bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Uterine Artery Blood Flow Parameters in Women with Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding, Fibroids and Healthy Controls
Authors: Lakhani Kalpani P , Hardiman Paul
Published: July 2017

Objective

To assess uterine vascular resistance in women with dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) and to compare parameters of blood flow in women with menorrhagia due to uterine fibroids and healthy controls

Design

Longitudinal, prospective clinical study.

Materials and methods

Premenopausal women referred to the gynaecology department with a subjective complaint of menorrhagia. The subjects were 24 women with DUB (mean age 38.8 years; normal ultrasound, hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy), 16 women (mean age 42.8 years) with at least one fibroid greater than 2.0cm on ultrasound examination and 18 healthy controls (mean age 37.3 years; no evidence of menstrual irregularity). None was taking any hormonal contraception or other medication which could influence vascular resistance. Ultrasound examination was performed using an ALOKA SSD 650 with a 5MHz transvaginal probe. Scans were performed on day 4 or 5 of menstrual cycle using pulsed Doppler ultrasound. Uterine vascular resistance was assessed on both sides using pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI).

Results

No significant difference in the PI or RI values was observed in women with DUB as compared to age matched healthy controls. Both PI and RI were significantly lower in women with menorrhagia associated with fibroids when compared with healthy controls.

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrated significant alteration in uterine vascular resistance in women with fibroids compared to women with DUB.
The Restoration of Hand Function in Congenital Absence of Digits by Transplantation of a Toe - Surgical Aspects
Authors: Giele Henk
Published: July 2017

The hand has several important functions. These not only include the commonly discussed functions of sensibility and touch, grip and pinch, but also functions in communication, emotional expression and even a sexual function. There are also important considerations about aesthetics and body image in those whose hands are disabled or deformed in any way. Restoration of as many of these functions as possible is the goal of hand surgeons and therapists. The priority of these functions depends to some degree on the patient and their aspirations, but generally speaking motor function supersedes sensation which takes priority over psychological and aesthetic issues.
Retention of Medical Records at Sydney Hospital
Authors: Reed Barbara
Published: July 2017

Determining retention policies for the accumulated three and one half kilometres of patient records has become a priority at Sydney Hospital. This has involved a careful consideration of how the retention of a proportion of the total records can be reconciled to the function of the medical record. The techniques of culling, sampling and selection are discussed and an outline of the solution agreed at Sydney Hospital is given.
Access and Confidentiality of Medical Records: A Legislative Response in the United States
Authors: Mair Judith
Published: July 2017

The Bennett Bill was introduced to the US Senate with the intention by its sponsors to ensure personal privacy with respect to medical records and health care-related information in the United States. The Bennett Bill has been passed into legislation by the US Senate as the Medical Records Confidentiality Act of 1995.
Privacy and Security: Are Your Health Information Systems up to Standard?
Authors: Magennis Tina , Mitchell Jennifer
Published: July 2017

As electronic patient health information systems become more fully developed and widespread, there are persistent concerns about the privacy and confidentiality of the personal health data being stored and disseminated. Standards Australia has released two Standards which provide useful guidelines for the organisational, technological and human behaviour solutions required to protect privacy and confidentiality in health care organisations. The major requirements of these Standards are outlined and the implications of the Standards for health information managers are discussed.
Improving Patient Identification Data on the Patient Master Index
Authors: Carine Fiona , Parrent Nicolle
Published: July 2017

A unique health identification number may be heralded as the solution to unique patient identification within the Australian health care sector; however, there is scope for individual health care facilities to improve the data integrity of their Patient Master Index (PMI) to improve patient identification at a local level.
An On-Campus Homeless Shelter: A Case Study in Applied Sociology and Service Learning
Authors: Stolley Kathy S. , Hotaling Diane E. , Kiser Felecia
Published: July 2017

This paper reports the experiences and outcomes of a winter homeless shelter hosted on the campus of Virginia Wesleyan College, a small liberal arts college located in Norfolk, Virginia. This unique project ties together academics, applied sociology, and community service to provide one week of shelter and the evening meal for homeless individuals as part of a rotating winter emergency shelter schedule. More than 200 members of the campus and local community have volunteered in the shelter over the past two years of the project. Pre- and post-shelter evaluations incorporating both qualitative and quantitative measures assess the impact of participation on volunteer attitudes toward homelessness. Findings show more positive attitudes toward homelessness after participation in the shelter. The shelter project, additional outcomes, and future directions are also discussed.
Educational Disadvantages and Indigenous Law Students: Barriers and Potential Solutions
Authors: Melville Angela
Published: July 2017

Indigenous students are under-represented in Australian universities, including in law school, and have lower educational outcomes relative to non-Indigenous students. First, this article identifies systemic barriers that prevent Indigenous students from enrolling in law school, including entrenched educational disadvantage that prevents many Indigenous students from achieving the grades necessary for university entry. Indigenous students who overcome this disadvantage and enrol in law schools then face higher attrition rates relative to non-Indigenous law students. Indigenous students find law schools to be intimidating, unfamiliar and alienating environments. Law schools privilege a narrow Western model of legal education that continues to deny Indigenous understandings of the law.

