bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modular mechatronic system for stationary bicycles interfaced with virtual environment for rehabilitation
Authors: Ranky Richard G , Sivak Mark L , Lewis Jeffrey A , Gade Venkata K , Deutsch Judith E , Mavroidis Constantinos
Published: June 2014

Background

Cycling has been used in the rehabilitation of individuals with both chronic and post-surgical conditions. Among the challenges with implementing bicycling for rehabilitation is the recruitment of both extremities, in particular when one is weaker or less coordinated. Feedback embedded in virtual reality (VR) augmented cycling may serve to address the requirement for efficacious cycling; specifically recruitment of both extremities and exercising at a high intensity.

Methods

In this paper a mechatronic rehabilitation bicycling system with an interactive virtual environment, called Virtual Reality Augmented Cycling Kit (VRACK), is presented. Novel hardware components embedded with sensors were implemented on a stationary exercise bicycle to monitor physiological and biomechanical parameters of participants while immersing them in an augmented reality simulation providing the user with visual, auditory and haptic feedback. This modular and adaptable system attaches to commercially-available stationary bicycle systems and interfaces with a personal computer for simulation and data acquisition processes. The complete bicycle system includes: a) handle bars based on hydraulic pressure sensors; b) pedals that monitor pedal kinematics with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and forces on the pedals while providing vibratory feedback; c) off the shelf electronics to monitor heart rate and d) customized software for rehabilitation. Bench testing for the handle and pedal systems is presented for calibration of the sensors detecting force and angle.

Results

The modular mechatronic kit for exercise bicycles was tested in bench testing and human tests. Bench tests performed on the sensorized handle bars and the instrumented pedals validated the measurement accuracy of these components. Rider tests with the VRACK system focused on the pedal system and successfully monitored kinetic and kinematic parameters of the rider’s lower extremities.

Conclusions

The VRACK system, a virtual reality mechatronic bicycle rehabilitation modular system was designed to convert most bicycles in virtual reality (VR) cycles. Preliminary testing of the augmented reality bicycle system was successful in demonstrating that a modular mechatronic kit can monitor and record kinetic and kinematic parameters of several riders.
Modifications in ankle dorsiflexor activation by applying a torque perturbation during walking in persons post-stroke: a case series
Authors: Blanchette Andreanne K , Noël Martin , Richards Carol L , Nadeau Sylvie , Bouyer Laurent J
Published: June 2014

Background

Results obtained in a previous study (Gait Posture 34:358–363, 2011) have shown that, in non-disabled participants, a specific increase in ankle dorsiflexor (Tibialis anterior [TA]) activation can be induced by walking with a torque perturbation that plantarflexes the ankle during the swing phase. After perturbation removal, the increased TA activation persisted temporarily and was associated with a more dorsiflexed ankle during swing. The objective of the present case-series study was to verify if these results can be reproduced in persons post-stroke.

Methods

Six participants who sustained a stroke walked on a treadmill before, during and after exposure to a torque perturbation applied at the ankle by a robotized ankle-foot orthosis. Spatiotemporal gait parameters, ankle and knee kinematics, and the electromyographic activity of TA and Soleus were recorded. Mean amplitude of the TA burst located around toe off and peak ankle dorsiflexion angle during swing were compared across the 3 walking periods for each participant.

Results

At the end of the walking period with the perturbation, TA mean amplitude was significantly increased in 4 of the 6 participants. Among these 4 participants, modifications in TA activation persisted after perturbation removal in 3 of them, and led to a statistically significant increase in peak dorsiflexion during swing.

Clinical implications

This approach may be helpful to evaluate the residual adaptive capacity in the ankle dorsiflexors after a stroke and guide decision-making for the selection of optimal rehabilitation interventions. Future work will investigate the clinical impact of a multiple-session gait training based on this approach in persons presenting a reduced ankle dorsiflexion during the swing phase of walking.
Concurrent congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia and bochdalek hernia in a neonate
Authors: Bean Jonathan F , Kort Chad A , Radhakrishnan Jayant
Published: June 2014

We present the first report of a neonate with, concurrent left sided Bochdalek hernia and peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia.
Estimation of depth to top of magnetic sources using the local-wavenumber approach in an area of shallow Moho and Curie depth — The Red Sea
Authors: Salem Ahmed , Blakely Richard , Green Chris , Fairhead Derek , Ravat Dhananjay
Published: June 2014

