Qualification Criteria Research Articles

Evaluation of Available Online Information Regarding Treatment for Vitreous Floaters

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the quality, content, and readability of information available online on vitreous floater information. Design Cross-sectional study. Participants Not applicable Methods Websites were generated using a Google search of “vitreous floaters treatment” and “[State]” and were analyzed using a standardized checklist of 22 questions. Readability was assessed using the Flesch Reading Ease score. Websites met qualification criteria if they represented U.S.-based institutions, if they provided clinical care and addressed vitreous floater treatment on their website. Results Of the 1,065 websites screened, 456 were included. Of these, 406 (89%) were private institutions, 24 (5.3%) were academic, and 26 (5.7%) were a combination of private and academic. The average readability score correlated to a 10th-12th grade reading level. Vitreous floater treatment was discussed on 283 (62.1%) websites and 63 (21.8%) websites discussed potential side effects. Google rank was inversely correlated with the depth of explanation (r = −0.114, p = .016). Observation was the main treatment recommended (55.8%, n = 158), followed by laser treatment (27.6%, n = 78), no specific treatment recommendation (11.3%, n = 32), and vitrectomy (5.3%, n = 15). Centers with vitreoretinal surgeons were 16.43 times more likely to recommend vitrectomy than those without vitreoretinal surgeons (p < .001). Conclusions Online information about vitreous floater treatment is variable, and the material is at a higher than recommended reading level for health information. While treatment was discussed by nearly two thirds of websites, less than a quarter mentioned possible complications, and treatment recommendations varied significantly depending on physician training.

Status of the Series Fabrication of the Superconducting Magnet Packages for LIPAc Cryomodule

The last acceleration stage of the deuteron beam of the LIPAc linear accelerator is provided by eight superconducting cavities in a cryomodule (SRF Linac). Each cavity needs a magnet package, which consists of a solenoid for beam focusing and two vertical and horizontal dipole correctors for beam steering. The superconducting coils are fed by vapour cooled current leads. The beam position monitor is part of the magnet helium vessel. The series fabrication of eight sets of magnets and current leads has been performed by Elytt Energy, under CIEMAT follow-up. This paper describes the final design used for production, the main challenges addressed during fabrication, together with the quality control procedure, acceptance tests and qualification criteria to validate both the magnets and current leads. Currently some activities are being performed in the magnet helium vessels for improvement of surfaces for handling inside the clean room and reducing the risk of presence of particulate contaminations in the beam tube.

Dental plaque removal and motivation of a manual toothbrush versus an interactive power toothbrush in young people with fixed orthodontic appliances: a single examiner-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

Introduction: The goal of this 2-arm equal preliminary clinical trial was to decide the plaque expulsion efficacy (primary result) and the motivation assessment (auxiliary result) looking at a manual versus an interactive power toothbrush in orthodontic patients. Methods: Sixty teenagers with fixed orthodontic appliances who reported to the Department of Periodontics for routine oral prophylaxis in the both arches were randomized in a 1:1 proportion parallel, randomized, examiner-blindcontrolled clinical preliminary. Qualification criteria included in any event 16 characteristic teeth, 1-6 "center consideration zones," plaque score of ≥1.75, no serious caries, gingivits and periodontitis, no dental prophylaxis, no smoking, no anti-microbials, and no chlorhexidine mouth wash. Subjects were to brush solo with either an interactive power toothbrush (Oral-B Professional Care 6000, D36/EB20) with Bluetooth innovation or a customary manual toothbrush (Oral-B Indicator 35 delicate). Center consideration regions were each brushed for 10 extra seconds like inter-proximal spaces. Plaque removal was surveyed with the utilization of the Turesky Modification of the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (TMQHPI) to decide change from standard at 2 weeks followed by 6 weeks. Supervised brushing at screening and post-treatment visits recorded real brushing times. Subject-revealed motivational viewpoints were recorded at screening and week 6. Results: Fifty-nine subjects between 13-17 years finished the investigation. The interactive power toothbrush gave significantly (P\0.001) more noteworthy plaque decrease versus the manual toothbrush at 2 and 6 week as indicated by the entire mouth TMQHPI. The treatment contrast in balanced mean plaque change from standard was 0.777 (95% CI 0.614-0.940) at week 2 and 0.834 (0.686-0.981) at week 6. Mean decreases in the quantity of center consideration regions were likewise significantly more noteworthy (P \0.001) in the power brush bunch at weeks 2 and 6. Brushing times increased significantly at weeks 2 and 6 (P #0.013) versus standard baseline in the interactive powertoothbrush group only.Subject-revealed motivation was significantly increased in the interactive power tooth brush group at week 6 as opposed to screening (P #0.005). Conclusions: An interactive power toothbrush produced increased brushing times and significantly more prominent plaque removal versus a manual brush.

