-biology. From a formal point of view, this problem requires identification of subset (magnetobiotropic region) in three-dimensional earth's weather parameters such as pressure, temperature, and humidity, corresponding to the days when the human body is the most sensitive to changes in the geomagnetic field variations and when it reacts by statistically significant increase (or decrease) of a particular physiological parameter. This formulation defines the optimization of the problem, and the solution of the latter is not possible without the involvement of powerful metaheuristic methods of searching. Using the algorithm of differential evolution, we prove the existence of magnetobiotropic regions in the earth's weather parameters, which exhibit magneto-sensitivity of systolic, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate of healthy young subjects for three weather areas (combinations of atmospheric temperature, pressure, and humidity). The maximum value of the correlation confidence for the measurements attributable to the days of the weather conditions that fall into each of three magnetobiotropic areas is an order of 0.006, that is almost 10 times less than the confidence, equal to 0.05, accepted in many helio-biological researches.

FOREWORD: 4th International Workshop on New Computational Methods for Inverse Problems (NCMIP2014)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2014-10-01

This volume of Journal of Physics: Conference Series is dedicated to the scientific contributions presented during the 4th International Workshop on New Computational Methods for Inverse Problems, NCMIP 2014 (http://www.farman.ens-cachan.fr/NCMIP_2014.html). This workshop took place at Ecole Normale Supérieure de Cachan, on May 23, 2014. The prior editions of NCMIP also took place in Cachan, France, firstly within the scope of ValueTools Conference, in May 2011 (http://www.ncmip.org/2011/), and secondly at the initiative of Institut Farman, in May 2012 and May 2013, (http://www.farman.ens-cachan.fr/NCMIP_2012.html), (http://www.farman.ens-cachan.fr/NCMIP_2013.html). The New Computational Methods for Inverse Problems (NCMIP) Workshop focused on recent advances in the resolution of inverse problems. Indeed, inverse problems appear in numerous scientific areas such as geophysics, biological and medical imaging, material and structure characterization, electrical, mechanical and civil engineering, and finances. The resolution of inverse problems consists of estimating the parameters of the observed system or structure from data collected by an instrumental sensing or imaging device. Its success firstly requires the collection of relevant observation data. It also requires accurate models describing the physical interactions between the instrumental device and the observed system, as well as the intrinsic properties of the solution itself. Finally, it requires the design of robust, accurate and efficient inversion algorithms. Advanced sensor arrays and imaging devices provide high rate and high volume data; in this context, the efficient resolution of the inverse problem requires the joint development of new models and inversion methods, taking computational and implementation aspects into account. During this one-day workshop, researchers had the opportunity to bring to light and share new techniques and results in the field of inverse problems. The topics of the workshop were: algorithms and computational aspects of inversion, Bayesian estimation, Kernel methods, learning methods, convex optimization, free discontinuity problems, metamodels, proper orthogonal decomposition, reduced models for the inversion, non-linear inverse scattering, image reconstruction and restoration, and applications (bio-medical imaging, non-destructive evaluation...). NCMIP 2014 was a one-day workshop held in May 2014 which attracted around sixty attendees. Each of the submitted papers has been reviewed by two reviewers. There have been nine accepted papers. In addition, three international speakers were invited to present a longer talk. The workshop was supported by Institut Farman (ENS Cachan, CNRS) and endorsed by the following French research networks (GDR ISIS, GDR MIA, GDR MOA, GDR Ondes). The program committee acknowledges the following research laboratories: CMLA, LMT, LURPA, SATIE. Eric Vourc'h and Thomas Rodet

Evaluation of nonlinear structural dynamic responses using a fast-running spring-mass formulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benjamin, A. S.; Altman, B. S.; Gruda, J. D.

In today's world, accurate finite-element simulations of large nonlinear systems may require meshes composed of hundreds of thousands of degrees of freedom. Even with today's fast computers and the promise of ever-faster ones in the future, central processing unit (CPU) expenditures for such problems could be measured in days. Many contemporary engineering problems, such as those found in risk assessment, probabilistic structural analysis, and structural design optimization, cannot tolerate the cost or turnaround time for such CPU-intensive analyses, because these applications require a large number of cases to be run with different inputs. For many risk assessment applications, analysts would prefer running times to be measurable in minutes. There is therefore a need for approximation methods which can solve such problems far more efficiently than the very detailed methods and yet maintain an acceptable degree of accuracy. For this purpose, we have been working on two methods of approximation: neural networks and spring-mass models. This paper presents our work and results to date for spring-mass modeling and analysis, since we are further along in this area than in the neural network formulation. It describes the physical and numerical models contained in a code we developed called STRESS, which stands for 'Spring-mass Transient Response Evaluation for structural Systems'. The paper also presents results for a demonstration problem, and compares these with results obtained for the same problem using PRONTO3D, a state-of-the-art finite element code which was also developed at Sandia.

Graphical tools for TV weather presentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najman, M.

2010-09-01

Contemporary meteorology and its media presentation faces in my opinion following key tasks: - Delivering the meteorological information to the end user/spectator in understandable and modern fashion, which follows industry standard of video output (HD, 16:9) - Besides weather icons show also the outputs of numerical weather prediction models, climatological data, satellite and radar images, observed weather as actual as possible. - Does not compromise the accuracy of presented data. - Ability to prepare and adjust the weather show according to actual synoptic situtation. - Ability to refocus and completely adjust the weather show to actual extreme weather events. - Ground map resolution weather data presentation need to be at least 20 m/pixel to be able to follow the numerical weather prediction model resolution. - Ability to switch between different numerical weather prediction models each day, each show or even in the middle of one weather show. - The graphical weather software need to be flexible and fast. The graphical changes nee to be implementable and airable within minutes before the show or even live. These tasks are so demanding and the usual original approach of custom graphics could not deal with it. It was not able to change the show every day, the shows were static and identical day after day. To change the content of the weather show daily was costly and most of the time impossible with the usual approach. The development in this area is fast though and there are several different options for weather predicting organisations such as national meteorological offices and private meteorological companies to solve this problem. What are the ways to solve it? What are the limitations and advantages of contemporary graphical tools for meteorologists? All these questions will be answered.

Family conflict, mood, and adolescents' daily school problems: moderating roles of internalizing and externalizing symptoms.

PubMed

Timmons, Adela C; Margolin, Gayla

2015-01-01

Using daily diary data, this study examined cross-day associations between family conflict and school problems and tested mediating effects of daily negative mood and moderating effects of psychological symptoms. For 2 weeks, parents and adolescents (N = 106; Mage = 15.4) reported daily conflict; adolescents reported daily negative mood and school problems. Results indicated bidirectional, multiday spillover between parent-adolescent conflict and school problems with daily negative mood statistically accounting for spillover both within and across days. Externalizing symptoms strengthened links between father-adolescent conflict and school problems, whereas depressive and anxious symptoms strengthened links between parent-adolescent conflict and daily negative mood. By demonstrating cross-domain transmission of daily problems, these findings highlight the salience of everyday events as possible intervention targets. © 2014 The Authors. Child Development © 2014 Society for Research in Child Development, Inc.

The daily life of the garden-variety neurotic: reactivity, stressor exposure, mood spillover, and maladaptive coping.

PubMed

Suls, Jerry; Martin, René

2005-12-01

This article describes a series of studies using the daily process paradigm to describe and understand the affective dynamics of people who experience frequent and intense bouts of a wide range of negative emotions. In several studies, community residents reported on problem occurrence and affect several times a day or at the end of the day. We found reliable evidence that persons who scored high (vs. low) in Neuroticism reported more daily problems, tended to react with more severe emotions, experienced more mood spillover from prior occasions, and exhibited stronger reactions to recurring problems (the "neurotic cascade"). The susceptibility of neurotics to stress seems to extend to all types of problems while certain other dimensions of personality (e.g., Agreeableness) are associated with hyperreactivity to particular kinds of problems. The research demonstrates how daily process research can provide insight about classic problems in the field of individual differences.

Raising a Thinking Child: Help Your Young Child To Resolve Everyday Conflicts and Get Along with Others. First Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shure, Myrna B.; DiGeronimo, Theresa Foy

Based upon the principles of "I Can Problem Solve" (ICPS), this books offers parents dialogues, activities, and communication techniques to teach their children how to resolve day-to-day conflicts with friends, teachers, and family members. The book provides parents with tools to teach their children how to think about everyday problems and…

The Contribution of Game Genre and Other Use Patterns to Problem Video Game Play among Adult Video Gamers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elliott, Luther; Ream, Geoffrey; McGinsky, Elizabeth; Dunlap, Eloise

2012-01-01

A nationally representative online survey (n = 3,380) was used to assess the contribution of patterns of video game play to problem video game play (PVGP) symptomatology. Game genre, enjoyment, consumer involvement, time spent gaming (gaming days in the past month and hours on days used), and demographic variables were all examined. The study…

Towards a Structural-Environmental Model of Risk for HIV and Problem Drinking in Latino Labor Migrants: The Case of Day Laborers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Organista, Kurt C.

2007-01-01

The purpose of this article is to describe a researchable conceptual model of structural-environmental (SE) risk for HIV and problem drinking in Latino labor migrants (LLMs) in the United States, with an emphasis on day laborers. Implications for developing SE prevention interventions that target risky situations, embedded in stressful living and…

Family environment, coping, and mental health in adolescents attending therapeutic day schools.

PubMed

Rodriguez, Erin M; Donenberg, Geri R; Emerson, Erin; Wilson, Helen W; Brown, Larry K; Houck, Christopher

2014-10-01

This study examined associations among family environment, coping, and emotional and conduct problems in adolescents attending therapeutic day schools due to mental health problems. Adolescents (N = 417; 30.2% female) ages 13-20 (M = 15.25) reported on their family environment (affective involvement and functioning), coping (emotion-focused support-seeking, cognitive restructuring, avoidant actions), and emotional and conduct problems. Poorer family environment was associated with less emotion-focused support-seeking and cognitive restructuring, and more emotional and conduct problems. Emotional problems were negatively associated with cognitive restructuring, and conduct problems were negatively associated with all coping strategies. Cognitive restructuring accounted for the relationship between family environment and emotional problems. Cognitive restructuring and emotion-focused support-seeking each partially accounted for the relationship between family functioning and conduct problems, but not the relationship between family affective involvement and conduct problems. Findings implicate the role of coping in the relationship between family environment and adolescent mental health. Copyright © 2014 The Foundation for Professionals in Services for Adolescents. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Contingency management treatment in cocaine using methadone maintained patients with and without legal problems.

PubMed

Ginley, Meredith K; Rash, Carla J; Olmstead, Todd A; Petry, Nancy M

2017-11-01

Legal difficulties and cocaine use are prevalent in methadone maintenance patients, and they are related to one another, as well as to poor response to methadone treatment. Contingency management (CM) is efficacious for decreasing cocaine use, but the relation of CM treatment to criminal activities has rarely been studied. This study evaluated whether baseline legal problems are related to subsequent substance use and illegal activities for cocaine using methadone maintained patients and whether CM differentially improves outcomes depending on baseline legal problems. Using data from four randomized CM trials (N=323), we compared methadone maintained patients with legal problems at the start of study participation to those without initial legal problems. Overall, the addition of CM to standard methadone care improved substance use outcomes regardless of initial legal problems. Endorsement of legal problems within 30days of study initiation was associated with reduced proportion of negative samples submitted during the 12-week treatment period. A significant interaction effect of baseline legal problems and treatment condition was present for subsequent self-reports of illegal activities. Those with baseline legal problems who were assigned to CM had reduced self-reports of reengagement in illegal activity throughout a six month follow-up compared to their counterparts randomized to standard care. Adding CM to methadone treatment improves substance use outcomes and reduces subsequent illegal activity in cocaine-using methadone patients with legal problems. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The efficacy of problem solving therapy to reduce post stroke emotional distress in younger (18-65) stroke survivors.

PubMed

Chalmers, Charlotte; Leathem, Janet; Bennett, Simon; McNaughton, Harry; Mahawish, Karim

2017-11-26

To investigate the efficacy of problem solving therapy for reducing the emotional distress experienced by younger stroke survivors. A non-randomized waitlist controlled design was used to compare outcome measures for the treatment group and a waitlist control group at baseline and post-waitlist/post-therapy. After the waitlist group received problem solving therapy an analysis was completed on the pooled outcome measures at baseline, post-treatment, and three-month follow-up. Changes on outcome measures between baseline and post-treatment (n = 13) were not significantly different between the two groups, treatment (n = 13), and the waitlist control group (n = 16) (between-subject design). The pooled data (n = 28) indicated that receiving problem solving therapy significantly reduced participants levels of depression and anxiety and increased quality of life levels from baseline to follow up (within-subject design), however, methodological limitations, such as the lack of a control group reduce the validity of this finding. The between-subject results suggest that there was no significant difference between those that received problem solving therapy and a waitlist control group between baseline and post-waitlist/post-therapy. The within-subject design suggests that problem solving therapy may be beneficial for younger stroke survivors when they are given some time to learn and implement the skills into their day to day life. However, additional research with a control group is required to investigate this further. This study provides limited evidence for the provision of support groups for younger stroke survivors post stroke, however, it remains unclear about what type of support this should be. Implications for Rehabilitation Problem solving therapy is no more effective for reducing post stroke distress than a wait-list control group. Problem solving therapy may be perceived as helpful and enjoyable by younger stroke survivors. Younger stroke survivors may use the skills learnt from problem solving therapy to solve problems in their day to day lives. Younger stroke survivors may benefit from age appropriate psychological support; however, future research is needed to determine what type of support this should be.

Chronotype and diurnal cortisol profile in working women: differences between work and leisure days.

PubMed

Dockray, Samantha; Steptoe, Andrew

2011-06-01

The influence of chronotype on the diurnal profile of salivary cortisol was examined in a sample of 187 healthy women: 21 evening chronotype, 24 morning chronotype and 142 intermediate chronotype. Saliva samples were collected at waking, 30 min post-awakening, at 1000 h, 1200 h, 1500 h, 1700 h and at bedtime on one work and one leisure day. Several components of the diurnal profile were examined including the cortisol awakening response, the total cortisol output and the diurnal profile on both the work and the leisure day, a significant main effect of time emerged (both p<0.01). After adjustment for age, smoking status, self-rated health, time of waking, and sleep problems, no effect of chronotype was evident for cortisol in the evening, the cortisol awakening response, or total cortisol output over the working day. However, on the leisure day, total cortisol output was greater in evening-types than intermediate or morning-types, after adjustment for covariates (p=0.029). The present data indicate that chronotype has a limited impact on the diurnal cortisol profile of healthy women, and may be somewhat impervious to individual preferences for morning or evening activity. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Forgotten Digital Tourniquet: Salvage of an Ischaemic Finger by Application of Medicinal Leeches

PubMed Central

Durrant, C; Townley, WA; Ramkumar, S; Khoo, CTK

2006-01-01

Individual finger tourniquets are appropriate to the management of a wide range of conditions presenting to an accident and emergency department. They are simpler and more comfortable to use than upper arm pneumatic tourniquets and commercially available digital tourniquets are not readily available in the accident and emergency unit. However, if a finger tourniquet is overlooked, ischaemia of the digit results, and gangrene may follow if the problem is not defused early enough, leading to potential disaster.1–3 We present one case where a digit was salvaged after 4 days of tourniquet application, using medicinal leeches. PMID:17002851

Facilitating Teamwork in Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology

PubMed Central

Macpherson, Catherine Fiona; Smith, Ashley W.; Block, Rebecca G.; Keyton, Joann

2016-01-01

A case of a young adult patient in the days immediately after a cancer diagnosis illustrates the critical importance of three interrelated core coordinating mechanisms—closed-loop communication, shared mental models, and mutual trust—of teamwork in an adolescent and young adult multidisciplinary oncology team. The case illustrates both the opportunities to increase team member coordination and the problems that can occur when coordination breaks down. A model for teamwork is presented, which highlights the relationships among these coordinating mechanisms and demonstrates how balance among them works to optimize team function and patient care. Implications for clinical practice and research suggested by the case are presented. PMID:27624944

Modeling of processing technologies in food industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korotkov, V. G.; Sagitov, R. F.; Popov, V. P.; Bachirov, V. D.; Akhmadieva, Z. R.; TSirkaeva, E. A.

2018-03-01

Currently, the society is facing an urgent need to solve the problems of nutrition (products with increased nutrition value) and to develop energy-saving technologies for food products. A mathematical modeling of heat and mass transfer of polymer materials in the extruder is rather successful these days. Mathematical description of movement and heat exchange during extrusion of gluten-protein-starch-containing material similar to pasta dough in its structure, were taken as a framework for the mathematical model presented in this paper.

Hawking radiation in an electromagnetic waveguide?

PubMed

Schützhold, Ralf; Unruh, William G

2005-07-15

It is demonstrated that the propagation of electromagnetic waves in an appropriately designed waveguide is (for large wavelengths) analogous to that within a curved space-time--such as around a black hole. As electromagnetic radiation (e.g., microwaves) can be controlled, amplified, and detected (with present-day technology) much easier than sound, for example, we propose a setup for the experimental verification of the Hawking effect. Apart from experimentally testing this striking prediction, this would facilitate the investigation of the trans-Planckian problem.

Sleeping, TV, Cognitively Stimulating Activities, Physical Activity, and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptom Incidence in Children: A Prospective Study.

PubMed

Peralta, Gabriela P; Forns, Joan; García de la Hera, Manuela; González, Llúcia; Guxens, Mònica; López-Vicente, Mónica; Sunyer, Jordi; Garcia-Aymerich, Judith

2018-04-01

To analyze associations between time spent sleeping, watching TV, engaging in cognitively stimulating activities, and engaging in physical activity, all at 4 years, and (1) attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and (2) behavior problems, both assessed at 7 years, in ADHD-free children at baseline. In total, 817 participants of the Infancia y Medio Ambiente birth cohort, without ADHD at baseline, were included. At the 4-year follow-up, parents reported the time that their children spent sleeping, watching TV, engaging in cognitively stimulating activities, and engaging in physical activity. At the 7-year follow-up, parents completed the Conners' Parent Rating Scales and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, which measure ADHD symptoms and behavior problems, respectively. Negative binomial regression models were used to assess associations between the activities at 4 years and ADHD symptoms and behavior problems at 7 years. Children (48% girls) spent a median (p25-p75) of 10 (10-11) hours per day sleeping, 1.5 (0.9-2) hours per day watching TV, 1.4 (0.9-1.9) hours per day engaging in cognitively stimulating activities, and 1.5 (0.4-2.3) hours per day engaging in physical activity. Longer sleep duration (>10 hours per day) was associated with a lower ADHD symptom score (adjusted incidence rate ratio = 0.97, 95% confidence interval, 0.95-1.00). Longer time spent in cognitively stimulating activities (>1 hours per day) was associated with lower scores of both ADHD symptoms (0.96, 0.94-0.98) and behavior problems (0.89, 0.83-0.97). Time spent watching TV and engaging in physical activity were not associated with either outcomes. A shorter sleep duration and less time spent in cognitively stimulating activities were associated with an increased risk of developing ADHD symptoms and behavior problems.

The Contribution of Game Genre and other Use Patterns to Problem Video Game Play among Adult Video Gamers.

PubMed

Elliott, Luther; Ream, Geoffrey; McGinsky, Elizabeth; Dunlap, Eloise

2012-12-01

AIMS: To assess the contribution of patterns of video game play, including game genre, involvement, and time spent gaming, to problem use symptomatology. DESIGN: Nationally representative survey. SETTING: Online. PARTICIPANTS: Large sample (n=3,380) of adult video gamers in the US. MEASUREMENTS: Problem video game play (PVGP) scale, video game genre typology, use patterns (gaming days in the past month and hours on days used), enjoyment, consumer involvement, and background variables. FINDINGS: Study confirms game genre's contribution to problem use as well as demographic variation in play patterns that underlie problem video game play vulnerability. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of a small group of game types positively correlated with problem use suggests new directions for research into the specific design elements and reward mechanics of "addictive" video games. Unique vulnerabilities to problem use among certain groups demonstrate the need for ongoing investigation of health disparities related to contextual dimensions of video game play.

The Contribution of Game Genre and other Use Patterns to Problem Video Game Play among Adult Video Gamers

PubMed Central

Ream, Geoffrey; McGinsky, Elizabeth; Dunlap, Eloise

2012-01-01

Aims To assess the contribution of patterns of video game play, including game genre, involvement, and time spent gaming, to problem use symptomatology. Design Nationally representative survey. Setting Online. Participants Large sample (n=3,380) of adult video gamers in the US. Measurements Problem video game play (PVGP) scale, video game genre typology, use patterns (gaming days in the past month and hours on days used), enjoyment, consumer involvement, and background variables. Findings Study confirms game genre's contribution to problem use as well as demographic variation in play patterns that underlie problem video game play vulnerability. Conclusions Identification of a small group of game types positively correlated with problem use suggests new directions for research into the specific design elements and reward mechanics of “addictive” video games. Unique vulnerabilities to problem use among certain groups demonstrate the need for ongoing investigation of health disparities related to contextual dimensions of video game play. PMID:23284310

Amplitude variations of ELF radio waves in the Earth-ionosphere cavity with the day-night non-uniformity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galuk, Yu P.; Nickolaenko, A. P.; Hayakawa, M.

2018-04-01

The real structure of lower ionosphere should be taken into account when modeling the sub-ionospheric radio propagation in the extremely low frequency (ELF) band and studying the global electromagnetic (Schumann) resonance of the Earth-ionosphere cavity. In the present work we use the 2D (two dimensional) telegraph equations (2DTE) for evaluating the effect of the ionosphere day-night non-uniformity on the electromagnetic field amplitude at the Schumann resonance and higher frequencies. Properties of the cavity upper boundary were taken into account by the full wave solution technique for realistic vertical profiles of atmosphere conductivity in the ambient day and ambient night conditions. We solved the electromagnetic problem in a cavity with the day-night non-uniformity by using the 2DTE technique. Initially, the testing of the 2DTE solution was performed in the model of the sharp day-night interface. The further computations were carried out in the model of the smooth day-night transition. The major attention was directed to the effects at propagation paths "perpendicular" or "parallel" to the solar terminator line. Data were computed for a series of frequencies, the comparison of the results was made and interpretation was given to the observed effects.

Reproductive effects of Ficus asperifolia (Moraceae) in female rats.

PubMed

Watcho, Pierre; Ngadjui, Esther; Alango, Nkeng-Efouet P; Benoît, Nguelefack T; Kamanyi, Albert

2009-03-01

The reproductive effects of Ficus asperifolia in female rats were investigated in the present study. Sperm-positive adult female rats were orally administered (P.O.) either the aqueous and methanol extracts of Ficus asperifolia (100 and 500mg/kg), distilled water (10ml/kg) or 5%Tween 80 (10ml/kg) for seven days. On day 10 of pregnancy, the implantation sites were recorded. In the fertility study, adult female rats received the same test substances for 21 days and, the fertility index and litter size determined. In the uterotrophic test, normal and ovariectomized immature rats were treated for seven days with the dry extract of Ficus asperifolia (100 and 500mg/kg) in the absence and presence of 17ȃ-estradiol benzoate 1µg/animal/day, s.c. On day 8, the uterine growth index was measured. Results of the study showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the implantation sites and litter size of animals receiving 100mg/kg of the aqueous extract of Ficus asperifolia. In the estrogenic assay, normal immature rats were sensitive to the treatment with Ficus asperifolia than the ovariectomized ones. Our results give added scientific support to the popular use of Ficus asperifolia in the treatment of some cases of women's sterility/infertility related problems.

Time-variant random interval natural frequency analysis of structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Binhua; Wu, Di; Gao, Wei; Song, Chongmin

2018-02-01

This paper presents a new robust method namely, unified interval Chebyshev-based random perturbation method, to tackle hybrid random interval structural natural frequency problem. In the proposed approach, random perturbation method is implemented to furnish the statistical features (i.e., mean and standard deviation) and Chebyshev surrogate model strategy is incorporated to formulate the statistical information of natural frequency with regards to the interval inputs. The comprehensive analysis framework combines the superiority of both methods in a way that computational cost is dramatically reduced. This presented method is thus capable of investigating the day-to-day based time-variant natural frequency of structures accurately and efficiently under concrete intrinsic creep effect with probabilistic and interval uncertain variables. The extreme bounds of the mean and standard deviation of natural frequency are captured through the embedded optimization strategy within the analysis procedure. Three particularly motivated numerical examples with progressive relationship in perspective of both structure type and uncertainty variables are demonstrated to justify the computational applicability, accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method.

[Psychiatry during National Socialism: historical knowledge, implications for present day ethical debates].

PubMed

Roelcke, V

2010-11-01

This contribution is a synthesis of the results of historical research on psychiatry during the Nazi period and some implications for present day debates in medical ethics. The focus is on three issues: the relationship between physicians and the state, the impact of eugenically and economically motivated health and social policies for psychiatry (e.g. forced sterilization, patient killing/euthanasia) and psychiatric research. Three myths are deconstructed: 1) that medical atrocities were imposed from above by Nazi politicians on apolitical physicians, 2) that mass sterilization and patient killing had nothing to do with contemporary state of the art of medical reasoning and practice and 3) that ethically unacceptable research on psychiatric patients had nothing to do with the contemporary state of the art of biomedical sciences. It is argued that the findings on these issues of Nazi medicine are not specific to Germany and the period between 1933 and 1945 but they were the extreme manifestations of some potential problems implicit in modern medicine in general.

Autoimmune estrogen dermatitis in an infertile female.

PubMed

Elcin, Gonca; Gülseren, Duygu; Bayraktar, Miyase; Gunalp, Serdar; Gurgan, Timur

2017-06-01

Autoimmune estrogen dermatitis is a cyclical cutaneous eruption that occurs premenstrually and goes to the rapid resolution within a few days of menstrual cycles. The disorder has variable clinical manifestations consisting of macules, papules, vesicles, urticarial lesions, bullae, eczematous plaques, and erythema multiforme-like lesions. Herein, we present a case of a 30-year-old woman with attacks of edema and erosions involving the oral and genital mucosal sites on every first day of her menstruation period. She had also multiple endocrinological problems such as hypotroidism and infertility. To determine the sex hormon sensitivity, intradermal skin tests were performed. Based on her personal history and skin test findings, a diagnosis of autoimmune estrogen dermatitis was made. After the oophorectomy, she was free from the skin and mucosal symptoms. We propose that it is important to suspect the diagnosis of autoimmune estrogen dermatitis in patients who present with recurrent cylic eruptions and it must be kept in mind that these patients might have a concomitant infertility.