Second, this article identifies potential solutions that may assist in addressing these barriers. These include alternative entry schemes, building pathways between vocational training and universities and engaged outreach programmes for assisting Indigenous students into higher education. Academic, social and financial support is required to address attrition rates; however, solutions need to go deeper than the provision of additional assistance. This article argues for the need to Indigenize legal education, and for the curriculum to consider law as pluralistic and embedded in power relations, and to provide the focus on social justice which motivates many Indigenous students to study law in the first place.
A Tale of Two Bengals: A Comparative Analysis of 23 Indicators of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health
Authors: Ghosh Arabinda , Corsi Daniel J. , Subramanian S. V.
Published: July 2017

Background: Bangladesh and the Indian State of West Bengal form a homogenous geographic and cultural region with distinct administrative and governance structures. Although social and economic indicators are generally better in West Bengal compared to Bangladesh, this article is the first to provide a detailed comparison of indicators of child mortality, maternal and child health, nutrition, and coverage of key interventions in the two regions.

Methodology/Findings: Using data from the 2005–2006 National Family Health Survey for West Bengal and the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (2007), we examined coverage, wealth and Hindu/Muslim inequalities in set of maternal, newborn and child health indicators. Performance across all indicators was broadly similar with comparatively better performance in West Bengal on coverage of antenatal care, postnatal care, and family planning while Bangladesh had higher rates of immunization coverage, vitamin A supplementation, and use of oral rehydration therapy. The nutritional status of children and rates of child mortality in the two Bengals were very similar. Access to improved sanitation was slightly higher in West Bengal with large inequalities by wealth observed in both regions. Rich–poor and educational based inequalities in stunting, wasting and underweight were higher in West Bengal.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate relatively similar performance across a range of maternal and child health indicators in Bangladesh compared to West Bengal despite lower levels of income and levels of literacy in Bangladesh. The two regions share similarities in topography, demography, and culture. Further studies on programme implementation in Bangladesh may lead to the development of a replicable model for resource poor countries.
Osteonecrosis of the femoral head in sickle cell disease: prevalence, comorbidities, and surgical outcomes in California
Authors: Adesina Oyebimpe , Brunson Ann , Keegan Theresa H. M. , Wun Ted
Published: July 2017

Key Points

In sickle cell disease, ONFH incidence accelerates in early adulthood. Frequent hospitalizations and antecedent acute chest syndrome are independently associated with sickle cell–related ONFH.
Alantolactone, a natural sesquiterpene lactone, has potent antitumor activity against glioblastoma by targeting IKKβ kinase activity and interrupting NF-κB/COX-2-mediated signaling cascades
Authors: Wang Xun , Yu Zhenlong , Wang Chao , Cheng Wei , Tian Xiangge , Huo Xiaokui , Wang Yan , Sun Chengpeng , Feng Lei , Xing Jinshan , Lan Yulong , Sun Dongdong , Hou Qingjuan , Zhang Baojing , Ma Xiaochi , Zhang Bo
Published: July 2017

Background

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most refractory and palindromic central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms, and current treatments have poor effects in GBM patients. Hence, the identification of novel therapeutic targets and the development of effective treatment strategies are essential. Alantolactone (ATL) has a wide range of pharmacological activities, and its anti-tumor effect is receiving increasing attention. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-GBM activity of ATL remains poorly understood.

Methods

The biological functions of ATL in GBM cells were investigated using migration/invasion, colony formation and cell cycle/apoptosis assays. The localization of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p50/p65 and its binding to the cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) promoter were determined using confocal immunofluorescence, a streptavidin-agarose pulldown assay and a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. IKKβ kinase activity was determined using a cell IKKβ kinase activity spectrophotometry quantitative detection kit and a molecular docking study. LC-MS/MS analysis was performed to determine the ability of ATL to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of ATL was also analyzed in xenografted nude mice. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the protein expression levels.

Results

ATL significantly suppressed the growth of GBM in vivo and in vitro. ATL significantly reduced the expression of COX-2 by inhibiting the kinase activity of IKKβ by targeting the ATP-binding site and then attenuating the binding of NF-κB to the COX-2 promoter region. Furthermore, ATL induced apoptosis by activating the cytochrome c (cyt c)/caspase cascade signaling pathway. Moreover, ATL could penetrate the BBB.