The local-wavenumber method estimates the depth to a magnetic source based on the spectral content of a single anomaly assuming that the base of the magnetic body is at infinite depth. However, the “infinite-depth” assumption can lead to significant underestimation of the depth to the top of magnetic bodies, especially in areas where the depth to the bottom of the magnetic layer is not large compared to the depth to the top, as would occur in high heat-flow regions and thinned continental margins. Such underestimation of depths has been demonstrated in model studies and using real data with seismic and well control. We evaluated a modification to the local-wavenumber approach to estimate the depth to the top of magnetic sources assuming that the depth to the bottom of the magnetic sources is controlled by the Curie temperature or crustal thickness. We applied this new method to a simple model of a continental margin and to magnetic survey data over the central Red Sea where the Curie isotherm is shallow. The effective structural index of this finite depth extent model is found to increase continuously from the continent to the ocean as the depth to the magnetic basement increases and the depth to the bottom of the magnetic layer decreases. We have also discovered in this study that the local-wavenumber maxima correlate well with major seafloor spreading magnetic reversal epochs in the central Red Sea segment.
Intracellular Protein Delivery System with Protein Needle–GFP Construct
Authors: Inaba Hiroshi , Sanghamitra Nusrat J M , Fukai Toshihiro , Matsumoto Takahiro , Nishijo Kaname , Kanamaru Shuji , Arisaka Fumio , Kitagawa Susumu , Ueno Takafumi
Published: June 2014

A protein delivery system with a protein needle has been constructed. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) was genetically fused to a cell-penetrating protein needle. The construct is stable in buffer and cell culture medium. Internalization of the construct in HeLa cells and subsequent release of GFP from the needle was observed. The study provides a useful tool for intracellular protein delivery in an efficient manner and has potential for use in vitro and in vivo applications.
Scientific Basis of the Use of Medical Rehabilitation and Botulinum Therapy during Rehabilitation Post-Stroke Spasticity
Authors: Королев  , Korolev A.
Published: June 2014

Among the factors contributing to disability after stroke is the most important movement disorder, major clinical manifestation of which is the central spastic paresis. Spasticity is revealed in the study of passive movements of the limbs as increased resistance to muscle in response to its rapid stretching. Once developed spastic paresis usually persists throughout the life of the patient. The treatment of spastic paresis is intractable problem. In recent years the treatment of post-stroke spasticity started using botulinum toxin type A. In comparison with the existing methods of treating muscle hyper local administration of botulinum toxin has a number of obvious advantages. According to the latest recommendations in all cases after botulinum therapy require active physical therapy and physical rehabilitation. Botulinum therapy is not a substitute for physical therapy and exercise therapy, which is the basis of the rehabilitation program and is an integrated part of a comprehensive treatment to improve motor functions. Using a special additional treatment measures such as physical therapy and exercise therapy is often part of the overall treatment but their formal evaluation was carried out in only a few studies. The article presents the author´s concept of rehabilitation post-stroke spastic muscle hypertonus in neuro-rehabilitation with the use of medical rehabilitation and botulinum therapy.
Clinical and Functional Substantiation of Combined Use of Shock-Wave and Low Frequency Pulse Electrotherapy in the Treament of the Patients with Chronic Prostatitis and Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Неделько  , Nedelko D. , Лазарев  , Lazarev I.
Published: June 2014

Some researchers emphasize the lack of effectiveness of the currently available methods of treatment of chronic prostatitis. Using the most modern physiotherapeutic methods, the recurrence rate is 40% during the first 1-2 years. Currently highly therapies for erectile dysfunction in patients with CP are shock-wave and frequency pulse electrotherapy, has analgesic, anti-hypoxic effects. The emergence of new physiotherapy techniques based on the achievements of the development of electronics, in particular pulse electrotherapy allowed to bring their physical characteristics to physiological parameters, thereby increasing the effectiveness of this type of electrotherapy in chronic prostatitis. In the works of pathogenetically substantiated methods of combined use of shock-wave and low-frequency pulse electrotherapy ED considering sex of the patient are absent, methodology and criteria for the effectiveness of therapy have not been developed. The author´s objective is pathogenetically justify the combined use of shock-wave and low-frequency pulse electrotherapy in treatment of erectile dysfunction in patients with chronic prostatitis on the basis of system-structural analysis. As a result of observations 40 patients, the authors proved that under the influence of the shock-wave and pulse electrotherapy in patients with chronic prostatitis, the leading clinical syndromes cropped, psycho-emotional state, the functional activity of the pituitary-adrenel-testicular system, clinical and functional state of components of the copulative cycle normalized.
Diagnostic Opportunities of Elastography of the Liver during the Endosonography
Authors: Морозова  , Morozova T. , Борсуков  , Borsukov A.
Published: June 2014

62 patients with steatosis – n=27 (43,5%), with hepatitis – n=23 (37,1%), with cirrhosis – n=12 (19,4%) were examined. Elastography during endosonography allows to improve the early diagnostics of the fibrotic process liver. Compression elastography during endosonography was conducted in 2 stages: the qualitative assessment of elastographic images areas in the liver; the qualifying stage elastographic diagnostics: measurement of elastographic ratio in the identified areas of interest, by calculating the comparative factor SR. With a coefficient of difference from 5 units to 17 units (F0 – stage), from 18 units to 25 units (F1 – stage) a diagnosis of steatosis is confirmed, from 26 to 37 units (F2 – stage), from 38 to 49 units (F3 – stage) – a diagnosis of hepatitis is determined, from 50 to 100 units (F4 – stage) a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis is confirmed. Compression elastography during endosonography helps the doctor-gastroenterologist, hepatologist promptly correct tactics of the patient and to monitor treatment.
Positive Effects of the Combined Rehabilitation Actions, Including Warm-Cold Procedures and Vitamin-Mineral Complex, on Sportsmen´s Post-Stress Disorders
Authors: Чернышев  , Chernyshev S.
Published: June 2014