The power of the bubble: comparing ultrasonic and laser activated irrigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Moor, Roeland J. G.; Meire, Maarten A.; Verdaasdonk, Rudolf M.

2014-01-01

The major problem of irrigation is the fluid motion within the confined geometry of the root canal : efficient dispersion of the liquid is difficult, conventional irrigation is limited due to the absence of turbulence over much of the canal volume, vapour lock may limit apical cleaning and disinfection, there is also a stagnation plane beyond the needle tip. The best way to improve irrigant penetration and biofilm removal is achieved by means of the agitation of the fluid. Today ultrasonic activation appears to be the best way to activate and potentiate irrigants among the present-day used means and marketed systems. Another way to activate irrigation solutions is the use of lasers: laser activated irrigation or photon-initiated acoustic streaming have been investigated. Based on present-day research it appears that the efficacy of laser activation (especially with Erbium lasers) can be more efficient thanks to the induction of specific cavitation phenomena and acoustic streaming. Other wavelengths are now explored to be used for laser activated irrigation.

A Particle Model Explaining Mass and Relativity in a Physical Way

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giese, Albrecht

Physicists' understanding of relativity and the way it is handled is up to present days dominated by the interpretation of Albert Einstein, who related relativity to specific properties of space and time. The principal alternative to Einstein's interpretation is based on a concept proposed by Hendrik A. Lorentz, which uses knowledge of classical physics alone to explain relativistic phenomena. In this paper, we will show that on the one hand the Lorentz-based interpretation provides a simpler mathematical way of arriving at the known results for both Special and General Relativity. On the other hand, it is able to solve problems which have remained open to this day. Furthermore, a particle model will be presented, based on Lorentzian relativity and the quantum mechanical concept of Louis de Broglie, which explains the origin of mass without the use of the Higgs mechanism. It is based on the finiteness of the speed of light and provides classical results for particle properties which are currently only accessible through quantum mechanics.

Clinically Significant Behavior Problems During the Initial 18 Months Following Early Childhood Traumatic Brain Injury

PubMed Central

Chapman, Leah A.; Wade, Shari L.; Walz, Nicolay C.; Taylor, H. Gerry; Stancin, Terry; Yeates, Keith O.

2014-01-01

The present study looked at the emergence of clinically significant problems in behavior, executive function skills (EF), and social competence during the initial 18 months following TBI in young children relative to a cohort of children with orthopedic injuries (OI) and the environmental factors that predict difficulties postinjury. Children, ages 3-7 years, hospitalized for severe TBI moderate TBI, or OI were seen shortly after their injury (M = 40 days) and again 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months postinjury. Behavioral parent self-reports, demographic data, family functioning reports, and home environment reports were collected at injury baseline and each time point post injury. Results suggest that, compared to the OI group, the severe TBI developed significantly more externalizing behavior problems and EF problems following injury that persisted through the 18-month follow-up. Minimal social competence difficulties appeared at the 18-month follow-up, suggesting a possible pattern of emerging deficits rather than a recovery over time. Predictors of the emergence of clinically significant problems included permissive parenting, family dysfunction, and low SES. The findings are similar to those found in school-aged children. PMID:20175634

Allergic, Immunological and Infectious Disease Problems in Aerospace Medicine Held in Rome, Italy on 21 - 25 October 1991 (Les Problemes Causes par les Maladies Allergiques, Immunologiques et Contagieuses en Mdecine Aerospatiale).

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-04-01

whose lymphocytes displayed, at the identified. When assays for antibacterial activity time of lowest immune responses, a surface IL2Ra were performed...with these two agents SSD demon- level around 50% of the first day level (Figure 5), strated superior antibacterial activity in in vitro tests the...day At day 30, a significative increase of direct antibacterial activity 0 and 28. The second group was treated with Ty2la (Neotif, Scla- was observed

Dynamic simulation solves process control problem in Oman

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

NONE

1998-11-16

A dynamic simulation study solved the process control problems for a Saih Rawl, Oman, gas compressor station operated by Petroleum Development of Oman (PDO). PDO encountered persistent compressor failure that caused frequent facility shutdowns, oil production deferment, and gas flaring. It commissioned MSE (Consultants) Ltd., U.K., to find a solution for the problem. Saih Rawl, about 40 km from Qarn Alam, produces oil and associated gas from a large number of low and high-pressure wells. Oil and gas are separated in three separators. The oil is pumped to Qarn Alam for treatment and export. Associated gas is compressed in twomore » parallel trains. Train K-1115 is a 350,000 standard cu m/day, four-stage reciprocating compressor driven by a fixed-speed electric motor. Train K-1120 is a 1 million standard cu m/day, four-stage reciprocating compressor driven by a fixed-speed electric motor. Train K-1120 is a 1 million standard cu m/day, four-stage centrifugal compressor driven by a variable-speed motor. The paper describes tripping and surging problems with the gas compressor and the control simplifications that solved the problem.« less

Study and Application of a Multi Magnetoresistor Sensor System to Detect Corrosion in Suspension Cables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torres, V.; Quek, S.; Gaydecki, P.

2010-02-01

Aging and deterioration of the main functional parts in civil structures is one of the biggest problems that private and governmental institutions, dedicated to operate and maintain such structures, are facing now days. In the case of relatively old suspension bridges, problems emerge due to corrosion and break of wires in the main cables. Decisive information and a reliable monitoring and evaluation are factors of great relevance required to prevent significant or catastrophic damages caused to the structure, and more importantly, to people. The main challenge for the NDE methods of inspection arises in dealing with the steel wrapping barrier of the suspension cable, which main function is to shield, shape and hold the bundles. The following work, presents a study of a multi-Magnetoresistive sensors system aiming to support the monitoring and evaluation of suspension cables at some of its stages. Modelling, signal acquisition, signal processing, experiments and the initial phases of implementation are presented and discussed widely.

Creativity and psychopathology: a systematic review.

PubMed

Thys, Erik; Sabbe, Bernard; De Hert, Marc

2014-01-01

The possible link between creativity and psychopathology has been a long-time focus of research up to the present day. However, the research results in this field are heterogeneous and contradictory. Links between creativity and specific psychiatric disorders have been confirmed and refuted in different studies. This disparity is partly explained by the methodological challenges peculiar to this field. In this systematic review of the literature from 1950, research articles in the field of creativity and psychopathology are presented, focusing on the methodology and results of the collected studies. This review confirms the methodological problems and the heterogeneity of the study designs and results. The assessment of psychopathology, but more so of creativity, remains a fundamental challenge. On the whole, study results cautiously confirm an association between creativity and both bipolar disorder and schizotypy. The research on creativity and psychopathology is hampered by serious methodological problems. Study results are to be interpreted with caution and future research needs more methodological rigor. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

A Longitudinal Examination of the Relation Between Internalizing Problem Behaviors and Early Adolescent Cigarette Smoking.

PubMed

Aloise-Young, Patricia A; Zaleski, Adam C; Swaim, Randall C

2017-01-01

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the longitudinal relation between internalizing problem behaviors (measured with the anxious/depressed and somatic complaints subscales of the Achenbach Teacher's Report Form) and self-reported cigarette smoking behavior and intentions during early adolescence. In addition, a possible mediating role of perceived harm was investigated. Sixth graders and their teachers were surveyed in the sixth grade and students were surveyed again in the seventh grade. Smoking behavior and intentions were assessed with five items including lifetime use, 30-day use, tobacco user status (nonsmoker to heavy smoker), and two intentions/behavioral expectations items. In addition to perceived harm from smoking, reasons for smoking and reasons for not smoking were included on the survey. As hypothesized, teacher reports of sixth-grade internalizing problem behaviors were negatively related to seventh-grade smoking behavior and intentions. Moreover, perceived harm from smoking was negatively related to smoking and intentions. The hypothesized mediating role of perceived harm in the internalizing to smoking relationship was not supported. Potential differences in the relation between internalizing and smoking across adolescence are discussed. Specifically, the results of the present study and an examination of prior literature suggest that in early adolescence internalizing problems are negatively related to cigarette smoking, whereas in middle and late adolescence the opposite is true.

Constrained Optimization Methods in Health Services Research-An Introduction: Report 1 of the ISPOR Optimization Methods Emerging Good Practices Task Force.

PubMed

Crown, William; Buyukkaramikli, Nasuh; Thokala, Praveen; Morton, Alec; Sir, Mustafa Y; Marshall, Deborah A; Tosh, Jon; Padula, William V; Ijzerman, Maarten J; Wong, Peter K; Pasupathy, Kalyan S

2017-03-01

Providing health services with the greatest possible value to patients and society given the constraints imposed by patient characteristics, health care system characteristics, budgets, and so forth relies heavily on the design of structures and processes. Such problems are complex and require a rigorous and systematic approach to identify the best solution. Constrained optimization is a set of methods designed to identify efficiently and systematically the best solution (the optimal solution) to a problem characterized by a number of potential solutions in the presence of identified constraints. This report identifies 1) key concepts and the main steps in building an optimization model; 2) the types of problems for which optimal solutions can be determined in real-world health applications; and 3) the appropriate optimization methods for these problems. We first present a simple graphical model based on the treatment of "regular" and "severe" patients, which maximizes the overall health benefit subject to time and budget constraints. We then relate it back to how optimization is relevant in health services research for addressing present day challenges. We also explain how these mathematical optimization methods relate to simulation methods, to standard health economic analysis techniques, and to the emergent fields of analytics and machine learning. Copyright © 2017 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The relationship between methamphetamine and alcohol use in a community sample of methamphetamine users.

PubMed

Bujarski, Spencer; Roche, Daniel J O; Lunny, Katy; Moallem, Nathasha R; Courtney, Kelly E; Allen, Vincent; Hartwell, Emily; Leventhal, Adam; Rohrbaugh, Taylor; Ray, Lara A

2014-09-01

While methamphetamine (MA) and alcohol are often used in combination, little is known about the pattern of co-use between these substances. The goal of the present study is to examine the relationship between MA use and alcohol use in a community sample of non-treatment seeking regular MA users. Participants completed a face-to-face assessment battery, which included a diagnostic interview for MA dependence and the timeline follow-back interview for both alcohol and MA use over the past 30 days. Sixty regular MA and alcohol users supplied data for 1800 person-days. Compared with non-drinking days, drinking days and binge drinking days increased the odds of same day MA use by 4.22 and 4.50 times, respectively (p's<0.0001). Further, binge drinking incrementally increased risk for MA use above and beyond the effects of drinking itself (p<0.0001). Lagged models revealed previous day MA use to predict following day MA use (p<0.0001), yet, after controlling for this relationship, neither previous day alcohol use nor previous day binge drinking predicted following-day MA use. Finally, the effect of binge drinking on MA use was stronger among individuals with lower MA dependence severity or higher alcohol problem severity (p's<0.05). These results suggest that alcohol and MA are co-used in predictable patterns, and in particular, that binge drinking may be incrementally associated with the likelihood of MA use. Future studies are needed to explore the temporal relationship between alcohol and MA use within a given episode. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study of the Half-Day/Full-Day Kindergarten Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McInroy, Thomas R.

2012-01-01

This case study and problem analysis was an in-depth investigation of the half-day/full-day kindergarten model by utilizing interviews and focus groups to provide insight from parents, teachers, and other district personnel as to how the model has impacted the social, emotional, and academic development of the participating students. This study…

The Role of Day-to-Day Emotions, Sleep, and Social Interactions in Pediatric Anxiety Treatment

PubMed Central

Wallace, Meredith L.; McMakin, Dana L.; Tan, Patricia Z.; Rosen, Dana; Forbes, Erika E.; Ladouceur, Cecile D.; Ryan, Neal D.; Siegle, Greg J.; Dahl, Ronald E.; Kendall, Philip C.; Mannarino, Anthony; Silk, Jennifer S.

2016-01-01

Do day-to-day emotions, social interactions, and sleep play a role in determining which anxious youth respond to supportive child-centered therapy (CCT) versus cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)? We explored whether measures of day-to-day functioning (captured through ecological momentary assessment, sleep diary, and actigraphy), along with clinical and demographic measures, were predictors or moderators of treatment outcome in 114 anxious youth randomized to CCT or CBT. We statistically combined individual moderators into a single, optimal composite moderator to characterize subgroups for which CCT or CBT may be preferable. The strongest predictors of better outcome included: (a) experiencing higher positive affect when with one’s mother and (b) fewer self-reported problems with sleep duration. The composite moderator indicated that youth for whom CBT was indicated had: (a) more day-to-day sleep problems related to sleep quality, efficiency, and waking, (b) day-to-day negative events related to interpersonal concerns, (c) more DSM-IV anxiety diagnoses, and (d) college-educated parents. These findings illustrate the value of both day-to-day functioning characteristics and more traditional sociodemographic and clinical characteristics in identifying optimal anxiety treatment assignment. Future studies will need to enhance the practicality of real-time measures for use in clinical decision making and evaluate additional anxiety treatments. PMID:28013054

The Use of Megestrol Acetate in Some Feline Dermatological Problems

PubMed Central

Gosselin, Y.; Chalifoux, A.; Papageorges, M.

1981-01-01

Twenty-one cats were treated with megestrol acetate because they were showing clinical signs associated with one of the following problems: eosinophilic ulcer, eosinophilic plaque, neurodermatitis, endocrine alopecia and miliary dermatitis. The dosage schedule was 5 mg orally per day per cat for seven days, then 5 mg every three days for 21 days. In all cats, we noted a good improvement of the lesions as soon as treatment was started. In 25% of the patients, one treatment schedule was sufficient to control the skin disease for at least 18 months. In the remaining 75%, two treatment schedules and/or a maintenance dosage had to be established. Side effects encountered were increased appetite, personality changes and depression. PMID:7337916

Personal Problems of Seventh-Day Adventist Academy Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crosby, Ellen; Freed, Shirley; Gabriel, Elvin

2006-01-01

The Personal Problems Checklist for Adolescents (PPC-A) was administered to students in 14 Adventist academies for the purpose of determining the extent of their personal problems. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The results showed that the top 10 problems were: (1) poor study habits; (2) worrying about future…

Descriptive Analysis of Epileptic Seizures and Problem Behavior in Adults with Developmental Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roberts, Celeste; Yoder, Paul J.; Kennedy, Craig H.

2006-01-01

We studied possible relations between seizures and problem behavior in 3 adults with developmental disabilities. Each person was observed for between 56 and 92 days to record occurrences of seizures and problem behavior. Results of our descriptive analysis indicated an association between seizures and problem behavior for each participant. For…

77 FR 32138 - Agency Information Collection Agencies: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested Census of Problem...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-31

... Agencies: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested Census of Problem-Solving Courts 2012 ACTION: 30-Day...-Solving Courts (CPSC), 201 2. The title of the form/collection: Census of Problem-Solving Courts or CPSC... Abstract: Problem-solving courts at all levels of government. Abstract: The Bureau of Justice Statistics...

The Promise and Perils of Population Research on Same-Sex Families.

PubMed

Reczek, Corinne; Spiker, Russell; Liu, Hui; Crosnoe, Robert

2017-12-01

As a follow-up to our 2016 study, this article presents new findings examining the relationship between same-sex family structure and child health using the 2008-2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). After discussing NIHS data problems, we examine the relationship between family structure and a broad range of child well-being outcomes, including school days lost, behavior, parent-rated health, emotional difficulties, and activity limitations. We find both similarities (school days lost, behavior, parent-rated health) and differences (emotional difficulties and activity limitations) across our two studies using different survey years, but our overall conclusions are robust. We further discuss the implications of our findings for future research on this topic, including how to account for biological relatedness in a study on child health in same-sex families.

The most interesting roAp target for MONS: HR1217 ?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knudsen, M. R.

2000-04-01

The roAp star HR1217 is presented as a good and possibly the best roAp target for MONS and the progress of the 1998 3-site STACC Campaign is briefly summarized incl. the first detection of EW oscillation in Hα and Hβ in this star, alongside evidence of EW varying with the phase of rotation. HR1217 has 6 known oscillation frequencies of which the four strongest appear to be rotationally split with photometric amplitudes ~< 1 mmag. The problem with groundbased observations is the 3-day-alias beating with neighbouring peaks which limits our chances for a solid mode id. With 30 days (2.4ṡ Prot) on MONS CAM we should have the needed observational data for doing asteroseismology on a magnetic star at last!

Treatment of gastric phytobezoars with Coca-Cola given via oral route: a case report.

PubMed

Ertuğrul, Gökhan; Coşkun, Murat; Sevinç, Mahsuni; Ertuğrul, Fisun; Toydemir, Toygar

2012-01-01

A 43-year-old female patient presented with a chief complaint of upper abdominal pain. As her complaints had lasted for 1 month, an upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy was performed and discovered a bezoar in the stomach. The bezoar was quite hard and light green-yellow in color. Pathological examination revealed phytobezoar. The patient was hospitalized and given oral Coca-Cola(®) Zero for seven days at a dose of 500 mL three times daily. The upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy performed at the end of 7 days showed that the phytobezoar had softened and become smaller. The phytobezoar was broken into pieces with biopsy forceps and washing was applied, so the phytobezoar pieces could pass through the pylorus. The patient was discharged after the procedure without problem.

From analytic inversion to contemporary IMRT optimization: Radiation therapy planning revisited from a mathematical perspective

PubMed Central

Censor, Yair; Unkelbach, Jan

2011-01-01

In this paper we look at the development of radiation therapy treatment planning from a mathematical point of view. Historically, planning for Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) has been considered as an inverse problem. We discuss first the two fundamental approaches that have been investigated to solve this inverse problem: Continuous analytic inversion techniques on one hand, and fully-discretized algebraic methods on the other hand. In the second part of the paper, we review another fundamental question which has been subject to debate from the beginning of IMRT until the present day: The rotation therapy approach versus fixed angle IMRT. This builds a bridge from historic work on IMRT planning to contemporary research in the context of Intensity-Modulated Arc Therapy (IMAT). PMID:21616694

Risk factors for early lactation problems among Peruvian primiparous mothers.

PubMed

Matias, Susana L; Nommsen-Rivers, Laurie A; Creed-Kanashiro, Hilary; Dewey, Kathryn G

2010-04-01

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for early lactation problems [suboptimal infant breastfeeding behaviour (SIBB), delayed onset of lactogenesis (OL) and excessive neonatal weight loss] among mother-infant pairs in Lima, Peru. All primiparous mothers who gave birth to a healthy, single, term infant at a government hospital in a peri-urban area of Lima during the 8-month recruitment period were invited to participate in the study. Data were collected at the hospital (day 0) and during a home visit (day 3). Infant breastfeeding behaviour was evaluated using the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool; SIBB was defined as < or = 10 score. OL was determined by maternal report of breast fullness changes; delayed OL was defined as perceived after 72 h. Excessive neonatal weight loss was defined as > or = 10% of birthweight by day 3. One hundred seventy-one mother-infant pairs participated in the study. SIBB prevalence was 52% on day 0 and 21% on day 3; it was associated with male infant gender (day 0), < 8 breastfeeds during the first 24 h (days 0 and 3), and gestational age < 39 weeks (day 3). Delayed OL incidence was 17% and was associated with infant Apgar score < 8. Excessive neonatal weight loss occurred in 10% of neonates and was associated with maternal overweight and Caesarean-section delivery. Early lactation problems may be influenced by modifiable factors such as delivery mode and breastfeeding frequency. Infant status at birth and maternal characteristics could indicate when breastfeeding dyads need extra support.

Relationship of life-course drinking patterns to diabetes, heart problems, and hypertension among those 40 and older in the 2005 U.S. National Alcohol Survey.

PubMed

Kerr, William C; Ye, Yu

2010-07-01

The goal of this study was to estimate relationships between life-course drinking patterns and the risks of self-reported diabetes, heart problems, and hypertension. Respondents to the 2005 National Alcohol Survey, age 40 and older, reported ever having a doctor or health professional diagnose each of the health-problem outcomes. Retrospective earlier-life drinking patterns were characterized by lifetime abstention and the frequency of 5+ drinking days (i.e., days on which five or more drinks were consumed) in the respondent's teens, 20s, and 30s. Past-year drinking patterns were measured through intake volume and 5+ days. Potential confounders in the domains of demographics, socioeconomic resources, and other health-risk variables-that is, depression, distress, sense of coherence, body mass index, tobacco use, marijuana use, childhood abuse, and family history of alcohol problems--were controlled through propensity-score matching. After matching, lifetime abstainers were found to be at increased risk of diabetes compared with both lifetime and current moderate drinkers. Exdrinkers were found to be at increased risk of diabetes, heart problems, and hypertension. Higher volume drinkers without monthly 5+ days were found to be at reduced risk of diabetes relative to moderate-volume current drinkers. Heavy-occasion drinkers were found to be at increased risk of hypertension. Regular lower quantity alcohol intake may be protective against adult onset of diabetes, but no evidence of protection from heart problems or hypertension was found. Both life course-defined and past year-defined drinking groups exhibit substantial clustering of confounding risk variables, indicating the need for modeling strategies like propensity-score matching. Increased risks among exdrinkers suggest a substantial "sick-quitter" effect.

Improving operating room schedules.

PubMed

Li, Fei; Gupta, Diwakar; Potthoff, Sandra

2016-09-01

Operating rooms (ORs) in US hospitals are costly to staff, generate about 70 % of a hospital's revenues, and operate at a staffed-capacity utilization of 60-70 %. Many hospitals allocate blocks of OR time to individual or groups of surgeons as guaranteed allocation, who book surgeries one at a time in their blocks. The booking procedure frequently results in unused time between surgeries. Realizing that this presents an opportunity to improve OR utilization, hospitals manually reschedule surgery start times one or two days before each day of surgical operations. The purpose of rescheduling is to decrease OR staffing costs, which are determined by the number of concurrently staffed ORs. We formulate the rescheduling problem as a variant of the bin-packing problem with interrelated items, which are the surgeries performed by the same surgeon. We develop a lower bound (LB) construction algorithm and prove that the LB is at least (2/3) of the optimal staffing cost. A key feature of our approach is that we allow hospitals to have two shift lengths. Our analytical results form the basis of a branch-and-bound algorithm, which we test on data obtained from three hospitals. Experiments show that rescheduling saves significant staffing costs.

Retrospectively reported month-to-month variation in sleeping problems of people naturally exposed to high-amplitude annual variation in daylength and/or temperature.

PubMed

Putilov, Arcady A

2017-01-01

Compared to literature on seasonal variation in mood and well-being, reports on seasonality of trouble sleeping are scarce and contradictive. To extend geography of such reports on example of people naturally exposed to high-amplitude annual variation in daylength and/or temperature. Participants were the residents of Turkmenia, West Siberia, South and North Yakutia, Chukotka, and Alaska. Health and sleep-wake adaptabilities, month-to-month variation in sleeping problems, well-being and behaviors were self-assessed. More than a half of 2398 respondents acknowledged seasonality of sleeping problems. Four of the assessed sleeping problems demonstrated three different patterns of seasonal variation. Rate of the problems significantly increased in winter months with long nights and cold days (daytime sleepiness and difficulties falling and staying asleep) as well as in summer months with either long days (premature awakening and difficulties falling and staying asleep) or hot nights and days (all 4 sleeping problems). Individual differences between respondents in pattern and level of seasonality of sleeping problems were significantly associated with differences in several other domains of individual variation, such as gender, age, ethnicity, physical health, morning-evening preference, sleep quality, and adaptability of the sleep-wake cycle. These results have practical relevance to understanding of the roles playing by natural environmental factors in seasonality of sleeping problems as well as to research on prevalence of sleep disorders and methods of their prevention and treatment in regions with large seasonal differences in temperature and daylength.

Gambling, Alcohol, and Other Substance Use Among Youth in the United States*

PubMed Central

Barnes, Grace M.; Welte, John W.; Hoffman, Joseph H.; Tidwell, Marie-Cecile O.

2009-01-01

Objective: Problem gambling has been linked with substance misuse among youth in a number of regional studies, yet there have been no large representative U.S. surveys of gambling behaviors and substance use among youth. The present study is designed to compare the patterns and co-occurrence of gambling and alcohol and other substance use among youth in the United States. Method: A random telephone survey was conducted with 2,274 youth ages 14-21 years old living in households in every area of the United States. Results: Problem gambling and substance misuse are prevalent among young people. For instance, 17% of youth reported gambling 52 or more times in the past year, and the same percentage of youth drank five or more drinks on 12 or more days in the past year. Ten percent of youth reported having three or more gambling problems in the past year, and 15% of young people reported having three or more alcohol problems. Controlling for gender, age, and socioeconomic status, black youth have a significantly increased probability of frequent gambling compared with other racial/ethnic groups, yet they have a significantly decreased probability of heavy drinking. Alcohol problems and gambling problems show high co-occurrence, especially for male youth and black youth. Conclusions: Population subgroups with a high co-occurrence of alcohol and gambling problems are important for targeted prevention and intervention strategies. PMID:19118402

The feasibility of trace element supplementation for stable operation of wheat stillage-fed biogas tank reactors.

PubMed

Gustavsson, J; Svensson, B H; Karlsson, A

2011-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of trace element supplementation on operation of wheat stillage-fed biogas tank reactors. The stillage used was a residue from bio-ethanol production, containing high levels of sulfate. In biogas production, high sulfate content has been associated with poor process stability in terms of low methane production and accumulation of process intermediates. However, the results of the present study show that this problem can be overcome by trace element supplementations. Four lab-scale wheat stillage-fed biogas tank reactors were operated for 345 days at a hydraulic retention time of 20 days (37 degrees C). It was concluded that daily supplementation with Co (0.5 mg L(-1)), Ni (0.2 mg L(-1)) and Fe (0.5 g L(-1)) were required for maintaining process stability at the organic loading rate of 4.0 g volatile solids L(-1) day(-1).

Maternal cell phone and cordless phone use during pregnancy and behaviour problems in 5-year-old children.