Conclusions

ATL exerts its anti-tumor effects in human GBM cells at least in part via NF-κB/COX-2-mediated signaling cascades by inhibiting IKKβ kinase activity. ATL, which is a natural small molecule inhibitor, is a promising candidate for clinical applications in the treatment of CNS tumors.
An improvement in wavefield extrapolation and imaging condition to suppress reverse time migration artifacts
Authors: Moradpouri Farzad , Moradzadeh Ali , Pestana Reynam , Ghaedrahmati Reza , Soleimani Monfared Mehrdad
Published: July 2017

Reverse time migration (RTM) as a full wave equation method can image steeply dipping structures incorporating all waves without dip limitation. It causes a set of low-frequency artifacts that start to appear for reflection angles larger than 60°. These artifacts are known as the major concern in RTM method. We are first to attempt to formulate a scheme called the leapfrog-rapid expansion method to extrapolate the wavefields and their first derivatives. We have evaluated a new imaging condition, based on the Poynting vectors, to suppress the RTM artifacts. The Poynting vectors information is used to separate the wavefields to their downgoing and upgoing components that form the first part of our imaging condition. The Poynting vector information is also used to calculate the reflection angles as a basis for our weighting function as the second part of the aforementioned imaging condition. Actually, the weighting function is applied to have the most likely desired information and to suppress the artifacts for the angle range of 61°–90°. This is achieved by dividing the angle range to a triplet domain from 61° to 70°, 71° to 80°, and 81° to 90°, where each part has the weight of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], respectively. It is interesting to note that, besides suppressing the artifacts, the weighting function also has the capability to preserve crosscorrelation from the real reflecting points in the angle range of 61°–90°. Finally, we tested the new RTM procedure by the BP synthetic model and a real data set for the North Sea. The obtained results indicate the efficiency of the procedure to suppress the RTM artifacts in producing high-quality, highly illuminated depth-migrated image including all steeply dipping geologic structures.
Inciting Events Associated With Lumbar Facet Joint Pain
Authors: Odonkor Charles A. , Chen Yian , Adekoya Peju , Marascalchi Bryan J. , Chaudhry-Richter Hira , Tang Teresa , Abruzzese Christopher , Cohen Berklee K. , Cohen Steven P.
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND:

Low back pain is the leading cause of years lost to disability with approximately 15%–25% of the chronic back pain population suffering from lumbar facet arthropathy. No large-scale study has sought to systematically identify inciting events for lumbar facet arthropathy. The aim of this study is to quantify the proportion of individuals with lumbar facetogenic pain who report a specific precipitating event(s) and to determine if there is a correlation between these events and treatment outcome.

METHODS:

Institutional electronic medical records were searched based on the current procedural terminology (CPT) codes representing lumbar facet joint radiofrequency ablation for procedures performed between January 2007 and December 2015. All patients had obtained ≥50% pain relief based on 6-hour pain diaries after 1 or more diagnostic facet blocks. A positive outcome was defined as ≥50% pain relief sustained for longer than 3-month after procedure, without additional procedural interventions.

RESULTS:

One thousand sixty-nine people were included in analysis. In the 52% of individuals who described an inciting event, the most commonly reported causes were falls (11%), motor vehicle collisions (11%), sports-related injuries (11%, of which weightlifting accounted for 62%), nonspine postsurgical injuries (2%), and “other” (17%). Six hundred seventeen (57.7%) individuals experienced ≥50% pain relief sustained for >3 months. Patients whose pain was preceded by an inciting event were more likely to have a positive outcome than those who could not recall a specific precipitating factor (odds ratio, 1.5; confidence interval, 1.02–2.1, P = .01). Another factor associated with outcome was shorter duration of pain (8.1 ± 9.2 vs 9.7 ± 10.1 years, P = .02), with an observed modifier effect of age on outcomes. For a 1-year increase in age, there was a 10% increase in the odds of a positive response.

CONCLUSIONS:

Inciting events are common in patients diagnosed with lumbar facetogenic pain and may be associated with a positive outcome.
Low End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide at the Onset of Emergent Trauma Surgery Is Associated With Nonsurvival: A Case Series
Authors: Dudaryk Roman , Bodzin Danielle K. , Ray Juliet J. , Jabaley Craig S. , McNeer Richard R. , Epstein Richard H.
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND:

End-tidal carbon dioxide (Etco
2) is a valuable marker of the return of adequate circulation after cardiac arrest due to medical causes. Previously, the prognostic value of capnography in trauma has been studied among limited populations in prehospital and emergency department settings. We aimed to investigate the relationship between early intraoperative Etco
2 and nonsurvival of patients undergoing emergency surgery at a level 1 academic trauma center as a case series. If there is a threshold below which survival was extremely unlikely, it might be useful in guiding decision-making in the early termination of futile resuscitative efforts.

METHODS:

After institutional review board approval, a data set was created to investigate the relationship between Etco
2 values at the onset of emergent trauma surgery and nonsurvival. Patients who were admitted and transferred to the operating room (OR) directly from a resuscitation bay were identified using the Ryder Center trauma registry (October 1, 2013, to June 30, 2016). Electronic records from the hospital’s anesthesia information management system were queried to identify the matching anesthesia records. The maximum Etco
2 values within 5 and 10 minutes of the onset of mechanical ventilation in the OR were determined for patients undergoing general anesthesia with mechanical ventilation. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who were discharged from the hospital alive (survivors) and those who died in the hospital before discharge (nonsurvivors). The threshold Etco
2 giving a positive predictive value of 100% for in-hospital mortality was determined from a graphical analysis of the data. Association of determined threshold and mortality was analyzed using the 2-tailed Fisher exact test.

