bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy-Clustering-Based Intelligent and Secured Energy-Aware Routing
Authors: Kamalanathan Selvakumar , Lakshmanan Sai Ramesh , Arputharaj Kannan
Published: October 2016

In many applications such as disaster management, temperature control, weather forecasting, industrial control system and forest fire detection, it is very difficult for a human to monitor and control each and every event in real time. Even with advancement in technology, this issue has remained a challenging task. The existing Wireless Network may not be suitable for data communication with human network. Hence, to monitor and control the physical parameters of the environment, a special device with needed functionalities is required. The network which is formed with these devices is known as sensor network. This is used to monitor, control and send the collected information to the end user. These networks are formed with a large number of sensor nodes with limitation such as self-energized, low computation power, infra-structure less, multi-hop communication and without central administrator control. Due to the ad hoc nature, the nodes are deployed unevenly over a geographical region, it is necessary to provide some mechanism to manage and control the topology of the sensor nodes to prolong their life time. Clustering algorithms are useful for data mining, compression, probability density estimation and many other important tasks like IDS. Clustering algorithm utilize a distance metric in order to partition network traffic patterns so that patterns within a single group have same network characteristics than in a different group. The proposed system builds a Fuzzy logic clustering model that can perform three different types of clusters in order to achieve the secure and energy aware routing of packets.
Selection of Green Suppliers Based on GSCM Practices
Authors: Uppala Akshay Kumar , Ranka Rishabh , Thakkar J. J. , Kumar Manupati Vijay , Agrawal Shilpa
Published: October 2016

The environmental pressure from various stakeholders, particularly in the selection of green suppliers in the industrial sector, is alarming. The companies are realizing the significance of incorporating green practices in their daily operations. This chapter proposes a framework on the criteria of GSCM practices using MCDM analysis to select green suppliers for an Indian electronics company. The authors have collected the data from a set of 10 available suppliers. The authors use fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS approach to rank the suppliers based on the decision makers' preferences on the selection of green suppliers using GSCM practices. The three dominating criteria concluded by the results are the commitment of senior management towards GSCM; product design that incorporates three R's policy for component, materials, and energy; abidance with environmental laws and auditing programs. This chapter carries out a comparison between Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and Fuzzy TOPSIS method to enhance the quality of decision making and validate the rankings.
Sentimental Analysis of Online Reviews Using Fuzzy Sets and Rough Sets
Authors: Jagadeesan Anuradha , Patil Amit
Published: October 2016

With the increased interest of online users in E-commerce, the web has become an excellent source for buying and selling of products online. Customer reviews on the web help potential customers to make purchase decisions, and for manufacturers to incorporate improvements in their product or develop new marketing strategies. The increase in customer reviews of a product influence the popularity and the sale rate of the product. This lead to a very important question about the analysis of the sentiments (opinions) expressed in the reviews. As such internet does not have any quality control over customer reviews and it could vary in terms of its quality. Also the trustworthiness of the online reviews is debatable. Sentiment Analysis (SA) or Opinion Mining is the computational analysis of opinions, sentiments, emotions and subjectivity of text. In this chapter, we take a look at the various research challenges and a new dimension involved in sentiment analysis using fuzzy sets and rough sets.
Enhancing Scholarly Communication through Research Culture
Authors: Baporikar Neeta
Published: October 2016

Research is a vital part of the social tapestry of a modern society. It is imperative to find suitable ways to respond to societal priorities. It can be an open-ended enquiry into the essence of phenomena, of who we are, individually and collectively, and of the world we inhabit. It not only enables derived knowledge, but is also a means of preserving, fabricating and resynthesizing existing knowledge and/for creating new knowledge. Apart from that research is a vital pillar of higher education. Moreover, in knowledge society today, research is deemed to be of more value when it rightly augments the economic development processes. Through in depth literature review and contextual analysis, the aim of this chapter is to aid institutions and scholars in recognizing the gains of adapting inclusive approach, suggesting strategies for promoting research culture so as to enhance scholarly communication apart from being a support system in knowledge society, so that the world of academia continues to excel in its role of knowledge creation, knowledge transfer and knowledge dissemination.
Altmetrics
Authors: Gadhavi Geeta Girish
Published: October 2016

In this era of knowledge enormous research work is being published by various modes of publications. It can be a journal, conference proceedings, open and online resources or any other. Many of them are used by other researchers with due citations. Traditionally these citations are measured by Bibliometrics. Over a period of time publication platforms changed from traditional counting to web based counting called Webometrics. Teaching faculty are always struggling to find new ways of providing evidence of their changing scholarly value. Open access and online availability of scholarly information changed the scenario of mentions. People are using information from any scholarly publications and mention in their blog, Twitter account, Facebook or any other social media. These mentions are as important as citations for an author's tenure and promotions. To calculate this entire web based mentions an alternative metrics method is coined ‘as Altmetrics.' This article discusses basics of Altmetrics, its importance, use in scholarly impacts and tools for providing data to calculate Altmetric scores.
Managing Open Access (OA) Scholarly Information Resources in a University
Authors: Patel Dimple , Thakur Deepti
Published: October 2016