The paper is devoted to studying the effects of warm-cold treatment combined with the use of the special vitamin-mineral complex, on the athletes´ post-stress disorders rehabilitation. The examination was amde among 20 highest qualification athletes aged 28-32 years, which had considerable stress load at a training process and a competitive activities. It is known, that a stress affects on the hypophysial-adrenal and autonomic nervous systems, promotes for a excretion of vitamins and minerals from the human body. To restore post-stress disorders complex rehabilitation was used, it was based on the combined action of warm and cold procedures at a sauna, physical exercises and taking vitamins and minerals. For this purpose daily during 10 days for 1,5-2,0 hours surveyed athletics were exposed to warm treatments at humidified sauna with a temperature of 60-80 deg., alternating with cold treatments at reservoir water. Before an entrance to a sauna surveyed athletics accepted inside contents of one package of the vitamin and mineral complex. Before and immediately after warm-cold treatments in the sauna in the athletes registered pulse, blood pressure, tremor dynamic, the level of subjective well-being. The vegetative index Kerdo, pulse pressure, blood flow in minute volume were calculated. In addition, before the beginning and at the end of rehabilitation actions all surveyed athletics were examined by therapeutist, neuropathologist, otolaryngologist, oculist, endocrinologist. The laboratory indicators were determined: analysis of blood and urina, biochemic analysis of blood, blood test on catecholamines´s level, vitamin and mineral status. The result of this study are established, that the rehabilitation of athletes, based on the combined action of warm and cold procedures, taking vitamins and minerals, allows to normalize vegetative functions, reduce vitamin deficiency and psycho-emotional stress level.
Processes of Bone Remodeling in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases and Manifestations of Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Хестанова  , Khestanova Madina
Published: June 2014

Recently, secondary osteoporosis attracted the attention of many researchers. The paper presents the results of a study of bone remodeling processes in patients with pathology of the cardiovascular system associated with the manifestations of chronic heart failure. Among 114 patients with ischemic heart disease and hypertensive disease with manifestations of chronic heart failure, the study of bone mineral density and bone remodeling markers in serum: osteocalcin and C-terminal telopeptide, formed during the degradation of type I collagen was carried out. The results of osteodensitometry in various areas of the skeleton of examined patients revealed a significant decrease in bone mineral density at the femoral neck compared with the control group. Study of the content of osteocalcin in serum of patients in comparison with the data of the control group demonstrated unsignificant difference. However, when comparing the content of the C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen in serum of patients with data of the control group revealed significant differences. The obtained data proved the formation of osteoporosis as a risk factor for fractures background progressive resorption.
Clinical Features of Bone Architectonic Reconstruction in the Case of Multifragmental Fractures of the Proximal Brachial Part
Authors: Толстых  , Tolstykh A.
Published: June 2014

Questions of treatment of seldom met pathology – multisplintered changes of a head of a humeral bone with shift of an articulate surface to 180º in literature practically don´t reflected. The author’s experience consisted of treatment of 9 patients by such pathology in the period from 1999 to 2011. The endoprosthesis was not applied. The author’s technique of recovery of very tectonics of a bone at reconstruction of a head of a shoulder was developed. This technique consists in osteosynthesis fragments using modular designs of the basic T- and L-shaped plates with reconstructive plate. The developed technique of surgical intervention allows to restore architectonics of the proximal humerus when multisplintered fractures with the turn of the articular surface of the head arm 180. Implementation of operative intervention on the restoration of the architectonics of the bone with a complex multisplintered the turn of using plates, which are collected in the form of a module directly in the operating wound after reposition fragments are technically more doable than osteosynthesis cumbersome implants type «leaf clover» and Pelon´s plate. From 9 patients with difficult multisplintered changes, three patients were operated by the offered technique with use of modular designs. When performing operations surrounding tissues were injured minimum. Duration of operation was reduced from 1,5-2h. at the using bulky plates till, 1h. at the using modular designs. A smaller amount of metal in subacromial space allowed to reduce the severity of collision syndrome.
Influence of Vitamins and Microcells on Metabolic Indicators in the Persons with the Euthyroid Hypertrophy of the Thyroid Gland and Overweight
Authors: Павлова  , Pavlova T. , Котова  , Kotova G. , Герасимов  , Gerasimov G. , Фудин  , Fudin N. , Классина  , Klassina S.
Published: June 2014