RESULTS:

There were 1135 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Within the first 5 minutes of the onset of mechanical ventilation in the OR, if the maximum Etco
2 value was ≤20 mm Hg, hospital mortality was 100% (21/21, 95% binomial confidence interval, 83.2%–100%).

CONCLUSIONS:

A maximum Etco
2 ≤20 mm Hg within 5 minutes of the onset of mechanical ventilation in the OR may be useful in decision-making related to the termination of resuscitative efforts during emergent trauma surgery. However, a large-scale study is needed to establish the statistical reliability of this finding before potential adoption.
Tart Cherry Juice in Athletes: A Literature Review and Commentary
Authors: Vitale Kenneth C. , Hueglin Shawn , Broad Elizabeth
Published: July 2017

Tart cherry (TC) juice has many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenol compounds. TC lessens pain and accelerates strength recovery after exercise and decreases blood markers of inflammation/oxidative stress. These improvements occur in both strength and endurance exercise. TC supplementation may not be optimal during the adaptation/build stage of training. However, excessive inflammatory/oxidative stress during single-day intense training/competition or multiday tournaments may delay return to peak form. In this stage, where recovery (not adaptation) is the priority, TC may be beneficial. Timing and dosage vary widely, but most studies use 8 to 12 oz (1 oz if concentrate form) twice a day, 4- to 5-d loading phase before the event, and 2 to 3 d after to promote recovery. Therefore, for an athlete who has already peaked in training and looking to improve recovery and faster return to competition, TC may be beneficial.
Radiation dose reduction in multidetector CT in fracture evaluation
Authors: Yi Jung Woo , Park Hee Jin , Lee So Yeon , Rho Myung Ho , Hong Hyun Pyo , Choi Yoon Jung , Kim Mi Sung
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To evaluate whether multidetector CT with low-dose radiation (low-dose CT) of joints can be useful when evaluating fractures.

Methods:

Our study included CT scans of 398 patients, 103 shoulder cases, 109 wrist cases, 98 pelvis cases and 88 ankle cases. There were 191 females and 207 males. The low-dose CTs were performed using identical voltage and parameters with the exception of decreased (half of standard dose) tube current. Low-dose and standard-dose images were compared with regards to objective image quality, subjective evaluation of image quality and diagnostic performance for the fractures.

Results:

There was no significant difference of image noise between standard-dose CT and low-dose CT in every joint (p > 0.05). Each mean value of subjective score did not show significant difference according to the dosage of the CT scan. There were no statistically significant differences in the sensitivity (96–100%), specificity (95.2–100%) or accuracy (97.9–100%) between standard-dose CT and low-dose CT (p values, 0.1336–1.000).

Conclusion:

The evaluation of extremities for fractures using low-dose CT can reduce radiation exposure by about 50% compared with standard-dose CT without affecting image quality or diagnostic performance.

Advances in knowledge:

Low-dose CT of the extremities (shoulder, pelvis, ankle and wrist) can reduce radiation dose by about 50% compared with standard-dose CT and does not significantly affect image quality or diagnostic performance in fracture detection.
Role of extra cranial stereotactic body radiation therapy in the management of Stage IV melanoma
Authors: Franceschini Davide , Franzese Ciro , De Rose Fiorenza , Navarria Pierina , D’Agostino Giuseppe R , Comito Tiziana , Tozzi Angelo , Tronconi Maria C , Di Guardo Lorenza , Del Vecchio Michele , Scorsetti Marta
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To investigate the role of extracranial stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in the management of oligometastatic melanoma.

Methods:

Patients affected by Stage IV melanoma, with less than three extracranial metastatic lesions, who received SBRT were included in this analysis. Acute and late toxicity, local control (LC), overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analysed.

Results:

31 patients were included in the study. 16 patients (51.6%) were treated for lung meta­stases, 8 patients for liver metastases (25.8%) and 7 (22.6%) for nodal metastases. 38 lesions were irradiated.

With a median follow-up time of 13 months, 11 patients (35.4%) were still alive, in four cases (12.9%) with no evidence of disease. Median OS was 10.6 months, and OS at 6, 12 and 24 months was 77, 41 and 21% respectively. LC at 12 and 24 months was 96.6 and 82.8%. 23 patients (74.2%) developed distant metastases. Median PFS was 5.8 months, and PFS at 6, 12 and 24 months was 48.2, 18.5 and 13.9% respectively.

Number of irradiated lesions showed a statistically significant correlation only with LC (p = 0.03). Response of the irradiated lesion was related to OS (p = 0.019). Local response showed also a borderline correlation with PFS (p = 0.07).

Conclusion:

SBRT for extracranial metastases from melanoma is feasible and well tolerated. Response of the irradiated lesions is predictive of OS.