TOOLS FOR FINANCING ECOSYSTEM-BASED ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

The article aims to determine the "portfolio" of financing ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change based on the analysis of traditional market instruments used to preserve, maintain and restore ecosystem services and biodiversity. The definition of ecosystem-based adaptation, its qualification criteria and elements of their application in contrast to traditional economic measures for biodiversity and nature conservation are revealed. The relevance of using ecosystem and nature-based approaches to adapt to climate change and reduce the risk of natural disasters given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events associated with climate change – severe droughts, floods, heatwaves, storms and other hazards are explored. Accordingly, the urgency of adaptation to climate-related risks and hazards in different economic sectors, e.g. agriculture, land use, fisheries, and natural components with a focus on the climate impacts prognosis for the European region, using effective and affordable measures with additional long term social and environmental benefits are explained. Trends and specific gaps in the international experience in financing climate adaptation measures are considered. The most common instruments for financing nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change, which are already used in world practice or have the potential of their practical implementation in various sectors, including environmental and carbon taxes, subsidies, tradable environmental permits, risk insurance, obligations, debt and equity instruments, as well as innovative forms of green loans, green bonds, and climate-related insurance types are systematized and represented. The specifics of financing such measures through international funds, development banks and European Union funds are considered. Possibilities of integrating financing of ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change to the current processes of climate change adaptation policy development of Ukraine, particularly in the context of performance of obligations under the Paris climate agreement, are considered.

Effects of Tonal Noise on Workers' Annoyance and Performance.

Objective:Numerous references indicate that the subjectively assessed tonal noise annoyance is higher than that of broadband noise. There are no criteria for the impact of tonal noise in assessing the occupational environment for both indoor areas and workplaces.Materials and Methods:The study participants included 50 people who met the audiometric qualification criteria. The research method employed both a questionnaire survey and computer psychological tests checking work performance, attention level, and memory. Four types of generated test signals were developed (filtered noise − A and three signals with tonal components 125, 1600, and 8000 Hz − B, C, and D) at the same sound level A of 55 dB. Test signals C and D were assessed as causing the greatest annoyance and as the loudest.Results:The results of some tests and the assessment of annoyance and of the volume of test signals containing medium and high frequency tonal components were correlated with the participants’ noise sensitivity, determined on the basis of a questionnaire. Although there are no statistically significant differences, it was observed in most cases for signals with C (1600 Hz) and D (8000 Hz) tonal components that the results (mean values or median values) of psychological tests deteriorated with respect to a noise signal without tonal components (A) − a smaller number of calculations, a smaller number of correct responses, more errors made.Conclusion:These results, combined with those of the questionnaire survey, justify the introduction of the tonality annoyance criterion for workstations where, among other things, focusing one’s attention is required.