Open Access (OA) to scholarly information has now become a reality. Due to the efforts of OA supporters worldwide now even commercial publishers have started supporting open access to their content through various open access models. Many public institutions like universities and R&D Labs have realized the importance of OA in developing the society in general. As a result, these institutions have come up with OA repositories, archives and libraries. As with any such proliferation of information, OA resources have increased manifold and can easily overwhelm even an experienced user. Also different repositories may use various digital library software, which presents the problem of multifarious search interfaces and features. The solution can be found in the open community of open source software and open standards. The open source metadata harvesting software PKP-OHS and the open protocol for metadata harvesting i.e. OAI-PMH come to the rescue. This chapter discusses how PKP-OHS was implemented as a pilot study at the Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP).
The Impact of Presumed Consent Law on Organ Donation: An Empirical Analysis from Quantile Regression for Longitudinal Data
Authors: Balbinotto Neto Giácomo , Nunes da Silva Everton , Katarina Campelo Ana
Published: October 2016

Human organs for transplantation are extremely valuable goods and their shortage is a problem that has been verified in most countries around the world, generating a long waiting list for organ transplants. This is one of the most pressing health policy issues for governments. To deal with this problem, some researchers have suggested a change in organ donation law, from informed consent to presumed consent. However, few empirical works have been done to measure the relationship between presumed consent and the number of organ donations. The aim of this paper is to estimate that impact, using a new method proposed by Koenker (2004): quantile regression for longitudinal data, for a panel of 34 countries in the period 1998-2002. The results suggest that presumed consent has a positive effect on organ donation, which varies in the interval 21-26% for the quartiles {0.25; 0.5; 0.75}, the impact being stronger in the left tail of the distribution. Health expenditure has an important role on the response variable as well, the coefficient estimate varying between 42-52%.
Suicide in the absence of mental disorder
Authors: Pridmore Saxby , Ahmadi Jamshid , Reddy Anil
Published: October 2016

This paper is the result of two decades of studies by a small group of clinician/academics, with an interest in the aetiology of suicide. We find the notion that all or almost all those who complete suicide are suffering a mental disorder to be too restricting. We developed the concept of Predicament Suicide, in which suicide is conceptualized as an escape from unacceptable predicaments. One of these is painful, unresponsive mental disorder. Another is distressing social circumstances. We have used the public record (historical texts through to newspapers and electronic resources) to demonstrate that people with no evidence of mental disorder may suicide in unacceptable predicaments. We have developed the Operationalized Suicide Predicaments (OPS) framework, a means of classifying suicide. The OPS allows for suicide to be classified (as appropriate) as triggered by social factors. It has been found to have face validity and acceptable correlation. It is hoped the OPS may encourage scholars and clinicians to think beyond the medical model.
The performance of Italian hospitals and their hierarchical structure of administrative employees
Authors: Falavigna G. , Ippoliti R. , Manello A.
Published: October 2016

Object: considering the Italian health-care system, the present study analyzes what might affect the efficiency of hospitals. Methodology: in this work, authors propose the Directional Distance Function (DDF) to analyze hospitals’ performance, considering efficient each medical center which is able to maximize the production of medical treatments (good output) while complying, at the same time, with budget constraints (i.e. minimizing the expected bad output: financial loss). Results: the empirical analysis suggests that an excessive allocation of employees at the highest level of the hierarchical pyramid can affect the hospitals’ performance. Conclusions: a redistribution of employees among hierarchical levels is necessary to increase the hospital’s efficiency.
Secretion management in the mechanically ventilated patient
Authors: Mantellini E. , Perrero L. , Provenzano G. , Petrozzino S.
Published: October 2016

Purpose: the aim of this work is to highlight the importance of a correct management of the secretions in the patient submitted to mechanical ventilation (MV). Methods: analysis of the current bibliography related to respiratory infections and secretion in patients with mechanically ventilation. We focus on the use of in-ex suflator achine (cough machine) associated with High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO). Results: we observe a reduction of pulmonary infection and a better management of bronchial secretion in patient undergone to the use of in-ex suflator machine (cough machine) associated with High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO). Conclusions: the correct approach to patients submitted to mechanical ventilation (MV) expect the use of High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) (VEST) and in-ex suflator machine (cough machine) to decrease pulmonary infection thank to a reduction of permanence of bronchial secretions in the lungs.
Studio descrittivo delle evidenze neuropsicologiche in un gruppo di pazienti HIV positivi afferenti al reparto malattie infettive dell’ospedale di Alessandria
Authors: Amendola G. , Caprioglio S. , Mantia E. , Spagna S. , Zoppi M. , Mombello S. , Montobbio G. , Pepoli A. , Palermo M.
Published: October 2016