Advances in knowledge:

SBRT for melanoma extracranial metastases is feasible and the response of the irradiated lesions is predictive of OS.
Shifting paradigm of maternal and perinatal death review system in Bangladesh: A real time approach to address sustainable developmental goal 3 by 2030
Authors: Biswas Animesh
Published: July 2017

Recently, Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in reducing maternal and neonatal morality, even though the millennium developmental goal to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality was not achieved. Sustainable Developmental Goal (SDG) 3 has already been set for a new target to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths by 2030. The country takes this timely initiative to introduce a maternal and perinatal death review system. This review will discuss the shifting paradigm of the maternal and perinatal death review system in Bangladesh and its challenges in reaching the SDG on time. This review uses existing literature on the maternal and perinatal death review system in Bangladesh, and other systems in similar settings, as well as reports, case studies, news, government letters and meeting minutes.

Bangladesh introduced the maternal and perinatal death review system in 2010. Prior to this there was no such comprehensive death review system practiced in Bangladesh. The system was established within the government health system and has brought about positive effects and outcomes. Therefore, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh gradually scaled up the maternal and perinatal death review system nationwide in 2016 within the government health system. The present death review system highlighted real-time data use, using the district health information software(DHIS-2). Health mangers are able to take remedial action plans and implement strategies based on findings in DHIS-2. Therefore, effective utilization of data can play a pivotal role in the reduction of maternal and perinatal deaths in Bangladesh.

Overall, the maternal and perinatal death review system provides a great opportunity to achieve the SDG 3 on time. However, the system needs continuous monitoring at different levels to ensure its quality and validity of information, as well as effective utilization of findings for planning and implementation under a measureable accountability framework.
Optimization of the Budget Promotion of an Innovative Product
Authors: Вилисов  , Vilisov Valeriy , Дворянова  , Dvoryanova Anastasia
Published: July 2017

The paper considers the problem of effective management of the parameters of the advertising strategy of a moving company, as an important element in promoting a new service. Based on models of the system dynamics of J. Forrester and introduction of F. Bass innovations implemented in the simulation environment AnyLogic, the dependence of the advertising campaign budget on the parameters of the advertising strategy was investigated. Optimization experiments on the simulation model allowed using the methods of experiment planning to construct a polynomial regression model approximating the simulation model. The practical application of the regression model instead of the simulation model simplifies the process of managing the parameters of the advertising strategy of the moving company.
Was Angelina Jolie Right? Optimizing Cancer Prevention Strategies Among BRCA Mutation Carriers
Authors: Nohdurft Eike , Long Elisa , Spinler Stefan
Published: July 2017

Female carriers of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation face significantly elevated risks of cancer, with 45%–65% of women developing breast cancer and 15%–39% developing ovarian cancer in their lifetimes. Prophylactic surgery options to reduce cancer risk include a bilateral mastectomy (BM), bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO), or both surgeries. No comprehensive model providing recommendations at which age to perform the surgeries to optimize quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) exists. Using available clinical data, we develop a Markov decision process model of a mutation carrier’s health states and corresponding transitions, including age-dependent breast and ovarian cancer risk, distribution of each cancer subtype and stage, and mortality. We convert the problem to a linear program to solve for the optimal surgery sequence that maximizes the carrier’s expected lifetime QALYs under varying assumptions about individual patient preferences on postsurgery quality of life, fertility considerations, advances in cancer screening or treatment, and others. Baseline results demonstrate that a QALY-maximizing sequence recommends BM between ages 30 and 60 and BSO after age 40. Surgeries are recommended later for BRCA2 mutation carriers, given their lower risk for both cancers compared to BRCA1 mutation carriers. We derive structural properties from the model and show that when a carrier has already undergone one surgery, there exists an optimal control limit beyond which performing the other surgery is always QALY maximizing.
Tests, scans and investigations, 12. Barium enema
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: July 2017

Barium enema is a medical imaging procedure undertaken in order to help make a diagnosis; it is a type of diagnostic radiography. During the test, a white liquid containing barium is passed into the bowel through the bottom: the barium coating results in a relatively clear silhouette of the colon.

This is a common type of test, yet it can instil fear and anxiety in the person having the procedure performed.

This article provides an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the lower gastrointestinal tract, a discussion of the test, an outline of the reasons why such a test may be required and how it is performed. The possible risks associated with this investigation are provided.

The role that the healthcare assistant and the assistant practitioner (HCA and AP) plays in assisting the person prior to, during and after the test is discussed.
A positive psychology workshop for trainee assistant practitioners
Authors: Macfarlane Jan , Mackey Charlotte , Carson Jerome
Published: July 2017

This article discusses, first, how trainee assistant practitioners (TAPs) can learn transferable positive psychological interventions to enable them to flourish at work and in higher education.

Second, they can also learn the importance of maintaining their wellbeing when dealing with the demands of providing supportive, high-quality care in a changeable workforce environment.

An overview is provided of a one-day pilot workshop, delivered as a summer school, to learners beginning their second year of study, with an outline of the range of interventions used. Results are presented showing that the pilot workshops achieved their goals. Students finished the workshops with a significantly greater appreciation of their own strengths and recognised their need to be more self-compassionate.