PubMed

Guxens, Mònica; van Eijsden, Manon; Vermeulen, Roel; Loomans, Eva; Vrijkotte, Tanja G M; Komhout, Hans; van Strien, Rob T; Huss, Anke

2013-05-01

A previous study found an association between maternal cell phone use during pregnancy and maternal-reported child behaviour problems at age 7. Together with cell phones, cordless phones represent the main exposure source of radiofrequency-electromagnetic fields to the head. Therefore, we assessed the association between maternal cell phone and cordless phone use during pregnancy and teacher-reported and maternal-reported child behaviour problems at age 5. The study was embedded in the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development study, a population-based birth cohort study in Amsterdam, the Netherlands (2003-2004). Teachers and mothers reported child behaviour problems using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire at age 5. Maternal cell phone and cordless phone use during pregnancy was asked when children were 7 years old. A total of 2618 children were included. As compared to non-users, those exposed to prenatal cell phone use showed an increased but non-significant association of having teacher-reported overall behaviour problems, although without dose-response relationship with the number of calls (OR=2.12 (95% CI 0.95 to 4.74) for <1 call/day, OR=1.58 (95% CI 0.69 to 3.60) for 1-4 calls/day and OR=2.04 (95% CI 0.86 to 4.80) for ≥5 calls/day). ORs for having teacher-reported overall behaviour problems across categories of cordless phone use were below 1 or close to unity. Associations of maternal cell phone and cordless phone use with maternal-reported overall behaviour problems remained non-significant. Non-significant associations were found for the specific behaviour problem subscales. Our results do not suggest that maternal cell phone or cordless phone use during pregnancy increases the odds of behaviour problems in their children.

Measurements of Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure at Work and at Leisure in Danish Workers.

PubMed

Grandahl, Kasper; Eriksen, Paul; Ibler, Kristina Sophie; Bonde, Jens Peter; Mortensen, Ole Steen

2018-03-30

Exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of skin cancer and may well present an occupational health and safety problem. In Denmark, skin cancer is a common disease in the general population, but detailed data on solar ultraviolet radiation exposure among outdoor workers are lacking. The aim of this study was to provide objective measurements of solar ultraviolet radiation exposure on working days and at leisure and compare levels of exposure between groups of mainly outdoor, equal-parts-outdoor-and-indoor and indoor workers. To this end, UV-B dosimeters with an aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) photodiode detector were used to measure the solar ultraviolet radiation exposure of 457 workers in the Danish summer season. Presented as semi-annual standard erythemal dose (SED) on working days, respectively, at leisure, the results are for mainly outdoor workers 214.2 SED and 64.8 SED, equal-parts-outdoor-and-indoor workers 131.4 SED and 64.8 SED, indoor workers 55.8 SED and 57.6 SED. The daily SED by month is significantly different (α = 0.05) between mainly outdoor, equal-parts-outdoor-and-indoor and indoor workers and across professional groups; some of which are exposed at very high levels that is roofers 361.8 SED. These findings substantiate that exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation is indeed an occupational health and safety problem in Denmark. © 2018 The Authors. Photochemistry and Photobiology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Photobiology.

Performing arts medicine-a bibliographic retrospective of the early literature: an historical examination of bibliographic references pre-1975.

PubMed

Dawson, William J

2013-03-01

Performing arts medicine (PAM) emerged as a medical specialty around 1985. Prior to this time, relatively few publications addressed the identification and concerns of musicians' and dancers' medical problems. To determine what number and types of publications occurred prior to the actual beginnings of PAM as a discipline, and to determine how these original topics compared with present-day publications, a retrospective review of the current bibliographic database of the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA) was undertaken. Out of a total of 12,600 entries to date, 489 references were found published from 1798 through 1974, which represent only 3.9% of the current database listings. One-sixth of the references were originally written in a language other than English. Journal articles were by far the most numerous type of publication. Topics with the highest number of entries included the neurobiology of music (n=77), dental/orofacial matters (71), and biographical accounts of composers or musicians and their illnesses (59). Other frequently published topics included hearing loss, physiology of playing instruments, and instrumental technique and teaching. Early topics with multiple publications included composers' biographies, dystonias, and surgery to improve finger independence for playing piano. Subjects whose publications occurred principally in the last two decades of this review included dermatological disorders, hearing loss, and ballet physiology, teaching, and technique. Those which remain popular to the present day include hearing loss, performance anxiety, focal dystonia, and dental/orofacial problems.

Multiple and single location drinking among DWI offenders referred for alcoholism evaluation.

PubMed

Wieczorek, W F; Miller, B A; Nochajski, T H

1992-01-01

Problem-drinker drivers who drank at multiple locations differ substantially from those who drank at only one location. Persons who drank at more than one location prior to their DWI arrest exhibit the most severe alcohol problems. Multilocation drinkers consumed significantly greater amounts of alcohol--for nearly all alcohol measures including consumption per drinking day, consumption averaged over 30 days, and consumption on the day of the DWI arrest--than single location drinkers. The multilocation group experienced more alcohol problems in their lives, had higher Mortimer-Filkins test scores, were intoxicated more frequently, and had a greater probability of a DSM-III-R alcohol-dependence diagnosis. Compared to the single location drinkers, the multilocation group had more bad driving incidents, frequently (once a week) drove while drunk, and expressed the attitude that the DWI had less of an impact on their lives. The findings suggest that multilocation drinkers require intensive interventions.

Use of perioperative dialogues with children undergoing day surgery.

PubMed

Wennström, Berith; Hallberg, Lillemor R-M; Bergh, Ingrid

2008-04-01

This paper is a report of a study to explore what it means for children to attend hospital for day surgery. Hospitalization is a major stressor for children. Fear of separation, unfamiliar routines, anaesthetic/operation expectations/experiences and pain and needles are sources of children's negative reactions. A grounded theory study was carried out during 2005-2006 with 15 boys and five girls (aged 6-9 years) scheduled for elective day surgery. Data were collected using tape-recorded interviews that included a perioperative dialogue, participant observations and pre- and postoperative drawings. A conceptual model was generated on the basis of the core category 'enduring inflicted hospital distress', showing that the main problem for children having day surgery is that they are forced into an unpredictable and distressful situation. Pre-operatively, the children do not know what to expect, as described in the category 'facing an unknown reality'. Additional categories show that they perceive a 'breaking away from daily routines' and that they are 'trying to gain control' over the situation. During the perioperative period, the categories 'losing control' and 'co-operating despite fear and pain' are present and intertwined. Post-operatively, the categories 'breathing a sigh of relief' and 'regaining normality in life' emerged. The perioperative dialogue used in our study, if translated into clinical practice, might therefore minimize distress and prepare children for the 'unknown' stressor that hospital care often presents. Further research is needed to compare anxiety and stress levels in children undergoing day surgery involving the perioperative dialogue and those having 'traditional' anaesthetic care.

Early adolescent deaf boys: a biopsychosocial approach.

PubMed

Feinstein, C B

1983-01-01

In this chapter I have reviewed observations from clinical consultation and group-therapy work with early adolescent deaf boys in a special day school for the deaf. I have stressed how problems in communication exert a profound effect on the lives of these youngsters, both by virtue of their past and present influence on family life and by their ongoing effect on peer-group processes and academic adjustment. Primary consideration was given to certain "here and now" aspects of these boys' lives: ongoing problems in the social fabric of their home and school; narcissistic vulnerabilities and defenses against shame; and language-processing difficulties. The ways in which these problems undermine the supportive effect of the peer group at a time when it plays a particularly important role in development were reviewed. By emphasizing current sources of difficulty, using a biopsychosocial approach, I hope to point out fruitful opportunities for significant psychiatric intervention in a psychiatrically vulnerable population whose needs for professional service have never been met.

The Interactive Influence of Cannabis-Related Negative Expectancies and Coping Motives on Cannabis Use Behavior and Problems.

PubMed

Foster, Dawn W; Jeffries, Emily R; Zvolensky, Michael J; Buckner, Julia D

2016-09-18

The present study tested whether coping motives for cannabis use moderate the effect of negative expectancies on cannabis use. Participants were 149 (36.2% female, 61.59% non-Hispanic Caucasian) current cannabis users aged 18-36 (M = 21.01, SD = 3.09) who completed measures of cannabis-related expectancies and motives for use. Hierarchical multiple regressions were employed to investigate the predictive value of the interaction between negative expectancies and coping motives on cannabis use outcomes. Results revealed interactions between negative expectancies and coping motives with respect to past 90 day cannabis use frequency and cannabis problems. Global negative effects expectancies were associated with less frequent cannabis use, particularly among those with fewer coping motives. However, negative expectancies were related to more cannabis problems, particularly among those with higher coping motives. These results suggest it may be advisable to take coping motives into account when addressing expectancies among cannabis users.

Metadata and annotations for multi-scale electrophysiological data.

PubMed

Bower, Mark R; Stead, Matt; Brinkmann, Benjamin H; Dufendach, Kevin; Worrell, Gregory A

2009-01-01

The increasing use of high-frequency (kHz), long-duration (days) intracranial monitoring from multiple electrodes during pre-surgical evaluation for epilepsy produces large amounts of data that are challenging to store and maintain. Descriptive metadata and clinical annotations of these large data sets also pose challenges to simple, often manual, methods of data analysis. The problems of reliable communication of metadata and annotations between programs, the maintenance of the meanings within that information over long time periods, and the flexibility to re-sort data for analysis place differing demands on data structures and algorithms. Solutions to these individual problem domains (communication, storage and analysis) can be configured to provide easy translation and clarity across the domains. The Multi-scale Annotation Format (MAF) provides an integrated metadata and annotation environment that maximizes code reuse, minimizes error probability and encourages future changes by reducing the tendency to over-fit information technology solutions to current problems. An example of a graphical utility for generating and evaluating metadata and annotations for "big data" files is presented.

Neuroprotective Activity of Curcumin in Combination with Piperine against Quinolinic Acid Induced Neurodegeneration in Rats.

PubMed

Singh, Shamsher; Kumar, Puneet

2016-01-01

Quinolinic acid (QA) is an excitotoxin that induces Huntington's-like symptoms in animals and humans. Curcumin (CMN) is a well-known antioxidant but the major problem is its bioavailability. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of CMN in the presence of piperine against QA-induced excitotoxic cell death in rats. QA was administered intrastriatally at a dose of 200 nmol/2 µl saline, bilaterally. CMN (25 and 50 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and combination of CMN (25 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and with piperine (2.5 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was administered daily for the next 21 days. Body weight and behavioral parameters were observed on 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st day. On the 22nd day, animals were sacrificed and striatum was isolated for biochemical (LPO, nitrite and GSH), neuroinflammatory (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and neurochemical (dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA, glutamate, 5-HT, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid) estimation. CMN treatment showed beneficial effect against QA-induced motor deficit, biochemical and neurochemical abnormalities in rats. Combination of piperine (2.5 mg/kg/day, p.o.) with CMN (25 mg/kg/day, p.o.) significantly enhanced its protective effect as compared to treatment with CMN alone. This study has revealed that the combination of CMN and piperine showed strong antioxidant and protective effect against QA-induced behavioral and neurological alteration in rats. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

The Effects of Air Pollution on Cardiovascular and Respiratory Causes of Emergency Admission

PubMed Central

Shahi, Ali Mohammad; Omraninava, Ali; Goli, Mitra; Soheilarezoomand, Hamid Reza; Mirzaei, Nader

2014-01-01

Introduction: Today, air pollution is one of the critical problems in metropolitans and necessary preparations are needed for confronting this crisis. The present study was based on the goal of determining the relationship of air pollutant levels with the rate of emergency admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular patients. Methods: In the present retrospective cross-sectional study, all respiratory and cardiovascular patients, referred to emergency department during 2012, were assessed. The meteorological and air pollution data were collected. Information regarding the numbers and dates (month, day) of admission for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases was achieved from the hospital's electronic registration system. The relation of air pollution and respiratory and cardiovascular admissions were analyzed by generalize additive model (GAM). Results: 5922 patients were assessed which included 4048 (68.36%) cardiovascular and 1874 (31.64%) respiratory. Carbon monoxide (CO) level was an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease on the same day (RR=1.49; 95% CI: 1.25- 1.77; P<0.001), the day before (RR=1.22; 95% CI: 1.02- 1.45; P=0.03), and the last two days (RR=1.3; 95% CI: 1.09- 1.54; P<0.001). The same process was repeated for ozone (O3). In addition, the O3 level on the same day (RR=1.49; 95% CI: 1.25- 1.77; P<0.001), the day before (RR=1.22; 95% CI: 1.02- 1.45; P=0.03), the last two days (RR=1.3; 95% CI: 1.09- 1.54; P<0.001), and the last week (RR=1.004; 95% CI: 1.0007-1.008; P=0.02) were independent risk factors of respiratory admissions. The increased level of particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5) like O3 led to growth in the admissions to emergency department. Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggested that rising levels of CO and O3 during two days leads to a significant increase in cardiovascular admission on the third day. Furthermore, increase in O3, PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and CO levels causes a rise in respiratory admissions to emergency department. PMID:26495360

Metamodeling and the Critic-based approach to multi-level optimization.

PubMed

Werbos, Ludmilla; Kozma, Robert; Silva-Lugo, Rodrigo; Pazienza, Giovanni E; Werbos, Paul J

2012-08-01

Large-scale networks with hundreds of thousands of variables and constraints are becoming more and more common in logistics, communications, and distribution domains. Traditionally, the utility functions defined on such networks are optimized using some variation of Linear Programming, such as Mixed Integer Programming (MIP). Despite enormous progress both in hardware (multiprocessor systems and specialized processors) and software (Gurobi) we are reaching the limits of what these tools can handle in real time. Modern logistic problems, for example, call for expanding the problem both vertically (from one day up to several days) and horizontally (combining separate solution stages into an integrated model). The complexity of such integrated models calls for alternative methods of solution, such as Approximate Dynamic Programming (ADP), which provide a further increase in the performance necessary for the daily operation. In this paper, we present the theoretical basis and related experiments for solving the multistage decision problems based on the results obtained for shorter periods, as building blocks for the models and the solution, via Critic-Model-Action cycles, where various types of neural networks are combined with traditional MIP models in a unified optimization system. In this system architecture, fast and simple feed-forward networks are trained to reasonably initialize more complicated recurrent networks, which serve as approximators of the value function (Critic). The combination of interrelated neural networks and optimization modules allows for multiple queries for the same system, providing flexibility and optimizing performance for large-scale real-life problems. A MATLAB implementation of our solution procedure for a realistic set of data and constraints shows promising results, compared to the iterative MIP approach. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Leg lengthening in patients with congenital fibular hemimelia.

PubMed

Jasiewicz, Barbara; Kacki, Wojciech; Koniarski, Arkadiusz; Kasprzyk, Marcin; Zarzycka, Maja; Tesiorowski, Maciej

2002-08-30

Background. Anisomelia in patients with congenital fibular deficiencies is a difficult orthopedic problem due to concomitant deformities of the angle and knee. The goal of the present study was to analyze outcomes of tibia lengthening in these patients. Material and methods. In the period 1989-2001 we performed lengthening of 26 limbs in 21 patients with congenital fibular deficiency (11 female, 10 male, average age 10.1 years). Under the Achterman-Kalamchi classification, 8 tibiae were Type 1, 3 were Type 1b, and 10 were Type 2 (including one case with bilateral defect). The average baseline shortening was 4.6 cm, i.e. 15.3%. The Ilizarov method was used in 24 cases, chondrial lengthening in the others. We measured time of lengthening, time of stabilization, total healing time, amount of lengthening, and the lengthening index, as well as the range of ankle and knee movement, the positioning of the foot, and the axis of the tibia at each stage. Problems and complications were classified according to Paley. The average follow-up was 4.9 years Results. The mean time of lengthening was 101 days, stabilization time 177 days, total healing time 269 days, mean lengthening 5.6 cm (22.9%). As of the last examination only 7 patients did not require follow-up surgery, 6 with Type 1a and 1 with Type 1b. Conclusions. Tibia lengthening with axis correction constitutes an alternative to amputation in congenital fibular deficiency. It is a difficult procedure, however, encumbered by a significant risk of complications.

Abstracts of the annual meeting of Planetary Geologic Mappers: June 21-22, 2002, Tempe, Arizona

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gregg, Tracy K. P.; Tanaka, Kenneth L.; Senske, David A.

2002-01-01

The annual meeting of planetary geologic mappers allows mappers the opportunity to exchange ideas, experiences, victories, and problems. In addition, presentations are reviewed by the Geologic Mapping Subcommittee (GEMS) to provide input to the Planetary Geology and Geophysics Mapping Program review panel’s consideration of new proposals and progress reports that include mapping tasks. Funded mappers bring both oral presentation materials (slides or viewgraphs) and map products to post for review by GEMS and fellow mappers. Additionally, the annual meetings typically feature optional field trips that offer Earth analogs and parallels to planetary mapping problems or workshops that provide information and status of current missions. The 2002 meeting of planetary geologic mappers was held June 21-22 at the Mars Flight Facility, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona. Dr. Phil Christensen graciously offered the use of the newly renovated facility, and Ms. Kelly Bender not only proved to be a courteous hostess, but also arranged a short workshop on June 23 regarding TES and THEMIS data. Approximately 30 people attended each day of the 2-day meeting, although not the same 30—some attended only on Thursday and others only on Friday. On Thursday, eight mappers gave oral presentations of Mars mapping, and an additional two presentations were presented as posters only. Eight oral presentations on Venus mapping were given on Friday, and an additional four presentations were posters only. Twelve people attended the TES/THEMIS workshop. Presentations of Ganymede mapping and Europa mapping (the latter not yet financially sponsored by PG&G mapping program) were also given on Friday. Aside from the regular presentations of maps-in-progress, there were some additional talks. Lisa Gaddis (USGS) presented a proposal seeking support for a new lunar mapping program in light of all the new data available; she made a good case that the GEMS panel discussed. Jim Skinner (USGS) gave a short presentation on free (or nearly so) software available for 3D viewing of planetary surfaces. Healthy discussions focused on the review time for some maps and the use of different styles of correlation charts observed on the presented maps. Next year’s meeting will be held June 19-20 at Brown University, Providence, RI.

The role of day-to-day emotions, sleep, and social interactions in pediatric anxiety treatment.

PubMed

Wallace, Meredith L; McMakin, Dana L; Tan, Patricia Z; Rosen, Dana; Forbes, Erika E; Ladouceur, Cecile D; Ryan, Neal D; Siegle, Greg J; Dahl, Ronald E; Kendall, Philip C; Mannarino, Anthony; Silk, Jennifer S

2017-03-01

Do day-to-day emotions, social interactions, and sleep play a role in determining which anxious youth respond to supportive child-centered therapy (CCT) versus cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)? We explored whether measures of day-to-day functioning (captured through ecological momentary assessment, sleep diary, and actigraphy), along with clinical and demographic measures, were predictors or moderators of treatment outcome in 114 anxious youth randomized to CCT or CBT. We statistically combined individual moderators into a single, optimal composite moderator to characterize subgroups for which CCT or CBT may be preferable. The strongest predictors of better outcome included: (a) experiencing higher positive affect when with one's mother and (b) fewer self-reported problems with sleep duration. The composite moderator indicated that youth for whom CBT was indicated had: (a) more day-to-day sleep problems related to sleep quality, efficiency, and waking, (b) day-to-day negative events related to interpersonal concerns, (c) more DSM-IV anxiety diagnoses, and (d) college-educated parents. These findings illustrate the value of both day-to-day functioning characteristics and more traditional sociodemographic and clinical characteristics in identifying optimal anxiety treatment assignment. Future studies will need to enhance the practicality of real-time measures for use in clinical decision making and evaluate additional anxiety treatments. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Search for cosmic gamma rays with the Carpet-2 extensive air shower array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dzhappuev, D. D.; Petkov, V. B.; Kudzhaev, A. U.; Klimenko, N. F.; Lidvansky, A. S.; Troitsky, S. V.

2016-06-01

The present-day status of the problem of searching for primary cosmic gamma rays at energies above 100 TeV is discussed, as well as a proposal for a new experiment in this field. It is shown that an increase of the area of the muon detector of the Carpet-2 air shower array up to 410 square meters, to be realized in 2016, will make this array quite competitive with past and existing experiments, especially at modest energies. Some preliminary results of measurements made with smaller area of the muon detector are presented together with estimates of expected results to be obtained with a coming large-area muon detector.

Users report for the Northern Great Plains.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waltz, F. A.; Myers, V. I.; Heinemann, L. R.

1973-01-01

The applications of remote-sensing techniques offer new approaches to many of the present-day problems encountered by various state agencies in South Dakota. The study was completed in three phases. The first report presented the information needs of the state agencies and educational efforts; the second defined the data handling procedures for fulfilling the applications; and the third phase was a development of a dynamic information dissemination plan on a state-wide basis. Aircraft data, satellite imagery, and other remotely sensed information are valuable for decision-making processes. A design for an organization to acquire for the state the advantages of remote-sensing systems for resources research and management has been developed.

Turbine Engine Hot Section Technology (HOST)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1983-01-01

A two-day workshop on the research and plans for turbine engine hot section durability problems was held on October 25 and 26, 1983, at the NASA Lewis Research Center. Presentations were made during six sessions, including structural analysis, fatigue and fracture, surface protective coatings, combustion, turbine heat transfer, and instrumentation, that dealt with the thermal and fluid environment around liners, blades, and vanes, and with material coatings, constitutive behavior, stress-strain response, and life prediction methods for the three components. The principal objective of each session was to disseminate the research results to date, along with future plans, in each of the six areas. Contract and government researchers presented results of their work.

A Severe Accident Caused by an Ocellate River Stingray (Potamotrygon motoro) in Central Brazil: How Well Do We Really Understand Stingray Venom Chemistry, Envenomation, and Therapeutics?

PubMed

da Silva, Nelson Jorge; Ferreira, Kalley Ricardo Clementino; Pinto, Raimundo Nonato Leite; Aird, Steven Douglas

2015-06-18

Freshwater stingrays cause many serious human injuries, but identification of the offending species is uncommon. The present case involved a large freshwater stingray, Potamotrygon motoro (Chondrichthyes: Potamotrygonidae), in the Araguaia River in Tocantins, Brazil. Appropriate first aid was administered within ~15 min, except that an ice pack was applied. Analgesics provided no pain relief, although hot compresses did. Ciprofloxacin therapy commenced after ~18 h and continued seven days. Then antibiotic was suspended; however, after two more days and additional tests, cephalosporin therapy was initiated, and proved successful. Pain worsened despite increasingly powerful analgesics, until debridement of the wound was performed after one month. The wound finally closed ~70 days after the accident, but the patient continued to have problems wearing shoes even eight months later. Chemistry and pharmacology of Potamotrygon venom and mucus, and clinical management of freshwater stingray envenomations are reviewed in light of the present case. Bacterial infections of stingray puncture wounds may account for more long-term morbidity than stingray venom. Simultaneous prophylactic use of multiple antibiotics is recommended for all but the most superficial stingray wounds. Distinguishing relative contributions of venom, mucus, and bacteria will require careful genomic and transcriptomic investigations of stingray tissues and contaminating bacteria.

The Effects of NBF Gingival Gel Application in the Treatment of the Erosive Lichen Planus: Case Report.

PubMed

Popovska, Mirjana; Fidovski, Jasmin; Mindova, Sonja; Dirjanska, Katerina; Ristoska, Stevica; Stefanovska, Emilija; Radojkova-Nikolovska, Vera; Mitic, Kristina; Rusevska, Biljana

2016-03-15

The therapy of erosive lichen planus (ELP) has been particular problem in the treatment of oral lesions. This case of ELP in male patient 29 years old was treated with topic application of the NBF gingival gel, three times a day after meal, previously rinsed with Clorhexidine gluconate 0.12%. After 5 days of treatment, initial improvements were recorded, and after two weeks of application of the NBF gingival gel we observed significant improvement. Clinical monitoring after the fifth day showed mild epithelialization of the eroded mucosa, yet still present erythematous base of the lesion. After the second week the erythema area was significantly reduced and the eroded surfaces of the mucosa were minimal, measured less than 0.5 mm. After the third week there were no erosions to detect on the oral mucosa, yet still present vague redness, which completely pulled after the fourth week. Treatment ended after the fifth week when the topical application of the NBF gingival gel was terminated, and therapy was done, and clinically achieved effects remained stable even after the third month of the treatment. Topic application of the NBF gingival gel with ELP patients showed positive clinical effects in relatively short time period.

The Effects of NBF Gingival Gel Application in the Treatment of the Erosive Lichen Planus: Case Report

PubMed Central

Popovska, Mirjana; Fidovski, Jasmin; Mindova, Sonja; Dirjanska, Katerina; Ristoska, Stevica; Stefanovska, Emilija; Radojkova-Nikolovska, Vera; Mitic, Kristina; Rusevska, Biljana

2016-01-01

The therapy of erosive lichen planus (ELP) has been particular problem in the treatment of oral lesions. This case of ELP in male patient 29 years old was treated with topic application of the NBF gingival gel, three times a day after meal, previously rinsed with Clorhexidine gluconate 0.12%. After 5 days of treatment, initial improvements were recorded, and after two weeks of application of the NBF gingival gel we observed significant improvement. Clinical monitoring after the fifth day showed mild epithelialization of the eroded mucosa, yet still present erythematous base of the lesion. After the second week the erythema area was significantly reduced and the eroded surfaces of the mucosa were minimal, measured less than 0.5 mm. After the third week there were no erosions to detect on the oral mucosa, yet still present vague redness, which completely pulled after the fourth week. Treatment ended after the fifth week when the topical application of the NBF gingival gel was terminated, and therapy was done, and clinically achieved effects remained stable even after the third month of the treatment. Topic application of the NBF gingival gel with ELP patients showed positive clinical effects in relatively short time period. PMID:27275352

The Villa Park experience: crowd consultations at an English Premiership football stadium, season 2007-8.

PubMed

Bhangu, Aneel; Agar, Catherine; Pickard, Lucy; Leary, Alison

2010-06-01

The Football Licensing Authority has expressed concern that crowd injury rates in British football stadiums may be increasing. This study aims to provide modern data regarding crowd consultation patterns from an English Premiership football stadium. Retrospective case mix analysis. 21 matches played by Aston Villa FC at Villa Park (season 2007-8; capacity 42 640 spectators). 78 patients produced a median consultation rate of four per match (incidence of 1.0 per 10 000 spectators). New conditions on match day formed 67% of contacts, including minor trauma (41%) and new general medical conditions (27%). The remaining 33% of presentations were unrelated to new injury or illness in spectators on match day, including exacerbations of pre-existing illness (17%), opportunistic presentations of existing stable problems (10%) and stadium staff injuries (6%). There were no critical illnesses or major incidents. Seven injuries were attributed to stadium infrastructure. Alcohol was deemed to be the causative factor in just two cases. Crowd consultation rates at a large modern sports stadium are low. Many spectators use medical services for conditions unrelated to new injury or illness on match day. More data are needed from British football stadiums to be able to plan event cover safely and efficiently.

A Severe Accident Caused by an Ocellate River Stingray (Potamotrygon motoro) in Central Brazil: How Well Do We Really Understand Stingray Venom Chemistry, Envenomation, and Therapeutics?