Qualifying for a Type of Pension and Poverty Measurement

The period of exiting from once full-time years of daily employment to a period of less time constraint can be a period of excitement or misery in poverty. It is pathetic that at one period, an individual is on a payroll of an employer but at another period the individual is not on any pension roll. The objective of the paper is to examine the qualification criteria for a pension and the effect of a pension type on poverty. Primary data was gathered from residences with at least one person aged 60 years old or older across 24 sampled localities in the country. A logistic regression estimation method was employed for the data analyses. The findings of the study indicate that different pension systems have different qualifying criteria that the individual must satisfy to be able to get the monthly pension. The conceptual framework indicates that although some individuals contributed to the SSNIT pension scheme, they could not qualify for the monthly pension due to the inability to satisfied the minimum number of months. The findings also show that the SSNIT pension recipients household were less likely of being poor compared to the CAP30 pensioners. It is recommended that SSNIT should embark on vigorous awareness creation exercise to educate the general public about the tenets of social security pension.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FUTURE THEATER PROFESSIONALS TRAINING IN THE UNITED STATES

The article analyses the main features of professional training of future theatre professionals in the context of the historical formation of organizations involved in the development of various acting and public policy and a description of the qualifications of actors. On the basis of the carried out research the basic factors which determine development of sphere of preparation of future experts of theatrical art are defined.In order to determine the main factors in the development of professional training of theatrical artists, the author made a brief retrospective analysis of the key stages of development of this process, which include: the League of Professional Theatre Training Programs, BFA and MFA, x and 70's; development of a network of permanent companies of full-time actors who perform culturally significant work and are concentrated in the region and the community; creation of the Department of Scientific and Cultural Support, which takes care of the financing of theatrical events and events.It is established that at the present stage in the United States educational policy to develop and support art institutions, institutions and organizations; at the state level the role and significance of art in general and theatrical art in particular are defined. It is determined that at the present stage an important role in the implementation of US educational policy in the training of future theatre professionals is played by the National Endowment for the Arts, whose priority is to involve young people and children in early childhood. The National Foundation for the Arts monitors the state of theatrical art in the country, conducts research in the field and develops a strategy for the further development of theatrical art.The author's special attention was focused on the qualification requirements of future theatrical specialists, which also determine the main features of future theatre professionals training in the United States. It is determined that the main criteria of qualification of the future specialist of theatrical art are good physique, kinaesthetic skill, accuracy of movements, figurative memory, structure and clarity of thinking, expressiveness of voice, with good articulation and skill in breath control, ability to respond to stimuli originating from external reality and the ability to reflect through internal feelings, etc.It is determined that the general characteristics of professional training of future theatre professionals in the United States include: public involvement, expanding the scope and influence of theatre organizations, the formation of qualification criteria for the actor's skills and the creation of financial distribution organizations in the field of theatre training and art in general.

Testing and Evaluation of Anchor Channels under Fatigue Loading

Cast-in anchor channels are used to connect steel components to concrete structures e.g., for elevators, cranes or machines, where repeated load cycles require verification against fatigue failure. The fatigue resistance of anchor channels may be determined by tests according to the interactive method, which provides a complete description of the S/N curve from one to infinite load cycles according to the current assessment document. This procedure differs from conventional fatigue concepts, which do not consider loads that are part of low cycle fatigue, but also question the general existence of an endurance limit. An alternative approach presented in this paper is based on the assumption that the S/N curve can be approximated by a bilinear function. The procedure for the evaluation of fatigue tests on anchor channels embedded in concrete is described. A comparison with the current qualification criteria is given by a test example to discuss the applicability of the proposed method.

Enduro World Series (EWS) Mountain Biking Injuries: A 2-year Prospective Study of 2010 Riders

The sport of Enduro is the newest International Cycling Union sanctioned discipline in mountain biking. There are a number of studies reporting mountain biking injury to date however there are none detailing injuries in Enduro. The aim of the present study was to determine the rate, severity and nature of rider injury during the Enduro World Series. Rider injury, and race and practice exposure data were recorded prospectively during 10 events across the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Incorporating 2010 riders (males 90%; females 10%) from 46 countries. 8.9% of riders were injured with mean 12.3 days time-loss per injury. Racing injury incidence was 38.3/1000 hours and practice injury incidence 3.6/1000 hours (p=0.01). The shoulder/clavicle (12.8% of all injuries), hand (9.0%) and head (9.0%) were the most injured locations. Concussion injury was the most frequent diagnosis (7.4%), and shoulder/clavicle fractures caused the greatest burden (442 total days lost). Of those with concussion 28.6% continued racing, and 42.9% reported no time-loss (i. e. time off) post-race. In conclusion, the rate of injury during EWS race events was comparable to Downhill racing. Targeted injury prevention strategies around rider concussion education and rider qualification criteria may help to reduce the risk of injury in Enduro.