Finally, the potential of further developing the workshop/toolkit to enhance personal and professional self-efficacy is considered.
Organisational learning cannot rely on goodwill
Authors: Pascoe Polly
Published: July 2017

In July 2015, Jeremy Hunt set out his vision to make the NHS the world's largest learning organisation. This paper draws on established concepts in fields such as knowledge management, change management and organisational learning to understand why, two years later, the NHS appears to have moved no closer to achieving this goal.
Feeding the ex-racehorse
Authors: Short Emma
Published: July 2017

Emma Short BSc (Hons) nutritionist at Baileys Horse Feeds, discusses the nutritional challenges
Ugly shoes make pretty feet
Authors: Brown Sarah-Mary
Published: July 2017

Sarah-Mary Brown FWCF discusses how shoeing to the white line can help improve weak feet
Is routine physiotherapy really necessary?
Authors: Povey-White Suzannah
Published: July 2017

Suzannah Povey-White, BSc, DIP. A PHYS, PW Equine Physiotherapy, explains how spotting and addressing problems as early as possible can prevent more serious injury
Getting the right balance
Authors: Bulbrook Liz
Published: July 2017

Liz Bulbrook BSc (Hons), director of nutrition, Baileys Horse Feeds, discusses growing youngstock and how a nutritional imbalance can lead to problems
Emotional labour in paramedic practice: student awareness of professional demands
Authors: Jennings Kath
Published: July 2017

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to explore student paramedics' awareness of the emotional demands of their future role, particularly regarding the delivery of compassionate care.

Problem:

There is a dominance of nursing literature in the discourse around compassionate care and emotional labour, and a paucity of research in the paramedic literature.

Methods:

A survey was issued to a small convenience sample of paramedic students. Excel was used to organise data collected, which was then presented graphically as tables and charts.

Results:

Key findings were drawn out and it was found that there were some correlations between the literature reviewed and results generated.

Conclusion:

Student paramedics had identified factors affecting their emotions in placement very early on in their studies. There was evidence of students covering up their emotions whilst in placement. The research reinforced the need for further larger scale and longitudinal studies.
‘Significant proportion’ of SEN teaching is delivered by TAs
Authors: Henshaw Pete
Published: July 2017

Classroom research reveals heavy reliance on teaching assistants to deliver SEN provision despite SEND Code of Practice advice
The words that go unsaid
Authors: Knightsmith Pooky
Published: July 2017

Picking up on changes in our pupils can help teachers and school staff to spot emerging mental health or wellbeing issues. Dr Pooky Knightsmith advises
Developmental Faith, Sacrifice and the Betrayal of Transitional Justice: A Bougainvillean Case Study
Authors: Evenhuis Mark
Published: July 2017

This article, drawing on the case study of resource development and conflict in Bougainville (Papua New Guinea), explores how global faith in development hollows out the possibilities of justice for peoples transitioning from the violence of colonization, corporate-state crime and armed civil conflict. While developmental faith promises a future horizon of prosperity with the Global North, Bougainville's recent history illuminates how development's economy of sacrifice authors social fragmentation, conflict and gross environmental harms while serving the interests of powerful transnational corporation, states and local elites. The harmonization of such interests, when coupled with development's reluctance to confront substantive colonial and post-colonial injustices, risks setting the parameters for a new era of instability and state-corporate crime.
As Argonáuticas órficas e sua possível ligação às Argonáuticas de Apolónio de Rodes
Authors: Abrantes Miguel Rúben F.C.
Published: July 2017

Através de uma breve análise das Argonáuticas Órficas, este artigo pretenderá explorar a possível relação desse poema com a famosa epopeia de Apolónio de Rodes, de forma a expor a forma como ambas se relacionam e tentar retirar algumas conclusões sobre as fontes e possível datação destes versos atribuídos a Orfeu.
El sociolecto femenino en la Archaia y Nea Griegas
Authors: Martínez Vivian Lorena Navarro
Published: July 2017

Generalmente se considera que el género cómico es uno de los que mejor reflejan la realidad social del momento, aunque es importante distinguir cuándo la invención de los poetas predomina sobre la verosimilitud de los hechos auténticos. Esta realidad se refleja también en el ámbito lingüístico, en el cual se pueden distinguir diferentes estratos y condiciones sociales, dependiendo del tipo de lenguaje que empleen los personajes. En nuestro estudio nos ocupamos de una determinada parte de la sociedad, la femenina, y de la comedia de Aristófanes y Menandro. Nuestro objetivo es ofrecer una síntesis de las características más destacadas de los sociolectos mostrados por ambos cómicos, tratando de insistir en su evolución.
Contributo para o estudo do estilo do Oedipus de Séneca
Authors: Ferreira Paulo Sérgio Margarido
Published: July 2017

O artigo procura perceber em que medida está o estilo senequiano do prólogo ao serviço da caraterização de Édipo como uma personagem dominada pelo medo, pela vergonha, pela falta de autoconfiança, por certo isolamento social e pela divisão interior, e, ao cabo, por um processo de estranhamento que impede a identificação do público com a personagem e nele suscita uma atitude de distanciamento crítico e racional relativamente aos affectus desta.
Effect of early and progressive exercises on post-caesarean section recovery among women attending women's heath hospital
Authors: Youness Entisar , Ibrahim Walaa
Published: July 2017