PubMed Central

da Silva, Nelson Jorge; Clementino Ferreira, Kalley Ricardo; Leite Pinto, Raimundo Nonato; Aird, Steven Douglas

2015-01-01

Freshwater stingrays cause many serious human injuries, but identification of the offending species is uncommon. The present case involved a large freshwater stingray, Potamotrygon motoro (Chondrichthyes: Potamotrygonidae), in the Araguaia River in Tocantins, Brazil. Appropriate first aid was administered within ~15 min, except that an ice pack was applied. Analgesics provided no pain relief, although hot compresses did. Ciprofloxacin therapy commenced after ~18 h and continued seven days. Then antibiotic was suspended; however, after two more days and additional tests, cephalosporin therapy was initiated, and proved successful. Pain worsened despite increasingly powerful analgesics, until debridement of the wound was performed after one month. The wound finally closed ~70 days after the accident, but the patient continued to have problems wearing shoes even eight months later. Chemistry and pharmacology of Potamotrygon venom and mucus, and clinical management of freshwater stingray envenomations are reviewed in light of the present case. Bacterial infections of stingray puncture wounds may account for more long-term morbidity than stingray venom. Simultaneous prophylactic use of multiple antibiotics is recommended for all but the most superficial stingray wounds. Distinguishing relative contributions of venom, mucus, and bacteria will require careful genomic and transcriptomic investigations of stingray tissues and contaminating bacteria. PMID:26094699

Compliance with 14-day primaquine therapy for radical cure of vivax malaria--a randomized placebo-controlled trial comparing unsupervised with supervised treatment.

PubMed

Leslie, Toby; Rab, Mohammad Abdur; Ahmadzai, Hayat; Durrani, Naeem; Fayaz, Mohammad; Kolaczinski, Jan; Rowland, Mark

2004-03-01

The only available treatment that can eliminate the latent hypnozoite reservoir of vivax malaria is a 14 d course of primaquine (PQ). A potential problem with long-course chemotherapy is the issue of compliance after clinical symptoms have subsided. The present study, carried out at an Afghan refugee camp in Pakistan, between June 2000 and August 2001, compared 14 d treatment in supervised and unsupervised groups in which compliance was monitored by comparison of relapse rates. Clinical cases recruited by passive case detection were randomised by family to placebo, supervised, or unsupervised groups, and treated with chloroquine (25 mg/kg) over 3 days to eliminate erythrocytic stages. Individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency were excluded from the trial. Cases allocated to supervision were given directly observed treatment (0.25 mg PQ/kg body weight) once per day for 14 days. Cases allocated to the unsupervised group were provided with 14 PQ doses upon enrollment and strongly advised to complete the course. A total of 595 cases were enrolled. After 9 months of follow up PQ proved equally protective against further episodes of P. vivax in supervised (odds ratio 0.35, 95% CI 0.21-0.57) and unsupervised (odds ratio 0.37, 95% CI 0.23-0.59) groups as compared to placebo. All age groups on supervised or unsupervised treatment showed a similar degree of protection even though the risk of relapse decreased with age. The study showed that a presumed problem of poor compliance may be overcome with simple health messages even when the majority of individuals are illiterate and without formal education. Unsupervised treatment with 14-day PQ when combined with simple instruction can avert a significant amount of the morbidity associated with relapse in populations where G6PD deficiency is either absent or readily diagnosable.

From Vision to Action: Solving Problems through Inquiry at Boston Day and Evening Academy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kunst, Andrea

2009-01-01

On a mid-week day in mid-December 2008, Boston Day and Evening Academy's room 209, usually used for board meetings, student assessments, awards dinners, and other occasions requiring an intimate atmosphere, smelled like Chinese food. These second-trimester students at Boston Day and Evening Academy (BDEA) were having a reunion after just a few…

Community emergency department utilization following a natural disaster (the Goderich Tornado).

PubMed

Appavoo, Samuel D; Khemlin, Alexander; Appavoo, Donna M; Flynn, Candi J

2016-01-01

On 21 August 2011 an F3 tornado hit the Canadian town of Goderich, Ontario, leaving 40 people injured and one dead. Specific medium-term changes in utilization of health care following a disaster have not been analyzed in medical literature. Documenting the emergency department utilization through this subacute period would be helpful to enable institutions and healthcare practitioners to be better prepared for future events. A medical chart review was conducted at the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich. All emergency department visits made during the 30 days after the Tornado in 2011 (intervention group), 30 days prior to the tornado in 2011 (primary control group), and during the similar calendar period of 30 days after the tornado in 2010 (seasonal control group) were reviewed. Medical diagnoses of all patients who presented at the emergency department were collected and compared. Fewer people presented to the emergency department following the tornado than during the control periods, and those who did were significantly older than those who presented in the control periods (p<0.001). A significantly greater number of patients presented with undiagnosed medical problems, many came to refill their medications, and significantly fewer people left the emergency department without being seen (p<0.001). This study identifies the medical conditions that are most likely to be seen in an emergency department following a tornado in a rural Ontario community. This information serves to inform the medical community and other hospitals how to increase their level of preparedness should a comparable disaster occur again in the future.

Primary Treatment Results of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

PubMed Central

Wildeman, Maarten A.; Fles, Renske; Herdini, Camelia; Indrasari, Rai S.; Vincent, Andrew D.; Tjokronagoro, Maesadji; Stoker, Sharon; Kurnianda, Johan; Karakullukcu, Baris; Taroeno-Hariadi, Kartika W.; Hamming-Vrieze, Olga; Middeldorp, Jaap M.; Hariwiyanto, Bambang; Haryana, Sofia M.; Tan, I. Bing

2013-01-01

Introduction Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) is a major health problem in southern and eastern Asia. In Indonesia NPC is the most frequent cancer in the head and neck area. NPC is very sensitive to radiotherapy resulting in 3-year disease-free and overall survival of approximately 70% and 80%, respectively. Here we present routine treatment results in a prospective study on NPC in a top referral; university hospital in Indonesia. Methods All NPC patients presenting from September 2008 till January 2011 at the ear, nose and throat (ENT) department of the Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, were possible candidates. Patients were included if the biopsy was a histological proven NPC without distant metastasis and were assessed during counselling sessions prior to treatment, as being able to complete the entire treatment. Results In total 78 patients were included for treatment analysis. The median time between diagnosis and start of radiotherapy is 120 days. Forty-eight (62%) patients eventually finished all fractions of radiotherapy. The median duration of the radiotherapy is 62 days for 66 Gy. Median overall survival is 21 months (95% CI 18–35) from day of diagnosis. Conclusion The results presented here reveal that currently the treatment of NPC at an Indonesian hospital is not sufficient and cannot be compared to the treatment results in literature. Main reasons for these poor treatment results are (1) a long waiting time prior to the start of radiotherapy, (2) the extended overall duration of radiotherapy and (3) the advanced stage of disease at presentation. PMID:23675501

Reproductive traits of Holsteins and Jerseys. Effects of age, milk yield, and clinical abnormalities on involution of cervix and uterus, ovulation, estrous cycles, detection of estrus, conception rate, and days open.

PubMed

Fonseca, F A; Britt, J H; McDaniel, B T; Wilk, J C; Rakes, A H

1983-05-01

Two hundred and twelve Holstein and Jersey cows were in a study to determine factors that affected reproductive traits. First ovulation occurred about 3 wk postpartum, and interval to first ovulation was greater in cows that had clinical abnormalities postpartum than in normal cows. Jerseys producing more milk ovulated sooner postpartum than lower producing herdmates. Involution of cervix and uterus occurred later postpartum in cows that had clinical problems postpartum. Involution of genital tract occurred later postpartum in older cows and sooner postpartum in cows that had higher milk yields. Duration of first postpartum estrous cycle was 4 days less than for second postpartum cycle. Percentages of estrous cycles detected by standing estrus were 43 and 73% for Holsteins and Jerseys. Estrous detection rates were highest for cows that produced slightly above the mean milk yield and did not differ between cows in highest and lowest milk production quartiles. First detected estrus and days to first insemination occurred later postpartum in Holsteins as milk yield deviation from herdmates increased, regardless of sign. In Jerseys, days to first insemination and days open increased linearly as milk yield increased. Days to first insemination and conception were greater in cows with postpartum clinical problems. Conception rate at first insemination postpartum increased in proportion to concentration of progesterone in blood samples collected during 12 days before first insemination. Overall, clinical problems at parturition and postpartum lowered reproductive performance in both breeds. There was a slight antagonism between milk yield and reproductive performance (days open) in Jerseys but not in Holsteins.

Implementing the Modified Four-Day School Week.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Litke, C. Del

1994-01-01

Traces development and implementation of a 4-day school week at an Alberta junior high school that extended the school day 40 minutes, resulted in more classes taught in a shorter time period, and decreased student discipline problems. Describes parent and community reactions. Includes recommendations for planning educational change. (LP)

Senior Citizen Celebration Days: A University-Based Education Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Horacek, Bruce J.; Francke, Sue N.

1978-01-01

Describes a three-day program called "Senior Citizen Celebration Days: A Festival of Education and the Arts" sponsored by the University of Nebraska. Problems involved in planning and developing the program, benefits to older people, the university, and the community, and evaluation of the festival are discussed. (Author)

Sprocket- Chain Simulation: Modelling and Simulation of a Multi Physics problem by sequentially coupling MotionSolve and nanoFluidX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayanthi, Aditya; Coker, Christopher

2016-11-01

In the last decade, CFD simulations have transitioned from the stage where they are used to validate the final designs to the main stream development of products driven by the simulation. However, there are still niche areas of applications liking oiling simulations, where the traditional CFD simulation times are probative to use them in product development and have to rely on experimental methods, which are expensive. In this paper a unique example of Sprocket-Chain simulation will be presented using nanoFluidx a commercial SPH code developed by FluiDyna GmbH and Altair Engineering. The grid less nature of the of SPH method has inherent advantages in the areas of application with complex geometry which pose severe challenge to classical finite volume CFD methods due to complex moving geometries, moving meshes and high resolution requirements leading to long simulation times. The simulations times using nanoFluidx can be reduced from weeks to days allowing the flexibility to run more simulation and can be in used in main stream product development. The example problem under consideration is a classical Multiphysics problem and a sequentially coupled solution of Motion Solve and nanoFluidX will be presented. This abstract is replacing DFD16-2016-000045.

'We have got the tools': Qualitative evaluation of a mental health Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) education programme in Ireland.

PubMed

Keogh, B; Higgins, A; Devries, J; Morrissey, J; Callaghan, P; Ryan, D; Gijbels, H; Nash, M

2014-04-01

In recent years, there has been a consistent drive to incorporate Recovery principles into the Irish mental health services. A group of Irish mental health service providers came together and delivered a 5-day Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) facilitator's programme. The programme was developed and delivered by key stakeholders including people with self-experience of mental health problem. This paper presents the qualitative findings from an evaluation of these facilitator's programmes. Three focus groups were held with 22 people, the majority of who described themselves as mental health professionals and/or people with self-experience of mental health problems. Data were analysed using a thematic approach and yielded four themes. Although the participants were positive about the programme and felt that their knowledge of Recovery and WRAP had improved, they felt that they still lacked confidence in terms of the presentation skills required for facilitating Recovery and WRAP programmes. The findings suggest that mental health service providers who wish to develop service users and clinicians as WRAP facilitators need to put more emphasis on the provision of facilitation and presentation skills in the programmes they develop. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Evaluation of a polymer implanted port access device.

PubMed

Brown, J M

1996-01-01

The implanted port vascular access system has provided many patients with safe and reliable vascular access. Its implanted design provides improved body image, reduced maintenance and a better quality of life. The Huber needle has been the standard means of accessing the implanted port system. Because of the problems associated with the Huber needle system, current standards recommend that the Huber needle be changed every 7 days. This evaluation examines the use of a polymer cannula to access the implanted port system. This polymer cannula eliminates many of the problems associated with the Huber needle and provides longer dwell times without increased complications. Seventy nine patients were accessed for a total of 1533 days with the mean dwell time being 19.4 days with no increase in complications associated with port access. To establish implanted port access times of greater than 7 days without increased complications. A multicenter voluntary enrollment evaluation of a medical device. Patients were offered the opportunity to participate in the evaluation if they had an implanted port and were going to be accessed for therapy for periods of 7 days or more. Patients were observed for adverse cutaneous reactions at the insertion site and any port access complications such as sepsis, leakage, changes in portal chamber integrity, and implant pocket integrity. From October 1994 through November 1995, 79 L-Cath for Ports (Luther Medical Products) polymer catheter port access devices (Illustration 1) were inserted in 54 patients. This polymer port access device was used instead of a rigid metal Huber needle for port access. The total number of access days was 1533 days with the mean duration of access being 19.4 days. Two patients experienced blood stream infections while they were accessed with the polymer port access device. These infections ensued with fever of unknown origin as the presenting symptom during neutropenic episodes after chemotherapy treatment. The port access device was removed and the port access device tip was cultured with culture results being negative. No other patients experienced complications related to the port access device. The polymer port access device provided a safe and effective means of extending port access times. This reduced the number of restarts for the patients and could extend portal septum life by exposing the portal septum to fewer accesses.

NMDA or 5-HT receptor antagonists impair memory reconsolidation and induce various types of amnesia.

PubMed

Nikitin, V P; Solntseva, S V; Kozyrev, S A; Nikitin, P V; Shevelkin, A V

2018-06-01

Elucidation of amnesia mechanisms is one of the central problems in neuroscience with immense practical application. Previously, we found that conditioned food presentation combined with injection of a neurotransmitter receptor antagonist or protein synthesis inhibitor led to amnesia induction. In the present study, we investigated the time course and features of two amnesias: induced by impairment of memory reconsolidation using an NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist (MK-801) and a serotonin receptor antagonist (methiothepin, MET) on snails trained with food aversion conditioning. During the early period of amnesia (<10th day), the unpaired presentation of conditioned stimuli (CS) or unconditioned stimuli (US) in the same training context did not have an effect on both types of amnesia. Retraining an on 1st or 3rd day of amnesia induction facilitated memory formation, i.e. the number of CS + US pairings was lower than at initial training. On the 10th or 30th day after the MET/reminder, the number of CS + US pairings did not change between initial training and retraining. Retraining on the 10th or 30th day following the MK-801/reminder in the same or a new context of learning resulted in short, but not long-term, memory, and the number of CS + US pairings was higher than at the initial training. This type of amnesia was specific to the CS we used at initial training, since long-term memory for another kind of CS could be formed in the same snails. The attained results suggest that disruption of memory reconsolidation using antagonists of serotonin or NMDA glutamate receptors induced amnesias with different abilities to form long-term memory during the late period of development. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The First Mediterranean Seminar on Science Writing, Editing and Publishing, Sarajevo, December 2-3, 2016.

PubMed

Masic, Izet; Donev, Doncho; Sinanovic, Osman; Jakovljevic, Miro; Zerem, Enver; Milosevic, Dejan B; Gajovic, Srecko; Gasparyan, Armen Yuri; Sokolovic, Sekib; Salkic, Nermin; Uzunovic, Selma; Dobric, Silva; Kurti, Floreta; Begic, Edin; Kurtcehajic, Admir

2016-12-01

The First Mediterranean Seminar on Science Writing, Editing & Publishing (SWEP 2016) was held in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina from 2nd to 3rd December 2016. It was organized by Academy of Medical Sciences of Bosnia and Herzegovina, running concurrent sessions as part of its Annual Meeting titled " "Days of AMNuBiH - Theory and Practice in Science Communication and Scientometrics". Hotel Bosnia in the city centre was the chosen venue. On the first day, nineteen presentations on various issues of science writing and publication ethics were delivered by speakers from Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina and the UK (Asim Kurjak, Milivoj Boranić, Doncho Donev, Osman Sinanović, Miro Jakovljević, Enver Zerem, Dejan Milošević, Silva Dobrić, Srećko Gajović, Izet Mašić, Armen Yuri Gasparyan, Šekib Sokolović, Nermin Salkić, Selma Uzunović, Admir Kurtčehajić, Edin Begić and Floreta Kurti). Each presentation had a take-home message for novice and seasoned authors, encountering numerous problems in non-Anglophone research environment. Lecturers, who were internationally recognized editors of regional journals, generously shared their experience of adhering to the best ethical guidance. Elegant presentations by Srećko Gajović (Editor-in-Chief of the Croatian Medical Journal) and Armen Yuri Gasparyan (past Chief Editor of the European Science Editing) showcased their accomplishments that strengthened ties between authors from all over the world. Gasparyan reflected on educational resources of editorial associations, such as the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) and the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), and called not just to declare the adherence to, but also to enforce their ethical guidance in daily practice. Editors of Medical Archives, Croatian Medica Journal, Vojnosanitetski Pregled, Psychiatria Danubina, Acta Informatica Medica, Materia Socio-Medica, The Donald School Journal of Ultrasound in Obstretics and Gynecology, Acta Medica Saliniana and Medicinski Glasnik presented their editorial strategies aimed at attracting best authors and resolving problems with authorship, conflicts of interest, and plagiarism. Topical education on science writing and editing was considered as an inseparable part of continuing professional development in biomedicine. Armen Yuri Gasparyan (UK) was offered an opportunity to interact with more than 70 participants, attending the SWEP 2016 on the second day. The lecturer talked about author contributions, disclosures of conflicts of interests, plagiarism of ideas and words, research performance and impact indicators, and targeting ethical journals. Topics were presented in a way to help non-Anglophone authors, reviewers and editors avoid common ethical problems. Dr Gasparyan stressed the importance of regularly arranging such meetings across Balkan and Mediterranean countries to eradicate plagiarism and other forms research misconduct. The organizers of the SWEP 2016 awarded selected keynote speakers with certificates of lifetime achievement in journal editing, and decided to run the Seminar annually with support of Balkan and Mediterranean editors and publishers. The SWEP 2016 marked a turning point in the process of regional developments since all attending editors opted for nurturing enthusiasm of the organizers and launching the Mediterranean Association of Science Editors and Publishers (MASEP). The Seminar was a great success with its impressive scientific and social activities. It attracted more than 100 students, researchers, editors, and publishers from Bosnia & Herzegovina and neighbouring countries. Proceedings, in the form of short reports, were published in Acta Informatica Medica and archived in PubMed Central. New friendships were forged between regional experts in editing and young specialists during those unforgettable two days of intensive discussions and informal interactions (a-y).

Health problems among Thai tourists returning from India.

PubMed

Olanwijitwong, Jutarmas; Piyaphanee, Watcharapong; Poovorawan, Kittiyod; Lawpoolsri, Saranath; Chanthavanich, Pornthep; Wichainprasast, Pongdej; Tantawichien, Terapong

2017-07-01

The number of Thai tourists visiting India is increasing each year. Most studies investigating health problems among international travellers to India have focused on travellers from Europe or North America, and the applicability of these studies to Asian travellers is unknown. This cross-sectional study used data collected from Thai tourists who had recently completed a trip to India. A questionnaire on demographic data, travel characteristics, pre-travel health preparation, and health problems during the trip to India was administered. All participants were also invited to answer a follow-up questionnaire 15 days after their arrival. The study included 1,304 Thai tourists returning from India between October 2014 and March 2015. Sixty-two percent were female. Overall median age was 49 years, and the median length of stay was 10.6 days. Most were package tourists, and 52% (675) reported health problems during their trip. Common health problems were cough, runny nose, and sore throat (31.1%), followed by musculoskeletal problems (21.7%), fever (12.7%), diarrhea (9.8%) and skin problems (6.6%). Other reported problems were related to the eyes/ears (2.1%), animal exposure (1.9%) and accidents (0.8%). We found that several factors may be associated with the incidence of health problems among these tourists, including travelling style and travel health preparation. In the follow-up questionnaire, 16.8% of the participants reported new or additional symptoms that developed after their return to Thailand. Respiratory symptoms were still the most common health problems during this 15-day period. Over half (52%) of Thai tourists experienced health problems during their trip to India. The most common health problem was not travellers' diarrhoea, as would be expected from published studies. Rather, respiratory and musculoskeletal problems were common symptoms. This information will be useful in pre-travel assessment and care. Our findings may indicate that health risks among travellers vary by nationality. © International Society of Travel Medicine, 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Activation of serotonin 5-HT(2C) receptor suppresses behavioral sensitization and naloxone-precipitated withdrawal symptoms in heroin-treated mice.

PubMed

Wu, Xian; Pang, Gang; Zhang, Yong-Mei; Li, Guangwu; Xu, Shengchun; Dong, Liuyi; Stackman, Robert W; Zhang, Gongliang

2015-10-21

Abuse and dependence to heroin has evolved into a global epidemic as a significant clinical and societal problem with devastating consequences. Repeated exposure to heroin can induce long-lasting behavioral sensitization and withdrawal. Pharmacological activation of 5-HT2C receptors (5-HT2CRs) suppresses psychostimulant-induced drug-seeking and behavioral sensitization. The present study examined the effect of a selective 5-HT2CR agonist lorcaserin on behavioral sensitization and naloxone-precipitated withdrawal symptoms in heroin-treated mice. Male mice received heroin (1.0 mg/kg, s.c.) twice a day for 3 days and then drug treatment was suspended for 5 days. On day 9, a challenge dose of heroin (1.0 mg/kg) was administered to examine the expression of behavioral sensitization. Lorcaserin administered during the development, withdrawal or expression stage suppressed heroin-induced behavioral sensitization on day 9. Another cohort of mice received increasing doses of heroin over a 4.5-day period. Lorcaserin, or the positive control clonidine (an α2-adrenoceptor agonist) suppressed naloxone-precipitated withdrawal symptoms in heroin-treated mice. These findings suggest that activation of 5-HT2CRs suppresses behavioral sensitization and withdrawal in heroin-treated mice. Thus, pharmacological activation of 5-HT2CRs may represent a new avenue for the treatment of heroin addiction. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Methylene blue inhibits lumefantrine-resistant Plasmodium berghei.

PubMed

Mwangi, Victor Irungu; Mumo, Ruth Mwende; Kiboi, Daniel Muthui; Omar, Sabah Ahmed; Ng'ang'a, Zipporah Waithera; Ozwara, Hastings Suba

2016-06-30

Chemotherapy still is the most effective way to control malaria, a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. The large-scale use of the combination therapy artemether-lumefantrine for malaria treatment in Africa predisposes lumefantrine to emergence of resistance. There is need to identify drugs that can be used as substitutes to lumefantrine for use in combination therapy. Methylene blue, a synthetic anti-methemoglobinemia drug, has been shown to contain antimalarial properties, making it a candidate for drug repurposing. The present study sought to determine antiplasmodial effects of methylene blue against lumefantrine- and pyrimethamine-resistant strains of P. berghei. Activity of methylene blue was assessed using the classical four-day test on mice infected with lumefantrine-resistant and pyrimethamine-resistant P. berghei. A dose of 45 mg/kg/day was effective for testing ED90. Parasitemia and mice survival was determined. At 45 mg/kg/day, methylene blue sustained significant parasite inhibition, over 99%, for at least 6 days post-treatment against lumefantrine-resistant and pyrimethamine-resistant P. berghei (p = 0.0086 and p = 0.0191, respectively). No serious adverse effects were observed. Our results indicate that methylene blue at a concentration of 45 mg/kg/day confers over 99% inhibition against lumefantrine- and pyrimethamine-resistant P. berghei for six days. This shows the potential use methylene blue in the development of antimalarials against lumefantrine- and pyrimethamine-resistant parasites.

Activation of serotonin 5-HT2C receptor suppresses behavioral sensitization and naloxone-precipitated withdrawal symptoms in heroin-treated mice

PubMed Central

Li, Guangwu; Xu, Shengchun; Dong, Liuyi; Stackman, Robert W.; Zhang, Gongliang

2015-01-01

Abuse and dependence to heroin has evolved into a global epidemic as a significant clinical and societal problem with devastating consequences. Repeated exposure to heroin can induce long-lasting behavioral sensitization and withdrawal. Pharmacological activation of 5-HT2C receptors (5-HT2CRs) suppresses psychostimulant-induced drug-seeking and behavioral sensitization. The present study examined the effect of a selective 5-HT2CR agonist lorcaserin on behavioral sensitization and naloxone-precipitated withdrawal symptoms in heroin-treated mice. Male mice received heroin (1.0 mg/kg, s.c.) twice a day for 3 days and then drug treatment was suspended for 5 days. On day 9, a challenge dose of heroin (1.0 mg/kg) was administered to examine the expression of behavioral sensitization. Lorcaserin administered during the development, withdrawal or expression stage suppressed heroin-induced behavioral sensitization on day 9. Another cohort of mice received increasing doses of heroin over a 4.5-day period. Lorcaserin, or the positive control clonidine (an α2-adrenoceptor agonist) suppressed naloxone-precipitated withdrawal symptoms in heroin-treated mice. These findings suggest that activation of 5-HT2CRs suppresses behavioral sensitization and withdrawal in heroin-treated mice. Thus, pharmacological activation of 5-HT2CRs may represent a new avenue for the treatment of heroin addiction. PMID:26375926

Oversight Hearings on Asbestos Health Hazards to Schoolchildren. Hearings before the Subcommittee on Elementary, Secondary, and Vocational Education of the Committee on Education and Labor. House of Representatives, Ninety-Sixth Congress, First Session on H.R. 1435 and H.R. 1524 (January 8, 16, and February 22, 1979).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Committee on Education and Labor.

Testimony and prepared statements presented during three days of hearings in January and February, 1979, concern the problems of asbestos in school buildings. Medical research indicates that the inhalation of asbestos dust vastly increases a person's chances of contacting fatal diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos…

Symptomatic hypoglycemia causing brain injury in a term breast fed newborn following early discharge.

PubMed

Marwah, Ashish; Gathwala, Geeta

2011-12-01

Cerebral metabolism and functioning depends upon an adequate blood glucose supply which provides for majority of the brain's energy requirement. Studies from the past have shown that neonatal hypoglycemia is associated with acute and long term neurological sequelae. Early discharge without adequately established breast feeding may lead to feeding problems, post discharge hypoglycemia and its associated neurological complications. The authors describe one such case of an exclusively breast fed term newborn who presented on day 3 with symptomatic hypoglycemia and associated neurological injury.

Achievements of ITEP astrophysicists

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baklanov, P. V.; Blinnikov, S. I.; Manukovskiy, K. V.; Nadyozhin, D. K.; Panov, I. V.; Utrobin, V. P.; Yudin, A. V.