Adoptive Therapy with Allogeneic Cord Blood T Regulatory Cells Show Safety and Early Clinical Signal in Primary Myelofibrosis

Adoptive Therapy with Allogeneic Cord Blood T Regulatory Cells Show Safety and Early Clinical Signal in Primary Myelofibrosis

Offensive and Defensive Plus–Minus Player Ratings for Soccer

Rating systems play an important part in professional sports, for example, as a source of entertainment for fans, by influencing decisions regarding tournament seedings, by acting as qualification criteria, or as decision support for bookmakers and gamblers. Creating good ratings at a team level is challenging, but even more so is the task of creating ratings for individual players of a team. This paper considers a plus–minus rating for individual players in soccer, where a mathematical model is used to distribute credit for the performance of a team as a whole onto the individual players appearing for the team. The main aim of the work is to examine whether the individual ratings obtained can be split into offensive and defensive contributions, thereby addressing the lack of defensive metrics for soccer players. As a result, insights are gained into how elements such as the effect of player age, the effect of player dismissals, and the home field advantage can be broken down into offensive and defensive consequences.

The Meaning of Informed Consent: Genome Editing Clinical Trials for Sickle Cell Disease

Background A first therapeutic target of somatic genome editing (SGE) is sickle cell disease (SCD), the most commonly inherited blood disorders, affecting more than 100,000 individuals in the United States. Advancement of SGE is contingent on patient participation in first in human clinical trials. However, seriously ill patients may be vulnerable to overestimating the benefits of early phase studies while underestimating the risks. Therefore, ensuring potential clinical trial participants are fully informed prior to participating in a SGE clinical trial is critical. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study of adults with SCD as well as parents and physicians of individuals with SCD. Participants were asked to complete a genetic literacy survey, watch an educational video about genome editing, complete a two-part survey, and take part in focus group discussions. Focus groups addressed topics on clinical trials, ethics of gene editing, and what is not understood regarding gene editing. All focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using conventional content analysis techniques to identify major themes. Results: Our study examined the views of SCD stakeholders regarding what they want and need to know about genome editing to make an informed decision to participate in a SGE clinical trial. Prominent themes included stakeholders’ desire to understand treatment side effects, mechanism of action of SGE, trial qualification criteria, and the impact of SGE on quality of life. In addition, some physicians expressed concerns about the extent to which their patients would understand concepts related to SGE; however, individuals with SCD demonstrated higher levels of genetic literacy than estimated by physicians. Conclusions: Designing ethically robust genome editing clinical trials for the SCD population will require, at a minimum, addressing the expressed information needs of the community through culturally sensitive engagement, so that they can make informed decisions to consider participation in clinical trials.

A Study on the Training System of Music Teachers in England, Australia and New Zealand

The purpose of this study is to research the characteristics of music teacher training courses and teacher qualification systems in England, Australia and New Zealand. To this end, a literature study was conducted on the education system of each country, teacher education system, music teacher curriculum, and teacher qualification system. This study found that music teacher training courses and teacher qualifications in Australia and New Zealand are based on the England education system formed during the England colonial period. The three countries' music teacher training system is operated as a system that completes both the music major and teaching course in the course of a degree, or after the course of a music major, and becomes a music teacher. The appointments of music teachers are carried out differently depending on the characteristics of the region after completing the qualification criteria at the national level.

