Satisfactory Rating Research Articles

Teaching treatment planning for protons with educational open-source software: experience with FoCa and matRad.

Open‐source, MATLAB‐based treatment planning systems FoCa and matRAD were used in a pilot project for training prospective medical physicists and postgraduate physics students in treatment planning and beam modeling techniques for proton therapy. In the four exercises designed, students learnt how proton pencil beams are modeled and how dose is calculated in three‐dimensional voxelized geometries, how pencil beam scanning plans (PBS) are constructed, the rationale behind the choice of spot spacing in patient plans, and the dosimetric differences between photon IMRT and proton PBS plans. Sixty students of two courses participated in the pilot project, with over 90% of satisfactory rating from student surveys. The pilot experience will certainly be continued.

Academic Achievement and Performance in the Licensure Examination for Teachers of the Elementary Education Graduates from Mindanao State University-Maigo School of Arts and Trades

This study was conducted to look into the degree of relationship between the academic achievement of the Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) major in General Education graduates from the Mindanao State University-Maigo School of Arts and Trades (MSU-MSAT) and their performance in the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET). Specifically, performances in the general and professional education components of the above variables as well as the cumulative grade-point average (CGPA) of these graduates and their LET final ratings were correlated. The study used descriptive-correlational method. Documentary analysis was the main tool employed in gathering data. Pearson Product-Moment Coefficient of Correlation (rxy) was used to determine the degree of relationship between the two variables while t distribution (t) was utilized to test the statistical significance of the correlation coefficients. It was disclosed that majority of the graduates had good academic achievement. LET passing percentage was high, and most of the graduates obtained a satisfactory rating. Correlation with regard to general education was descriptively low. Correlations as to professional education, and between CGPA and LET final ratings were equally moderate. However, results of the tests on the significance of the correlation coefficients pointed out substantial dependence of LET ratings upon the graduates’ academic achievement. This means that academic achievement is a good LET determinant suggesting that BEEd major in General Education curriculum should be properly implemented and monitored to meet efficiently and effectively its learning standards, and produce quality and LET-ready graduates.

Calibration of a Field-Scale Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) Model with Field Placement of Best Management Practices in Alger Creek, Michigan

Subwatersheds within the Great Lakes “Priority Watersheds” were targeted by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) to determine the effectiveness of the various best management practices (BMPs) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service National Conservation Planning (NCP) Database. A Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model is created for Alger Creek, a 50 km2 tributary watershed to the Saginaw River in Michigan. Monthly calibration yielded very good Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) ratings for flow, sediment, total phosphorus (TP), dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP), and total nitrogen (TN) (0.90, 0.79, 0.87, 0.88, and 0.77, respectively), and satisfactory NSE rating for nitrate (0.51). Two-year validation results in at least satisfactory NSE ratings for flow, sediment, TP, DRP, and TN (0.83, 0.54, 0.73, 0.53, and 0.60, respectively), and unsatisfactory NSE rating for nitrate (0.28). The model estimates the effect of BMPs at the field and watershed scales. At the field-scale, the most effective single practice at reducing sediment, TP, and DRP is no-tillage followed by cover crops (CC); CC are the most effective single practice at reducing nitrate. The most effective BMP combinations include filter strips, which can have a sizable effect on reducing sediment and phosphorus loads. At the watershed scale, model results indicate current NCP BMPs result in minimal sediment and nutrient reductions (<10%).

Smart Wheelchair with Dual Control using Touchpad and Android Mobile Device

The general objective of the design was to develop a touchpad controlled Android-based electronic wheelchair. It aimed to construct the Android-based circuitry and program for the path finding mechanism of the drive system and interface the Arduino-based circuit to the electronic wheelchair setup. It was designed to evaluate the system in terms of the speed of the electronic wheelchair, reliability of the sensors to avoid obstacle, and ease of use of the wheelchair. C Programming Language was used by the system to control and manipulate the microcontroller, Gizduino AtMega644. The Android application was programmed using the Java Language and Eclipse as the IDE. Its ports were used to interface input and output devices such as the ultrasonic sensors, infrared proximity sensor, touchpad, Bluetooth module, motor and motor driver. There was a satisfactory rating for the evaluation of the system while the Android software was rated excellent as a navigational controller .