2016-08-01

Astrophysical research at the Institute for Theoretical and Experimental Physics (ITEP) is examined historically over a period of more than 30 years. The primary focus is on the supernova problem, starting with how it was approached in the classical pioneering work of Imshennik and Nadyozhin and ending with present-day models of these most powerful star explosions in the Universe. The paper also reviews work in other areas of astrophysics, including chemical nucleosynthesis, the cosmological use of type-IIn supernovae and dark matter models. The paper was written as a contribution to the 70th anniversary of ITEP.

Endovascular Neurosurgery: Personal Experience and Future Perspectives.

PubMed

Raymond, Jean

2016-09-01

From Luessenhop's early clinical experience until the present day, experimental methods have been introduced to make progress in endovascular neurosurgery. A personal historical narrative, spanning the 1980s to 2010s, with a review of past opportunities, current problems, and future perspectives. Although the technology has significantly improved, our clinical culture remains a barrier to methodologically sound and safe innovative care and progress. We must learn how to safely practice endovascular neurosurgery in the presence of uncertainty and verify patient outcomes in real time. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

What can earth tide measurements tell us about ocean tides or earth structure?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baker, T. F.

1978-01-01

Current experimental problems in Earth tides are reviewed using comparisons of tidal gravity and tilt measurements in Europe with loading calculations are examples. The limitations of present day instrumentation and installation techniques are shown as well as some of the ways in which they can be improved. Many of the geophysical and oceanographic investigations that are possible with Earth tide measurements are discussed with emphasis on the percentage accuracies required in the measurements in order to obtain new information about Earth or its oceans.

Mill and mental phenomena: critical contributions to a science of cognition.

PubMed

Bistricky, Steven L

2013-06-01

Attempts to define cognition preceded John Stuart Mill's life and continue to this day. John Stuart Mill envisioned a science of mental phenomena informed by associationism, empirical introspection, and neurophysiology, and he advanced specific ideas that still influence modern conceptions of cognition. The present article briefly reviews Mill's personal history and the times in which he lived, and it traces the evolution of ideas that have run through him to contemporary cognitive concepts. The article also highlights contemporary problems in defining cognition and supports specific criteria regarding what constitutes cognition.

Solar recharging system for hearing aid cells.

PubMed

Gòmez Estancona, N; Tena, A G; Torca, J; Urruticoechea, L; Muñiz, L; Aristimuño, D; Unanue, J M; Torca, J; Urruticoechea, A

1994-09-01

We present a solar recharging system for nickel-cadmium cells of interest in areas where batteries for hearing aids are difficult to obtain. The charger has sun cells at the top. Luminous energy is converted into electrical energy, during the day and also at night if there is moonlight. The cost of the charger and hearing aid is very low at 35 US$. The use of solar recharging for hearing aids would be useful in alleviating the problems of deafness in parts of developing countries where there is no electricity.

What is memory? The present state of the engram.

PubMed

Poo, Mu-Ming; Pignatelli, Michele; Ryan, Tomás J; Tonegawa, Susumu; Bonhoeffer, Tobias; Martin, Kelsey C; Rudenko, Andrii; Tsai, Li-Huei; Tsien, Richard W; Fishell, Gord; Mullins, Caitlin; Gonçalves, J Tiago; Shtrahman, Matthew; Johnston, Stephen T; Gage, Fred H; Dan, Yang; Long, John; Buzsáki, György; Stevens, Charles

2016-05-19

The mechanism of memory remains one of the great unsolved problems of biology. Grappling with the question more than a hundred years ago, the German zoologist Richard Semon formulated the concept of the engram, lasting connections in the brain that result from simultaneous "excitations", whose precise physical nature and consequences were out of reach of the biology of his day. Neuroscientists now have the knowledge and tools to tackle this question, however, and this Forum brings together leading contemporary views on the mechanisms of memory and what the engram means today.

First contact diagnosis and management of contact lens-related complications.

PubMed

Fagan, Xavier J; Jhanji, Vishal; Constantinou, Marios; Amirul Islam, F M; Taylor, Hugh R; Vajpayee, Rasik B

2012-08-01

To describe the spectrum of contact lens-related problems in cases presenting to a tertiary referral eye hospital. A retrospective case record analysis of 111 eyes of 97 consecutive patients was undertaken over a period of five months at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Contact lens-related complications (CLRC) were classified into microbial keratitis, sterile corneal infiltrates, corneal epitheliopathy and contact lens-related red eye (CLARE). Main parameters examined were nature of the first contact, clinical diagnosis, and management pattern. Forty-two percent of the initial presentations were to health care practitioners (HCPs) other than ophthalmologists. Mean duration from the onset of symptoms to presentation was 6.3 ± 10.9 days. Forty-nine percent (n = 54) of patients had an associated risk factor, most commonly overnight use of contact lenses (n = 14, 13 %). Most common diagnosis at presentation was corneal epitheliopathy (68 %) followed by sterile infiltrates (10 %), CLARE (8 %) and microbial keratitis (6 %). No significant differences were found in the pattern of treatment modalities administered by ophthalmologists and other HCPs. HCPs other than ophthalmologists are the first contact for contact lens-related problems in a significant proportion of patients. These HCPs manage the majority of CLRC by direct treatment or immediate referral.

Co-optimization of Energy and Demand-Side Reserves in Day-Ahead Electricity Markets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surender Reddy, S.; Abhyankar, A. R.; Bijwe, P. R.

2015-04-01

This paper presents a new multi-objective day-ahead market clearing (DAMC) mechanism with demand-side reserves/demand response (DR) offers, considering realistic voltage-dependent load modeling. The paper proposes objectives such as social welfare maximization (SWM) including demand-side reserves, and load served error (LSE) minimization. In this paper, energy and demand-side reserves are cleared simultaneously through co-optimization process. The paper clearly brings out the unsuitability of conventional SWM for DAMC in the presence of voltage-dependent loads, due to reduction of load served (LS). Under such circumstances multi-objective DAMC with DR offers is essential. Multi-objective Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm 2+ (SPEA 2+) has been used to solve the optimization problem. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is confirmed with results obtained from IEEE 30 bus system.

The Green Card Clinic: overview of a brief patient-centred intervention following deliberate self-harm.

PubMed

Wilhelm, Kay; Finch, Adam; Kotze, Beth; Arnold, Karen; McDonald, Geoff; Sternhell, Peter; Hudson, Beaver

2007-02-01

The aim of this study was to present an overview of the Green Card Clinic, a novel brief intervention service for patients presenting to the emergency department following deliberate self-harm (DSH) or with suicidal ideation, to examine its effectiveness in terms of service utilization, and patient and clinician feedback, and to explore the correlates of repeated DSH. The aims and structure of the Green Card Clinic are described. We highlight our patient-centred approach involving self-identification of difficulties from a list of problem areas, coupled with tailored intervention strategies. Relevant data are presented and characteristics of repeat DSH patients are compared to the first-episode group. Between 1998 and 2005, 456 DSH patients were referred to the clinic. Of these, 75% (n = 344) attended the first session, 43% (n = 197) the second session, 26% (n = 117) the third session, and 16% (n = 73) completed a 3-15 month follow-up. Clinic attenders (mean age 31.6 years, 57% female) reported a diverse range of self-identified problems and repeat DSH patients reported worse depression, poorer health-related behaviours, and a greater number of problems than those presenting after first-episode DSH. The clinic achieved high rates of first session attendance. This may have been attributable to the use of a few specific strategies aimed at increasing compliance, such as the green card, next-day appointments and assertive follow-up of non-attenders. For repeat self-harmers, we advocate an approach aimed at 'lifestyle change' rather than based on current psychological stressors. The Green Card Clinic service, involving a range of interventions tailored to meet the multitude of presenting needs, appears to be an acceptable and flexible approach to brief intervention for DSH.

Problem Space Matters: Evaluation of a German Enrichment Program for Gifted Children.

PubMed

Welter, Marisete M; Jaarsveld, Saskia; Lachmann, Thomas

2018-01-01

We studied the development of cognitive abilities related to intelligence and creativity ( N = 48, 6-10 years old), using a longitudinal design (over one school year), in order to evaluate an Enrichment Program for gifted primary school children initiated by the government of the German federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate ( Entdeckertag Rheinland Pfalz , Germany; ET; Day of Discoverers). A group of German primary school children ( N = 24), identified earlier as intellectually gifted and selected to join the ET program was compared to a gender-, class- and IQ- matched group of control children that did not participate in this program. All participants performed the Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) test, which measures intelligence in well-defined problem space; the Creative Reasoning Task (CRT), which measures intelligence in ill-defined problem space; and the test of creative thinking-drawing production (TCT-DP), which measures creativity, also in ill-defined problem space. Results revealed that problem space matters: the ET program is effective only for the improvement of intelligence operating in well-defined problem space. An effect was found for intelligence as measured by SPM only, but neither for intelligence operating in ill-defined problem space (CRT) nor for creativity (TCT-DP). This suggests that, depending on the type of problem spaces presented, different cognitive abilities are elicited in the same child. Therefore, enrichment programs for gifted, but also for children attending traditional schools, should provide opportunities to develop cognitive abilities related to intelligence, operating in both well- and ill-defined problem spaces, and to creativity in a parallel, using an interactive approach.

Problem Space Matters: Evaluation of a German Enrichment Program for Gifted Children

PubMed Central

Welter, Marisete M.; Jaarsveld, Saskia; Lachmann, Thomas

2018-01-01

We studied the development of cognitive abilities related to intelligence and creativity (N = 48, 6–10 years old), using a longitudinal design (over one school year), in order to evaluate an Enrichment Program for gifted primary school children initiated by the government of the German federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate (Entdeckertag Rheinland Pfalz, Germany; ET; Day of Discoverers). A group of German primary school children (N = 24), identified earlier as intellectually gifted and selected to join the ET program was compared to a gender-, class- and IQ- matched group of control children that did not participate in this program. All participants performed the Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) test, which measures intelligence in well-defined problem space; the Creative Reasoning Task (CRT), which measures intelligence in ill-defined problem space; and the test of creative thinking-drawing production (TCT-DP), which measures creativity, also in ill-defined problem space. Results revealed that problem space matters: the ET program is effective only for the improvement of intelligence operating in well-defined problem space. An effect was found for intelligence as measured by SPM only, but neither for intelligence operating in ill-defined problem space (CRT) nor for creativity (TCT-DP). This suggests that, depending on the type of problem spaces presented, different cognitive abilities are elicited in the same child. Therefore, enrichment programs for gifted, but also for children attending traditional schools, should provide opportunities to develop cognitive abilities related to intelligence, operating in both well- and ill-defined problem spaces, and to creativity in a parallel, using an interactive approach. PMID:29740367

Group Problem-Solving versus Lecture in College-Level Quantitative Analysis: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williamson, Vickie M.; Rowe, Marvin W.

2002-09-01

The purpose of this semester-long study was to investigate the effect of replacing traditional lecture with cooperative group problem-solving sessions in a junior-level quantitative analysis course. The control and treatment groups had the same instructor, met on the same day, had the same reading assignments, and had common exams. The instructor worked sample problems for the control group. In the treatment group, students were assigned to heterogeneous cooperative groups of 4. The groups solved problems presented on an overhead that were the same or equivalent in content and number to those used in the control group. Students were responsible for making sure that all members of the group could work each problem. The students' reasoning abilities were measured by the Test of Logical Thinking (TOLT). Groups were compared on quiz, exam, final, and course grades. Other data included attitudinal surveys, observations, field notes, interviews, and open-response evaluations. No significant differences were found in content measures. Differences were found in the number of students dropping the course and in the attitudes and perceptions of the two groups. Qualitative measures support a number of assertions concerning more positive attitudes and lower withdrawal rates in the treatment group, and a case for mixed delivery modes.

It's a kind of magic-what self-reports can reveal about the phenomenology of insight problem solving.

PubMed

Danek, Amory H; Fraps, Thomas; von Müller, Albrecht; Grothe, Benedikt; Öllinger, Michael

2014-01-01

Magic tricks usually remain a mystery to the observer. For the sake of science, we offered participants the opportunity to discover the magician's secret method by repeatedly presenting the same trick and asking them to find out how the trick worked. In the context of insightful problem solving, the present work investigated the emotions that participants experience upon solving a magic trick. We assumed that these emotions form the typical "Aha! experience" that accompanies insightful solutions to difficult problems. We aimed to show that Aha! experiences can be triggered by magic tricks and to systematically explore the phenomenology of the Aha! experience by breaking it down into five previously postulated dimensions. 34 video clips of different magic tricks were presented up to three times to 50 participants who had to find out how the trick was accomplished, and to indicate whether they had experienced an Aha! during the solving process. Participants then performed a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative assessment of their Aha! experiences which was repeated after 14 days to control for its reliability. 41% of all suggested solutions were accompanied by an Aha! experience. The quantitative assessment remained stable across time in all five dimensions. Happiness was rated as the most important dimension. This primacy of positive emotions was also reflected in participants' qualitative self-reports which contained more emotional than cognitive aspects. Implementing magic tricks as problem solving task, we could show that strong Aha! experiences can be triggered if a trick is solved. We could at least partially capture the phenomenology of Aha! by identifying one prevailing aspect (positive emotions), a new aspect (release of tension upon gaining insight into a magic trick) and one less important aspect (impasse).

It's a kind of magic—what self-reports can reveal about the phenomenology of insight problem solving

PubMed Central

Danek, Amory H.; Fraps, Thomas; von Müller, Albrecht; Grothe, Benedikt; Öllinger, Michael

2014-01-01

Magic tricks usually remain a mystery to the observer. For the sake of science, we offered participants the opportunity to discover the magician's secret method by repeatedly presenting the same trick and asking them to find out how the trick worked. In the context of insightful problem solving, the present work investigated the emotions that participants experience upon solving a magic trick. We assumed that these emotions form the typical “Aha! experience” that accompanies insightful solutions to difficult problems. We aimed to show that Aha! experiences can be triggered by magic tricks and to systematically explore the phenomenology of the Aha! experience by breaking it down into five previously postulated dimensions. 34 video clips of different magic tricks were presented up to three times to 50 participants who had to find out how the trick was accomplished, and to indicate whether they had experienced an Aha! during the solving process. Participants then performed a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative assessment of their Aha! experiences which was repeated after 14 days to control for its reliability. 41% of all suggested solutions were accompanied by an Aha! experience. The quantitative assessment remained stable across time in all five dimensions. Happiness was rated as the most important dimension. This primacy of positive emotions was also reflected in participants' qualitative self-reports which contained more emotional than cognitive aspects. Implementing magic tricks as problem solving task, we could show that strong Aha! experiences can be triggered if a trick is solved. We could at least partially capture the phenomenology of Aha! by identifying one prevailing aspect (positive emotions), a new aspect (release of tension upon gaining insight into a magic trick) and one less important aspect (impasse). PMID:25538658

Management of the Northern Chesapeake Bay American Shad Fishery

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

Foerster, J.W.; Reagan, S.P.

1977-11-01

The Shad fisheries of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland have been declining since an 1897 peak of 7860 x 10/sup 3/ kg. No periods of stability have been recorded. Data are presented to trace the decline not only as a function of specific areas within the Northern Chesapeake Bay but also in terms of environmental problems including reduction of spawning grounds and predation by dams and recruitment overfishing. The problem is related to improving the commercial fishing yield. An estimation of a maximum effort of 200,000 man-hours is suggested if a stable yield is to be approached. Methods for obtainingmore » this goal include alternating of closed fishing areas, adoption of rest days, enforcement of fisheries regulations and reduction of the number of meters of gill net used per fisherman.« less

Male reproductive health and yoga

PubMed Central

Sengupta, Pallav; Chaudhuri, Prasenjit; Bhattacharya, Koushik

2013-01-01

Now-a-days reproductive health problems along with infertility in male is very often observed. Various Assisted Reproductive Technologies have been introduced to solve the problem, but common people cannot afford the cost of such procedures. Various ayurvedic and other alternative medicines, along with regular yoga practice are proven to be not only effective to enhance the reproductive health in men to produce a successful pregnancy, but also to regulate sexual desire in men who practice celibacy. Yoga is reported to reduce stress and anxiety, improve autonomic functions by triggering neurohormonal mechanisms by the suppression of sympathetic activity, and even, today, several reports suggested regular yoga practice from childhood is beneficial for reproductive health. In this regard the present review is aimed to provide all the necessary information regarding the effectiveness of yoga practice to have a better reproductive health and to prevent infertility. PMID:23930026

Space power system scheduling using an expert system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bahrami, K. A.; Biefeld, E.; Costello, L.; Klein, J. W.

1986-01-01

A most pressing problem in space exploration is timely spacecraft power system sequence generation, which requires the scheduling of a set of loads given a set of resource constraints. This is particularly important after an anomaly or failure. This paper discusses the power scheduling problem and how the software program, Plan-It, can be used as a consultant for scheduling power system activities. Modeling of power activities, human interface, and two of the many strategies used by Plan-It are discussed. Preliminary results showing the development of a conflict-free sequence from an initial sequence with conflicts is presented. It shows that a 4-day schedule can be generated in a matter of a few minutes, which provides sufficient time in many cases to aid the crew in the replanning of loads and generation use following a failure or anomaly.

Matter-antimatter asymmetry induced by a running vacuum coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lima, J. A. S.; Singleton, D.

2017-12-01

We show that a CP-violating interaction induced by a derivative coupling between the running vacuum and a non-conserving baryon current may dynamically break CPT and trigger baryogenesis through an effective chemical potential. By assuming a non-singular class of running vacuum cosmologies which provides a complete cosmic history (from an early inflationary de Sitter stage to the present day quasi-de Sitter acceleration), it is found that an acceptable baryon asymmetry is generated for many different choices of the model parameters. It is interesting that the same ingredient (running vacuum energy density) addresses several open cosmological questions/problems: avoids the initial singularity, provides a smooth exit for primordial inflation, alleviates both the coincidence and the cosmological constant problems, and, finally, is also capable of explaining the generation of matter-antimatter asymmetry in the very early Universe.

Daily spillover from family to work: A test of the work-home resources model.

PubMed

Du, Danyang; Derks, Daantje; Bakker, Arnold B

2018-04-01

The present study examines a mediated moderation model of the day-level effects of family hassles and family-work spillover (affect and cognition) on the relationship between job resources and employees' flourishing at work. Based on the work-home resources model, the authors hypothesized that demands from one domain (family) induce repetitive thoughts or negative feelings about those problems, so that individuals are not able to function optimally and to make full use of contextual resources in the other domain (work). Multilevel analyses of 108 Chinese working parents' 366 daily surveys revealed that the relationship between morning job resources and afternoon flourishing was significantly positive when previous day family hassles were low; the relationship became nonsignificant when previous day family hassles were high. In addition, as predicted, daily rumination also attenuated the relationship between morning job resources and afternoon flourishing, whereas daily affect did not. Finally, the moderating effect of previous day family hassles was mediated by daily rumination. The findings contribute to spillover theories by revealing the roles of affective and cognitive spillover from family to work. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

The trouble with drink: why ideas matter.

PubMed

Edwards, Griffith

2010-05-01

This paper builds upon the work of previous authors who have explored the evolution of ideas in the alcohol arena. With revisions in the relevant sections of ICD and DSM forthcoming, such matters are of considerable contemporary importance. The focus here will be upon the history of the last 200 years. The main themes to be explored include the flux of ideas on what, over time, has counted as the trouble with drink, ideas on the cause of the problem and the impact of this thinking on public action. Medical authorities of the late Enlightenment period made the revolutionary suggestion that habitual drunkenness constituted a disease, rather than a vice. The thread of that idea can be traced to the present day, but with an alternative perception of drink itself or alcohol-related problems generally, as cause for concern, also having a lineage. There are several inferences to be drawn from this history: the need for vigilance lest disease formulations become stalking-horses for moralism and social control, the need to integrate awareness of alcohol dependence as a dimensional individual-level problem, with a public health understanding of the vastly amorphous and at least equally important universe of alcohol-related problems; the dangers lurking in scientific reductionism when the problems at issue truly require a multi-disciplinary analysis; and the need for global consensus rather than cultural imposition of ideas on what counts as the problem with drink.

32 CFR 1656.17 - Administrative complaint process.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... within ten days after the interview their personal written statements concerning the problem; (4) Place... information relevant to the problems or complaints; (2) Place a written summary of each interview in the ASW's...

Taking care of your feet.

PubMed

Sabine, P M

1999-10-01

For anyone who finds walking and standing painful, the working day can seem interminable and miserable. This is compounded for nurses who lead busy, active lives, and foot problems can become a major barrier to an effective working day. Chronic foot problems have led nurses to seek alternative employment, often outside the profession, thus leaving health services even less well staffed with experienced personnel. Foot health, then, plays an important role in maintaining the mobility of nurses and foot care is vital for continued comfort during gait. It is equally important to understand which foot problems may be safely dealth with by the sufferer and to identify those that require specialist help and advice from a State Registered Chiropodist/Podiatrist.

Ground water in Creek County, Oklahoma

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cady, Richard Carlysle

1937-01-01

Creek County has been designated as a problem area by the Land Use Planning Section of the Resettlement Administration. Some of the earliest oil fields to brought into production were situated in and near this county, and new fields have been opened from time to time during the ensuing years. The production of the newer fields, however, has not kept pace with the exhaustion of the older fields, and the county now presents an excellent picture of the problems involved in adjusting a population to lands that are nearly depleted of their mineral wealth. Values of land have been greatly depressed; tax collection is far in arrears; tenancy is widespread; and in addition more people will apparently be forced to depend on the income from agriculture than the land seems capable of supporting. The county as a whole is at best indifferently suitable for general farming. The Land Use planning Section proposes to study the present and seemingly immanent maladjustments of population to the resources of the land, and make recommendations for their correction. The writer was detailed to the Land Use Planning Section of Region VIII for the purposes of making studies of ground water problems in the region. In Creek County two investigations were made. In September, 1936, the writer spent about ten days investigating the availability of ground water for the irrigation of garden crops during drouths. If it proved feasible to do this generally throughout the county, the Land Use Planning Section might be able to encourage this practice. The second investigation made by the writer was in regard to the extent to which ground water supplies have been damaged by oil well brines. He was in county for four days late in January 1937, and again in March, 1937. During part of the second field trip he was accompanied by R.M. Dixon, sanitary engineer of the Water Utilization Unit of the Resettlement Administration. (available as photostat copy only)

More with Four: A Look at the Four Day Week in Oregon's Small Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reinke, Joyce M.

The 4-day school week offers solutions to the financial and instructional problems often faced by small rural schools. Two southern Oregon schools implemented the 4-day school week on a trial basis in 1982-83 and, along with five eastern Oregon districts, continue to use this schedule today. The primary purpose of the change to a 4-day week was…

The Effects of Health and Wellness on Academic Achievement and Cognitive Ability in Students Attending Seventh-Day Adventist Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Patricia C.

2011-01-01

Healthful living has been a cornerstone of Seventh-day Adventist belief and practice almost from the very beginning of the church's history. The problem was that no one had studied the role healthful practices play in Seventh-day Adventist education using the entire Seventh-day Adventist student population. The correlations between four aspects of…

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

Miller, J.E.; Weathers, P.J.; McConville, F.X.

Apple pomace (the pulp residue from pressing apple juice) is an abundant waste product and presents an expensive disposal problem. A typical (50,000 gal. juice/day) apple juice company in central Massachusetts produces 100 tons of pomace per day. Some of it is used as pig feed, but it is poor quality feed because of its low protein content. Most of the pomace is hauled away (at a cost of $4/ton) and landfilled (at a cost of $10/ton). If 5% (w/w) conversion of pomace to ethanol could be achieved, the need for this company to purchase No. 6 fuel oil (1000more » gal/day) for cooking during processing would be eliminated. Our approach was to saccharify the pomace enzymatically, and then to carry out a yeast fermentation on the hydrolysate. We chose to use enzymatic hydrolysis instead of dilute acid hydrolysis in order to minimize pH control problems both in the fermentation phase and in the residue. The only chemical studies have concerned small subfractions of apple material: for example, cell walls have been analyzed but they constitute only 1 to 2% of the fresh weight of the apple (about 15 to 30% of the pomace fraction). Therefore, our major problems were: (1) to optimize hydrolysis by enzyme mixtures, using weight loss and ultimate ethanol production as optimization criteria; (2) to optimize ethanol production from the hydrolysate by judicious choice of yeast strains and fermentation conditions; and (3) achieve these optimizations consistent with minimum processing cost and energy input. We have obtained up to 5.1% (w/w) of ethanol without saccharification. We show here that hydrolysis with high levels of enzyme can enhance ethanol yield by up to 27%, to a maximum level of 6% (w/w); however, enzyme treament may be cost-effective only a low levels, for improvement of residue compaction. 3 figures, 4 tables.« less

Instrumentation For Measuring Finish, Defects And Gloss

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whitehouse, David J.

1985-09-01

The measurement of fine surfaces optical finishes and flaws is becoming more important because of a number of factors. One of these is the hunt for better quality of conformance another is the smoother surfaces required in present day applications such as found in the computer and video industries. Defects such as scratches, pits or cracks cannot only impair the cosmetic appearance of the object, they can actually cause premature failure as in fatigue or corrosion. These new measuring criteria have caused some real problems to instrument makers. In the case of defects the problem is that of spatial bandwidth; that is the problem of searching for a small scratch over a wide area. When measuring fine surfaces the problem is usually the signal to noise ratio of the instrument itself. In many instances the search for defects or the measurement of fine surfaces has been left to human judgement - a powerful if unpredictable measuring tool. This is becoming unsatisfactory because standards have sometimes been built into commercial evaluation of quality based upon the eye. This is rather unfortunate; it ties the hands of the instrument maker who for compatibility has to try to simulate the eye or use indirect measurements.

Modeling the Severity of Drinking Consequences in First-Year College Women: An Item Response Theory Analysis of the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index*

PubMed Central

Cohn, Amy M.; Hagman, Brett T.; Graff, Fiona S.; Noel, Nora E.

2011-01-01

Objective: The present study examined the latent continuum of alcohol-related negative consequences among first-year college women using methods from item response theory and classical test theory. Method: Participants (N = 315) were college women in their freshman year who reported consuming any alcohol in the past 90 days and who completed assessments of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related negative consequences using the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index. Results: Item response theory analyses showed poor model fit for five items identified in the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index. Two-parameter item response theory logistic models were applied to the remaining 18 items to examine estimates of item difficulty (i.e., severity) and discrimination parameters. The item difficulty parameters ranged from 0.591 to 2.031, and the discrimination parameters ranged from 0.321 to 2.371. Classical test theory analyses indicated that the omission of the five misfit items did not significantly alter the psychometric properties of the construct. Conclusions: Findings suggest that those consequences that had greater severity and discrimination parameters may be used as screening items to identify female problem drinkers at risk for an alcohol use disorder. PMID:22051212

Adolescents' Daily Perception of Internalizing Emotional States by Means of Smartphone-based Ecological Momentary Assessment.

