Search results for: geopolitical risk
2442 Cyber Operational Design and Military Decision Making Process
Authors: M. Karaman, H. Catalkaya
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Due to the complex nature of cyber attacks and their effects ranging from personal to governmental level, it becomes one of the priority tasks for operation planners to take into account the risks, influences and effects of cyber attacks. However it can also be embedded or integrated technically with electronic warfare planning, cyber operation planning is needed to have a sole and broadened perspective. This perspective embodies itself firstly in operational design and then military decision making process. In order to find out the ill-structured problems, understand or visualize the operational environment and frame the problem, operational design can help support cyber operation planners and commanders. After having a broadened and conceptual startup with cyber operational design, military decision making process will follow the principles of design into more concrete elements like reaching results after risk management and center of gravity analysis of our and the enemy. In this paper we tried to emphasize the importance of cyber operational design, cyber operation planning and its integration to military decision making problem. In this foggy, uncertain and unaccountable cyber security environment, it is inevitable to stay away from cyber attacks. Therefore, a cyber operational design should be formed with line of operations, decisive points and end states in cyber then a tactical military decision making process should be followed with cyber security focus in order to support the whole operation.Keywords: cyber operational design, military decision making process (MDMP), operation planning, end state
Procedia PDF Downloads 5792441 Gender Diversity in Early Years Education: An Exploratory Study Applied to Preschool Curriculum System in Romania
Authors: Emilia-Gheorghina Negru
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As an EU goal, gender diversity in early year’s education aims and promotes equality of chances and respect for gender peculiarities of the pupils which are involved in formal educational activities. Early year’s education, as the first step to the Curriculum, prints to teachers the need to identify the role of the gender dimension on this stage, depending on the age level of preschool children through effective, complex, innovative and analytical awareness of gender diversity teaching and management strategies. Through gender educational work we, as teachers, will examine the effectiveness of the PATHS (Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies) curriculum the gender development of school-aged children. PATHS and a school-based preventive intervention model are necessary to be designed to improve children's ability to discuss and understand equality and gender concepts. Our teachers must create an intervention model and provide PATHS lessons during the school year. Results of the intervention will be effective for both low- and high-risk children in improving their range of math’s skills for girls and vocabulary, fluency and emotional part for boys in discussing gender experiences, their efficacy beliefs regarding the management of equality in gender area, and their developmental understanding of some aspects of gender.Keywords: gender, gender differences, gender equality, gender role, gender stereotypes
Procedia PDF Downloads 3672440 Conduction System Disease and Atrioventricular Block in Victims of COVID-19
Authors: Shirin Sarejloo
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Background: Electrophysiological-related manifestation of COVID-19 is a matter of debate in the literature nowadays. A wide spectrum of arrhythmias was observed among patients who have been infected with COVID-19. Objectives: This study discussed the prevalence of arrhythmias and conduction system disease in patients with COVID-19. Method: In this retrospective study, demographic and electrocardiographic data of 432 expired COVID-19 patients who had been admitted to Faghihi Hospital of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from August2020 until December 2020 were reviewed. Results: Atrioventricular nodal block (AVB) was found in 40(9.3%) patients. Furthermore, 28(6.5%) of them suffered from the first degree of AVB, and 12(2.8%) suffered from complete heart block (CHB). Among 189 cases (59.0%), ST-T changes agreed with myocardial infarction or localized myocarditis. Findings of myocardial injury, including fragmented QRS and prolonged QTc were observed among 91 (21.1%) and 28 (6.5%), respectively. In victims of COVID-19, conduction disease was not related to any comorbidities. Fragmented QRS, axis deviation, presence of S1Q3T3, and poor R wave progression were significantly related to conduction system abnormalities in victims of COVID-19 (P-value > 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings can serve in future studies that aim to develop a risk stratification method for susceptible COVID-19 patients. The myocardial injury appears to role significantly in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Consequently, we recommend health policymakers consider separate catheterization laboratories that provide service only to COVID-19 patients.Keywords: COVID-19, conduction system, ECG, atrioventricular block
Procedia PDF Downloads 842439 Pain Analysis in Musicians Using Digital Pain Drawings
Authors: Cinzia Cruder, Deborah Falla, Francesca Mangili, Laura Azzimonti, Liliana Araujo, Aaron Williamon, Marco Barbero