Irreversible loss of brain function-Part 1: pitfalls in clinical diagnosis

A significant change in the fourth update of the German guidelines on determining brain death is that it includes an explicit profile of requirements on physicians involved in ILBF diagnosis. These requisite qualification criteria have also been formulated due to the fact that, in many hospitals, ILBF diagnosis is only rarely carried out and, as a result, uncertainty frequently arises. Typical difficulties emerge at all stages of ILBF diagnosis, and numerous relevant pitfalls arise that need to be taken into consideration and which might also be relevant in the selection of the method(s) to detect irreversibility. The approaches presented here are suited to achieving a valid result in the evaluation of equivocal ILBF.

Exiting Homelessness, The Perspectives of Those Experiencing Housing Instability

Background: For nearly thirty years homelessness has increased steadily in major cities around the globe, including Alberta Canada. Strategies adopted by the Canadian and Alberta governments to manage homelessness has yielded limited success. Signaling that Individuals experiencing homelessness are yet to be included adequately in search of solutions. Comprehension of homelessness phenomenon remains a challenge, as well as ending homelessness. The purpose of this phenomenological investigation study was to understand homelessness phenomenon from the experience of people who do not have homes and are experiencing housing instability. Methods: A total of 15 respondents were recruited. We performed in-depth, open-ended interviews for data collection. Following hermeneutic and phenomenological principles, interview data was retrieved, transcribed, summarized, described, and explained. Results: The prominent themes indicated a need to make housing, and utilities affordable, and rent and mortgage qualification criteria easy; a need for revising of credit bureau and criminal record policies; people at the shelters entitled to welfare or other benefits requires grace period of at least three months before withholding payment of their entitlements; vital skills training is necessary to secure a job, for financial management, for positive behaviour, and supervised spending. Shelter awareness is necessary, and making government support services efficient, and non-discriminatory. End all discriminations and provide 40hrs/week regular full-time jobs. Conclusion: The homeless, public, public health, and homeless service providers would benefit from the findings. Findings could help to stir homelessness reduction strategies to keep people out of the street in Canada.

Unintended consequences for patients denied bariatric surgery: a 12-year follow-up

Many patients who seek weight loss surgery are denied an operation because of insurance barriers, psychological concerns, and poor medical fitness for surgery. The aim of this cohort study was to study the causes and outcomes of selected patients denied metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). Academic, accredited bariatric program. From January to December 2007, a multidisciplinary, accredited MBS program denied 107 patients surgery. Twelve years later a retrospective chart review and phone survey was conducted. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed using Χ2 and t test, respectively. Forty patients either declined participation or were lost to follow-up. Of 64 remaining patients, 13 patients were noted to have been ineligible for surgery by National Institutes of Health criteria. Three additional patients were excluded from the study. Of the remaining 51 denied patients, 24 patients (47%) ultimately underwent MBS at a later date. These patients had less severe hypertension (P < .05), hyperlipidemia (P < .05), diabetes (P < .05), and pain (P < .05) in comparison to those who never underwent MBS. All 24 patients were alive at 12-year follow-up compared with the 27 patients who did not undergo MBS, of which 12 (44%) were deceased at 12-year follow-up (P < .05). Of note, 10 of the remaining 15 living patients who did not undergo MBS are eligible today based on National Institutes of Health consensus criteria. This study found that most patients who were initially turned away from MBS ultimately satisfied qualification criteria. Those who are denied MBS represent a vulnerable group ofpatients who may never seek MBS again despite eventually qualifying. These patients may benefit fromcontinued follow-up and counseling to achieve weight loss.

Project Manager Classification for Design and Build Construction of State Buildings

This study aims to obtain an appropriate classification of Project Manager (PM) experts for the Construction Design and Build of State Buildings. Where the criteria are taken from the tender for the Construction Design and Build project of the State Building using multi-criteria analysis, by conducting an expert interview, namely to the Construction Management Consultant and Committing Officer (PPK). Based on research using indicators of education, experience, certification, behavior and culture. the results obtained are appropriate Project Manager qualification criteria for the Design and Construction of State Buildings.