Obiettivi: Le ormai note complicanze neurologiche nell’infezione da HIV comportano la necessità di introdurre la figura del neuropsicologo nel team dedicato, con l’obiettivo iniziale di definire un modello di presa in carico per l’utenza e descriverne le caratteristiche e i bisogni rilevati. Metodologia: data la particolare caratterizzazione sottocorticale del danno neuro-cognitivo secondario a HIV, che interessa in modo trasversale un po’ tutti i sistemi neurocognitivi, è stato necessario ricorrere, sul campione iniziale che qui descriviamo, composto da 31 pazienti, ad un’ampia batteria di prove neuropsicologiche, in linea con i protocolli internazionali, completata da un questionario di valutazione dell’umore (Beck Depression Inventory) e un’intervista sulla tipologia, qualità e livelli di soddisfazione all’interno dei principali legami di appartenenza. Risultati: i dati fino oggi raccolti hanno mostrato specifiche difficoltà a livello di funzioni esecutive. Alcuni indici di confronto, che dovranno essere sottoposti a successive conferme e più fini analisi, sono risultati suggestivi per la possibilità di individuare e selezionare, tra quelli comunemente usati in questo campo, alcuni paradigmi neuropsicologici dotati della più alta validità di costrutto e di specificità predittiva. Conclusioni: le azioni neuropsicologiche sembrano poter rappresentare, oltre ché un fattore preventivo per i pazienti con HIV, una verifica ed eventuale adeguamento dei livelli di aderenza alle terapie, utile al fine di ottimizzare le risorse. Garantiscono inoltre, grazie all’offerta di un possibile “contenitore” dato dallo specialista, di ridurre il gravoso carico emotivo della malattia.
Attività di sunitinib in un caso di carcinoma renale dei dotti di Bellini
Authors: Zai S. , Guglielmini P. , Piovano P.L. , Cevoli R. , Aurelio A. , Grosso F.
Published: October 2016

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Exploration of HIV/AIDS Related Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of University Community: The Case of Ethiopian Civil Service College
Authors: Gile Philipos P.
Published: October 2016

Background: Even though HIV/AIDS is the worst health crisis in recorded history in the world, it has clearly moved beyond being primarily a health issue, to developmental crisis. More than 83% of all new infections in many African countries are among young and productive people in which females are outnumbering males. Higher learning institutions such as the Ethiopian Civil Service College (ECSC), as knowledge generation sources, and with perceived skills contributing to the generation of business leaders, need to seriously address HIV/AIDS as a cross-cutting issue in their mandate. There is lack of adequate documentation on HIV/AIDS related knowledge and behaviors among the university community. The study sought to assess HIV/AIDS related knowledge, attitude and behaviors of ECSC community, and contribute to the literature in the field. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January-June 2011 by using mixed methods where structured questionnaire was administered for 250 systematically selected respondents while purposively selected key informants were interviewed. Results: Out of 250 respondents, 238( with 95% response rate ) returned the questionnaire. Eight key informants and observations were used for triangulating data. The study found that the majority of (students and staff) respondents know about HIV&AIDS. The study found no correlation between being postgraduate and undergraduate student; being married or no. It was found that all respondents (married or unmarried, those who use or not use condoms) never perceive they are at risk for HIV. Unsafe sex, multiple concurrent sexual partnerships were found among all religious groups, married staff and students. However, compared to female respondents, males were found more exposed to unsafe sex. Qualitative data supports this finding. Significant number of respondents was willing to take and few actually took HIV counseling and testing to know their status. Conclusions: There were positive changes on awareness and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS, yet comprehensive knowledge is lacking, even those who have knowledge did not practically apply it in using HIV prevention services like consistent condom use. There is a need for improved strategies of promoting comprehensive knowledge and behavioral change interventions of the college, which could also be scaled up to other institutions.
Adenocarcinoma acinare prostatico: valutazione dell’espressione di IGFR come possibile bersaglio per terapie molecolari mirate
Authors: Sanzone A. , Erra S.
Published: October 2016

Il notevole aumento dell’incidenza dell’adenocarcinoma acinare della prostata degli ultimi anni ha reso necessaria la ricerca di una terapia alternativa all’intervento chirurgico. Visto il ruolo fondamentale svolto dall’IGF-1R nel processo di trasformazione e progressione neoplastica, l’inibizione della sua cascata di trasduzione del segnale rappresenta un buon approccio terapeutico per lo sviluppo di terapie bersaglio specifiche. In questo studio è stata, quindi, valutata in immunoistochimica l’espressione di IGF-1R su tessuto neoplastico già diagnosticato su 90 casi selezionati, al fine di correlare la positività di IGF-1R al grading score delle neoplasie ed all’età dei pazienti affetti da adenocarcinoma acinare della prostata. Dai risultati ottenuti, si evince che non può essere individuata una categoria di pazienti che – a priori – può giovarsi della target therapy con anti IGF-1R. È, infatti, indispensabile testare ogni singolo caso attraverso indagini di immunoistochimica o di biologia molecolare per disegnare un profilo genetico del singolo tumore, al fine di individuare con attendibilità il bersaglio molecolare sensibile ad una terapia mirata, come può diventare – nell’immediato futuro – l’Insulin like Growth Factor Receptor.
Significato e metodi di valutazione del GFR
Authors: Manganaro M. , Arfini C.
Published: October 2016

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The Effect of Human Resource Practices on Employee Performance in Hospitals: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gile Philipos P.
Published: October 2016