The article is devoted to studying of influence of additional vitaminization (fortification) in the patients with the euthyroid hypertrophy of the thyroid gland and overweight on lipid and mineral metabolism, the concentration of urinary iodine and thyroid volume. The study involved 10 patients aged from 13 till 46 years with the overweight and euthyroid hypertrophy of the thyroid gland. Out-patient examination and treatment in the therapeutic department of Endocrinological scientific centre of RAMS was carried out for all patients. The patients were on a low-calorie diet (1500 kcal). Vitamin and microelement complex “Daily Care Pack” (USA) was used for additional fortification. Before taking vitamin and microelement complex and 12 days after its graduation, it was measured patient´s growth and body weight and calculated assessed body mass index. Level of cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoproteins high and low density, level of mineral elements (sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium) were estimated in peripheral blood. An iodine concentration in urine and a thyroid gland volume were measure too. It is shown that the result of additional vitaminization (fortification) and microelements taking was a body weight decreasing for all patients. In the peripheral blood, a decrease of cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoproteins, and this decline was greater than the higher was the initial degree of obesity. The content of microelements in the blood of patients before and after taking the vitamin and microelement complex has not changed. The tendency to the increase of the concentration of iodine in urine was revealed, however, additional intake of iodine deficiency in the vitamin-mineral complex practically no effect on the amount of the thyroid gland. Thus, additional fortification against the background of hyper-high-calorie diet in the persons with euthyroid hypertrophy of the thyroid gland and overweight accompanied by a decline in body mass index, the positive dynamics of lipid metabolism, stabilization of mineral metabolism, but it almost doesn’t have any impact on the volume of the thyroid gland.
Evaluation of Medical and Social Factors Affecting Reproductive Health of Gipsy Women
Authors: Каблукова  , Kablukova Yuliya
Published: June 2014

Examination of literary sources on the state of reproductive health of Gipsy women showed that this ethnic group calls for closer attention on the part of health care professionals due to health problems typical for this group, conditioned by negative factors of their lifestyle and inadequate use of health care resources (especially in terms of preventive care). The women of Gipsy nationality who has reached the reproductive age are to be referred to a risk group due to possible negative birth outcomes, such as preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction of the fetus, small-for-gestational-age fetus. The majority of studies were conducted in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. No data on reproductive health of the Gipsy people was found in Russian literature. . Growing number of the Gipsies living in Russian territory makes the issue of studying health conditions of reproductive age women belonging to this ethnic group for the purpose of providing positive birth outcomes burning. Based on the studied data it is worth mentioning that the Gipsy women call for careful attention on the part of medical workers when receiving prenatal and postnatal help in respect of increased risk of a negative birth outcome.
Parameters of Quasiattractors in the Estimation of Stationary Regimes of Biological Dynamic Systems According to Compartmentae-Cluster Approach
Authors: Даянова  , Dayanova D. , Вохмина  , Vokhmina Yu. , Гавриленко  , Gavrilenko T. , Берестин  , Berestin D.
Published: June 2014

In the framework of the compartmentae-cluster approach there is possibility of constructing adequate mathematical models that may be of several types supposedly stationary modes of biomechanical systems: in the traditional deterministic approach, when the state vector оf the biomechanical system have equal value and in the framework of the new theory of chaos and self-organization, when system state vector x=x(t)=const. The vector can occur within a bounded volume of the phase space of states. The message signals presented arbitrary human motion under the influence of an alcoholic beverage and the simulated signals for a given external exposure control (Ud=60 у.е.) was compared. Different values ​​of the damping coefficient (b=1,1; b ´= 3,4) present the normal and unnormal state of human body. A comparison was made, the resulting figures and draw conclusions about the impact of damping coefficient on the size of the area of ​​quasi-attractor. Present the state of the biological dynamical system (the human body) under alcohol effect and in normal state.
Graph-analytic Solution of Some Special Problems of Quadratic Programming
Authors: Сальков  , Sal'kov Nikolay
Published: June 2014

Quadratic programming problems are one of special

cases of mathematical programming problems. Mathematical programming

problems solution is of great importance, because these

problems are those of optimizing of solution related to presented

issues from multitude of possible ones. The mathematical programming

problems are linear, nonlinear, dynamic and others. It is

suggested to consider a graph-analytic solution of quadratic programming’s

special problems, which, taken together, constitute the

quadratic programming problems for two and three variables. A

total of eight special problems have been considered.
Problems of modeling the basic elements CMOS LSI dual-purpose CAD
Authors: Крюков  , Kryukov V. , Зольников  , Zolnikov Konstantin , Евдокимова  , Evdokimova S.
Published: June 2014

The paper considers problems of modeling the basic elements of micro-schemes, creation of mathematical, informational and software taking into account the division of responsibilities between enterprises and modeling capabilities of ionizate-organizational and structural effects.
Analysis of cells crystal lattices of semiconductor materials for the synthesis of virtual social reality when designing radiation-resistant elements of electronic com-base Portnoy
Authors: Лавлинский  , Lavlinskiy V.
Published: June 2014