PubMed

Kirchner, Teresa; Magallón-Neri, Ernesto; Ortiz, Manuel S; Planellas, Irina; Forns, María; Calderón, Caterina

2017-12-04

This study uses ecological momentary assessment (EMA) with smartphone devices to examine community adolescents' perceptions regarding both the intensity of and variability in their daily sadness/depression, anxiety, and somatic problems over the period of one week. Participants were 90 high-school students (M age = 14.61, SD = 1.64; range 12-18). The sample was divided according to gender (61.1% girls), migratory status (68.5% Spanish nationals and 31.5% Latin American immigrants), and level of psychological symptoms (17% risk group). Sadness/depression, anxiety, and somatic problems were examined using a smartphone app, five times per day, semi-randomly, for seven days (35 possible moments). A high proportion of adolescents did not report feelings of sadness (80.0%) or worry (79.3%) or physical symptoms on a daily basis (84.9%). Girls and the risk group reported greater intensity levels for the three analyzed problems than did boys and the normal group, respectively (p .05 in all cases). Day-to-day fluctuations in mood during the week were statistically significant but not meaningful (b = 0.0004, 95% CI [0.0001, 0.0008], p = .001).

Integrating Behavioral Psychology Services into Adult Day Programming for Individuals with Dementia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LeBlanc, Linda A.

2010-01-01

Many individuals with dementia and problem behavior are served in nursing home settings long before health issues necessitate constant medical care. Alternative community-based adult day health care programs allow individuals with dementia to remain in their home with their families at a substantially reduced cost; however, many adult day programs…

Child Care: Beginning a National Initiative. Hearing before the Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families. House of Representatives, Ninety-Eighth Congress, Second Session (April 4, 1984).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families.

This hearing concerns problems and solutions related to working parents' need for day care services. Testimony focuses on (1) research findings, social trends, and public issues related to the need for day care; (2) infant and toddler care, day care options, school-age day care, and latchkey children; (3) the need for public funding for day care…

Four Day, Forty Hour Week

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mackin, Jeanne A.; Cutler, Mary

1978-01-01

Managers of the Ithaca College Bookstore have been able to improve service, profit and employee morale by experimenting with a four day, forty hour week. Initial problems in employee adjustment were offset by favorable student response. (JMD)

Metatarsalgia

MedlinePlus

... shoe When to see a doctor Not all foot problems need medical care. Sometimes your feet ache after a long day of standing or a punishing workout. But it's best not to ignore foot pain that lasts more than a few days. ...

Biological measure of compliance to Artesunate plus Amodiaquine association: interest in a Mono-Desethyl-Amodiaquine blood assay?

PubMed

Sarrassat, Sophie; Sakho, Madiagne; Le Hesran, Jean Yves

2009-04-01

The deployment of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy for treating uncomplicated malaria poses problems in the patient compliance to these new treatments. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between compliance to 3 days treatment with Artesunate plus Amodiaquine (AS+AQ) and the Mono-Desethyl-Amodiaquine (MDA) blood concentration on the fourth day. A reference scale of mean MDA blood concentrations was constructed in 40 healthy adults. Each concentration corresponded to the MDA level on day 3 in a subject having one of the seven compliance degrees defined by the number and sequence of drug intakes from day 0 to day 2: one single dose on day 0, day 1 or day 2; two single doses separated by 24h, on day 0 and day 1 or on day 1 and day 2; two single doses separated by 48 h, on day 0 and day 2; three single doses, on day 0, day 1 and day 2. MDA was assayed in whole blood samples by HPLC. Non-parametric Mann and Whitney U tests were used for the comparison of two means. Our results demonstrated no clear relationship between the mean MDA blood concentrations on day 3 and compliance degrees, according to neither the number nor the sequence of doses taken. In particular, even though the differences were not significant, the mean concentration after three doses, expected to be the maximum, was unexpectedly lower than after two doses, on day 0 and day 1 or on day 1 and day 2. The high inter-individual variability of MDA concentrations attributed to the different rates of hepatic metabolism of each individual appears to have a greater effect on MDA levels than the number or timing of doses. Therefore, it seems that the role of a MDA blood assay is limited in use to discerning if none or one or more doses have been taken. A MDA assay do not allow to measure the compliance degree of one patient to AS+AQ association. Presently, interview and pill count following treatment seem to be the only tools available that may permit differentiation between degrees of compliance.

Evaluation Program for Secondary Spacecraft Cells: Synchronous Orbit Testing of Sealed Nickel Cadmium Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harkness, J. D.

1977-01-01

Performance data concerning sealed nickel-cadmium cells operating under a synchronous orbit regime are presented. A space satellite maintaining a position over a fixed point on earth as the earth rotates on its axis and revolves about the sun was simulated. Results include: (1) exposure to synchronous orbit testing at a temperature of 40 C yields less than 6 years of life; (2) performance at -20 C presents a low capacity problem; (3) the capacity check, performed at the middle of each show period, provides a temporary red reconditioning effect on the cells in that the end-of-discharge voltages are higher, for approximately 7 to 10 days, following the capacity check than they were 7 to 10 days prior to the capacity check; (4) all the test packs at -20 C and 40 C have either failed or were discontinued because of low capacity; and (5) test packs at temperatures of 0 C and 10 C have delivered the best capacity during life and packs tested at 20 C showed better life capability than packs tested at -20 C and 40 C.

Biodegradation of o-Benzyl-p-Chlorophenol

PubMed Central

Swisher, R. D.; Gledhill, W. E.

1973-01-01

The extent of biodegradation of o-benzyl-p-chlorophenol, marketed as a germicide under the name Santophen® 1 (Monsanto Co.), in river water, sewage, and activated sludge was determined. Biodegradation was assessed by use of a colorimetric procedure for phenolic materials, carbon analysis, and CO2 evolution. In unacclimated river water, 0.1 mg of Santophen 1 per liter was degraded within 6 days. In sewage, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/liter levels of Santophen 1 were degraded in 1 day. Acclimated activated sludge achieved 80% biodegradation of 1.0 mg/liter Santophen 1 in 8 h and 100% in 24 h. When effluent from a semicontinuous activated sludge unit, acclimated to 20 mg of Santophen 1 per liter was used as the inoculum for the CO2 evolution procedure, 60% of the total theoretical CO2 was evolved from Santophen 1. Based on the results of these studies, indicating Santophen 1 to be readily biodegraded in at least four biological systems, the continued use of present levels of Santophen 1 should present no significant environmental problems. PMID:4356462

Encoding neural and synaptic functionalities in electron spin: A pathway to efficient neuromorphic computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sengupta, Abhronil; Roy, Kaushik

2017-12-01

Present day computers expend orders of magnitude more computational resources to perform various cognitive and perception related tasks that humans routinely perform every day. This has recently resulted in a seismic shift in the field of computation where research efforts are being directed to develop a neurocomputer that attempts to mimic the human brain by nanoelectronic components and thereby harness its efficiency in recognition problems. Bridging the gap between neuroscience and nanoelectronics, this paper attempts to provide a review of the recent developments in the field of spintronic device based neuromorphic computing. Description of various spin-transfer torque mechanisms that can be potentially utilized for realizing device structures mimicking neural and synaptic functionalities is provided. A cross-layer perspective extending from the device to the circuit and system level is presented to envision the design of an All-Spin neuromorphic processor enabled with on-chip learning functionalities. Device-circuit-algorithm co-simulation framework calibrated to experimental results suggest that such All-Spin neuromorphic systems can potentially achieve almost two orders of magnitude energy improvement in comparison to state-of-the-art CMOS implementations.

Miltefosine: oral treatment of leishmaniasis.

PubMed

Soto, Jaime; Soto, Paula

2006-04-01

The well-known problems of classic treatment of the leishmaniases with pentavalent antimony (reduced efficacy), difficulties of administration and increasing frequency and severity of adverse events have stimulated the search for new drugs to treat these diseases. Other injectable, oral and topical drugs have not been consistently effective, especially in the modern World. Beginning in 1998, Indian researchers conducted several trials with hexadecylphosphocholine (miltefosine) in patients with visceral leishmaniasis, and in 1999, clinical studies were initiated in Colombia for cutaneous disease. More than 2500 patients have been treated, including patients with diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis, mucosal disease and patients coinfected with HIV. Cure rates between 91 and 100% were reached with a dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day for 28 days, with no difference between treatment-naive and relapsing patients. Mild gastrointestinal events were present in 35-60% of patients and 10-20% had mild transaminase and creatinine elevations. Miltefosine has potent leishmanicidal activity as a consequence of its interference in parasite metabolic pathways and the induction of apoptosis. Miltefosine is the first effective and safe oral agent with the potential to treat all major clinical presentations of leishmaniasis.

Characteristics of Individuals with Toileting Problems and Intellectual Disability Using the "Profile of Toileting Issues" ("POTI")

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matson, Johnny L.; Horovitz, Max; Sipes, Megan

2011-01-01

The prevalence of toileting problems was assessed in 153 adults with intellectual disability (ID) using the "Profile of Toileting Issues" ("POTI") and comparisons were made based on various demographic variables. The most frequently endorsed problems were "has toileting accidents during the day," "has toileting…

Determinants of High-School Dropout: A Longitudinal Study in a Deprived Area of Japan.

PubMed

Tabuchi, Takahiro; Fujihara, Sho; Shinozaki, Tomohiro; Fukuhara, Hiroyuki

2018-05-19

Our objective in this study was to find determinants of high-school dropout in a deprived area of Japan using longitudinal data, including socio-demographic and junior high school-period information. We followed 695 students who graduated the junior high school located in a deprived area of Japan between 2002 and 2010 for 3 years after graduation (614 students: follow-up rate, 88.3%). Multivariable log-binomial regression models were used to calculate the prevalence ratios (PRs) for high-school dropout, using multiple imputation (MI) to account for non-response at follow-up. The MI model estimated that 18.7% of students dropped out of high school in approximately 3 years. In the covariates-adjusted model, three factors were significantly associated with high-school dropout: ≥10 days of tardy arrival in junior high school (PR 6.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69-24.6 for "10-29 days of tardy arrival" and PR 8.01; 95% CI, 2.05-31.3 for "≥30 days of tardy arrival" compared with "0 day of tardy arrival"), daily smoking (PR 2.01; 95% CI, 1.41-2.86) and severe problems, such as abuse and neglect (PR 1.66; 95% CI, 1.16-2.39). Among students with ≥30 days of tardy arrival in addition to daily smoking or experience of severe problems, ≥50% high-school dropout rates were observed. Three determinants of high-school dropout were found: smoking, tardy arrival, and experience of severe problems. These factors were correlated and should be treated as warning signs of complex behavioral and academic problems. Parents, educators, and policy makers should work together to implement effective strategies to prevent school dropout.

Cost-Effectiveness analysis of Recovery Management Checkups (RMC) for adults with chronic substance use disorders: evidence from a four-year randomized trial

PubMed Central

McCollister, Kathryn E.; French, Michael T.; Freitas, Derek M.; Dennis, Michael L.; Scott, Christy K.; Funk, Rodney R.

2013-01-01

Aims This study performs the first cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) of Recovery Management Checkups (RMC) for adults with chronic substance use disorders. Design Cost-effectiveness analysis of a randomized clinical trial of RMC. Participants were randomly assigned to a control condition of outcome monitoring (OM-only) or the experimental condition OM-plus-RMC, with quarterly follow-up for four years. Setting Participants were recruited from the largest central intake unit for substance abuse treatment in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Participants 446 participants who were 38 years old on average, 54 percent male, and predominantly African American (85%). Measurements Data on the quarterly cost per participant come from a previous study of OM and RMC intervention costs. Effectiveness is measured as the number of days of abstinence and number of substance-use-related problems. Findings Over the four-year trial, OM-plus-RMC cost on average $2,184 more than OM-only (p<0.01). Participants in OM-plus-RMC averaged 1,026 days abstinent and had 89 substance-use-related problems. OM-only averaged 932 days abstinent and reported 126 substance-use-related problems. Mean differences for both effectiveness measures were statistically significant (p<0.01). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for OM-plus-RMC was $23.38 per day abstinent and $59.51 per reduced substance-related problem. When additional costs to society were factored into the analysis, OM-plus-RMC was less costly and more effective than OM-only. Conclusions Recovery Management Checkups are a cost-effective and potentially cost-saving strategy for promoting abstinence and reducing substance-use-related problems among chronic substance users. PMID:23961833

Cost-effectiveness analysis of Recovery Management Checkups (RMC) for adults with chronic substance use disorders: evidence from a 4-year randomized trial.

PubMed

McCollister, Kathryn E; French, Michael T; Freitas, Derek M; Dennis, Michael L; Scott, Christy K; Funk, Rodney R

2013-12-01

This study performs the first cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) of Recovery Management Checkups (RMC) for adults with chronic substance use disorders. Cost-effectiveness analysis of a randomized clinical trial of RMC. Participants were assigned randomly to a control condition of outcome monitoring (OM-only) or the experimental condition OM-plus-RMC, with quarterly follow-up for 4 years. Participants were recruited from the largest central intake unit for substance abuse treatment in Chicago, Illinois, USA. A total of 446 participants who were 38 years old on average, 54% male, and predominantly African American (85%). Data on the quarterly cost per participant come from a previous study of OM and RMC intervention costs. Effectiveness is measured as the number of days of abstinence and number of substance use-related problems. Over the 4-year trial, OM-plus-RMC cost on average $2184 more than OM-only (P < 0.01). Participants in OM-plus-RMC averaged 1026 days abstinent and had 89 substance use-related problems. OM-only averaged 932 days abstinent and reported 126 substance use-related problems. Mean differences for both effectiveness measures were statistically significant (P < 0.01). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for OM-plus-RMC was $23.38 per day abstinent and $59.51 per reduced substance-related problem. When additional costs to society were factored into the analysis, OM-plus-RMC was less costly and more effective than OM-only. Recovery Management Checkups are a cost-effective and potentially cost-saving strategy for promoting abstinence and reducing substance use-related problems among chronic substance users. © 2013 Society for the Study of Addiction.

Effects of 7-day continuous d-amphetamine, methylphenidate, and cocaine treatment on choice between methamphetamine and food in male rhesus monkeys*

PubMed Central

Schwienteck, Kathryn L.; Banks, Matthew L.

2015-01-01

Background Methamphetamine addiction is a significant public health problem for which no Food and Drug Administration-approved pharmacotherapies exist. Preclinical drug vs. food choice procedures have been predictive of clinical medication efficacy in the treatment of opioid and cocaine addiction. Whether preclinical choice procedures are predictive of candidate medication effects for other abused drugs, such as methamphetamine, remains unclear. The present study aim was to determine continuous 7-day treatment effects with the monoamine releaser d-amphetamine and the monoamine uptake inhibitor methylphenidate on methamphetamine vs. food choice.In addition, 7-day cocaine treatment effects were also examined. Methods Behavior was maintained under a concurrent schedule of food delivery (1-g pellets, fixed-ratio 100 schedule) and methamphetamine injections (0-0.32 mg/kg/injection, fixed-ratio 10 schedule) in male rhesus monkeys (n=4). Methamphetamine choice dose-effect functions were determined daily before and during 7-day periods of continuous intravenous treatment with d-amphetamine (0.01-0.1 mg/kg/h), methylphenidate (0.032-0.32 mg/kg/h), or cocaine (0.1-0.32 mg/kg/h). Results During saline treatment, increasing methamphetamine doses resulted in a corresponding increase in methamphetamine vs. food choice. Continuous 7-day treatments with d-amphetamine, methylphenidate or cocaine did not significantly attenuate methamphetamine vs. food choice up to doses that decreased rates of operant responding. However, 0.1 mg/kg/h d-amphetamine did eliminate methamphetamine choice in two monkeys. Conclusions The present subchronic treatment resultssupport the utility of preclinical methamphetamine choice to evaluate candidate medications for methamphetamine addiction. Furthermore, these results confirm and extend previous results demonstrating differential pharmacological mechanisms between cocaine choice and methamphetamine choice. PMID:26361713

Potential role of licofelone, minocycline and their combination against chronic fatigue stress induced behavioral, biochemical and mitochondrial alterations in mice.

PubMed

Kumar, Anil; Vashist, Aditi; Kumar, Puneet; Kalonia, Harikesh; Mishra, Jitendriya

2012-01-01

Chronic fatigue stress (CFS) is a common complaint among general population. Persistent and debilitating fatigue severely impairs daily functioning and is usually accompanied by combination of several physical and psychiatric problems. It is now well established fact that oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are involved in the pathophysiology of chronic fatigue and related disorders. Targeting both COX (cyclooxygenase) and 5-LOX (lipoxygenase) pathways have been proposed to be involved in neuroprotective effect. In the present study, mice were put on the running wheel apparatus for 6 min test session daily for 21 days, what produced fatigue like condition. The locomotor activity and anxiety like behavior were measured on 0, 8(th), 15(th) and 22(nd) day. The brains were isolated on 22(nd) day immediately after the behavioral assessments for the estimation of oxidative stress parameters and mitochondrial enzyme complexes activity. Pre-treatment with licofelone (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg, po) and minocycline (50 and 100 mg/kg, po) for 21 days, significantly attenuated fatigue like behavior as compared to the control (rotating wheel activity test session, RWATS) group. Further, licofelone (5 and 10 mg/kg, po) and minocycline (50 and 100 mg/kg, po) drug treatments for 21 days significantly attenuated behavioral alterations, oxidative damage and restored mitochondrial enzyme complex activities (I, II, III and IV) as compared to control, whereas combination of licofelone (5 mg/kg) with minocycline (50 mg/kg) significantly potentiated their protective effect which was significant as compared to their effect per se. The present study highlights the therapeutic potential of licofelone, minocycline and their combination against CFS in mice.

Effects of 7-day continuous D-amphetamine, methylphenidate, and cocaine treatment on choice between methamphetamine and food in male rhesus monkeys.

PubMed

Schwienteck, Kathryn L; Banks, Matthew L

2015-10-01

Methamphetamine addiction is a significant public health problem for which no Food and Drug Administration-approved pharmacotherapies exist. Preclinical drug vs. food choice procedures have been predictive of clinical medication efficacy in the treatment of opioid and cocaine addiction. Whether preclinical choice procedures are predictive of candidate medication effects for other abused drugs, such as methamphetamine, remains unclear. The present study aim was to determine continuous 7-day treatment effects with the monoamine releaser d-amphetamine and the monoamine uptake inhibitor methylphenidate on methamphetamine vs. food choice. In addition, 7-day cocaine treatment effects were also examined. Behavior was maintained under a concurrent schedule of food delivery (1-g pellets, fixed-ratio 100 schedule) and methamphetamine injections (0-0.32mg/kg/injection, fixed-ratio 10 schedule) in male rhesus monkeys (n=4). Methamphetamine choice dose-effect functions were determined daily before and during 7-day periods of continuous intravenous treatment with d-amphetamine (0.01-0.1mg/kg/h), methylphenidate (0.032-0.32mg/kg/h), or cocaine (0.1-0.32mg/kg/h). During saline treatment, increasing methamphetamine doses resulted in a corresponding increase in methamphetamine vs. food choice. Continuous 7-day treatments with d-amphetamine, methylphenidate or cocaine did not significantly attenuate methamphetamine vs. food choice up to doses that decreased rates of operant responding. However, 0.1mg/kg/h d-amphetamine did eliminate methamphetamine choice in two monkeys. The present subchronic treatment results support the utility of preclinical methamphetamine choice to evaluate candidate medications for methamphetamine addiction. Furthermore, these results confirm and extend previous results demonstrating differential pharmacological mechanisms between cocaine choice and methamphetamine choice. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Association of pupil vandalism, bullying and truancy with teachers' absence due to illness: a multilevel analysis.

PubMed

Ervasti, Jenni; Kivimäki, Mika; Puusniekka, Riikka; Luopa, Pauliina; Pentti, Jaana; Suominen, Sakari; Vahtera, Jussi; Virtanen, Marianna

2012-06-01

The aim of this study was to examine whether vandalism, bullying, and truancy among pupils at school are associated with absence due to illness among teachers. Data on such problem behaviour of 17,033 pupils in 90 schools were linked to absence records of 2364 teachers. Pupil reported vandalism and bullying at the school-level were associated with teachers' short-term (1- to 3-day) absences. Cumulative exposure to various forms of pupils' problem behaviour was associated with even higher rates of short-term absences among teachers. No association was found between pupils' problem behaviour and teachers' long-term (>3-day) absences. In conclusion, there seems to be a link between pupils' problem behaviour and teachers' short-term absence due to illness. Further work should determine whether problem behaviour is a cause or a consequence of absences or whether the association is noncausal. Copyright © 2011 Society for the Study of School Psychology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Coated and uncoated self-expanding metal stents for malignant stenosis in the upper GI tract: preliminary clinical experiences with Wallstents.

PubMed

Ell, C; Hochberger, J; May, A; Fleig, W E; Hahn, E G

1994-09-01

The clinical feasibility of self-expanding metal stents with respect to the technical success, complications, and reintervention rate should be tested. Five coated and 26 uncoated prototype Wallstents, especially designed for stenosis of the upper GI tract, were implanted in 23 patients. All patients with dysphagia suffered from inoperable tumor stenosis of the esophagus or the cardia. Stent implantation was performed under slight i.v. sedoanalgesia. Technical success was achieved in all 31 implanted stents. Forty-eight hr after implantation, dysphagia was improved in 21/23 patients. Acute problems observed within 1 wk were stent migration (1 patient, uncoated stent), oblique position of the stent (3 patients), epigastric or retrosternal pain (9 patients), insufficient stent expansion (4 patients), and pouch formation at the upper rim of the stent (4 patients). An uncomplicated follow-up (median 66 days, range 10-139 days) was seen in 12 patients (52%). Major problems in the follow-up period were stent migration in three patients (three coated stents, two stent migrations in one patient) and stent obstruction by tumor ingrowth/overgrowth and/or food impaction in eight patients (35%). Most of these problems could be successfully resolved by implantation of a second stent or electrocoagulation of overgrowing tumor tissue. By the 1st of March, 1994, three patients were still alive with a follow-up period of 530 days (median range, 336-880 days); 20 patients were decreased with a follow-up period of 70 days (median range, 3-374 days). Implantation of esophageal Wallstents is safe and has a low risk of acute complications and mortality for the patient. Early complications such as perforation and bleeding did not occur. Tumor ingrowth/overgrowth are the major reasons for the high reintervention rate in the follow-up period. Coated stents can resolve this problem, provided that stent migration can be avoided by improvement of the coating technology.

Co-occurrence of substance use related and mental health problems in the Finnish social and health care system.

PubMed

Kuussaari, Kristiina; Hirschovits-Gerz, Tanja

2016-03-01

Many studies have noted that substance abuse and mental health problems often occur simultaneously. The aim of the work reported here was to study the co-occurrence of mental health problems and problems related to substance use in a sample of clients visiting the Finnish social and health care services for issues related to substance use. We collected background information on the clients and considered the parts of the treatment system in which these clients were treated. Survey data on intoxicant-related cases in the Finnish health care and social services were gathered on a single day in 2011. During the 24 hours of data collection, all intoxicant-related cases were reported and data were obtained for 11,738 intoxicant-related cases. In this analysis we took into account the clients' background variables, mental health variables, information on the treatment type and the main reasons for the client being in treatment. The χ(2) test, Fisher's exact test and binary logistic regression analysis were used. Half of the visiting clients had both substance use related and mental health problems. The strongest factors associated with the co-occurrence of substance use related and mental health problems were female sex, younger age and single marital status. Clients with co-occurring problems were more often treated in the health care services, whereas clients with only substance use related problems were primarily treated in specialized services for the treatment of substance abuse. It is important to identify clients with co-occurring substance use related and mental health problems. In this study, half of the clients presenting to the Finnish social and health care treatment system had both these problems. © 2015 the Nordic Societies of Public Health.

A novel electronic assessment strategy to support applied Drosophila genetics training in university courses.

PubMed

Fostier, Maggy; Patel, Sanjai; Clarke, Samantha; Prokop, Andreas

2015-02-25

The advent of "omic" technologies has revolutionized genetics and created a demand to focus classical genetics on its present-day applications (Redfield, 2012, PLoS Biol 10: e1001356). This demand can be met by training students in Drosophila mating scheme design, which is an important problem-solving skill routinely applied in many modern research laboratories. It promotes a thorough understanding and application of classical genetics rules and introduces to transgenic technologies and the use of model organisms. As we show here, such training can be implemented as a flexible and concise module (~1-day home study, ~8-hour course time) on university courses by using our previously published training package designed for fly researchers (Roote and Prokop, 2013, G3 (Bethesda) 3: 353-358). However, assessing this training to make it an accredited course element is difficult, especially in large courses. Here, we present a powerful assessment strategy based on a novel hybrid concept in which students solve crossing tasks initially on paper and then answer automatically marked questions on the computer (1.5 hours total). This procedure can be used to examine student performance on more complex tasks than conventional e-assessments and is more versatile, time-saving, and fairer than standard paper-based assignments. Our evaluation shows that the hybrid assessment is effective and reliably detects varying degrees of understanding among students. It also may be applicable in other disciplines requiring complex problem solving, such as mathematics, chemistry, physics, or informatics. Here, we describe our strategies in detail and provide all resources needed for their implementation. Copyright © 2015 Fostier et al.

Computer/gaming station use in youth: Correlations among use, addiction and functional impairment

PubMed Central

Baer, Susan; Saran, Kelly; Green, David A

2012-01-01

OBJECTIVE: Computer/gaming station use is ubiquitous in the lives of youth today. Overuse is a concern, but it remains unclear whether problems arise from addictive patterns of use or simply excessive time spent on use. The goal of the present study was to evaluate computer/gaming station use in youth and to examine the relationship between amounts of use, addictive features of use and functional impairment. METHOD: A total of 110 subjects (11 to 17 years of age) from local schools participated. Time spent on television, video gaming and non-gaming recreational computer activities was measured. Addictive features of computer/gaming station use were ascertained, along with emotional/behavioural functioning. Multiple linear regressions were used to understand how youth functioning varied with time of use and addictive features of use. RESULTS: Mean (± SD) total screen time was 4.5±2.4 h/day. Addictive features of use were consistently correlated with functional impairment across multiple measures and informants, whereas time of use, after controlling for addiction, was not. CONCLUSIONS: Youth are spending many hours each day in front of screens. In the absence of addictive features of computer/gaming station use, time spent is not correlated with problems; however, youth with addictive features of use show evidence of poor emotional/ behavioural functioning. PMID:24082802

The features of Gait Exercise Assist Robot: Precise assist control and enriched feedback.