Smart Wheelchair with Dual Control using Touchpad and Android Mobile Device

The general objective of the design was to develop a touchpad controlled Android-based electronic wheelchair. It aimed to construct the Android-based circuitry and program for the path finding mechanism of the drive system and interface the Arduino-based circuit to the electronic wheelchair setup. It was designed to evaluate the system in terms of the speed of the electronic wheelchair, reliability of the sensors to avoid obstacle, and ease of use of the wheelchair. C Programming Language was used by the system to control and manipulate the microcontroller, Gizduino AtMega644. The Android application was programmed using the Java Language and Eclipse as the IDE. Its ports were used to interface input and output devices such as the ultrasonic sensors, infrared proximity sensor, touchpad, Bluetooth module, motor and motor driver. There was a satisfactory rating for the evaluation of the system while the Android software was rated excellent as a navigational controller .

The safety and therapeutic efficacy of ultrasound drug infiltration on skin hyperalgesia

Objective To evaluate the safety and therapeutic efficacy of ultrasound drug infiltration to alleviate the skin hyperalgesia which induced by herpes zoster. Methods Sixty patients with skin hyperalgesia, induced by herpes zoster, were randomly divided into three groups(n=20), respectively received ultrasound drug infiltration and oral drug(G group), intradermal and oral drug(I group), and oral drug treatment only(C group). Scores in visual analogue scale(VAS) and emotional scales(ES) were evaluated before and after treatment, and the adverse reactions were recorded. Results Both VAS and ES scores in three groups decreased after treatment. VAS in G group and I group decreased significantly more than C group (P<0.05). Decrease in ES scores in I group was significantly more than that in C group(P<0.05). Conclusions Both ultrasound infiltration and intradermal injection of drug can rapidly alleviate the skin hyperalgesia induced by herpes zoster. The ultrasound drug infiltration had higher satisfactory rating than intradermal drug injection. Key words: Herpes zoster; Hyperalgesia; Phonophoresis; Intradermal injection

Problems Encountered by Mobile Teachers Assigned in Tandag City Division, Surigao del Sur: A Case Study

This research study used both the qualitative and quantitative research designs to investigate the problems encountered by the mobile teachers in Tandag City Division. This study specifically aimed to: (1) describe the mobile teacher' socio-demographic and professional profile;(2)investigate their teaching performance; and (3) discover the problems they encountered in the implementation of the program. The data revealed that most of the mobile teachers assigned in the far-flung barangays of Tandag City are male teachers. Five of them are permanent and only one is contractual. Majority of them are graduates of Bachelor in Elementary Education and they are beginning teachers. The data reveal that they need more training and seminars on the pedagogy of Alternative Learning System and other related topics.In terms of teaching performance, they have a very satisfactory rating in the three indicators namely: personal attribute, competence and professional development. Four problems emerged: lack of instructional materials; delayed release of allowances; absence of permanent learning center and other facilities; and, irregular attendance of ALS students. They also complained the lack of support from local officials and their huge class size.

PELATIHAN MANAJEMEN DAYA TARIK WISATA DAN TEKNIK PEMANDUAN WISATA BAGI KELOMPOK TREKKING DI DESA BELOK SIDAN PETANG BADUNG

The purpose of community service activities are to provide knowledge to villagers Belok Sidan particularlySadar Wisata groups and trekking group "Titi Mamah" about how to manage natural attractions and guidingtechniques of trekking activities. The training uses lecture and group discussion. Aware group travel andtrekking given materials to manage tourist attraction based on the quality of service and satisfaction andtechnique guiding that meet the expectations of tourists. The results of training activities show veryenthusiastic participants attended training and various questions were raised mainly concerned with the typeof products that can be sold and how a satisfactory rating on an ongoing basis.

Complejidad y sostenibilidad de dos agroecosistemas con cacao, Siuna 2017

Esta investigación se realizó en la comunidad El Carao-Hormiguero, Siuna, 2017, en las fincas Los Laureles del Sr. German Valerio Pérez y El Encanto del Sr. Carlos López Lagos, con el fin de evaluar la complejidad y sostenibilidad de dos agro ecosistemas con cacao a través de manejo de biodiversidad en los agroecosistemas y determinar el nivel de sostenibilidad en el aspecto sociocultural, económico y agro-ambiental. Se aplicaron dos metodologías, Vázquez (2013) la cual evalúa seis indicativos y 64 indicadores, se miden con un rango de (0-4) siendo este un valor estándar para medir el nivel de complejidad de los sistemas de producción y HESOFI (2015) que evalúa 71 indicadores, 12 componentes y 3 criterios, sociocultural, económicos y agro-ambiental y para cada criterio se asigna un valor de 100. El coeficiente y manejo de la biodiversidad en la finca Los Laureles es medianamente complejo con un nivel del 2.61 (56.71%) con un índice satisfactorio y El Encanto 1.60 (33.44%), determinándose como un sistema de producción poco complejo con índice medianamente satisfactorio. El nivel de sostenibilidad que miden las dimensiones socio-cultural, económica y agro-ambiental para la finca El Encanto fue de 132 de 300, su fuerza radica en lo sociocultural con (66%), agro-ambiental con (41%) y económico con un (25%). Los Laureles presentó un valor de 202 de 300, su mayor fuerte fue lo sociocultural (75%), lo agro- ambiental (69%) y lo económico (58%). Tales resultados indican que Los Laureles cuenta con un grado de sostenibilidad del (67.40%), y El Encanto con (44.19%).