The article provides the analysis of the modern approaches to cell representation of crystal lattices of semiconductor materials for the synthesis of virtual reality in CAD using 3D simulation in the design of radiation-resistant elements of electronic component base.
The results of the study Bouctouche processor series 1867
Authors: Ачкасов  , Achkasov A. , Конарев  , Konarev M. , Яньков  , Yankov A. , Зольников  , Zolnikov Konstantin , Орликовский  , Orlikovskiy N.
Published: June 2014

Resistance is Investigated microprocessor series 1867. The results show that manufacturing technology and applied circuit solutions in process of designing chips VT mode marinovannogo of RAM is entirely eliminate the occurrence of single failures and latch-up when exposed to heavy charged particles.
Formation and use of human capital: current challenges
Authors: Зайцева Наталия , Zaitseva Nataliya
Published: June 2014

The article describes the scientific approaches to the definition of «human capital», the direction of formation and effective use of human capital. Investigated macroeconomic trends in business and training system, influencing the formation of human capital.The role and features of the formation of human capital in our country are revealed.
New consumer values in social networks
Authors: Джанджугазова Елена , Dzhandzhugazova Elena
Published: June 2014

The article presents the key issues of current goods and services consumption, the author emphasizes that increasing choice reduces active time of the consumers and only new and unusual idea can draw their attention. Referring to the works of famous marketing specialists the author gives grounds to formation of new consumers´ values and pays readers´ attention to the fact that ideas of abundant consumption or the consumption «to show everybody that you can have it» go out-of-date forever giving the way to new type of consumption which is based on involvement of the consumers into life of civil society. The role of virtual social networks in the process of formation and promotion of new ideas is illustrated in the article and the particularities of content formation are shown by the example of the most popularsocial networks.
Soviet housing in the 1920-1930-ies.: between class and sustainability
Authors: Орлов Игорь , Orlov Igor
Published: June 2014

In article on the basis of archival documents newly introduced into scientific use are reconstructed main trends of housing policy 1920-1930-ies. The correlation of the policy in the field of housing and communal services and the general model of economic development (war communism, the NEP and the forced industrialization) is revealed.
Analysing the quality of tourist and tourist service regional infrastructure: methodology
Authors: Минаев Владимир , Minaev Vladimir , Платонова Наталья , Platonova Natalya , Погребова Елена , Pogrebova Elena
Published: June 2014

Characteristics of the infrastructure supporting the tourist sphere in the regions can be presented in a digitized format reflecting the data pertaining to (1) dichotomous qualitative characteristics, (2) score characteristics as multi-qualitative characteristics, and (3) quantitative characteristics. Thus presented, the data are easily processed and interpreted by the administra-tive, managerial and grass-root regional tourist industry personnel. The options for data organisation presented in the article allow not only to assess the comparative difference between regional tourist destinations and tourist service, but also to carry out an integral comparative analisys of the regions and recreational areas in terms of tourist infrastructure quality. The methodology proposed by the authors has been successfully applied to the context of collective accommodation facilities (CAFs) in a number ofSouthern-Federal-District-located regions. Application of the methodology includes the algorithm of dichotomous, score qualitative and quantitative characteristic processing, as well as a graphic interpretation of the ranking of the dichotomous characteristics of CAFs in the regions targeted by the research. The authors present the results of the analysis of the CAFs quality in the dichotomous, score and qualitative format, and conclude this method of data presentation to be universally applicable to tourist destinations, service and recreational facilities. To substantiate managerial decisions as applied to the research-targeted regions, the authors provide the results of the rating of factors detrimental to the tourist, tourist service and recreational-activity development. The authors claim that the methodology elaborated on in the article can be used for assessing the quality of the service of any regional tourist industry components, as well as an objective comparison and a region-wide analysis of the traveler-oriented service quality.
Fiscal Consolidation in the Course of Work Over Yearly Budget of State
Authors: Postuła Marta
Published: June 2014

The need for sustaining of public finance stability is indicated as a key element of proper and effective, sound fiscal policy. Both revenues and expenditures are very strictly regulated by the public finance law provisions. Discussion conducted by experts concerning activities for consolidation in area of public finance very often focused on the substance of provisions of these basic acts of law. Retrospective analysis could lead to the conclusion (prove the thesis) that the importance of special law acts which are strictly functionally linked with state budget for particular budgetary year – to some extent – has not been adequately assessed and even noticed yet in theoretical studies. Due to above mentioned circumstances, in this article the changes in public finance law provisions were presented, which were implemented during procedures of preparation budgetary acts projects in the period 2009-2012, which confirm thesis formulated by the author. Article has an analytical character.
Realization of the Aims of Sustainable Development in “Strategy for the Social and Economic Growth of Eastern Poland by 2020”
Authors: Busłowska Anna
Published: June 2014