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Background and aims: According to the existing literature, musicians are at risk to experience a range of musculoskeletal painful conditions. Recently, digital technology has been developed to investigate pain location and pain extent. The aim of this study was to describe pain location and pain extent in musicians using a digital method for pain drawing analysis. Additionally, the association between pain drawing (PD) variables and clinical features in musicians with pain were explored. Materials and Methods: One hundred fifty-eight musicians (90 women and 68 men; age 22.4±3.6 years) were recruited from Swiss and UK conservatoires. Participants were asked to complete a survey including both background musical information and clinical features, the Quick Dash (QD) questionnaire and the digital PDs. Results: Of the 158 participants, 126 musicians (79.7%) reported having pain, with more prevalence in the areas of the neck and shoulders, the lower back and the right arm. The mean of pain extent was 3.1% ±6.5. The mean of QD was larger for musicians showing the presence of pain than for those without pain. Additionally, the results indicated a positive correlation between QD score and pain extent, and there were significant correlations between age and pain intensity, as well as between pain extent and pain intensity. Conclusions: The high prevalence of pain among musicians has been confirmed using a digital PD. In addition, positive correlations between pain extent and upper limb disability has been demonstrated. Our findings highlight the need for effective prevention and treatment strategies for musicians.Keywords: pain location, pain extent, musicians, pain drawings
Procedia PDF Downloads 2962438 Approach for Demonstrating Reliability Targets for Rail Transport during Low Mileage Accumulation in the Field: Methodology and Case Study
Authors: Nipun Manirajan, Heeralal Gargama, Sushil Guhe, Manoj Prabhakaran
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In railway industry, train sets are designed based on contractual requirements (mission profile), where reliability targets are measured in terms of mean distance between failures (MDBF). However, during the beginning of revenue services, trains do not achieve the designed mission profile distance (mileage) within the timeframe due to infrastructure constraints, scarcity of commuters or other operational challenges thereby not respecting the original design inputs. Since trains do not run sufficiently and do not achieve the designed mileage within the specified time, car builder has a risk of not achieving the contractual MDBF target. This paper proposes a constant failure rate based model to deal with the situations where mileage accumulation is not a part of the design mission profile. The model provides appropriate MDBF target to be demonstrated based on actual accumulated mileage. A case study of rolling stock running in the field is undertaken to analyze the failure data and MDBF target demonstration during low mileage accumulation. The results of case study prove that with the proposed method, reliability targets are achieved under low mileage accumulation.Keywords: mean distance between failures, mileage-based reliability, reliability target appropriations, rolling stock reliability
Procedia PDF Downloads 2592437 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Developed Clinical Pathway: Suggested Protocol
Authors: Maha Salah, Hanaa Hashem, Mahmoud M. Alsagheir, Mohammed Salah
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) represents a complex clinical syndrome and carries a high risk for mortality. The severity of the clinical course, the uncertainty of the outcome, and the reliance on the full spectrum of critical care resources for treatment mean that the entire health care team is challenged. Researchers and clinicians have investigated the nature of the pathological process and explored treatment options with the goal of improving outcome. Through this application of research to practice, we know that some previous strategies have been ineffective, and innovations in mechanical ventilation, sedation, nutrition, and pharmacological intervention remain important research initiatives. Developed Clinical pathway is multidisciplinary plans of best clinical practice for this specified groups of patients that aid in the coordination and delivery of high quality care. They are a documented sequence of clinical interventions that help a patient to move, progressively through a clinical experience to a desired outcome. Although there is a lot of heterogeneity in patients with ARDS, this suggested developed clinical pathway with alternatives was built depended on a lot of researches and evidence based medicine and nursing practices which may be helping these patients to improve outcomes, quality of life and decrease mortality.Keywords: acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), clinical pathway, clinical syndrome
Procedia PDF Downloads 5292436 Patterns, Determinants, and Implications of Rural-Urban Migration in the Garhwal Himalaya
Authors: Saurav Kumar
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Rural-urban migration is the most commonly adopted strategy in rural areas to overcome the risk associated with the subsistence economy and diversify income. The Garhwal Himalaya has the highest rate of rural-urban migration in India, which has serious repercussions. Despite this, there is a dearth of literature on the implications of rural-urban migration in the Garhwal Himalaya. This paper attempts to fill this void. The objectives of the paper are to look into various types, patterns, determinants, and implications of rural-urban migration in the Garhwal Himalaya. In order to meet the objectives, 15 villages were selected from five districts of the Garhwal Himalaya. In every district, three villages were chosen from different altitudes, including five from river valleys, five from mid-altitudes, and five from highlands. The villages range in altitude from 550m to 2660m. A total of 658 households were surveyed from the villages, covering 100% samples from each village. Using a structured questionnaire, the author asked the heads of each household about the types of rural-urban migration they practiced, the year of first migration, destinations of migration, and reasons for migration. Further, migrants’ age, sex, caste, marital status, educational background, income, occupation, and remittances sent by migrants were also inquired about. The study reveals that rural-urban migration is a serious problem in Garhwal Himalayas, posing various socio-economic issues. Without immediate action, it will have serious consequences. Finally, this study suggests some policy measures to minimize the current rate of rural-urban migration in the Garhwal Himalaya.Keywords: rural-urban migration, Garhwal Himalaya, patterns, determinants, implications