Background: Even though management practices are recognized as important factors in enhancing quality of health care, many studies hitherto has focused on individual practices, overlooking the contexts within which these practices are operating. Human resource (HR) practices are key for enhancing employee and performance and received substantial attention in recent research on management sciences.. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature for two purposes. First, to understand how the major management practices and employee performance are linked. Secondly, to forward suggestions that will guide further research on how research in such a complex relationship might best be undertaken. Results: This paper is a review of 106 relevant articles (out of the total 398 articles as per the set criteria) published in pre-eminent international refereed journals between 1994 and March 2013. The review covers the linkages between HR practices on employee performance guided by key theoretical framework/model informing the article; findings on HR practices and employee performance conceived and operationalized. The study shown disparities in the concepts and treatment of HRM practices and performance, but also some commonalities that show guidance on how to best undertake future research on the link between strategic HRM practices, individual and organizational performance in promoting quality of health care in the developing countries. Conclusions: There is a need to develop systems approach of assessing the structural and process dimensions and apply comprehensive model to analyze the correlation between strategic HRM and employee performance at micro and macro level.
Caso clinico: grave dislipidemia trattata con plasmaferesi in un esordio di diabete di tipo 1 con chetoacidosi
Authors: Lera R. , Calcaterra V. , Secco A. , Cattaneo L. , De Benedetti D. , Serraino P. , Pesce F.
Published: October 2016

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Stato vitaminico D alla nascita e comparsa di diabete tipo 1: studio caso-controllo in italiani e immigrati residenti in Piemonte
Authors: Cadario F. , Savastio S. , Bruno G. , Pagliardini S. , Bagnati M. , Vidali M. , Cerutti F. , Rabbone I. , Fontana F. , Lera R. , De Donno V. , Valori A.
Published: October 2016

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La valutazione del fabbisogno infermieristico attraverso il sistema di rilevazione NEMS (Nine Equivalent of Manpower Score). L’esperienza della Terapia Intensiva Rianimazione polivalente dell’Aziende Ospedaliera S.S. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo
Authors: Vivaldi N. , Scialla M. , Maggiora V.
Published: October 2016

Introduzione: La complessità del malati, l’assistenza che necessitano, l’esigenza di adeguare e ottimizzare le risorse infermieristiche, hanno determinato la necessità di ricercare uno strumento con maggiore rilevanza scientifica per valutare l’effettivo carico di lavoro infermieristico presso l’ U.O. Terapia Intensiva Rianimazione dell’Azienda Sanitaria Ospedaliera S.S. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo. Obiettivo: Misurare il carico di lavoro infermieristico con strumenti validi in letteratura per valutare il numero di infermieri necessari in rapporto alla reale necessità bisogni - assistenza dei pazienti ricoverati presso U.O. Rianimazione attraverso evidenze, scale scientifiche e dati oggettivi di lavoro. Materiale metodi: Creazione di uno Studio Osservazionale di coorte prospettica effettuato nell’arco di 12 mesi: ( 1 maggio 2013 - 30 aprile 2014) sulla rilevazione dei carichi d lavoro attraverso la scala “NEMS”.
Fasi minerali fibrose e non in campioni biologici: determinazione mediante microscopia ottica ed elettronica
Authors: Randi L. , Libener R. , Croce A. , Rinaudo C. , Bertolotti M. , Grosso F.
Published: October 2016

La provincia di Alessandria e soprattutto l’area di Casale Monferrato sono note per l’elevata incidenza di tumori correlati all’amianto, in particolare il mesotelioma. Vi è l’impressione clinica, però, che anche l’incidenza dei tumori del tratto gastroenterico, tra cui i tumori della colecisti, sia più elevata della media nazionale in questa zona, ma non esiste un registro dedicato da cui si possano trarre dati conclusivi. La presenza delle fibre di amianto in campioni tissutali di soggetti con possibile esposizione ambientale e/o domestica ad amianto potrebbe suggerire un loro ruolo nella patogenesi delle malattie tumorali e fornire una valida motivazione per approfondire meglio in quest’area anche l’epidemiologia di altri tumori rari potenzialmente amianto correlati, mediante studi giustificati solo se effettivamente si dimostra la presenza di fibre di amianto negli organi di insorgenza.
Quality of service, safety and protection of privacy in hospital: a method for impact assessment of RFId technology in healthcare
Authors: Sbrenni S. , Chiapparelli A.
Published: October 2016

Background: Radio Frequency Identification (RFId) technology is rapidly integrating into hospital practices to track assets, identify patients and manage personnel; it is important to assess its impact on privacy, safety and quality of health services. Objective: This paper describes the methodological approach adopted and the tools used by the authors to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of applications and systems using RFId technology in health care facilities to solve problems due to lack of traceability. Methods: To analyse the actual and/or potential effects of this technology, the method adopted is taken from the multidisciplinary approach of Health Technology Assessment (HTA), with particular reference to the assessment of quality of services provided, of safety and of protection of personal and sensitive data. Tools developed during the research include survey, verbal questioning and interviews involving hospital staff members (Management, Technical, Clinical&Service Implementation), and audit in Italian healthcare facilities. Results: We identified the current applications and technical characteristics of RFId technology and we calculated priority levels to determine impact health indicators. Results were used for evaluate the diffusion, the applications and the characteristics of RFId technology and also for calculate its impact on healthcare processes. Conclusions: Using the tools described in this paper, health managers can evaluate the impact of the RFId-based applications in their healthcare structure.
Gender, Violence and Law
Authors: Piantato G. , Piantato E.
Published: October 2016