The realization of the idea of the sustainable development is a direction of development of many countries in the world, also in the European Union. It is possible to find examples of such action in the structural policy conducted by the  EU. It is directed at deliberate and intentional activity of the official authority  aiming at the harmonious development of EU regions. In particular it is regarding eastern regions of Poland which are reporting wide financial support from the budget of the European Union for social, economic and ecological growth. Particular directions of that growth contains “Strategy for the social and economic       growth of Eastern Poland by 2020”. The purpose of this article is to evaluate (using       available statistical data) the implementation of development goals in eastern  Polish regions contained in the Strategy in the context of sustainable development.
American Option Sensitivities Estimation via a Generalized Infinitesimal Perturbation Analysis Approach
Authors: Chen Nan , Liu Yanchu
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we develop efficient Monte Carlo methods for estimating American option sensitivities. The problem can be reformulated as how to perform sensitivity analysis for a stochastic optimization problem with model uncertainty. We introduce a generalized infinitesimal perturbation analysis (IPA) approach to resolve the difficulty caused by discontinuity of the optimal decision with respect to the underlying parameter. The IPA estimators are unbiased if the optimal decisions are explicitly known. To quantify the estimation bias caused by intractable exercising policies in the case of pricing American options, we also provide an approximation guarantee that relates the sensitivity under the optimal exercise policy to that computed under a suboptimal policy. The price-sensitivity estimators yielded from this approach demonstrate significant advantages numerically in both high-dimensional environments and various process settings. We can easily embed them into many of the most popular pricing algorithms without extra simulation effort to obtain sensitivities as a by-product of the option price. Our generalized approach also casts new insights on how to perform sensitivity analysis using IPA: we do not need path-wise continuity to apply it.
Median sternotomy and thoracoscopy: technique and postoperative care
Authors: Ragni Rosa Angela , Moore Alasdair Hotston
Published: June 2014

Median sternotomy allows exposure of the entire thoracic cavity, and is chosen when bilateral/wide access is necessary. The thoracic cavity can also be accessed with a rigid scope; with this technique, trauma and morbidity are minimised, as exploration and surgery are performed through keyhole incisions. In any case, the immediate postoperative period is critical, and patients require close monitoring. Minor postoperative complications after thoracic surgery are related to wound healing or presence of the thoracostomy tube; the former are more common after median sternotomy. Severe complications include hypoventilation, hypoxaemia, hypotension, pneumothorax and haemorrhage.
Echocardiography training for non-cardiologists
Authors: Gillon Stuart , Zafiropoulos Andreas , Madhivathanan Pradeep
Published: June 2014

Echocardiography, once the exclusive domain of cardiologists, is increasingly found in the hands of front-line clinicians from a variety of specialties. This article explores the role of echocardiography within acute care and discusses existing opportunities for training.
The Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality with an Irish sample: a factor analysis
Authors: Bodling Angela , Heneghan Miranda , Walsh Jane C , Yoon Dong Pil , Johnstone Brick
Published: June 2014

Background/Aim:

The relationship between increased spirituality and better health has been consistently demonstrated in the US. The Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS) is one of the most commonly used measures in the US used to assess the spirituality and religiosity of people with disabilities, but it has not been validated for use with other international populations. This study was carried out to validate the factor structure of the BMMRS with an Irish population so that future research can be carried in spirituality and health research with Irish populations with disabilities.

Methods:

Based on 180 Irish undergraduate students, a principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation and Kaiser normalisation was completed.

Results:

Four factors with extraction eigenvalues greater than 1.0 (4.50, 3.12, 2.56, and 1.90) were identified, and explained a cumulative total of 63.56% of the variance. Based on face validity of the items from each factor, they were labelled as: spiritual coping (eight items: α=0.89); spiritual beliefs (five items: α=0.80); religious practices (three items: α=0.68); and spiritual connectedness (three items: α=0.70).

Conclusion:

The BMMRS measures distinct dimensions of religion and spirituality in Irish populations similar to those identified with US populations, and appears appropriate for comparative international research.
Developing the SELF study: A focus group with patients and the public
Authors: Littlewood Chris , Ahston Jon , Scott Emma , Mawson Sue , May Stephen , Walters Stephen
Published: June 2014

Background

Patient and public involvement (PPI) in the research process is a key feature of NHS Research and Development policy but reporting of the extent and value of PPI in relation to physiotherapy research is lacking.

Aims

To determine whether the proposed methodology within the randomized controlled trial aspect of the SELF study was acceptable to patients and to ascertain whether enhancements could be made in relation to elements that matter most to patients.

Methods

A focus group discussion was undertaken with four lay people who were currently attending physiotherapy. The data was transcribed verbatim and analysed using the framework method.

Findings

The lay members found the proposals to be generally acceptable but were able to suggest enhancements to the SELF study's design relating to recruitment, retention, blinding, and acceptability of the intervention. Additionally, we were able to recruit lay members to the trial steering committee.