Background: Cesarean section is the oldest surgery performed in obstetrics. Time needed for recovery of post cesarean section woman is more than those needed for vaginal delivery. The nursing role is to make women after C. S more independent in resuming their daily activities as soon as possible. This can be achieved by early exercises to faster her recovery and reduce complications associated with prolonged bed rest after C.S.The study aimed to assess the effect of early and progressive exercises on C. S recovery among post caesarean women for women attending Women’s Health Hospital, Assiut University, Egypt.Methods: A study and control quasi-experimental design used on 340 posts cesarean section women divided into two groups, study and control, each group contained 170 postpartum women. A structured interviewing questionnaire used as a tool which included Sociodemographic, Obstetric characteristics and follow-up data.Results: Findings of this study revealed that there were significant differences between both groups regarding post-cesarean section recovery variables, which included analgesics required, self-void after catheter removal, breast feeding, oral hydration, and first flatus passed after exercises as per the independent t-test (p<0.05).Conclusion: Early and progressive exercises had an effective role in improving post cesarean section women recovery.Recommendations: Early and progressive exercises should be encouraged as a routine part of care for women within 2 hours after cesarean section.
In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-rhizopus Activity of Methanolic Seed Extract of Camelina Sativa L.
Authors: Gupta Sanjay Mohan , Kumar Kamal
Published: July 2017

The antifungal efficacy of seed extracts (propanol, ethanol, methanol and sterile deionised water) of Camelina sativa cv. Calena (EC643910) against Rhizopus stolonifer was investigated by agar disc diffusion method. Among all extracts, methanolic seed extract (Disc 3) showed significant activity against R. stolonifer. However, no activity was observed against rest of the extracts (Disc 1, 2 and 4). The inhibition zones were ~35 mm for methanolic extract and ~41 mm for standard drug, respectively. The total phenol content was observed 13.5 μmol, 23.3 μmol, 42.9 μmol and 3.4 μmol gDW-1 in propanolic, ethanolic, methanolic and sterile deionised water extracts of Camelina, respectively. Likewise, the ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity was observed highest in methanolic extract that was ~10.2, ~2.4 and ~5.7-folds higher as compared to propanolic, ethanolic and sterile deionised water extracts, respectively. Similarly, guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activity was also observed highest in methanolic extract as compared to other extracts, which is ~7.3, ~1.9 and ~6.6-folds higher as compared to propanolic, ethanolic and sterile deionised water extracts, respectively. The findings of the study clearly speculate that the possibility of using methanolic seed extract of Camelina as a potential control measure against R. stolonifer, which may be used for the development of future herbal drug formulations.
All Year Round Vegetable Cultivation in Trenches in Cold Arid trans-Himalayan Ladakh
Authors: Angmo Stanzin , Angmo Phunchok , Dolkar Diskit , Norbu, Tsewang , Paljor Eli , Kumar Bhuvnesh , Stobdan Tsering
Published: July 2017

Trench greenhouse is a low cost underground rectangular structure (30’×10’×3’; L×W×D) in north-south orientation with stone wall on four sides. It is covered with polyethylene sheet at ground level during winter months. The air temperature inside the trench was found to be 20.7±2.8 °C warmer during day and 7.0±1.2 °C at night that support growing of leafy vegetables during winter (mid October to early March). Three cycles of crops were grown in a year in the greenhouses as against single crop in open field condition in cold trans-Himalayan Ladakh region. Spinach production was 64 kg -70 kg per trench during mid October to early March. Black plastic mulch significantly increased spinach production during winter months. Vegetable seedlings (13,000 to 39,000 numbers per trench) were raised during late March to early May, which is not possible in open field condition otherwise. A variety of warm-season vegetables were harvested (6 kg - 210 kg per trench) from the trenches during summer months.
Human Patient Simulator based CBRN Casualty Management Training
Authors: Gautam Sima , Sharma Navneet , Sharma Rakesh Kumar , Basu Mitra
Published: July 2017

Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) emergency are becoming an impending threat. Effective preparedness needs to be raised for prompt response of CBRN incidents. During mass casualty incidents the strategy of the first responders must be beyond the triage, evacuation and medical first aid. Response process is advanced by the presence of CBRN contaminants and it becomes more complex when the rescue operations have to be performed immediately after the incident. Methodological approach is required to identify and decontaminate the CBRN victims. To manage CBRN emergencies, skill based training of appropriate degree is a key to the right level of preparedness. Intervention by first responders requires specialised inputs in knowledge, skills and aptitude. In India, CBRN defence training has traditionally been a military oriented domain, involving the quick reaction team, quick reaction medical team, rapid action medical team, etc. The training concept discussed in this study contemplates around standardised simulated CBRN casualty referred to as CBRN human patient simulator (HPS), which conceptualised in the division of CBRN Defence, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Delhi. HPS provides an opportunity to learn about the health impact of CBRN contaminants and practise medical management. Simulation as training and planning tools, offers repeatability, controllability, possibility for evaluation and provides a platform to learn from costly mistakes. Group training and demonstrations conducted on the HPS offers an additive benefit to enhance performance as a team and also help to reduce errors. This paper provides the information on the potentials of simulation based training of emergency response teams in the management of CBRN victims.

