Overcoming Challenges Research Articles

Compositional variability of pigments and related materials used in stone reliefs from the Tula Archaeological Zone, Mexico: Overcoming challenges of a highly restored site

Tula is a monumental complex arranged in terraces and platforms, where the stone architecture is decorated with anthropomorphic and zoomorphic carvings, and polychromed stone reliefs. As a first step for designing appropriate restoration and conservation strategies, the characterization of the color palette of the reliefs was performed. The simultaneous occurrence of salts, conservation materials and pollution represented a major challenge that required a combination of non-destructive in situ analyses and laboratory tests on a limited number of samples. The pigments identified include Maya blue, hematite, jarosite, black earth and calcite, while gypsum was present both as part of the pictorial technique and as an alteration product. Finally, environmental pollution together with water availability was found responsible for the salt damage of the painted surfaces.

COVID 19: The New Normal in the Clinic: Overcoming Challenges in Palliative Care

Background and Aim:In the wave of COVID-19 pandemic, the whole world has come to a standstill. This led to a major setback for cancer patients jeopardizing their treatment plans. This study analyzes the coping mechanisms of running outpatient and inpatient palliative care services in these COVID-19 times – the New Normal.Materials and Methods:An observational study was conducted in the pain and palliative care unit at a tertiary care hospital, India. The data were collected from March 23, 2020, to May 22, 2020, of all patients coming to the clinic and inpatient referrals. Using manual and electronic records, demographic data was collected along with clinical data. Additional data were compiled with special attention to the patient's pain and its management.Results:Despite complete lockdown and initial low patient load, we saw a progressive increase in the number of patients coming to the clinic. A total of 108 patients visited our clinic (65 male and 43 female), of which 78% of the patients were from Delhi. The median age was 43.94 years (range 6 years to 76 years). We had 33 new and 75 old registered cases coming. The main reason was new-onset pain because of noncompliance of drugs; the opioid stock finished with the patient. We saw a very high number of patients requiring strong and weak opioids. Proper personal protection and social distancing helped in preventing crossinfection. None of our staff or patients fell ill during this time. Communication skills were modified to convey feelings and empathize patients. Telemedicine using phone and video calls was used and found to be useful.Conclusion:We share our experience and challenges of providing palliative care in our clinic which can be modified as per the individual requirements in other setups.

205.3: Overcoming challenges with deceased organ donation at a northern tertiary teaching healthcare institution.

205.3: Overcoming challenges with deceased organ donation at a northern tertiary teaching healthcare institution.

A new SDN-based framework for wireless local area networks

Nowadays wireless networks are becoming important in personal and public communication andgrowing very rapidly. Similarly, Software De ned Network (SDN) is an emerging approach to over-come challenges of traditional networks. In this paper, a new SDN-based framework is proposedto ne-grained control of 802.11 Wireless LANs. This work describes the bene ts of programmableAccess Points. The proposed framework is evaluated on a prototype. We show that this architectureallows us to react to application needs, adjust network con guration for a priority application, detectnetwork problems, and improve the user experience of the network. Our architecture relies on theIEEE 802.11 standard, and exploits it to collect information from the stations.

Engineered Polymeric Materials for Biological Applications: Overcoming Challenges of the Bio-Nano Interface.

Nanomedicine has generated significant interest as an alternative to conventional cancer therapy due to the ability for nanoparticles to tune cargo release. However, while nanoparticle technology has promised significant benefit, there are still limited examples of nanoparticles in clinical practice. The low translational success of nanoparticle research is due to the series of biological roadblocks that nanoparticles must migrate to be effective, including blood and plasma interactions, clearance, extravasation, and tumor penetration, through to cellular targeting, internalization, and endosomal escape. It is important to consider these roadblocks holistically in order to design more effective delivery systems. This perspective will discuss how nanoparticles can be designed to migrate each of these biological challenges and thus improve nanoparticle delivery systems in the future. In this review, we have limited the literature discussed to studies investigating the impact of polymer nanoparticle structure or composition on therapeutic delivery and associated advancements. The focus of this review is to highlight the impact of nanoparticle characteristics on the interaction with different biological barriers. More specific studies/reviews have been referenced where possible.