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Ruolo della Radioterapia (RT) nel trattamento del Mesotelioma Maligno Pleurico (MMP)
Authors: Franzone P. , Grosso F. , Todisco L. , Berretta L. , Zai S. , Aurelio A. , Pozzi G. , Orecchia A. , Mancuso M. , Musante F. , Ferretti G.
Published: October 2016

Il Mesotelioma Maligno è una neoplasia aggressiva prevalentemente del mesotelio pleurico e l’amianto è il suo principale agente eziopatogenetico. Il trattamento del mesotelioma maligno si può, a grandi linee, suddividere in curativo e palliativo. Il trattamento curativo prevede, per pazienti con fattori prognostici favorevoli, una chirurgia con finalità radicale nell’ambito di programmi multimodali (bi o trimodali, con associazione alla chirurgia di chemioterapia e radioterapia). Il trattamento con finalità palliativa è destinato ai pazienti con fattori prognostici sfavorevoli e può comprendere chemioterapia e/o chirurgia e/o radioterapia in base al sintomo prevalente. La radioterapia ha un ruolo sia nella terapia delle forme iniziali di malattia che nella profilassi delle ricadute parietali dopo diagnostica invasiva transparietale, sempre, però, in casi selezionati, mentre è più routinario il suo uso nella palliazione del dolore nella malattia avanzata.
Trattamento di seconda linea con Axitinib: un’arma efficace e ben tollerata nella sequenza terapeutica del carcinoma renale a cellule chiare
Authors: Guglielmini P. , Serao A. , Zai S. , Piovano P.L. , Grosso F.
Published: October 2016

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Alcune considerazioni in tema di suicidio e tentato suicidio
Authors: Piantato E.
Published: October 2016

Obiettivi: .Il manoscritto si propone di formulare alcune considerazioni in tema di suicidio e tentato suicidio. Metodologia: L’autore ha preso in esame scritti in un ampio arco di tempo concernenti la tematica suicidaria e la sua prevenzione Conclusioni: L’autore conclude che un approccio di tipo fenomenologico nella gestione delle relazioni inter-umane potrebbe fungere da modello per arrivare a comprendere meglio l’altro-da-me anche laddove la morte volontaria rappresenti un’eventualità (umana)
Prevenzione andrologica nei giovani
Authors: Bonini F. , Maccarini E. , Montefiore F.
Published: October 2016

Obiettivi: . Nei Paesi occidentali ci troviamo di fronte ad una riduzione progressiva della natalità ed al deterioramento della qualità seminale. Le patologie della sfera riproduttiva stanno pertanto assumendo una rilevanza sociale anche per il forte impatto economico delle attuali tecniche di riproduzione assistita. L’esigenza di occuparsi di prevenzione nel campo della salute maschile origina dalla constatazione di come l’andrologo si trovi spesso a intervenire su situazioni compromesse da diagnosi tardive e da un mancato intervento educativo e preventivo. Si rende pertanto necessario un’azione di sensibilizzazione dei giovani e delle famiglie anche tramite il coinvolgimento delle strutture scolastiche nei confronti delle patologie andrologiche giovanili. Metodologia: Dal 2010 abbiamo sviluppato nella provincia di Alessandria un progetto andrologico di prevenzione/diagnosi denominato PASS rivolto ai giovani tra i 17 e 19 anni. Tale programma è suddiviso in una parte informativa a carattere scientifico-divulgativo; ed un’altra che prevede una visita andrologica. Risultati: In circa 5 anni abbiamo incontrato 4239 studenti, di cui 2087 maschi, 947 di questi hanno eseguito la visita andrologica. Conclusioni: Riteniamo che sia auspicabile che programmi andrologici di questo tipo debbano diventare una realtà strutturata.
Dall’inchiesta alla storia: costruzione di un repertorio di storie di infortunio sul lavoro
Authors: Fubini L. , Pasqualini O. , Gilardi L. , Marino M. , Santoro S.
Published: October 2016

Introduzione: La narrazione della dinamica infortunistica è fondamentale per l’analisi eziologica e l’identificazione di strategie per gli interventi preventivi. L’obiettivo è stato sperimentare l’utilità di un sistema di raccolta di storie sulla capacità di comunicarle con un metodo di trasferimento delle evidenze basato sulla narrazione. Metodologia: Gli operatori dei SPreSAL sono stati arruolati mediante laboratori volti a individuare gli infortuni, adottare una scrittura efficace, identificare gli elementi chiave. Risultati: Hanno aderito 43 operatori SPreSAL. Sono state raccolte e pubblicate sul sito Dors 33 storie. Conclusione: La sperimentazione ha dimostrato come la narrazione permetta di interpretare gli infortuni dando un senso che consente di ampliare la visione dei fattori di rischio e migliorare le indicazioni per la prevenzione.
Psychological intervention on children and adolescents with parents hospitalized in resuscitation in the hospital of Alessandria, Italy
Authors: Sterpone R. , Valorio P. , Paiuzzi E. , Venturini E. , Bonato V. , Vivaldi N.
Published: October 2016