PubMed

Hirano, Satoshi; Saitoh, Eiichi; Tanabe, Shigeo; Tanikawa, Hiroki; Sasaki, Shinya; Kato, Daisuke; Kagaya, Hitoshi; Itoh, Norihide; Konosu, Hitoshi

2017-01-01

In a patient with severe hemiplegia, the risk of the knee giving way is high during the early stage of gait exercise with an ankle-foot orthosis. However, use of a knee-ankle-foot orthosis has many problems such as large amount of assistance and compensatory motions. To resolve these problems, we have engaged in the development of the Gait Exercise Assist Robot (GEAR). To evaluate the improvement efficiency of walk with GEAR in a stroke patient. The subject was a 70-year-old man presented with left thalamus hemorrhage and right hemiplegia. The patient underwent exercise with the GEAR 5 days a week, for 40 minutes per day. We evaluated the Functional Independence Measure score for walk (FIM-walk score) every week. The control group consisted of 15 patients aged 20-75 years with hemiplegia after primary stroke, who had equivalent walking ability with the subject at start. As the primary outcome, we defined improvement efficiency of FIM-walk, which was gain of FIM-walk divided the number of required weeks. Improvement efficiency of FIM-walk of the subject was 1.5, while that of control group was 0.48±3.2 (mean±SD). GEAR is potentially useful for gait exercise in hemiplegic patients.

[Problems and complications of leg lengthening with the Wagner apparatus].

PubMed

Herzog, R; Hefti, F

1992-06-01

Since 1971, we have performed 189 leg lengthening procedures using the Wagner method at our institution. The results obtained in the first 26 cases (1971-1973) showed a high complication rate, which led us to reconsider the indications for this procedure. In the present paper, we analyze the results of 37 leg lengthening procedures carried out in 32 patients during the last 10 years (1981-1990) in the children's unit of the orthopedic department of the University of Basle. We found a complication rate of 78%, and in 46% of cases there was more than one major complication. We did not distinguish between "complications" and "problems", because such distinctions are of little importance to the patient. The average age at the time of surgery was 14.8 years, and the average increase in length was 4.3 (2.2-9.2) cm. For each 1 cm of lengthening, an average of 21 days in hospital and 64 days of reduced weight-bearing were needed. Our conclusion is that the Wagner method makes it possible to attain the goal of leg lengthening, but the second step cannot reduce the length of stay in hospital or the length of time the patient needs the help of crutches. Bone remodeling is disturbed. Our preliminary experience with the Ilizarov method is more encouraging.

[Sexual health symptoms and problems in a population of patients in a day hospital for neurotic disorders].

PubMed

Sobański, Jerzy A; Müldner-Nieckowski, Łukasz; Klasa, Katarzyna; Rutkowski, Krzysztof; Dembińska, Edyta

2012-01-01

Analysis of prevalence of symptoms and problems connected with sexuality in patients admitted to a day hospital for neurotic and behavioral disorders' treatment. The results of diagnostics of 2582 women and 1347 men, admitted for psychotherapy in a day hospital, because of neurotic, behavioral and personality disorders. Symptoms from the sexuality area revealed themselves to be frequent in the population of patients entering psychotherapy in a day hospital for neurotic disorders, and they were not directly linked to sexological treatment. Also traumatic events potentially disturbing psychosexual development were reported by patients, however with a different frequency, this being higher for self-assessed lack of sexual education in childhood or forced sexual debut, and low for incest or very early commencement, and for being punished for masturbation. Psychotherapists as well as other professionals treating neurotics, should expect--besides numerous typical symptoms: anxiety, somatization etc.--complaints from area of sexual dysfunctions.

Sleep problems and sickness absence among middle-aged employees.

PubMed

Rahkonen, Ossi; Lallukka, Tea; Kronholm, Erkki; Vahtera, Jussi; Lahelma, Eero; Laaksonen, Mikko

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to examine whether sleep problems predict subsequent sickness absence among middle-aged public sector employees. The data included 5391 female and 1454 male employees of the City of Helsinki from questionnaire surveys at baseline in 2000-2002. These data were prospectively linked to the employer's sickness absence register data, with a mean follow-up time of 4.1 years. Using Poisson regression analysis, we examined associations between sleep problems (none, rare, occasional, and frequent), as indicated by the Jenkins Sleep Questionnaire, and self-certified short (1-3 days) and medically confirmed intermediate (4-14 days) and long (≥15 days) sickness absence spells. Sociodemographic factors, working conditions, work-family interface, health behaviors, and health status were obtained from the baseline surveys. At baseline, 21% of women and 17% of men reported frequent sleep problems. Frequent sleep problems were associated with subsequent sickness absence spells irrespective of length of absence among both women and men after adjusting for age. After full adjustment for all covariates, the associations attenuated but remained for self-certified sickness absence [risk ratio (RR) for women 1.40, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.25-1.56 and RR 1.59, 95% CI 1.24-2.03 for men], and medically confirmed intermediate (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.17-1.52 and RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.02-1.77, for women and men, respectively) and long (RR 1.58, 95% CI 1.29-1.94 and RR 1.44, 95% CI 0.93-2.21, for women and men, respectively) sickness absence spells. Occasional sleep problems were also associated with sickness absence, but the associations were somewhat weaker. In occupational healthcare, sleep problems should be addressed to prevent their occurrence and subsequent ill-health and sickness absence.

Flurazepam

MedlinePlus

... by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep. ... nights after you stop taking the medication.Your sleep problems should improve within 7 to 10 days ... start taking flurazepam. Call your doctor if your sleep problems do not improve during this time, if ...

Estazolam

MedlinePlus

... by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep. ... full night after you take the medication.Your sleep problems should improve within 7 to 10 days ... start taking estazolam. Call your doctor if your sleep problems do not improve during this time, if ...

The Kings Cross fire: psychological reactions.

PubMed

Turner, S W; Thompson, J; Rosser, R M

1995-07-01

The psychological reactions of 50 survivors of the King's Cross fire, which hit London's underground railway system on the 18th day of November 1987, are described. Results are presented for the Impact of Event scale, the General Health Questionnaire (28-item version), the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire and a King's Cross Event Schedule. These are investigated in relation to (a) validity measures, (b) relationships between exposure and personality, and (c) spontaneous de-briefing. Two thirds of the sample had significant levels of psychological distress (meeting the "caseness" criterion on the GHQ). Both personality (neuroticism and L-scale) and degree of trauma exposure were related to subsequent reaction. Spontaneous debriefing was associated with subjective benefit. Transportation disasters present particular problems in relation to research and service delivery.

[Schizoaffective Disorder: Evolution and Current Status of the Concept].

PubMed

Padhy, Susanta; Hedge, Aditya

2015-01-01

Schizoaffective disorder as a diagnostic entity is of particular present-day relevance; however, the concept of schizoaffective disorder, and its management and prognosis remain contentious. Descriptions of the disorder have varied over time. In this literature review, after tracking the evolution of the concept and nosology of schizoaffective disorder, research findings are summarized. This review takes a broad overview of the epidemiology, neurobiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic validity and stability, treatment, course, and outcome of schizoaffective disorder. Importance is given to the distinctness of schizoaffective disorder, and the overlap with schizophrenia and mood disorders, and problems associated with the construct are examined. Possible ways to treat the construct in the future in the best interest of patients, clinicians, and researchers are discussed.

Microbial pigments as natural color sources: current trends and future perspectives.

PubMed

Tuli, Hardeep S; Chaudhary, Prachi; Beniwal, Vikas; Sharma, Anil K

2015-08-01

Synthetic colors have been widely used in various industries including food, textile, cosmetic and pharmaceuticals. However toxicity problems caused by synthetic pigments have triggered intense research in natural colors and dyes. Among the natural Sources, pigment producing microorganisms hold a promising potential to meet present day challenges. Furthermore natural colors not only improve the marketability of the product but also add extra features like anti oxidant, anti cancer properties etc. In this review, we present various sources of microbial pigments and to explore their biological and clinical properties like antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer and anti inflammatory. The study also emphasizes upon key parameters to improve the bioactivity and production of microbial pigments for their commercial use in pharmacological and medical fields.

Theoretical geology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mikeš, Daniel

2010-05-01

Theoretical geology Present day geology is mostly empirical of nature. I claim that geology is by nature complex and that the empirical approach is bound to fail. Let's consider the input to be the set of ambient conditions and the output to be the sedimentary rock record. I claim that the output can only be deduced from the input if the relation from input to output be known. The fundamental question is therefore the following: Can one predict the output from the input or can one predict the behaviour of a sedimentary system? If one can, than the empirical/deductive method has changes, if one can't than that method is bound to fail. The fundamental problem to solve is therefore the following: How to predict the behaviour of a sedimentary system? It is interesting to observe that this question is never asked and many a study is conducted by the empirical/deductive method; it seems that the empirical method has been accepted as being appropriate without question. It is, however, easy to argument that a sedimentary system is by nature complex and that several input parameters vary at the same time and that they can create similar output in the rock record. It follows trivially from these first principles that in such a case the deductive solution cannot be unique. At the same time several geological methods depart precisely from the assumption, that one particular variable is the dictator/driver and that the others are constant, even though the data do not support such an assumption. The method of "sequence stratigraphy" is a typical example of such a dogma. It can be easily argued that all the interpretation resulting from a method that is built on uncertain or wrong assumptions is erroneous. Still, this method has survived for many years, nonwithstanding all the critics it has received. This is just one example of the present day geological world and is not unique. Even the alternative methods criticising sequence stratigraphy actually depart from the same erroneous assumptions and do not solve the very fundamental issue that lies at the base of the problem. This problem is straighforward and obvious: a sedimentary system is inherently four-dimensional (3 spatial dimensions + 1 temporal dimension). Any method using an inferior number or dimensions is bound to fail to describe the evolution of a sedimentary system. It is indicative of the present day geological world that such fundamental issues be overlooked. The only reason for which one can appoint the socalled "rationality" in todays society. Simple "common sense" leads us to the conclusion that in this case the empirical method is bound to fail and the only method that can solve the problem is the theoretical approach. Reasoning that is completely trivial for the traditional exact sciences like physics and mathematics and applied sciences like engineering. However, not for geology, a science that was traditionally descriptive and jumped to empirical science, skipping the stage of theoretical science. I argue that the gap of theoretical geology is left open and needs to be filled. Every discipline in geology lacks a theoretical base. This base can only be filled by the theoretical/inductive approach and can impossibly be filled by the empirical/deductive approach. Once a critical mass of geologists realises this flaw in todays geology, we can start solving the fundamental problems in geology.

[Calls due to suicidal behaviour made to the prehospital, emergency department in Málaga: characteristics and associated factors].

PubMed

Jiménez-Hernández, M; Castro-Zamudio, S; Guzmán Parra, J; Martínez-García, A I; Guillén-Benítez, C; Moreno-Küstner, B

2017-12-29

Suicidal behaviour (fatal and non-fatal) has become a serious public health problem in many countries. The aim of the study was to describe the differential characteristics of emergency calls due to suicidal behaviour made to the Emergency Coordinating Centre (CCUE) in the province of Málaga, in comparison with calls due to physical or psychiatric problems. Retrospective observational study of the calls recorded in the database of the Public Company for Emergency Health during one year. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out including age, gender and the following variables related with the demand: hours of the day, type of day (working days or bank holidays), months of the year and trimesters, number of resources mobilized and types of resolution. The analyses were carried out on 163,331 calls, of which 1,380 calls were due to suicidal behaviour (0.8%), 9,951 for psychiatric reasons (6.1%) and 152,000 for physical reasons (93%). The emergency calls for suicidal behaviour were mainly made by females, between 31-60 years, in the evening and at night, and required transfer to hospital and more than one mobilized resource. Calls due to completed suicide were more frequently made by older men. Calls due to suicidal tendencies predominated over those due to attempted or threatened suicide during the first trimester of the year, while the opposite was the case during the third trimester. The results indicated differential characteristics of suicide calls that are potentially relevant for prevention in spite of the limitations of the present study.

Climate change is affecting altitudinal migrants and hibernating species.

PubMed

Inouye, D W; Barr, B; Armitage, K B; Inouye, B D

2000-02-15

Calendar date of the beginning of the growing season at high altitude in the Colorado Rocky Mountains is variable but has not changed significantly over the past 25 years. This result differs from growing evidence from low altitudes that climate change is resulting in a longer growing season, earlier migrations, and earlier reproduction in a variety of taxa. At our study site, the beginning of the growing season is controlled by melting of the previous winter's snowpack. Despite a trend for warmer spring temperatures the average date of snowmelt has not changed, perhaps because of the trend for increased winter precipitation. This disjunction between phenology at low and high altitudes may create problems for species, such as many birds, that migrate over altitudinal gradients. We present data indicating that this already may be true for American robins, which are arriving 14 days earlier than they did in 1981; the interval between arrival date and the first date of bare ground has grown by 18 days. We also report evidence for an effect of climate change on hibernation behavior; yellow-bellied marmots are emerging 38 days earlier than 23 years ago, apparently in response to warmer spring air temperatures. Migrants and hibernators may experience problems as a consequence of these changes in phenology, which may be exacerbated if climate models are correct in their predictions of increased winter snowfall in our study area. The trends we report for earlier formation of permanent snowpack and for a longer period of snow cover also have implications for hibernating species.

Climate change is affecting altitudinal migrants and hibernating species

PubMed Central

Inouye, David W.; Barr, Billy; Armitage, Kenneth B.; Inouye, Brian D.

2000-01-01

Calendar date of the beginning of the growing season at high altitude in the Colorado Rocky Mountains is variable but has not changed significantly over the past 25 years. This result differs from growing evidence from low altitudes that climate change is resulting in a longer growing season, earlier migrations, and earlier reproduction in a variety of taxa. At our study site, the beginning of the growing season is controlled by melting of the previous winter's snowpack. Despite a trend for warmer spring temperatures the average date of snowmelt has not changed, perhaps because of the trend for increased winter precipitation. This disjunction between phenology at low and high altitudes may create problems for species, such as many birds, that migrate over altitudinal gradients. We present data indicating that this already may be true for American robins, which are arriving 14 days earlier than they did in 1981; the interval between arrival date and the first date of bare ground has grown by 18 days. We also report evidence for an effect of climate change on hibernation behavior; yellow-bellied marmots are emerging 38 days earlier than 23 years ago, apparently in response to warmer spring air temperatures. Migrants and hibernators may experience problems as a consequence of these changes in phenology, which may be exacerbated if climate models are correct in their predictions of increased winter snowfall in our study area. The trends we report for earlier formation of permanent snowpack and for a longer period of snow cover also have implications for hibernating species. PMID:10677510

Changes in adaptability following perinatal morphine exposure in juvenile and adult rats.

PubMed

Klausz, Barbara; Pintér, Ottó; Sobor, Melinda; Gyarmati, Zsuzsa; Fürst, Zsuzsanna; Tímár, Júlia; Zelena, Dóra

2011-03-05

The problem of drug abuse among pregnant women causes a major concern. The aim of the present study was to examine the adaptive consequences of long term maternal morphine exposure in offspring at different postnatal ages, and to see the possibility of compensation, as well. Pregnant rats were treated daily with morphine from the day of mating (on the first two days 5mg/kgs.c. than 10mg/kg) until weaning. Male offspring of dams treated with physiological saline served as control. Behavior in the elevated plus maze (EPM; anxiety) and forced swimming test (FST; depression) as well as adrenocorticotropin and corticosterone hormone levels were measured at postpartum days 23-25 and at adult age. There was only a tendency of spending less time in the open arms of the EPM in morphine treated rats at both ages, thus, the supposed anxiogenic impact of perinatal exposure with morphine needs more focused examination. In response to 5min FST morphine exposed animals spent considerable longer time with floating and shorter time with climbing at both ages which is an expressing sign of depression-like behavior. Perinatal morphine exposure induced a hypoactivity of the stress axis (adrenocorticotropin and corticosterone elevations) to strong stimulus (FST). Our results show that perinatal morphine exposure induces long term depression-like changes. At the same time the reactivity to the stress is failed. These findings on rodents presume that the progenies of morphine users could have lifelong problems in adaptive capability and might be prone to develop psychiatric disorders. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Survey of Management Tasks Performed by Day Care Center Directors.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dent, Barbara

The general problem addressed in this survey is the identification of the management training needs of day care center directors. A questionnaire was developed and mailed to 102 directors of full time, pre-school day care centers in Baltimore City. The directors' answers were tabulated and simple percentages were computed. Directors were asked to…

A case for the expansion of day surgery.

PubMed

Ogg, T; Heath, P; Brownlie, G

1989-12-01

The efficiency of the National Health Service (NHS) is currently under scrutiny and the problems faced by the surgical services include a shortage of financial resources, fewer beds, poor nursing recruitment and rising waiting lists. During 1984-1988 a purpose built, separate 12-bedded day surgery unit at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge operated upon 13,000 patients, with a readmission rate of less than 1%. Senior medical staff are involved and the overall surgical waiting list has been reduced by 40.9%. Nurse recruitment has been excellent, and the community medical and nursing services have not been overburdened. The results detailed in this paper suggest that day surgery deserves special consideration as one acceptable solution to some of the current NHS problems.

Meeting the nutritional needs of patients with severe dysphagia following a stroke: an interdisciplinary approach.

PubMed

Rodrigue, Nathalie; Côté, Robert; Kirsch, Connie; Germain, Chantal; Couturier, Céline; Fraser, Roxanne

2002-03-01

Dysphagia is a common problem with individuals who have experienced a stroke. The interdisciplinary stroke team noted delays in clinical decision-making, or in implementing plans for patients with severe dysphagia requiring an alternative method to oral feeding, such as enteral feeding via Dobhoff (naso-jejunum) or PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) tubes, occurred because protocols had not been established. This resulted in undernourishment, which in turn contributed to clinical problems, such as infections and confusion, which delayed rehabilitation and contributed to excess disability. The goal of the project was to improve quality of care and quality of life for stroke patients experiencing swallowing problems by creating a dysphagia management decision-making process. The project began with a retrospective chart review of 91 cases over a period of six months to describe the population characteristics, dysphagia frequency, stroke and dysphagia severity, and delays encountered with decision-making regarding dysphagia management. A literature search was conducted, and experts in the field were consulted to provide current knowledge prior to beginning the project. Using descriptive statistics, dysphagia was present in 44% of the stroke population and 69% had mild to moderate stroke severity deficit. Delays were found in the decision to insert a PEG (mean 10 days) and the time between decision and PEG insertion (mean 12 days). Critical periods were examined in order to speed up the process of decision-making and intervention. This resulted in the creation of a decision-making algorithm based on stroke and dysphagia severity that will be tested during winter 2002.

Lower urinary tract dysfunction in children. What do pre-school teachers know about it?

PubMed

Lordelo, Patricia; Maron, Fabio; Barros, Daniela G; Barroso, Danilo V; Bessa, Jose; Barroso, Ubirajara

2007-01-01

To evaluate the basic knowledge of pre-school teachers who deal with children between the ages of 4 and 7 years, who present signs of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). We performed a survey with 50 teachers from 9 private schools working with pre-school children. The criteria for selection were if teachers were certified or non-certified elementary school teachers - NCEST and the amount of professional experience. Thirty-three teachers considered that the normal daily urinary frequency should be from 4 to 7 times. Two of the 50 teachers considered it normal to urinate less than 4 times per day and 15 teachers considered more than 7 times per day as normal. There was no difference between the 2 categories of certified or NCEST nor between those with more or less than five years of professional experience. Thirty-three percent believed that to urinate more than 4 times during a class period (4-5 hours) could indicate a urinary problem. There was a statistically significant difference among the certified and NCEST but not in terms of time of professional experience. If during this period the child would not ask to urinate, only 18% considered that as an indication of urinary problem. When asked about the symptoms that would indicate urinary urgency and urge incontinence, only 24% of the teachers connected it with urinary problem. There was no difference in terms of professional background or professional experience in these 2 last analyses. Our data shows evidences that private pre-schools teachers are not well informed of the clinical manifestation of LUTD.

'Mental health day' sickness absence amongst nurses and midwives: workplace, workforce, psychosocial and health characteristics.

PubMed

Lamont, Scott; Brunero, Scott; Perry, Lin; Duffield, Christine; Sibbritt, David; Gallagher, Robyn; Nicholls, Rachel

2017-05-01

To examine the workforce, workplace, psychosocial and health characteristics of nurses and midwives in relation to their reported use of sickness absence described as 'mental health days'. The occupational stress associated with the nursing profession is increasingly recognized and nurse/midwifery absenteeism is a significant global problem. Taking a 'mental health day' as sickness absence is a common phenomenon in Australian health care. No previous studies have empirically explored the characteristics of nurses and midwives using such sickness absence. Online cross-sectional survey. Survey comprising validated tools and questions on workplace and health characteristics was distributed to nurses and midwives in New South Wales, Australia, between May 2014 - February 2015. Sample characteristics were reported using descriptive statistics. Factors independently predictive of 'mental health day' reportage were determined using logistic regression. Fifty-four percentage of the n = 5041 nurse and midwife respondents took 'mental health days'. Those affected were significantly more likely to be at younger ages, working shifts with less time sitting at work; to report workplace abuse and plans to leave; having been admitted to hospital in previous 12 months; to be current smokers; to report mental health problems, accomplishing less due to emotional problems and current psychotropic medication use. Specific characteristics of nurses and midwives who report taking 'mental health day' sickness absence offer healthcare administrators and managers opportunities for early identification and intervention with workplace measures and support frameworks to promote well-being, health promotion and safety. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Advanced Nursing Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Feeding families and children--1776 to 1976. A bicentennial study.

PubMed

Lowenberg, M E; Lucas, B L

1976-03-01

The food heritage which Americans enjoy today owes its great diversity to the influences of many ethnic groups--the native Indians, Franciscan friars in California, Mexican-Americans, the British, the French, the Creoles, and later, northern Europeans and those of Mediterranean stock. Geography and climate in different parts of our large country and religious beliefs have also played a part in the development of our present-day, varied cuisine. In our colonial and pioneer days, most people raised their own food, but as our nation has become industrialized and urbanized, we find that now only 7 per cent of our population produces the food for our entire nation, and our consumers generally buy their food in stores. Even as late as the beginning of the twentieth century, infant feeding practices could be considered unscientific and primitive. Only in recent years have knowledge of metabolism and the rapid increase in nutritional science permitted progress in infant feeding. Problems of feeding families remain, nevertheless--different than in the early days of our nation--and their solution challenges American ingenuity.

Physical Problems Associated with Computer Use and Implemented Ergonomic Measures.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alexander, Melody A.

1994-01-01

Survey responses from 404 (of 523) office support personnel showed that most used computers 3-6 hours per day and had experienced vision or musculoskeletal problems, but most did not see a doctor, take regular breaks, do stretching exercises, or discuss problems with their supervisors. Many were not aware of ergonomic features that could help, and…

A Micro-Developmental View of Parental Well-being in Families Coping with Chronic Illness

PubMed Central

Queen, Tara L.; Butner, Jonathan; Wiebe, Deborah J.; Berg, Cynthia A.

2016-01-01

Families are co-regulating systems in which the daily experiences of one member affect the well-being of another member of the family. We examined daily, micro-developmental processes by modeling the associations between adolescents’ daily problems and emotional experiences in managing type 1 diabetes and changes in parental negative and positive affect surrounding the illness. Using a daily diary method, 161 mothers (M age=40 years), fathers (M age=42 years), and early adolescents (M age=12.4 years) rated their negative and positive emotions surrounding diabetes for 14 days. Adolescents reported, via a checklist, the number of problems they experienced in managing diabetes each day. Using dynamical systems modeling, we found that adolescents’ problems and emotions were related to changes in their parents’ reports of negative affect, though differently for mothers and fathers. On days when adolescents reported more problems, fathers’ affect changed more slowly back to homeostasis. Adolescents’ problems were not associated with change in mothers’ negative affect, but when adolescents reported greater negative daily affect, mothers were drawn to greater negative affect, displaying a higher set point. Models accounting for parental coupling effects suggested that when adolescents reported more negative affect, mothers’ affect changed more slowly back to homeostasis. Neither adolescents’ problems nor their emotions were associated with changes in mothers’ or fathers’ reports of daily positive affect. These results indicate different temporal patterns in mothers’ and fathers’ negative affect that illustrate how mothers, fathers, and adolescents react differently to chronic illness within the family system. PMID:27148935

A Mixed Presentation of Serotonin Syndrome vs Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome in a 12-Year-Old Boy.

PubMed

Sun, Christie; Sweet, Hannah; Minns, Alicia B; Shapiro, Desiree; Jenkins, Willough

2018-04-24

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and serotonin syndrome (SS) are serious medical conditions associated with commonly prescribed psychiatric medications. Although the mechanisms differ, they can be clinically difficult to distinguish. We report a case of a pediatric patient with complicated psychiatric history that developed features of both syndromes in the setting of polypharmacy. A 12-year-old boy with a history of developmental delay, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder presented to the emergency department with behavior changes consisting of delayed reactions, gait instability, drooling, and slowed movements. Ten days before presentation, his outpatient psychiatrist had made multiple medication changes including discontinuation of cyproheptadine (an appetite stimulant) and initiation of aripiprazole. On arrival, the patient was noted to be tachycardia and hypertensive for age. He was disoriented, intermittently agitated, and tremulous with increased tonicity, clonus in the lower extremities, and mydriasis. He was supportively treated with lorazepam and intravenous fluids while discontinuing potential offending agents. His course was complicated by hypertension and agitation managed with dexmedetomidine infusion and benzodiazepines. His mental status, tremors, and laboratory values began to improve over the next 2 days, and eventually transitioned to the inpatient psychiatric unit on hospital day 7. Diagnosis of NMS or SS can be difficult when there is overlap between syndromes, particularly in the setting of multiple potential offending agents or underlying developmental delay. In addition, pediatric patients may present atypically as compared with adult patients with the same condition. The use of antipsychotic medications for young children with behavioral problems has risen dramatically in the last decade, increasing their risk for developing SS or NMS.