Conclusion

The unique perspective offered by PPI has resulted in enhancements to the SELF study's design and a means of maintaining PPI throughout the conduct of the SELF study has been established.
Simulation-augmented education in the rehabilitation professions: A scoping review
Authors: Yeung Euson , Dubrowski Adam , Carnahan Heather
Published: June 2014

Background

Simulation-augmented education is playing an increasingly important role in health professions education, yet little is known about the uptake of these interventions in the educational programmes and research for rehabilitation professions. Therefore, it is difficult to determine the benefits of simulation-augmented education interventions, and how such approaches can inform education practice, policy and research.

Aims

The purpose of this review was to determine what is currently known about the use of simulation in the education of rehabilitation professionals.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review that included a literature review of published and grey literature, followed by qualitative content analysis of the included references. A program evaluation framework was employed to structure data extraction and analysis.

Results

Several forms of simulation are commonly used among rehabilitation professions for expertise development, formative and summative evaluations, and to enhance course work and curricula. However, there is a dearth of published literature concerned with the longitudinal impact of simulation-augmented educational strategies, the perspectives of accrediting bodies, and the processes that lead to successful or unsuccessful educational interventions.

Conclusions

Results provide important future directions for the field of simulation-augmented education, which will optimize their benefits in educational programming and research for the rehabilitation professions.
Impacts and perceptions of a computer-based length of stay benchmarking program
Authors: Roberts Kate , Stiller Kathy , Harling Rachel , Lynch Elizabeth , Forward Sally
Published: June 2014

Aims

Length of stay (LOS) benchmark figures can be used to guide clinical practice in a rehabilitation setting. This prospective study trialled a computer-based program that provided real-time LOS benchmark figures and alerted staff of patients approaching or exceeding LOS benchmark figures, and assessed its ability to identify patients with LOS beyond benchmark figures, reasons for these delays and effect on LOS, and staff perceptions of its usefulness.

Methods

One-hundred-and-eight inpatients in a stroke rehabilitation unit (SRU) and 94 inpatients in a brain injury rehabilitation unit (BIRU) were included in the patient component of the study; 13 staff completed a post-trial survey.

Findings

LOS in excess of benchmark figures was found for 48 (44%) SRU and 44 (47%) BIRU participants, resulting in a total discharge delay of 6311 days. Reasons for discharge delay were diverse. Using the computer-based program did not consistently decrease LOS compared to data from the previous year. Staff perceptions regarding the usefulness of the computer-based program were mixed.

Conclusions

The use of a computer-based program that provided real-time LOS benchmark figures was able to identify patients with LOS beyond benchmark figures but did not consistently decrease LOS and, on the whole, was not favourably received by clinical staff.
Whole body vibration training for lower limb motor function among stroke patients
Authors: Silva Adriana , Silva Andreia , Dias Miqueline , Calixto Ruanito , Martinez Beatriz , Honorato Donizeti , Fernandes Geraldo
Published: June 2014

Background/aim

Motor function impairment is a frequent problem in stroke patients and many questions remain about the application of vibration therapy for neurological patients. This study aims to verify the effects of vibration training on lower limb function in patients affected by stroke.

Methods

This was a clinical, prospective study. The study's subjects were selected via a convenience sample from Samuel Libanio Hospital's Physical Therapy and Neurology Out-patient clinics in Pouso Alegre, Brazil. The sample comprised of 27 individuals presenting with spastic hemiparesis due to stroke. Participants received whole body vibration training at a frequency of 50 Hz and 2 mm amplitude, for 8 weeks. In the first 4 weeks, participants underwent a series of four 60-second periods of vibration in the following positions: in orthostatic posture, first with the knees semi-flexed at 30°, then with the knees semi-flexed at 90°, and then with the affected knee semi-flexed at 30°, and finally in orthostatic posture again with the knees semi-flexed at 30°. In the last 4 weeks, we doubled the number of series of vibration, but used the same positions. The six minute walking test (6MWT), the stair climbing test (SCT) and the timed get up and go test (TUG) were applied to evaluate the lower members' motor function. The tests were applied before and after the intervention, as well as after a follow-up, which was performed 1 month later.

Results

This study found statistical differences in the 6MWT (P=0.00), SCT (P=0.00), and TUG (P=0.00), indicating improvement in the participants' lower limbs motor function.

Conclusion

Vibration therapy can contribute to the improvement of the lower limbs' motor function in patients affected by stroke.
Why social media should be part of every practice's toolkit
Authors: Hamlin Jennifer
Published: June 2014

Social media is changing the way people communicate. It is also transforming the way people shop, and subsequently is changing the way businesses are marketing themselves. The new age of digitally literate consumers has shifted interest away from traditional advertising yet the evidence shows that consumers do not fully trust online advertising so social media bridge the gap, providing consumers with what they want, how they want it and where they want it. Now, consumers are embracing brands on social media and choosing to follow those that have engaging personal and timely content. Even professional businesses are rising to the challenge and seeing a dramatic uptake in brand advocacy through their social media profiles. But, is social media appropriate for veterinary practices? This article looks at the drivers for change toward social media marketing, discusses why social media is here to stay and explains how social media can be one of the most valuable tools for both small and large veterinary practices in terms of developing a loyal client base and providing service to the wider pet-keeping community.
How the Supports Paradigm Is Transforming the Developmental Disabilities Service System
Authors: Thompson James R. , Schalock Robert L. , Agosta John , Teninty Lilia , Fortune Jon
Published: June 2014