Features

The following topics are under this section: The future of predicting lifestyle diseases is here in Asia Breaking Barriers for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare: bridging vision and reality with the language of trust Overcoming Challenges of Managing Information in Life Sciences, Towards the Digital Future Under the Weather: Cybersecurity Woes in the healthcare Industry

PP#139 - Overcoming challenges for immunoreactivity assessment of radiolabeled antibodies

PP#139 - Overcoming challenges for immunoreactivity assessment of radiolabeled antibodies

The clinical use and performance of high-sensitivity (hs) cardiac troponin assays with the ESC 0–1 hour algorithm: Overcoming challenges in implementation

The clinical use and performance of high-sensitivity (hs) cardiac troponin assays with the ESC 0–1 hour algorithm: Overcoming challenges in implementation

11th International Conference on Geotechnical Engineering in Tropical Regions (GEOTROPIKA) and 1st International Conference on Highway and Transportation Engineering (ICHITRA) 2019

PREFACEThis conference with the theme “Overcoming Challenges of the 4th Industrial Revolution in Geotechnical Engineering” is a platform to share, discuss and disseminate recent findings, developments and advancements in geotechnical engineering in terms of theory, materials, design and applications. Referring to the theme, it is noteworthy to realize that the 4th Industrial Revolution (or 4IR) is essentially characterized by a fusion of technologies in various fields which include among other things artificial intelligence, nanotechnology and the Internet of Things (IoT).The changes and advancements in technology in the era of 4IR are evolving at a very fast pace, requiring us to respond accordingly. Hence, our responses must be integrated and comprehensive, regardless of which institutions or organisations we belong to, from the public and private sectors to academia and civil society. With the participations of academicians, researchers, engineers, inventors and designers, local and abroad, I look forward to observing and participating in harmonious and fruitful discussions as part of our efforts and preparations to keep pace with the ever-evolving changes in technology while maximizing the benefits in the field of geotechnical engineering.EDITORIAL BOARDGEOTROPIKA – ICHITRA 2019Chief EditorsDr. Haryati YaacobDr. Nor Zurairahetty Mohd YunusDr. Mohd Khairul Idham Mohd SatarMr. Muhammad Azril HezmiEditorsNadiah JamaludinMohamad Hafeezi AbdullahQurratu Aini Siat@SiratNoor Iman Safiya Mohd MuhtarNorfazira Mohd AzaharSiti Nur Naqibah KamarudinMohd Zul Hanif Mahmud

Detroit‐Area Compression Molding Workshop Instructs on Overcoming Challenges Posed by Traditional Composite Technologies

Plastics EngineeringVolume 75, Issue 4 p. 6-11 Compression Molding Workshop Detroit-Area Compression Molding Workshop Instructs on Overcoming Challenges Posed by Traditional Composite Technologies Industry reports and molding demos highlight research projects on advanced composites for automobiles Peggy Malnati, Peggy MalnatiSearch for more papers by this author Peggy Malnati, Peggy MalnatiSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 April 2019 https://doi.org/10.1002/peng.20103Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Volume75, Issue4April 2019Pages 6-11 RelatedInformation

ESC e-Cardiology Working Group Position Paper: Overcoming challenges in digital health implementation in cardiovascular medicine.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the availability of highly effective treatments, the contemporary burden of disease remains huge. Digital health interventions hold promise to improve further the quality and experience of cardiovascular care. This position paper provides a brief overview of currently existing digital health applications in different cardiovascular disease settings. It provides the reader with the most relevant challenges for their large-scale deployment in Europe. The potential role of different stakeholders and related challenges are identified, and the key points suggestions on how to proceed are given. This position paper was developed by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) e-Cardiology working group, in close collaboration with the ESC Digital Health Committee, the European Association of Preventive Cardiology, the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Heart Failure Association, the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging, the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association, the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions, the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions and the Council on Hypertension. It relates to the ESC's action plan and mission to play a pro-active role in all aspects of the e-health agenda in support of cardiovascular health in Europe and aims to be used as guiding document for cardiologists and other relevant stakeholders in the field of digital health.

Mentorship: A Strategic Technique for Achieving Excellence, Manpower Development and Nation Building?

Abstract The aim of the paper is to address the possibility of using mentorship as a strategic technique for achieving academic excellence, manpower development and in over-coming challenges of nation building. The authors conducted an extensive review of relevant literature from studies based on quantitative, qualitative, mixed method research and position papers on mentoring. This was followed with an analysis, synthesis and integration of ideas arising therefrom. Thereafter, they developed a logical link between the three variables. The paper concludes that while mentorship may not be the panacea to attaining these variables, it no doubt can play a vital role in achieving academic excellence, manpower development and nation building and therefore it is a strategy worth investing time, effort and money in adopting a combination of appropriate models.

Creating high-quality early childhood education in Rwanda: teacher dispositions, child-centred play, and culturally relevant materials

ABSTRACT Overcoming challenges to quality early education in developing nations, TEACH Rwanda, one high-performing education system, offers a model of childhood learning through sensitive teacher dispositions, child-centred play, and culturally relevant materials. This manuscript provides a unique window into the practices of a quality early childhood system in Rwanda and articulates how these high-quality approaches to early childhood education can be executed successfully in developing nations with limited resources. The guidelines for practice and illustrations from real classrooms are relevant for a range of educators around the world. One key to success is the programmes’ homegrown professional development approach featuring Rwandans teaching Rwandans, which builds capacity within the system. The professional development description encourages administrators and directors to establish such programmes which can successfully build capacity and sustainability within their schools.