34 CFR 395.36 - Enforcement procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... PROPERTY Federal Property Management § 395.36 Enforcement procedures. (a) The State licensing agency shall attempt to resolve day-to-day problems pertaining to the operation of the vending facility in an informal... instrumentality in an attempt to resolve the issue. ...

Program operational summary: Operational 90 day manned test of a regenerative life support system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jackson, J. K.; Wamsley, J. R.; Bonura, M. S.; Seeman, J. S.

1972-01-01

An operational 90-day manned test of a regenerative life support system was successfully completed. This test was performed with a crew of four carefully selected and trained men in a space station simulator (SSS) which had a two gas atmosphere maintained at a total pressure of 68.9, 10 psia, and composed of oxygen at a partial pressure of 3.05 psia with nitrogen as the diluent. The test was planned to provide data on regenerative life support subsystems and on integrated system operations in a closed ecology, similar to that of a space station. All crew equipment and expendables were stored onboard at the start of the mission to eliminate the need for pass-in operations. The significant accomplishments of the test, some of the pertinent test results, some of the problem areas, and conclusions are presented.

Iatrogenic Subtotal Stenosis of the Right Subclavian Artery Treated With Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty

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

Smeenk, Robert M., E-mail: r.m.smeenk@asz.nl; Kock, Mark C. J. M.; Elgersma, Otto E. H.

2011-02-15

This report describes a rare vascular complication of surgical placement of a marking clip and a possible approach to problem solving. A 55-year-old patient presented with loss of sensation in the fingers and loss of peripheral pulsations in the right arm 4 days after right upper lobectomy for a pT2N1 moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the lung. Duplex examination and computed tomography were performed the same day and showed a subtotal stenosis of the right subclavian artery, which was caused by the surgical placement of a metal clip to mark the surgical boundary. Selective angiography was subsequently performed. Percutaneous transluminal angioplastymore » (PTA) successfully dilated the stenosis and pushed the clip off. Flow in the right subclavian artery (RSA) was completely restored as were neurology and peripheral pulses. In conclusion, arterial stenosis by a surgical (marking) clip may be feasibly treated with PTA.« less

Introduction: circadian rhythm and its disruption: impact on reproductive function.

PubMed

Casper, Robert F; Gladanac, Bojana

2014-08-01

Almost all forms of life have predictable daily or circadian rhythms in molecular, endocrine, and behavioral functions. In mammals, a central pacemaker located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei coordinates the timing of these rhythms. Daily light exposure that affects the retina of the eye directly influences this area, which is required to align endogenous processes to the appropriate time of day. The present "Views and Reviews" articles discuss the influence of circadian rhythms, especially nightly secretion of melatonin, on reproductive function and parturition. In addition, an examination is made of problems that arise from recurrent circadian rhythm disruption associated with changes in light exposure patterns common to modern day society. Finally, a possible solution to prevent disruptions in circadian phase markers by filtering out short wavelengths from nocturnal light is reviewed. Copyright © 2014 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Enucleation in a Cownose Ray (Rhinoptera bonasus)

PubMed Central

Yee-Nin, S. T.; Hassan, H. M. D.; Wahid, A. H.

2018-01-01

Trauma is a common problem in Cownose Ray during mating season in both wild and captive rays. Enucleation is indicated when there is an ocular trauma. A 5-year-old female Cownose Ray (Rhinoptera bonasus) from Aquaria of Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) was presented to University Veterinary Hospital (UVH), Universiti Putra Malaysia, with a complaint of protruding left eye, which resulted from crushing into artificial coral during mating season. There were a hyphema in the traumatic left eye, periorbital tissue tear, exposed left eye socket, and multiple abrasions on both pectoral fins. The Cownose was anaesthetized and maintained with isoeugenol and on-field emergency enucleation of the left eye was performed. It was managed medically with postoperative enrofloxacin, tobramycin ointment, and povidone iodine. No suture breakdown and secondary infection were observed at day 7 after enucleation during revisit. At day 24 after enucleation, the Cownose responded well to treatment with excellent healing progression and no surgical complication was observed.

Novel Feed Including Olive Oil Mill Wastewater Bioactive Compounds Enhanced the Redox Status of Lambs

PubMed Central

MAKRI, SOTIRIA; KAFANTARIS, IOANNIS; SAVVA, SALOMI; NTANOU, POLYXENI; STAGOS, DIMITRIOS; ARGYROULIS, IOANNIS; KOTSAMPASI, BASILIKI; CHRISTODOULOU, VLADIMIROS; GERASOPOULOS, KONSTANTINOS; PETROTOS, KONSTANTINOS; KOMIOTIS, DIMITRIOS; KOURETAS, DEMETRIOS

2018-01-01

Background/Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant effects of a feed supplemented with polyphenolic additives from olive mill wastewater (OMW) on lambs. Materials and Methods: Lambs received breast milk until the postnatal period, and then they were divided into two groups and received control and OMW feed for 55 days. Redox biomarkers were measured in blood and tissues at days 15, 42 and 70 after feeding. Results: Feed supplemented with OMW reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive species and protein carbonyls and increased total antioxidant capacity, glutathione and catalase activity in both blood and tissues. Conclusion: The administration of OMW-containing feed reinforced the antioxidant defense of lambs, which may improve their wellbeing and productivity. Additionally, this exploitation of OMW may solve problems of environmental pollution in areas with olive oil industries. PMID:29475912

Dynamic systems and inferential information processing in human communication.

PubMed

Grammer, Karl; Fink, Bernhard; Renninger, LeeAnn

2002-12-01

Research in human communication on an ethological basis is almost obsolete. The reasons for this are manifold and lie partially in methodological problems connected to the observation and description of behavior, as well as the nature of human behavior itself. In this chapter, we present a new, non-intrusive, technical approach to the analysis of human non-verbal behavior, which could help to solve the problem of categorization that plagues the traditional approaches. We utilize evolutionary theory to propose a new theory-driven methodological approach to the 'multi-unit multi-channel modulation' problem of human nonverbal communication. Within this concept, communication is seen as context-dependent (the meaning of a signal is adapted to the situation), as a multi-channel and a multi-unit process (a string of many events interrelated in 'communicative' space and time), and as related to the function it serves. Such an approach can be utilized to successfully bridge the gap between evolutionary psychological research, which focuses on social cognition adaptations, and human ethology, which describes every day behavior in an objective, systematic way.

Software Development Life Cycle Security Issues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaur, Daljit; Kaur, Parminder

2011-12-01

Security is now-a-days one of the major problems because of many reasons. Security is now-a-days one of the major problems because of many reasons. The main cause is that software can't withstand security attacks because of vulnerabilities in it which are caused by defective specifications design and implementation. We have conducted a survey asking software developers, project managers and other people in software development about their security awareness and implementation in Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). The survey was open to participation for three weeks and this paper explains the survey results.

From analytic inversion to contemporary IMRT optimization: radiation therapy planning revisited from a mathematical perspective.

PubMed

Censor, Yair; Unkelbach, Jan

2012-04-01

In this paper we look at the development of radiation therapy treatment planning from a mathematical point of view. Historically, planning for Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) has been considered as an inverse problem. We discuss first the two fundamental approaches that have been investigated to solve this inverse problem: Continuous analytic inversion techniques on one hand, and fully-discretized algebraic methods on the other hand. In the second part of the paper, we review another fundamental question which has been subject to debate from the beginning of IMRT until the present day: The rotation therapy approach versus fixed angle IMRT. This builds a bridge from historic work on IMRT planning to contemporary research in the context of Intensity-Modulated Arc Therapy (IMAT). Copyright © 2011 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Patient safety: a comparison between handwritten and computerized voluntary incident reporting].

PubMed

Capucho, Helaine Carneiro; Arnas, Emilly Rasquini; Cassiani, Silvia Helena De Bortoli

2013-03-01

This study's objective was to compare two types of voluntary incident reporting methods that affect patient safety, handwritten (HR) and computerized (CR), in relation to the number of reports, type of incident reported the individual submitting the report, and quality of reports. This was a descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study. CR were more frequent than HR (61.2% vs. 38.6%) among the 1,089 reports analyzed and were submitted every day of the month, while HR were submitted only on weekdays. The highest number of reports referred to medication, followed by problems related to medical-hospital material and the professional who most frequently submitted reports were nurses in both cases. Overall CR presented higher quality than HR (86.1% vs. 61.7%); 36.8% of HR were illegible, a problem that was eliminated in CR. Therefore, the use of computerized incident reporting in hospitals favors qualified voluntary reports, increasing patient safety.

[Epidemiological and socio-medical problems assoicated with respiratory disorders in Switzerland (author's transl)].

PubMed

Keller, R; Bohn, W

1978-09-01

Disorders of the respiratory tract account for about 13 percent of overall mortality in Switzerland, for about 50 percent of all hospital admissions and for about 7 percent of the nursing days. Cases of obstructive respiratory disease, pneumonia and carcinoma of the lung predominate. Morbidity regarding newly discovered cases of tuberculos is still 0.5 percent and 40 percent of the population are still positive reactors. BCG vaccination of newborns and of all tuberculin-negative schoolchildren is the approved prophylactic procedure. Periodic mass radiography of adults on a voluntary basis, aimed at the early diagnosis of pulmonary disorders, shows an incidence of 0.4/1 000 and of 0.3/1 000 for new cases of tuberculosis and lung cancer respectively. Cases of chronic obstructive respiratory disease who require hospitalization for above-average length and are frequently on sick leave present special sociomedical problems.

Effect of Altered Gravity on the Neurobiology of Fish

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anken, R. H.; Rahmann, H.

In vertebrates (including humans) altered gravitational environments such as weightlessness can induce malfunction of the inner ears due to a mismatch between canal and statolith afferents. This leads to an illusionary tilt because the inputs from the inner ear are not confirmed by the other sensory organs, which then results in intersensory conflict. Vertebrates in orbit therefore face severe orientation problems. In humans the intersensory conflict may additionally lead to a malaise commonly referred to as space motion sickness (SMS). After the initial days of weightlessness the orientation problems (and SMS) disappear as the brain develops a new interpretation of the available sensory data. The present contribution reviews the neurobiological responses, particularly those of fish, observed under altered gravitational states concerning behavior and neuroplastic reactivities. Investigations employing microgravity (spaceflight, parabolic aircraft flights, clinostat) and hypergravity (laboratory centrifuges as ground-based research tools) provide insights for understanding the basic phenomena, many of which remain only incompletely explained

Simultaneous laparoscopic adrenalectomy and laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery – new experience with port placement

PubMed Central

Panek, Wojciech; Lewandowski, Jaroslaw; Tuchendler, Tomasz; Urbańczyk, Grzegorz; Litarski, Adam; Apoznański, Wojciech

2013-01-01

The aim of the study was to describe simultaneous laparoscopic adrenalectomy and laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery, to discuss the details of a convenient laparoscopic approach and the way of port placement, as well as to present a review of the literature concerning combined laparoscopic procedures. A 72-year-old woman was admitted to our department because of a tumor of the right adrenal gland and a small tumor of the right kidney. The patient underwent simultaneous laparoscopic adrenalectomy and laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery. The postoperative period was uncomplicated. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 4th postoperative day. We believe that the proposed way of trocar placement would help to avoid a ‘rollover’ problem between the laparoscope and a Satinsky clamp or a ‘crossing swords’ problem between a Satinsky clamp and manipulators. PMID:24501608

Piezosurgery an Asset in Treatment of Pierre Robin Sequence.

PubMed

Singh, Divya; Gadre, Pushkar; Gadre, Kiran; Ramanojam, Shandilya

2017-03-01

Pierre Robin sequence (formerly a syndrome) is named after the French stomatologist who, in 1923 and 1934, described the problems associated with micrognathia in newborn. It comprises mandibular micrognathia, U-shaped cleft palate, and glossoptosis. The typical symptoms are hypoxaemia, noisy breathing, snoring, stridor, cyanosis, bradycardia, feeding difficulties, and failure to thrive. Distraction osteogenesis has recently been considered as a surgical option for early intervention to lengthen the mandible and relieve respiratory problems. Piezosurgery offers a modality to make precise bone cuts preserving vital structures, minimizing the invasiveness of the surgical procedure, and offering bloodless field. We present case of 1-year-old male malnourished child with Pierre Robin sequence and tracheostomy in situ since day 11 of his birth. The staged treatment plan involving mandibular lengthening in which mandibular osteotomies were performed with the piezoelectric scalpel followed by decannulation of tracheostomy, which has been described in detail in this article.

Issues concerning recruitment, retention and attrition of student nurses in the 1950/60s: a comparative study.

PubMed

Jinks, Annette M; Richardson, Kathleen; Jones, Chris; Kirton, Jennifer A

2014-11-01

To investigate student nurse recruitment and attrition in the 1950' and 1960s and undertake comparisons to modern day concerns. The study was set in one hospital in the U.K. In the period studied nursing was unpopular as a profession and there were difficulties surrounding recruitment. Attrition rates were high. Documentary analysis of 641 training records dating 1955 to 1968 was undertaken. Attrition rates, reasons for non-completion and employment following successful completion were determined. Most recruits were young, unmarried, females and had overseas addresses. The majority (n = 88) had prior nursing experience. Over 69% (n = 443) successfully completed their training. Attrition rates were over 30% (n = 198), the main reason being academic failure. Following completion over 40% (n = 183) undertook midwifery training (n = 183) or secured a staff nurse post (n = 153). Issues relating to recruitment, retention and attrition in the 1950s and 1960s put into context present day issues. Recent attrition rates from pre-registration nurse education have fallen, nevertheless some of the issues of yesteryear remain problematic. In the present study significant numbers of entrants left due to domestic and ill-health problems resonates with many modern day studies. Also failure to complete due to academic shortcomings continues to be a concern. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Occurence of adverse events due to continuous glucose monitoring.

PubMed

Jadviscokova, Tereza; Fajkusova, Zuzana; Pallayova, Maria; Luza, Jiri; Kuzmina, Galina

2007-12-01

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) using transcutaneous sensors is becoming a sophisticated method to control and regulate glucose metabolism. The transcutaneous sensor of the CGM system (CGMS Medtronic Minimed, Northridge, CA, USA) is chosen to measure glucose concentration in interstitial fluid up to three days after insertion even though its function remains stable for a longer period. The question arises, which factors really limit the period of sensor insertion without unnecessary risk. The aim of this study was to assess any adverse events occurring in the course of 9 days after the sensor insertion. In a group of 22 healthy volunteers aged 21.8+/-1.30 y (mean +/- SE) a total of 26 sensors was inserted subcutaneously in gluteal or lumbar region for 9 days. Before insertion the site was sprayed with an antiseptic (Cutasept F, Bode Chemie, Hamburg, Germany). Local adverse reactions and disturbances in general condition were examined. In the course of 184 sensor-days, there were only minor local adverse events: hypersensitivity, itching, pain, redness, burning, subcutaneous hemorrhage. Additionally, sleep disturbances, attention deficits, problems related to the CGMS monitor, to adhesive tape and/or sensor were found. None of these resulted in sensor withdrawal. In 12 volunteers (55 %) no complications were observed. The sensor function measured according to electrical signals (ISIG) failed (always on day 1-2) in 4 cases (16 %). The present FDA approved 3-day insertion period for Medtronic transcutaneous sensor does not seem to limit its use and appears to be worth a careful revision.

Analysis of a Precambrian Resonance-Stabilized Day Length

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bartlett, B. C.; Stevenson, D. J.

2014-12-01

Calculations indicate the average rate of decrease of Earth's angular momentum must have been less than its present value in the past; otherwise, the Earth should have a longer day length. Existing stromatolite data suggests the Earth's rotational frequency would have been near that of the atmospheric resonance frequency toward the end of the Precambrian era, approximately 600Ma. The semidiurnal atmospheric tidal torque would have reached a maximum near this day length of 21hr. At this point, the atmospheric torque would have been comparable in magnitude but opposite in direction to the lunar torque, creating a stabilizing effect which could preserve a constant day length while trapped in this resonant state, as suggested by Zahnle and Walker (1987). We examine the hypothesis that this resonant stability was encountered and sustained for a large amount of time during the Precambrian era and was broken by a large and relatively fast increase in global temperature, possibly in the deglaciation period following a snowball event. Computational simulations of this problem were performed, indicating that a persistent increase in temperature larger than around 10K over a period of time less than 107 years will break resonance (though these values vary with Q), but that the resonant stability is not easily broken by random high-amplitude high-frequency atmospheric temperature fluctuation or other forms of thermal noise. Further work also indicates it is possible to escape resonance simply by increasing the lunar tidal torque on the much longer timescale of plate tectonics, particularly for low atmospheric Q-factors, or that resonance could have never formed in the first place, had the lunar torque been very high or Q been very low when the Earth's rotational frequency was near the atmospheric resonance frequency. However, the need to explain the present day length given the current lunar torque favors the interpretation we offer, in which Earth's length of day was stabilized for hundreds of millions of years, escaping this stability in the aftermath of a sudden global temperature change.

Persistence of poliovirus 1 in soil and on vegetables grown in soil previously flooded with inoculated sewage sludge or effluent.

PubMed Central

Tierney, J T; Sullivan, R; Larkin, E P

1977-01-01

Land disposal of sewage sludge and effluent is becoming a common practice in the United States. The fertilizer content and humus value of such wastes are useful for agricultural purposes, and the recycling of sewage onto the land eliminates many of our stream pollution problems. The potential exists for crops grown in such irrigated soil to be contaminated by viruses that may be present in the sewage. Studies were initiated to determine viral persistence in soil and on crops grown under natural conditions in field plots that had been flooded to a depth of 1 inch (2.54 cm) with poliovirus 1-inoculated sewage wastes. Lettuce and radishes were planted in sludge- or effluent-flooded soil. In one study, the vegetables were planted 1 day before flooding, and in another they were planted 3 days after the plots were flooded. Survival of poliovirus 1 in soil irrigated with inoculated sewage sludge and effluent was determined during two summer growing seasons and one winter period. The longest period of survival was during the winter, when virus was detected after 96 days. During the summer, the longest survival period was 11 days. Poliovirus 1 was recovered from the mature vegetables 23 days after flooding of the plots had ceased. Lettuce and radishes are usually harvested 3 to 4 weeks after planting. PMID:189685

Stability studies of endocrine disrupting tributyltin and triphenyltin compounds in an artificial sea water model.

PubMed

Novotny, Ladislav; Sharaf, Leyla; Abdel-Hamid, Mohammed E; Brtko, Julius

2018-01-01

Triorganotins belong to toxic components present predominantly in antifouling paints for marine vessels. Tributyltin/triphenyltin at pico- or nanomolar concentrations in sea water are known to induce an irreversible sexual abnormality in females of over 190 marine species, an "imposex" phenomenon - the superimposition of male genitalia on a female. Moreover, trialkyltins and triaryltins function as potent nuclear retinoid X receptors (RXR) agonists. In mammals, triorganotin compounds induce immunosuppressive, metabolic, reproductive or developmental effects. Toxic effects of triorganotins warrant the need for monitoring of their long-lasting presence in the environment. This study brings novel data on the stability of two triorganotin compounds in artificial sea water model obtained by applying ultra-pressure liquid chromatography (UPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods. Stability of tributyltin and triphenyltin chlorides was studied for 180 days and the degradation kinetic parameters were obtained. Tributyltin chloride was the less stable with the degradation kinetic parameters Kdeg = 0.00014 day-1 and t1/2 = 4950 days (13.6 years). Kdeg of the more stable triphenyltin chloride was determined to be Kdeg = 0.00006 day-1 with t1/2 = 11550 days (31.6 years). Since similar stability data of triorganotin compounds were not published previously, we report high stability for both tested compounds, which indicates a significant environmental problem when these substances enter sea water and later coastal sediments.

Daily internet time: towards an evidence-based recommendation?

PubMed

Berchtold, André; Akre, Christina; Barrense-Dias, Yara; Zimmermann, Grégoire; Surís, Joan-Carles

2018-04-17

Since 2001, a recommendation of no more than 2 h per day of screen time for children 2 years of age or older was adopted in many countries. However, this recommendation was rarely examined empirically. The goal of the present study was to question this recommendation in today's connected world. We used data from the ado@internet.ch survey (spring 2012), a representative sample of 8th graders in the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland (n = 2942, 50.6% female). Internet use, health outcomes, substance use, well-being and socio-demographic characteristics were considered. Bi-variate statistical analyses were performed. All outcomes were significantly associated with the time spent on internet, more time being associated with a higher prevalence of adverse consequences. Youth spending on average one more hour on Internet per day than the reference category (1.5-2.5 h) did not differ in terms of adverse health outcomes. Differences began to appear on sleeping problems, tobacco use, alcohol misuse, cannabis use and sport inactivity with youth spending between 3.5 h and 4.5 h per day on internet. This study demonstrates the absence of justification for setting a limit to only 2 h of screen time per day. Significant effects on health seem to appear only beyond 4 h per day and there may be benefits for those who spend less than an hour and a half on internet.

Can custom-made biomechanic shoe orthoses prevent problems in the back and lower extremities? A randomized, controlled intervention trial of 146 military conscripts.

PubMed

Larsen, Kristian; Weidich, Flemming; Leboeuf-Yde, Charlotte

2002-06-01

Shock-absorbing and biomechanic shoe orthoses are frequently used in the prevention and treatment of back and lower extremity problems. One review concludes that the former is clinically effective in relation to prevention, whereas the latter has been tested in only 1 randomized clinical trial, concluding that stress fractures could be prevented. To investigate if biomechanic shoe orthoses can prevent problems in the back and lower extremities and if reducing the number of days off-duty because of back or lower extremity problems is possible. Prospective, randomized, controlled intervention trial. One female and 145 male military conscripts (aged 18 to 24 years), representing 25% of all new conscripts in a Danish regiment. Health data were collected by questionnaires at initiation of the study and 3 months later. Custom-made biomechanic shoe orthoses to be worn in military boots were provided to all in the study group during the 3-month intervention period. No intervention was provided for the control group. Differences between the 2 groups were tested with the chi-square test, and statistical significance was accepted at P <.05. Risk ratio (RR), risk difference (ARR), numbers needed to prevent (NNP), and cost per successfully prevented case were calculated. Outcome variables included self-reported back and/or lower extremity problems; specific problems in the back or knees or shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, sprained ankle, or other problems in the lower extremity; number of subjects with at least 1 day off-duty because of back or lower extremity problems and total number of days off-duty within the first 3 months of military service because of back or lower extremity problems. Results were significantly better in an actual-use analysis in the intervention group for total number of subjects with back or lower extremity problems (RR 0.7, ARR 19%, NNP 5, cost 98 US dollars); number of subjects with shin splints (RR 0.2, ARR 19%, NNP 5, cost 101 US dollars); number of off-duty days because of back or lower extremity problems (RR 0.6, ARR < 1%, NNP 200, cost 3750 US dollars). In an intention-to-treat analysis, a significant difference was found for only number of subjects with shin splints (RR 0.3, ARR 18%, NNP 6 cost 105 US dollars), whereas a worst-case analysis revealed no significant differences between the study groups. This study shows that it may be possible to prevent certain musculoskeletal problems in the back or lower extremities among military conscripts by using custom-made biomechanic shoe orthoses. However, because care-seeking for lower extremity problems is rare, using this method of prevention in military conscripts would be too costly. We also noted that the choice of statistical approach determined the outcome.

Brief interventions to reduce harmful alcohol use among military personnel: lessons learned from the civilian experience.

PubMed

Fernandez, William G; Hartman, Roger; Olshaker, Jonathan

2006-06-01

Unhealthy alcohol use is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Among military personnel, service members between the ages 18 and 25 had a 27.3% prevalence of heavy drinking in the previous 30 days, compared to 15.3% among civilians in the same age group. In the civilian world, > 100 million patients are treated in U.S. emergency departments (ED) annually; 7.9% of these visits are alcohol related. Alcohol is associated with a broad range of health consequences that may ultimately present in the ED setting: traumatic injuries (e.g., motor vehicle crashes, intentional violence, falls); environmental injuries (e.g., frostbite); cardiovascular problems (e.g., hypertension, dilated cardiomyopathy); gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., hepatitis, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal bleeding); neurological problems (e.g., encephalopathy, alcohol withdrawal, withdrawal seizures), as well as psychological problems (e.g., depression, suicide). Seminal work has been done to create behavioral interventions for at-risk drinkers. These motivational interventions have been found to be successful in encouraging clients to change their risky behaviors. We present such a technique, called the Brief Negotiated Interview as performed in a civilian ED setting, in hopes of adapting it for use in the military context. Military health care providers could easily adapt this technique to help reduce risky levels of alcohol consumption among service members, retirees, or military dependents.

Giant hydatid liver cyst. Management of residual cavity.

PubMed

Salemis, Nikolaos S

2008-01-01

The management of the residual cavity during surgical intervention for giant hydatid liver cysts is often a challenging problem. Herein, is described the case of a 55-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with a giant hydatid cyst occupying almost the entire left lobe of the liver. After partial cystectomy, the residual cavity was managed by combination of suture obliteration with omentoplasty. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged eight days later. The clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up and surgical management of the patient are discussed, along with a review of the literature.

Optical tomograph optimized for tumor detection inside highly absorbent organs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boutet, Jérôme; Koenig, Anne; Hervé, Lionel; Berger, Michel; Dinten, Jean-Marc; Josserand, Véronique; Coll, Jean-Luc

2011-05-01

This paper presents a tomograph for small animal fluorescence imaging. The compact and cost-effective system described in this article was designed to address the problem of tumor detection inside highly absorbent heterogeneous organs, such as lungs. To validate the tomograph's ability to detect cancerous nodules inside lungs, in vivo tumor growth was studied on seven cancerous mice bearing murine mammary tumors marked with Alexa Fluor 700. They were successively imaged 10, 12, and 14 days after the primary tumor implantation. The fluorescence maps were compared over this time period. As expected, the reconstructed fluorescence increases with the tumor growth stage.

Recognizing health with pregnant Cambodian American women by finding meaning in relationship.

PubMed

Rosa, Katherine Cowen; Suong, Malida

2009-01-01

Late entry to prenatal care is a complex problem disproportionately affecting immigrant and refugee women living in Western-style countries. Improving the health and well-being of these women and their children is a critical need. Utilizing Newman's praxis research approach, this study explored engaging 6 Cambodian American women living with pregnancy in the process of finding meaning. Dialoguing on important events and relationship from childhood to present day, patterns of health emerged. Considering data across participants, 3 preliminary themes were illuminated. Study provides new knowledge about environmental disruptions and promoting health.