Objectives: In light of the theoretical and clinical background of posttraumatic disorders, the article will propose an intervention with children and family members of inpatients in the intensive care unit. Methodology: Structure of the intervention: psychoeducation on the consequences of exposure to a critical event; analysis of the functioning/needs of the healthy adult and its ability to be, despite the difficult situation, a safe base; evaluation of the presence of a social network of support; co-construction, together with the adult, of the narrative of communication to the child/adolescent; evaluation of the moment in which it is appropriate for the healthy adult to make the communication; preparation of the child, integrating TCC and EMDR, for the meeting with the parent. Results: The intervention, carried out on 15 families, helped parents and children to deal with a critical situation. Conclusion: In some occasions, communication must be carried out in an emergency/urgency, since the clinical conditions of the hospitalized family member are extremely serious and with an inauspicious prognosis that can degenerate in a short time. This intervention, however, can give the caregiver the perception of having been a secure base for the child in this difficult and delicate situation in his/her life history.
Verification of chemistry reference ranges using a simple method in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: De Baetselier Irith , Taylor Douglas , Mandala Justin , Nanda Kavita , Van Campenhout Christel , Agingu Walter , Madurai Lorna , Barsch Eva-Maria , Deese Jennifer , Van Damme Lut , Crucitti Tania
Published: October 2016

Background: Chemistry safety assessments are interpreted by using chemistry reference ranges (CRRs). Verification of CRRs is time consuming and often requires a statistical background.Objectives: We report on an easy and cost-saving method to verify CRRs.Methods: Using a former method introduced by Sigma Diagnostics, three study sites in sub- Saharan Africa, Bondo, Kenya, and Pretoria and Bloemfontein, South Africa, verified the CRRs for hepatic and renal biochemistry assays performed during a clinical trial of HIV antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis. The aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase, creatinine and phosphorus results from 10 clinically-healthy participants at the screening visit were used. In the event the CRRs did not pass the verification, new CRRs had to be calculated based on 40 clinically-healthy participants.Results: Within a few weeks, the study sites accomplished verification of the CRRs without additional costs. The aspartate aminotransferase reference ranges for the Bondo, Kenya site and the alanine aminotransferase reference ranges for the Pretoria, South Africa site required adjustment. The phosphorus CRR passed verification and the creatinine CRR required adjustment at every site. The newly-established CRR intervals were narrower than the CRRs used previously at these study sites due to decreases in the upper limits of the reference ranges. As a result, more toxicities were detected.Conclusion: To ensure the safety of clinical trial participants, verification of CRRs should be standard practice in clinical trials conducted in settings where the CRR has not been validated for the local population. This verification method is simple, inexpensive, and can be performed by any medical laboratory.
Quality assurance as an integral component of diagnostic testing in clinical laboratories and point-ofcare testing: The Uganda experience
Authors: Aisu Steven , Nyegenye Wilson , Bigira Victor , Kiyaga Charles , Dfendu Michael , Acellam Sam , Walwema Richard , Nakiyingi Lydia , Sewanyana Isaac , Namakula Aida , Batamwita Richard , Lali William
Published: October 2016

No abstract available.
Implementing quality assurance for laboratory-based and point-of-care HIV testing in Nigeria
Authors: Abubakar Ado , Peters Samuel , Balogun Oyebimpe , Osawe Sophia , Mamman Ille , Barde Joshua , Ojo Emmanuel , Ezati Nicholas , Bango Jide , Ngige Evelyn , Emeribe Anthony , Abimiku Alash'le
Published: October 2016

No abstract available.
Data connectivity: A critical tool for external quality assessment
Authors: Cheng Ben , Cunningham Brad , Boeras Debrah I. , Mafaune Patron , Simbi Raiva , Peeling Rosanna W.
Published: October 2016

Point-of-care (POC) tests have been useful in increasing access to testing and treatment monitoring for HIV. Decentralising testing from laboratories to hundreds of sites around a country presents tremendous challenges in training and quality assurance. In order to address these concerns, companies are now either embedding connectivity in their new POC diagnostic instruments or providing some form of channel for electronic result exchange. These will allow automated key performance and operational metrics from devices in the field to a central database. Setting up connectivity between these POC devices and a central database at the Ministries of Health will allow automated data transmission, creating an opportunity for real- time information on diagnostic instrument performance as well as the competency of the operator through external quality assessment. A pilot programme in Zimbabwe shows that connectivity has significantly improve the turn-around time of external quality assessment result submissions and allow corrective actions to be provided in a timely manner. Furthermore, by linking the data to existing supply chain management software, stock-outs can be minimised. As countries are looking forward to achieving the 90-90-90 targets for HIV, such innovative technologies can automate disease surveillance, improve the quality of testing and strengthen the efficiency of health systems.
Assuring the quality of diagnostic testing: The future is now
Authors: Nkengasong John , Boeras Debrah I. , Abimiku Alash'le , Peeling Rosanna W.
Published: October 2016