Walking closer to the sky: High-altitude landscapes and the peopling of the New World

Difficulty ascending ramps and inclines with a manual wheelchair adversely affects the everyday mobility and overall quality of life of manual wheelchair users. Currently, various anti-rollback devices are available to assist manual wheelchair users to ascend ramps and inclines. However, these devices have 2 main shortcomings: restriction to backward motion limiting recovery from an overturning wheelchair, which is a safety concern; and difficulty in engaging/disengaging the device while on the ramp.To evaluate the functionality and usability of 2 novel wheelchair anti-rollback devices developed to address these shortcomings (prototypes “Wheel” and “Brake”).Cross-sectional.Rehabilitation research facility.Twelve adult participants with chronic spinal cord injury.Participants completed training and tested with both the wheelchair anti-rollback devices on a 7.3-m-long ramp.Number of stops, perceived physical exertion, pain, and ease of use of these devices as participants maneuvered their wheelchairs up a 7.3-m ramp were assessed. Participants also evaluated their satisfaction with the usability of both the devices using the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction With Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0).Both prototypes evaluated overcame the limitations of the existing anti-rollback devices. Nonparametric statistical tests showed that participants rated both prototypes similarly for the overall functional and usability aspects. However, the participants' satisfactory rating were higher for the prototype “Brake” than for the prototype “Wheel” based on a functional aspect (ie, engaging/disengaging easiness), and higher for Wheel than for Brake, based on a usability aspect (prototype size).The qualitative and quantitative outcomes of this investigation, based on the usability and functional evaluations, provided useful information for the improvement in the design of both anti-rollback devices, which may allow manual wheelchair users to manage ramp ascent more safely and easily. Further evaluations with a different SCI population is recommended.IV

Reconstruction of complex distal femur open fracture with distal femoral locking plate and primary autologous free fibular graft

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;Distal femur fractures are high velocity injuries which accounts for 7-10% of all femoral fractures. These injuries are complex injuries which are difficult to manage. Despite advances in techniques and implants, treatment remains a challenge, in many situations.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; We present a retrospective review of 8 cases, involved in high velocity road traffic accident who presented to emergency department at St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India between September 2011 to December 2015, with complex open fracture of the distal femur with bone loss. All were managed with initial wound debridement and skeletal traction. Subsequently fractured femur was reconstructed with distal femoral locking plate stabilization, along with autogenous non vascularised fibular graft and cortical-cancellous graft bridging the bone defect. Radiological union, functional outcome measured with Tegner and Lyslom scores, KOOS score and complications were assessed.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;At average 5 years follow up, all the fractures have united well, with good functional outcome. X-ray showing united fracture with incorporation of the fibular graft. According to Tegner and Lyslom scoring, 6 patients had good rating, 2 had satisfactory rating. Average KOOS score was 82.15. Shortening of 2 cm and 4 cm in couple of patients was the major complication. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;Delayed primary surgery, using autologous non vascularised free fibular graft in conjunction with a locking compression plate, with autogenous cortico-cancellous graft is an effective, less technically demanding and cost effective means of reconstruction option to manage bone defects in complex open fractures of the distal femur. An overall acceptable results in terms of fracture union, fibular incorporation, adequate restoration of knee motion and early rehabilitation can be expected.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Non-cooperative game of effective channel capacity and security strength in vehicular networks

Vehicular ad-hoc networks pose stringent requirements on quality-of-service (QoS) and security strength in parallel because of their open channels and highly dynamic topology. Harmonizing these two conflicting goals is an urgent challenge, especially in VNs that are characterized by restrictive resources, e.g. bandwidth and link lifetime. This paper aims to balance the anticipated QoS and security strength in context to fully utilize limited network and computing resources to attain a satisfactory performance rating without compromising any security. To this end, we use non-cooperative game theory to formulate node utility, synthesizing the channel capacity and security strength from the perspective of adaptively controlling the transmit power and encryption block length in Nakagami multipath fading (NMF) channels. Moreover, we analyze the non-cooperative behavior of a “communication player” in controlling the transmit power and a “security player” in deciding the encryption block length, both of whom together strive to maximize the utility function at minimum cost. We then theoretically derive the pure strategy Nash equilibrium. Extensive numerical calculations are conducted to comprehensively investigate the reaction of the Nash equilibrium against the various combinations of the considered parameters. The results show that the proposed joint optimization method is capable of self-adapting to the vehicular context and improving the communication quality without compromising on security.