Narrative analysis of written accounts about living with epileptic or psychogenic nonepileptic seizures

PurposeThis study is based on a narrative analysis of individuals’ written accounts of living with epilepsy (n = 29) or psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (n = 20, PNES). Narrative analysis looks at both the content and structure of the personal account. We used a form of narrative analysis that allowed us to identify common story lines, otherwise known as narrative typologies, potentially characteristic of these patient groups. Different narrative typologies were described and compared between writers with the two conditions. MethodsAs part of a therapeutic writing intervention for individuals living with a seizure disorder, participants were asked to write for at least 20 min about their very deepest thoughts and feelings about their condition. ResultsFive narrative typologies emerged:1. ‘Losses from Illness’ – stories were dominated by events individuals could no longer do, authors appeared more disabled reporting greater frequency of seizures and lower health-related quality of life.2.‘Feeling Lost’ – participants appeared to be in search of something and expressed uncertainty.3.‘Tackling Adversity’ – individuals strove to not let their condition stop them from living their life.4.‘Overcoming Challenges’ – stories reflected that the condition must be battled and fought with.5.‘A Normal Life’ – individuals had demonstrated that they are managing to live with their condition. ConclusionsWhile the ‘Tackling Adversity’ typology was preferentially used by writers with epilepsy, the ‘Feeling Lost’ typology was chosen more commonly by those with PNES. People with epilepsy narrate their disorder differently from those with PNES, suggesting that they have different life and illness experiences.

Predictors in the Selection of an AAC system: An Evidence-based Report on Overcoming Challenges

Purpose: Identification of the most suitable Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) device for individuals with varying degrees of communication impairments is immensely challenging. This study aimed to understand the effectiveness of analysing the various sensory, cognitive and environmental factors during the selection of an AAC. Methods: Four children with different developmental disabilities were assessed in the domains of sensory ability, cognitive skills and environmental factors. The selection of an AAC was primarily dependent on the positive indicators in these domains and the specific challenges pertaining to each participant. Results: Participants’ progress was assessed. All the children progressed across the levels of the Communication Matrix. Conclusion: Understanding of sensory perceptual capacities and an attempt to overcome environmental barriers lead to the successful use of an AAC system. The study attempts to establish a platform for further research on the efficacy of utilising sensory perceptual learning with AAC to overcome communication barriers in children with severe developmental disabilities.

Nanobiotechnology medical applications: Overcoming challenges through innovation

Abstract Biomedical Nanotechnology (BNT) has rapidly become a revolutionary force that is driving innovation in the medical field. BNT is a subclass of nanotechnology (NT), and often operates in cohort with other subclasses, such as mechanical or electrical NT for the development of diagnostic assays, therapeutic implants, nano-scale imaging systems, and medical machinery. BNT is generating solutions to many conventional challenges through the development of enhanced therapeutic delivery systems, diagnostic techniques, and theranostic therapies. Therapeutically, BNT has generated many novel nanocarriers (NCs) that each express specifically designed physiochemical properties that optimize their desired pharmacokinetic profile. NCs are also being integrated into nanoscale platforms that further enhance their delivery by controlling and prolonging their release profile. Nano-platforms are also proving to be highly efficient in tissue regeneration when combined with the appropriate growth factors. Regarding diagnostics, NCs are being designed to perform targeted delivery of luminescent tags and contrast agents that enhance the NC -aided imaging capabilities and resulting diagnostic accuracy of the presence of diseased cells. This technology has also been advancing the ability for surgeons to practice true precision surgical techniques. Incorporating therapeutic and diagnostic NC-components within a single NC can facilitate both functions, referred to as theranostics, which facilitates real-time in vivo tracking and observation of drug release events via enhanced imaging. Additionally, stimuli-responsive theranostic NCs are quickly developing as vectors for tumor ablation therapies by providing a model that facilitates the location of cancer cells for the application of an external stimulus. Overall, BNT is an interdisciplinary approach towards health care, and has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for humanity by significantly decreasing the treatment burden for patients, and by providing non-invasive therapeutics that confer enhanced therapeutic efficiency and safety