No abstract available.
Dark refraction shift with allowance for astigmatism
Authors: Gillan W.D.H.
Published: October 2016

Purpose: To show that the dark refraction shift (dark focus) is a more complicated phenomenon than implied when presented as spherical. Methods: Fifty autorefractor measurements of refractive state of the right eye were obtained in light  and  dark  conditions.  Multivariate  methods were used to analyze the data and stereo-pair scat-ter plots, polar meridional profiles and other means of presenting results are used to show important characteristics of the dark refraction shift. Results: The complexity of the dark refrac-tion shift is indicated by stereo-pair scatter plots showing the amount of stigmatic and antistigmatic variation that occurs in light and dark conditions. The mean dark refraction shift is presented in a complete manner including all three components of refractive state. The greater variance and covari-ance under dark conditions is clearly shown by the term-by-term dark-light variance-covariance ratio and polar profiles  of variance and covariance.Conclusions: The  dark  refraction  shift  is  a more complicated phenomenon than implied by representations as purely spherical in nature.
The concept of the average eye
Authors: Van Gool R.D.
Published: October 2016

For most quantitative studies one needs to calculate an average. In the case of refraction an average is readily computed as the arithmetic average of dioptric power matrices. Refraction, however, is only one aspect of the first-order optical  character  of  an  eye.  The  question  is: How does one determine an average that rep-resents the average optical character of a set of eyes  completely  to  first  order? The  exponen-tial-mean-log  transference  has  been  proposed recently  but  it  is  not  without  its  difficulties.  There  are  four  matrices,  naturally  related  to the  transference  and  called  the  characteristics or characteristic matrices, whose mathematical features suggest that they may provide alterna-tive  solutions  to  the  problem  of  the  average eye. Accordingly the purpose of this paper is to propose averages based on these characteristics, to  examine  their  nature  and  to  calculate  and compare them in the case of a particular sample of 30 eyes. The eyes may be stigmatic or astig-matic and component elements may be centred or  decentred.  None  turns  out  to  be  a  perfect average. One of the four averages (that based on one of the two mixed characteristics) is proba-bly of little or no use in the context of eyes. The other three, particularly the point-characteristic average, seem to be potentially useful.
Prevalence and causes of low vision and blindness worldwide
Authors: Oduntan A.O .
Published: October 2016

A recent review of the causes and prevalence of low vision and blindness world wide is lack-ing. Such review is important for highlighting the causes and prevalence of visual impairment in the different parts of the world. Also, it is important in providing information on the types and magnitude of eye care programs needed in different parts of the world. In this article, the causes and prevalence of low vision and blind-ness in different parts of the world are reviewed and  the  socio-economic  and  psychological implications are briefly discussed. The review is based on an extensive review of the litera-ture using computer data bases combined with review of available national, regional and inter-national journals. Low vision and blindness are more prevalent in the developing countries than in the developed ones. Generally, the causes and prevalence of the conditions vary widely in different parts of the world and even within the same country. World wide, cataract is the most common cause of blindness and low vision among adults and elderly. Infectious diseases such as trachoma and onchocerciasis result-ing in low vision and blindness are peculiar to Africa, Asia and South America. Hereditary and congenital conditions are the most common causes of low vision and blindness among chil-dren worldwide.
The log-transference and an average Gaussian eye
Authors: Harris W.F.
Published: October 2016

Recent research on the logarithm of matrices is likely to have a signiﬁcant impact on optom-etry.  The purpose of this paper is to draw atten-tion to this research and show application to the calculation of an average centred Gaussian eye in particular.  The paper makes use of Cardoso’s method to obtain an explicit expression for the logarithm of a  transference. The arithmetic aver-age of log-transferences leads to a transference which can be regarded as the transference of the average eye for the set.  A numerical example is presented.
Fundamentals of colour awareness: a literature review
Authors: Rubin A.
Published: October 2016

A description of some of the basic or funda-mental aspects of the colour sensory mechanism will be provided here, based on modern ideas and literature, with reference speciﬁcally to the likely origins and evolution of colour vision.  The mo-lecular basis for colour awareness and the human colour pathway will also be considered in some detail. This paper intends to provide the theoreti-cal and philosophical basis for further papers that will introduce a modern and original computer- based  method  for  more  comprehensive  colour vision  assessment.    This  new  approach,  to  be fully described in later manuscripts, may contrib-ute towards improvements in understanding and knowledge of human colour perception and its measurement, still perhaps a relatively under-ex-plored or neglected ﬁeld of study within optom-etry and ophthalmology.
Application of multivariate analysis of vari-ance (MANOVA) to distance refractive vari-ability and mean distance refractive state
Authors: Abelman S
Published: October 2016