The granting (or refusal) of parole: the development of interlocutory decisions. A case study in Argentina

This paper intends to consider legal institution of “probation” as a transition to the free life after a period of prison confinement. Inconsistencies in the letter of the law on criminal enforcement of Argentina (24.660/96 and its amendments) and between the letter of the law and its implementation are described. Are showed two interlocutory decisions which grant or deny probation. Immediately arises the question about the comparison criteria between social relations maintained by these people among the context of confinement and the other of freedom due that parole is granted when the conduct and the concept confinement deserve a satisfactory rating without addressing the free life variables. It is then proposes the need to recognize other factors that nowadays are ignored and are of indispensable importance in planning public policy criminology.

The West Africa Disaster Preparedness Initiative: Strengthening National Capacities for All-Hazards Disaster Preparedness.

The Ebola outbreak demonstrated the need for improved disaster response throughout West Africa. The West Africa Disaster Preparedness Initiative was a training and assessment effort led by US Africa Command and partners to strengthen capacities among 12 West African partner nations (PNs). Series of 3-week training sessions with representatives from each PN were held from 13 July through 20 November 2015 at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra, Ghana. A team conducted Disaster Management Capabilities Assessments (DMCAs) for each PN, including a review of key data, a survey for leaders, and in-person interviews of key informants. All 12 PNs generated a national Ebola Preparedness and Response Plan and Emergency Operations Center standard operating procedures. DMCA metrics were generated for each PN. Top performers included Ghana, with a plan rated good/excellent, and Benin and Burkina Faso, which both achieved a satisfactory rating for their plans. More than 800 people from 12 nations were trained. PNs have improved disaster management capabilities and awareness of their strengths and weaknesses. The Economic Community of West African States has increased its lead role in this and future planned initiatives. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:431-438).

Evaluating the Functionality and Usability of Two Novel Wheelchair Anti-Rollback Devices for Ramp Ascent in Manual Wheelchair Users With Spinal Cord Injury

BackgroundDifficulty ascending ramps and inclines with a manual wheelchair adversely affects the everyday mobility and overall quality of life of manual wheelchair users. Currently, various anti-rollback devices are available to assist manual wheelchair users to ascend ramps and inclines. However, these devices have 2 main shortcomings: restriction to backward motion limiting recovery from an overturning wheelchair, which is a safety concern; and difficulty in engaging/disengaging the device while on the ramp. ObjectiveTo evaluate the functionality and usability of 2 novel wheelchair anti-rollback devices developed to address these shortcomings (prototypes “Wheel” and “Brake”). DesignCross-sectional. SettingRehabilitation research facility. ParticipantsTwelve adult participants with chronic spinal cord injury. MethodsParticipants completed training and tested with both the wheelchair anti-rollback devices on a 7.3-m-long ramp. Main Outcome MeasurementsNumber of stops, perceived physical exertion, pain, and ease of use of these devices as participants maneuvered their wheelchairs up a 7.3-m ramp were assessed. Participants also evaluated their satisfaction with the usability of both the devices using the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction With Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0). ResultsBoth prototypes evaluated overcame the limitations of the existing anti-rollback devices. Nonparametric statistical tests showed that participants rated both prototypes similarly for the overall functional and usability aspects. However, the participants' satisfactory rating were higher for the prototype “Brake” than for the prototype “Wheel” based on a functional aspect (ie, engaging/disengaging easiness), and higher for Wheel than for Brake, based on a usability aspect (prototype size). ConclusionsThe qualitative and quantitative outcomes of this investigation, based on the usability and functional evaluations, provided useful information for the improvement in the design of both anti-rollback devices, which may allow manual wheelchair users to manage ramp ascent more safely and easily. Further evaluations with a different SCI population is recommended. Level of EvidenceIV

Allogreffe fibulaire impactée et plaque verrouillée versus hémiarthrosplastie d’épaule dans les fractures 4 fragments proximales de l’humérus ostéoporotique : une étude prospective consécutive