The Eastern necropolis of Nea Paphos: Overcoming challenges in a lost landscape

This paper presents a multidisciplinary methodological approach to the study of archaeological sites with low visibility in the modern landscape. The urban expansion of many modern cities that have been developed very near or on ancient grounds has had a serious effect on the visibility of ancient sites. In addition, the unearthing of archaeological locales as a result of rescue excavations conducted by traditional means in the last hundred years and without the help of recent technological advances, also contributed to limited visibility of ancient sites on the modern landscape. This paper addresses this issue by focusing on an important archaeological site on the island of Cyprus, namely the Eastern necropolis of Nea Paphos, a significant funerary landscape in Hellenistic and Roman times. Rescue excavations back in the 1980s brought to light a plethora of burial architecture, of shaft and chamber tomb types. Despite detailed excavation records, information regarding the exact location and spatial distribution of these features is not available and is now lost forever since the modern city's urban expansion significantly altered the ancient landscape. The paper proposes a methodological approach to dealing with this issue that brings together traditional archaeological data, geo-data and modern geospatial tools. Even though the focus of this study is the Hellenistic-Roman necropolis of Nea Paphos in southwest Cyprus, the methodology could find wide application to low visibility archaeological sites throughout the island, especially where funerary landscapes are involved, excavated in the past under the form of rescue excavations.

Technology Focus: Natural Gas Processing and Handling

Technology Focus Despite a dip earlier in the year, natural-gas prices remained steady over 2017, averaging $2.99/million Btu. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), the decrease in natural-gas price in 2017 was because of the warmer winter and lower gas usage for power generation, which led to lower demand. According to the latest figures from the International Energy Agency, the year-over-year aggregate gross consumption (production plus imports minus exports and stock changes) for US natural gas was up 5.7% in October 2017. Rising demand from Mexico coupled with lower gas prices and greater pipeline capacity resulted in US exports increasing by 0.4 Bcf/D in 2017, and they are expected to increase by a further 0.6 Bcf/D in 2018. In 2017, the US also became a net exporter for the first time since 1957 when taking annual figures into account. Early 2018 has been a different story, however, with natural-gas prices already hitting a couple of peaks (of greater than $5/million Btu according to the Henry Hub Spot Price history). In the US, colder-than-expected temperatures contributed to peaks in demand, but, at the time of writing, the prices have settled down to the pre-“bomb cyclone” levels, with current natural-gas prices almost mirroring those in 2017 (at $2.868/million Btu). The Henry Hub Natural Gas Spot Prices are projected to average $2.88/million Btu in 2018. The EIA predicts that natural-gas usage for residential and commercial purposes will likely increase by 1.3 Bcf in 2018. Industrial consumption is also expected to rise by 1.2% this year, with an average of 21.7 Bcf/D. Dry-natural-gas production is expected to rise to 6.9 Bcf/D (9.3%). Most of the growth in natural gas is expected to be in the Marcellus, Utica, and Permian basins. Similarly, for liquefied natural gas (LNG), the forecasts are rosy, with an expected average rate of 3.0 Bcf/D in 2018. This is because of an expected increase in production from the Cove Point terminal in Maryland and additional facilities coming online this year—namely, the Elba Island facility in Georgia and the Free-port LNG plant in Texas. A novel hybrid solvent for acid-gas removal improves the handling of sour natural gas by effectively dealing with mercaptans present without the need for modifying facilities and with no adverse effects on the sulfur-recovery units down the line. This enables the whole process to be more economical and efficient while meeting the necessary health, safety, and environment requirements. To learn more, visit the 2018 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhi-bition in Dallas on 24–26 September and the 2018 SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference in Brisbane, Australia, on 23–25 October. Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org. SPE 186394 Investigation of Failed LNG Boil-Off Gas-Transfer-Line-Expansion Bellows Using Finite-Element-Analysis Approach by E.Y. Pratama, PT Badak LNG SPE 186932 From Sandface to Processing Plant, an Integrated View of an Operating Envelope in a Gas/Condensate System by M. Sueiro, Repsol, et al. SPE 188347 Overcoming Challenges To Reduce H2S Content in Sales-Gas-Transmission Pipelines by JagannathRao PrakashRao Allamaraju, Abu Dhabi Gas Industries, et al.

APSIM Next Generation: Overcoming challenges in modernising a farming systems model

From 1990, the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) has grown from a field-focused farming systems framework used by a small number of people, into a large collection of models used by thousands of modellers internationally. The software grew to consist of several hundred thousand lines of code in multiple programming languages. This has led to a large, complex software ecosystem that is difficult to maintain. In addition, systems modellers increasingly require software systems that integrate multiple disciplines, can represent evermore complex farming systems, can run on multiple operating systems (desktop, web, mobile), can operate at or be adjusted to multiple temporal and spatial scales (field, farm, region, continent, global) and run faster for larger simulation analyses. This is difficult to achieve in an aging framework.For these reasons, the APSIM Initiative is building the next generation of APSIM. This manuscript outlines the approach taken and lessons learnt.

Online Exams: The Need for Best Practices and Overcoming Challenges

Online Exams: The Need for Best Practices and Overcoming Challenges