Refractive state can be regarded as a dynam-ic quantity. Multiple measurements of refractive state can be determined easily and rapidly on a number of different occasions using an autore-fractor. In an experimental trial undertaken by Gillan, a 30-year-old female was subjected to 30 autorefractor measurements each taken at vari-ous intervals before and after the instillation of Mydriacyl 1% (tropicamide) into her right eye. The purpose of this paper is to apply multivar-iate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to Gillan’s sample data in order to assess whether instillation of Mydriacyl into the eye affects variability of distance refractive state as well as mean distance refractive state as measured by an autorefractor. In  five  of  the  seven  cases  where  pairwise hypotheses  tests  were  performed,  it  is  con-cluded that at a 99% level of confidence there is no difference in variability of distance refrac-tive state before and after cycloplegia. In two of the three cases where MANOVA was applied, there is a significant difference at a 95% and at a 99% level of confidence in both variability of distance refractive state and mean distance refractive  state  with  and  without  cycloplegia.
An unusual case of a penetrating wound of the orbit
Authors: Bulbulia A. , Roux P. , Asholi A.
Published: October 2016

No Abstract Available
Antistigmatic accommodation
Authors: Gillan W.D.H.
Published: October 2016

No Abstract Available
A comparison of the effect of reduced illumination and tinted lenses on stereospsis at near
Authors: Mehta M. , Ramkissoon P. , Bhagwanjee A. M.
Published: October 2016

Relative depth may be appreciated with the use of one eye using linear perspective, shadows, parallax and texture as monocular cues to depth. Stereopsis, on the other hand, is the directappreciation of relative depth that requires the use of both eyes to construct a three-dimension-al percept from disparate two-dimensional retinal images. The advantage of stereopsis is with respect to complex visual tasks especially that requiring accurate hand-eye coordination. Tinted lenses are prescribed for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to photophobia, asthenopia, improving colour perception in colour deﬁcient individuals, enhancing cosmesis and protection against glare or harmful radiation and enhancing visual performance as in sports. The aim of this study was to investigate the comparative effects of six speciﬁc CR39 tinted spectacle lenses (grade B), and a white CR39 lens, against a no lens condition, on stereoacuity over a range of illumination levels. Illumination was varied with the use of neutral density (ND) ﬁlters, while the Titmus Fly Stereotest (TFS) wasused to measure stereoacuity. Participants (n =60) between the ages of 17 - 29 years (mean =23.58; sd = 3.14) were purposively sampled from a clinical practice to participate in this research study.  Using repeated measures ANOVA and appropriate post-hoc multivariate analysis, it was evident that there was a signiﬁcant decline in stereopsis as the level ofillumination decreased,regardless of tint condition; also there was no statistically signiﬁcant difference in stereopsis between the no lens and white lens conditions at each level of illumination; and stereopsis wassigniﬁcantly superior with the no lens conditioncompared to all six other tint conditions (gradeB), at each level of illumination. These results indicate that stereoacuity, as measured by the TFS, is adversely affected by adecline in retinal illuminance and by the use of tinted lenses. This information could be utilised to advise patients on the performance implications of the six tinted lenses tested with respectto their effects on stereoacuity under different illumination levels.
International Optometrist of the Year
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: October 2016

No abstract available
Quantitative analysis of transformed ray transferences of optical systems in a space of augmented Hamiltonian matrices*
Authors: Harris W. F.
Published: October 2016

There is a need for methods for quantitative analysis of the first-order optical character of optical systems including the eye and components of the eye.  Because of their symplectic nature ray transferences themselves are not closed under addition and multiplication by ascalar and, hence, are not amenable to conventional quantitative analysis such as the calculation of an arithmetic mean.  However transferences can be transformed into augmented Hamiltonian matrices which are amenable to such analysis.  This paper provides a general methodology and in particular shows how to calculate means and variance-covariances representing the first-order optical character of optical systems.  The systems may be astigmatic and may have decentred elements.  An accompanying paper shows application to the cornea of the human eye with allowance for thickness.
The stroma and keratoconus: a review
Authors: Gillan W. D. H.
Published: October 2016

No abstract available
Introducing low vision care into the Government eye care services in South Africa
Authors: Oduntan A. O.
Published: October 2016

There are many visually impaired people all over the world including South Africa, unfortunately, vision rehabilitation services are lacking  in many countries. Currently in South Africa, low vision care is offered by a few private optometric practitioners, optometric institutions and non-governmental organizations. Although most of the major Government hospitals in the country provide ophthalmological services to patients, only a few of these provide optometric services and none provides low vision care services yet.  There is therefore, a great need to increase vision rehabilitation services in the country.  There are plans to introduce optometry sections into government hospitals in every Province of South Africa and these plans include introduction of low vision care as part of the optometric services.   There is, therefore a need for information on how to introduce  low vision care services into existing optometry facilities in the Government hospitals and those that may be established in the future.   The purpose of the article is to discuss how low vision services can be introduced into public eye care facilities. Issues relating to rehabilitation of visually impaired patients, low vision care, infrastructure, equipment, low vision devices and human resources are discussed in this paper.   To justify the facility needs, basic information on assessment procedure of low vision patients is included.  Also, names and contact details of a few companies supplying low vision devices in South Africa are provided.  The contents of this article will be useful to health care managers in the government hospitals; especially those in charge of the optometry services as well as the optometrists who may wish to work in the low vision care sections in Government hospitals.
The near triad and associated visual problems
Authors: Emslie R. , Sachs N. , Claassens A. , Walters I.
Published: October 2016

No abstract available