ObjectivesTo compare the outcomes of intramedullary fibular allograft (IFA) with locking compression plates (LCPs) versus shoulder hemi-arthroplasty (HA) in osteoporotic four-part proximal humeral fracture (PHF). MethodsBetween January 2010 and December 2012, totally 60 cases with osteoporotic four-part PHF were enrolled in this study and were randomly separated into IFA and LCPs group and HA group (n=30). Additionally, surgery indexes for patients in the two groups, such as constant-Murley score (CMS), the disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score, individual subject evaluation of the outcomes, plain X-ray, and computer tomography (CT) scanning were evaluated and compared. ResultsCMS, DASH score, activities of daily living (ADL), and range of motion (ROM) were statistically higher in the IFA and LCPs group than those in the HA group at the last follow-up, whereas the pain were obviously lower than that in the HA group. Besides, patients in the IFA and LCPs group had higher abduction, external rotation with elbow, strength, and satisfactory rating compared with HA group at the last follow-up. However, one case developed avascular necrosis (AVN), one case encountered screw perforation, and one case experienced varus displacement in the IFA and LCPs group, while there were 2, 4, and 2 cases suffered from superficial infection, shoulder stiffness, tuberosity migration in the HA group, respectively. ConclusionIFA with LCP have an advantage in functional outcomes than shoulder HA.

Comparison of intramedullary fibular allograft with locking compression plate versus shoulder hemi-arthroplasty for repair of osteoporotic four-part proximal humerus fracture: Consecutive, prospective, controlled, and comparative study

ObjectivesTo compare the outcomes of intramedullary fibular allograft (IFA) with locking compression plates (LCPs) versus shoulder hemi-arthroplasty (HA) in osteoporotic four-part proximal humeral fracture (PHF). MethodsBetween January 2010 and December 2012, totally 60 cases with osteoporotic four-part PHF were enrolled in this study and were randomly separated into IFA and LCPs group and HA group (n=30). Additionally, surgery indexes for patients in the two groups, such as Constant-Murley score (CMS), the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, individual subject evaluation of the outcomes, plain X-ray, and computer tomography (CT) scanning were evaluated and compared. ResultsCMS, DASH score, activities of daily living (ADL), and range of motion (ROM) were statistically higher in the IFA and LCPs group than those in the HA group at the last follow-up, whereas the pain were obviously lower than that in the HA group. Besides, patients in the IFA and LCPs group had higher abduction, external rotation with elbow, strength, and satisfactory rating compared with HA group at the last follow-up. However, one case developed avascular necrosis (AVN), one case encountered screw perforation, and one case experienced varus displacement in the IFA and LCPs group, while there were 2, 4, and 2 cases suffered from superficial infection, shoulder stiffness, tuberosity migration in the HA group, respectively. ConclusionIFA with LCP have an advantage in functional outcomes than shoulder HA. Level of evidenceLevel II. Prospective cohort study.

Credit Risk and Discontinuous Effects of Monetary Reverse Transactions

A central bank possesses various instruments to provide liquidity. These are either outright monetary transactions (OMT) of securities or other refinancing facilities, primarily repos, which are executed with standard tenders. The eligible securities (i.e. bonds or equities) need to conform with certain credit risk criteria (i.e., satisfactory credit rating or low default probability). This paper introduces a monetary model to address the role of collateralized securities on the effectiveness of monetary policy. Our results suggest that credit rating downgrading may precipitate into a disproportionate credit contraction.

Implementation of patient-centered bedside rounds in the pediatric intensive care unit.

Implementation of effective family-centered rounds in an intensive care unit environment is fraught with challenges. We describe the application of PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) cycles in a quality improvement project to improve the process of rounds and increase family participation and provider satisfaction. We conducted pre-/postintervention surveys and used 5 process measures for a total of 1296 daily patient rounds over 7 months. We were successful in conducting family-centered rounds for 90% of patients, with 40% family participation and a 64.6% satisfactory rating by pediatric intensive care unit providers.

The Monitoring and Evaluation Tool of the Department of Education

Monitoring and Evaluation tool play a vital role in measuring the cause and effect of achieving a quality education. It determines the performance of both administrators and teachers in the delivery of knowledge and skills to our students. The study described and analyzed the monitoring and evaluation tool for the Department of Education in the case of Iligan City Division Philippines. The study used the descriptive – evaluative method and analyzed both descriptive and inferential statistics. General findings revealed that monitoring and evaluation tool was not piloted in the field at the same time performance indicators were not known by the teachers. It is also noted that teacher’s overall very satisfactory (VS) rating does not correspond to National Achievement Test (NAT) rating for the last (4) four years. Subsequently, a localized Monitoring and Evaluation tool is created with proper information dissemination and piloting so that teachers are aware of what to do during the class observation. Moreover, monitoring and evaluation must come up with skills indicators that would measure the skills transfer to ensure performance development of students that can compete globally. Keywords - Education, comprehensive, monitoring, evaluation, tool, descriptive design, DepEd, Iligan City, Philippines