 
Design of Triple Gate for Sub threshold Low Power applications
Authors: Nesamani Flavia Princess , Raveendran Geetanjali , Prabha V.Lakshmi
Published: July 2017

A novel design of triple gate MOSFET structure with metal gate and an underlap channel is proposed to minimise the short channel and corner effects. The gate metal used is titanium nitride as well as source and drain is diffused with titanium nitride so as to increase the drive capability of the device. To obtain subthreshold threshold voltage operation of the device, the gates are kept symmetric and the gate electrodes corner segments are rounded off to minimise leakage. The device shows significant improvement over conventional double gate FinFET and triple gate device without gate corner round off device in terms of Ion, Ioff ratio, DIBL, subthreshold slope, rise time, fall time.
Parasitic Flux Analysis of Cooled Infrared Detectors for Space Applications
Authors: Jain Ankur , Biswas Amiya
Published: July 2017

An infrared imager measures radiations emitted by an object in specified spectral bands to determine change in object’s characteristics over a period of time. A typical infrared imager consists of focusing optics and a cryogenically cooled two-dimensional infrared detector array mounted on the cold tip of an active micro-cooler vacuum sealed with an optical window, typically known as integrated detector cooler assembly (IDCA). Detection of feeble radiant flux from the intended target in a narrow spectral band requires a highly sensitive low noise sensor array with high well capacity. However, in practical applications the performance of an infrared imager is limited by the parasitic thermal emissions from optical elements and emissions from IDCA components like vacuum window, Dewar walls which are generally kept at ambient temperature. To optimise the performance of imager it becomes imperative to estimate these parasitic fluxes and take corrective actions to minimise their effects. This paper explains an analytical model developed to estimate parasitic fluxes generated from different components of a long wave infrared imager. Validation of the developed model was carried out by simulations in ZEMAX optical design software using ray trace method after analytical computations in MATLAB.
Present and Futuristic Trends in Weapon System
Authors: Roy Arun Kumar , Lankennavar P.H. , Ghadge V.S.
Published: July 2017

The basic principle of war is based on protection, mobility and firepower. The present scenario of omni-directional and multidisciplinary threats and decreasing response time has made intelligence inevitable for the system to survive and win the war. The intelligence of the system calls for interface of refined logic with systems without compromising any parameters of the gun. However, much of the efforts and funds are directed towards developing the newer technologies to enhance the performance of weapon system in terms of accuracy, consistency, range (stand-off), lethality and transportability. The efforts are also directed towards making smart weapons controlled distantly and cost effective. The future battlefields are going to be dominated by the technological advancements taking place and thus, the technological superiority (i.e. systems with high degree of intelligence) over the adversaries will be the deciding factor to win the war.
Geometric Scaling of Plates Subjected to Mine Blast
Authors: Badgujar Dhiraj Prakash , Srinivasan K. , Vasundhra P. , Murugesan R. , Bhaskara Rao Lokavarapu
Published: July 2017

In the design of AFVs, study of structures subjected to land mine blast is important. Generally, blast related experimental studies are very time consuming and costly. A simple first cut alternative is finite element modelling and analysis. Here, modelling of mine and simulating the blast effect involves large number of mesh elements, which makes the model computationally intensive and time consuming. Hence, instead of using full scale model for analysis, a suitable scaled down model would reduce analysis time and leads to a faster DOE studies. A proper scaling mechanism is to be evolved in order to get accurate results. Discusses about the scaling of plate subjected to mine blast using dimensional analysis approach. The out-of-plane surface deformation, including velocity fields during the blast loading are compared between the scaled and unscaled plate.
Design and Optimisation of Cooling System for Tracked Vehicle Powerpack
Authors: Namjoshi Jayesh , Wagle Sachin , Kundawala Murtuza , Srivastava Manoj
Published: July 2017

Military tracked vehicles are deployed in severe environmental and loading conditions during military operations. The space availability and high heat rejection sources makes the cooling system design a challenging task by offering little margin in design parameters. Prime aspects of the design methodology, i.e. packaging of cooling system aggregates in available space, optimising air flow, numerical simulation and also the evaluation of cooling system performance on a test bench in simulated vehicle conditions and during field trials are presented. During preliminary design stage virtual prototyping approach was adopted which helped to make critical decisions earlier in the development stage before physical prototyping. Further, sensitivity study of size of heat exchangers, layout of fan-heat exchangers and its effect on overall system resistance was studied. Data from field trials were gathered and analysed. A good correlation of thermal data from field trials in collaboration with CVRDE and data evaluated based on numerical simulations is established. This approach and close correlation between the theoretical and field data will be helpful in achieving all future developments of tracked vehicle powerpacks, first time right.