The supports paradigm is based on the premise that the most relevant difference between people with intellectual disability and related developmental disabilities (ID/DD) and the general population is that people with ID/DD need different types and intensities of support to fully participate in and contribute to society. The supports paradigm is changing professional work and public policies in the field of ID/DD by providing a conceptual basis for aligning the work of researchers, policymakers, and professionals at micro (individual), meso (organizational), and macro (jurisdictional) levels. The potential of the supports paradigm to transform the adult service system is discussed.
The higher education system in Iraq and its future
Authors: Jawad Saad N. , Al-Assaf Sawsan I.
Published: June 2014

Despite the fact that higher education in Iraq has suffered from the scourges of many wars (1980–1988, 1991, 2003), international sanctions (1990–2003) and governments’ interference, since 1968, the vast majority of its members struggled to keep the universities and colleges as effective instruments in teaching, researching and providing the society with qualified graduates. But one cannot deny the many obstacles and challenges that faced these institutions. After 2003, neither the occupying forces nor the political parties they imposed on Iraq showed any real interest in developing this sector. One main reason was, perhaps, because the United States feared the educated and skilled Iraqi brains that were the main reasons behind the successes the country had achieved in the past. {(One could cite the words of the former US secretary of state, Madeline Albright, who answered a question about why the sanctions were still imposed on Iraq while admitting that Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) were destroyed; she said it was because the brains were still there (Al-Rubaie 2008). Also, the declaration of President Bashar al-Asad who said that following the occupation of Iraq in 2003 he received Colin Powell, then US secretary of state, who warned him against receiving or sheltering Iraqi scientists and academics (al-Mayadeen 2013)}. Also, because of their conservative religious attitudes, the ruling clique after 2003 alienated the technocrats fearing that their role in developing the society and the state could be a real challenge to their own parochial ideologies. The result was an acute deterioration in the field of education in general and higher education in particular.

In general, the higher education system in Iraq was faced with a major challenge, which was represented by the insistence of the different regimes to control the education system. However, the official interference was not always harmful to education in general and higher education in particular. For example, in 1968, the government approved a law requiring the free and compulsory education at all levels, and in 1977, it passed the law for the eradication of illiteracy. UNESCO duly presented Iraq with the prize of the year for eradicating illiteracy in 1982 (Ranjan and Jain 2009). Also, between 1970 and 1980, the regime took a very positive step by sending thousands of students abroad to study for higher degrees. By the end of the decade Iraqi higher education was self-sufficient in all fields of knowledge.

The aim of this essay is to show how the education system has been neglected since 2003 till the present. The article will try to discuss the reality of the higher education system, compare it to the past and look at its future, by examining the main challenges that male and female academics faced during the occupation and the domination of religious-conservative movements in the post-occupation government. The authors’ experience as former members of Baghdad University staff has been the main source for this essay.
Reviews
Authors: Talhami Ghada Hashem , Sullivan Antony T. , Bukovich Keith , Ginsberg Terri
Published: June 2014

The Journey of an Iraqi Pan-Arabist

My Memoirs: Half a Century of the History of Iraq and the Arab Cause, Tawfiq al-Suwaydi (2013) Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner, 545 pp., Introduction by Antony T. Sullivan, translation by Nancy Roberts ISBN 978-1-58826-903-4 (hbk), $55.00

Reclaiming Iraq: The 1920 Revolution and the Founding of the Modern State, Abbas Kadhim (2012) Austin: University of Texas Press, Contains index, 213 pp., ISBN: 978-0-292-73924-6 (hbk), $55.00

Breaking Iraq – The Ten Mistakes That Broke Iraq, Ted Spain and Terry Turchie (2013) Palisades, NY: History Publishing Co., 310 pp., ISBN: 978-1-933909-53-0 (hbk), $US28.95

Media Practice in Iraq, Ahmed K. Al-Rawi (2012) London and New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 221 pp., ISBN 978-0-230-35452-4 (hbk), $85.00
Sticks and Carrots in Procurement: An Experimental Exploration
Authors: Bigoni Maria , Spagnolo Giancarlo , Valbonesi Paola
Published: June 2014

We test the robustness of recent findings on the benefits of penalty contracts to the environments typical of B2B (and B2G) procurement, where buyers and sellers interact repeatedly, matching is endogenous and competitive, there are contractible and non-contractible tasks, and reputation-based relationships can emerge. Both bonuses and penalties boost efficiency, strongly increasing effort in the contractible task while only mildly crowding it out in the non-contractible one. However, sellers grab a higher fraction of surplus with bonuses, as buyers’ offers become more generous. Consequently, buyers prefer penalties, which may explain why they are so widespread in procurement.