Effects of intravenous and inhalation anesthesia on blood glucose and complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder syndrome caused by relative or absolute lack of insulin and varying degrees of insulin resistance. The type and regimen of anesthesia may affect perioperative hyperglycemia following major surgical stress. The effect of perioperative anesthetics on the blood glucose level of diabetic patients will play an essential role in the postoperative recovery of patients. However, there is no rigorously-designed randomized controlled trial to compare the effects of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and total inhalation anesthesia (TIHA) on blood glucose and complications in type 2 diabetes. Hence, we design this clinical trial to compare the effects of TIVA and TIHA of hyperglycemia and clinical outcomes in type 2 diabetes undergoing surgery.MethodsThis is a randomized, double-blind, parallel controlled trial. One hundred twelve patients with type 2 DM who meet the qualification criteria will be randomly divided into two groups: TIVA group and TIHA group. The levels of serum insulin and cortisol will be measured before and after the operation, and the levels of blood glucose at different setting time will be monitored. All patients will be followed up by blinded evaluators at baseline and 1, 3, 7, and 30 days after the intervention. The follow-up included postoperative complications [such as myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, renal failure, anastomotic fistula, stress ulcer, incision infection, lung infection] and adverse events.DiscussionThe routinely used clinical anesthesia schemes are TIVA, TIHA and intravenous-inhalation combined anesthesia. We expect that the results of this trial will provide high-quality clinical evidence for the choice of anesthesia options for patients with type 2 DM.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000029247, registration date: 20 January 2020.

DEVELOPMENT OF LEAFLET BASED ON THE BRUNER THEORY ON THE MATERIALS OF THE TWO-VARIABLE LINEAR EQUATION SYSTEM

This study aims to develop a leaflet based on Bruner's theory for the two-variable linier equation system, which is valid and describes its characteristics. Research development is used to take three stages, namely the prelimanary reseach, prototipe design and assessment. The instrument in the form of a product validation sheet was designed to obtain an assessment from an expert in mathematics, mathematics education and learning media. Aspects assessed include content validity, constructs, graphics and language. Data analysis uses the percentage formula and the results obtained compared with the validity qualification criteria of a product. Furthermore, the characteristics of the leaflet are described. Validation results for all aspects are classified as very valid. Bruner's theory-based leaflets that have been declared very valid by three validators still need improvement, especially aspects of language. Based on the validator's evaluation and validator's suggestion, finally obtained the characteristics of the Bruner theory-based leaflet for valid SPLDV material namely leaflets: in accordance with the learning objectives of SPLDV, according to the characteristics needs of junior high school students, containing material presented following the stages of Bruner's theory and in accordance with the level of student understanding

General Corrosion of Chromium-Coated Zirconium- and Titanium-Based Alloys in Supercritical Water at 500 °C

Abstract The 300 MWel small Canadian supercritical water-cooled reactor (SCWR), which is a scaled-down version of the original 1200 MWel concept, has a smaller core, uses low enriched uranium fuel instead of a plutonium–thorium fuel, and features a lower (maximum) cladding temperature of 500 °C. The lower cladding temperature may permit the use of different alloys, including zirconium alloys, which had been ruled out as candidates for the Canadian SCWR, whose cladding temperature may reach 850 °C. The potential to use zirconium alloys is exciting because they have a low neutron cross section, which in turn means that fewer neutrons are lost, and the fuel can be used more efficiently. One advantage, for example,, is that the fuel cycle can be lengthened. In this paper, we report on the results of corrosion experiments used to screen zirconium- and titanium-based alloys as well as corrosion-resistant coating materials such as Cr and Al as potential candidates for fuel cladding in the small Canadian SCWR. These experiments were conducted in a refreshed autoclave in deaerated supercritical water at 500 °C and 23.5 MPa. After exposure, the weight gain was measured, and the oxide thickness and the oxide phases were examined. Of all materials, the coated and uncoated Ti-grade 2 and Ti-grade 5 alloys met our screening qualification criteria, however, Al/Cr-coated zirconium coupons showed notable improvement and will be explored further in future testing.