Procedia PDF Downloads 1212435 Basics of SCADA Security: A Technical Approach
Authors: Michał Witas
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This paper presents a technical approach to analysis of security of SCADA systems. Main goal of the paper is to make SCADA administrators aware of risks resulting from SCADA systems usage and to familiarize with methods that can be adopt to existing or planned system, to increase overall system security level. Because SCADA based systems become a industrial standard, more attention should be paid to the security of that systems. Industrial Control Systems (ICS) like SCADA are responsible for controlling crucial aspects of wide range of industrial processes. In pair with that responsibility, goes a lot of money that can be earned or lost – this fact is main reason of increased interest of attackers. Additionally ICS are often responsible for maintaining resources strategic from the point of view of national economy, like electricity (including nuclear power plants), heating, water resources or military facilities, so they can be targets of terrorist cybernetic attacks. Without proper risk analysis and management, vulnerabilities resulting from the usage of SCADA can be easily exploited by potential attacker. Paper is based mostly on own experience in systems security, gathered during academic studies and professional work in international company. As title suggests, it will cover only basics of topic, because every of points mentioned in the document can be base for additional research and papers.Keywords: denial of service, SCADA, security policy, distributed network
Procedia PDF Downloads 3672434 Influence of Shift Work on Fasting Blood Sugar in Hospital Workers
Authors: Sheila R. Pai, N. K. Subbalakshmi, C. Vidya
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Background: Accumulating evidence from prospective studies suggests an increased risk of type 2 diabetes associated with sleep deprivation and sleep disorders. Shift work by disrupting the circadian rhythm, could possibly cause metabolic disturbances. Objective: To investigate the influence of shift work on fasting blood glucose in hospital workers population. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 90 night shift workers (study group) and 90 day workers (controls) drawn from paramedical personnel. Night shift work was on a forward rotation basis, with an average of one night shift every 4 weeks. Each night shift rotation was for a period of 7 days, with a total of 8 hours of shift work per night. In the entire subjects body mass index (BMI) and fasting blood sugar (FBS) was measured. Statistical analysis included unpaired t test, Mann-Whitney ‘U’ test and Chi-square test. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Result: The study and control groups were comparable with regard to age, sex distribution and duration of employment. FBS was higher in study group compared to controls (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in BMI between control and study group. Conclusion: Shift work may adversely influence glucose metabolism.Keywords: shift work, fasting blood sugar, sleep disturbances, diabetes
Procedia PDF Downloads 2642433 Antibiotic and Fungicide Exposure Reveal the Evolution of Soil-Lettuce System Resistome
Authors: Chenyu Huang, Minrong Cui, Hua Fang, Luqing Zhang, Yunlong Yu
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The emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have become a pressing issue in global agricultural production. However, understanding how these ARGs spread across different spatial scales, especially when exposed to both pesticides and antibiotics, has remained a challenge. Here, metagenomic assembly and binning methodologies were used to determine the mechanism of ARG propagation within soil-lettuce systems exposed to both fungicides and antibiotics. The results of our study showed that the presence of fungicide and antibiotic stresses had a significant impact on certain bacterial communities. Notably, we observed that ARGs were primarily transferred from the soil to the plant through plasmids. The selective pressure exerted by fungicides and antibiotics contributed to an increase in unique ARGs present on lettuce leaves. Moreover, ARGs located on chromosomes and plasmids followed different transmission patterns. The presence of diverse selective pressures, a result of compound treatments involving antibiotics and fungicides, amplifies this phenomenon. Consequently, there is a higher probability of bacteria developing multi-antibiotic resistance under the combined pressure of fungicides and antibiotics. In summary, our findings highlight that combined fungicide and antibiotic treatments are more likely to drive the acquisition of ARGs within the soil-plant system and may increase the risk of human ingestion.Keywords: soil-lettuce system, fungicide, antibiotic, ARG, transmission
Procedia PDF Downloads 912432 Impact of Diet and COVID-19 Policies on Osteopenia in a Hispanic White Adolescent Girl
Authors: Maria Angelica Trak-Fellermeier, Alison K. Macchi, Rodolfo Galvan, Yolangel Hernandez, Thresia Gambon, Rebeca Martinez, Cristina Palacios
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Poor lifestyle habits, vitamin D deficiency, and inadequate calcium intake, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, may contribute to severe osteopenia in childhood, increasing future fractures and osteoporosis risk. We here present a case of osteopenia in a 13-year-old white, Hispanic, premenarchal girl who completed the baseline visit of the MetA-Bone Trial during the COVID-19 pandemic. The premenarchal girl has a family history of osteoporosis (maternal grandfather) but no previous fractures; moderate outdoor activity was <1 hour/day 3 times/week with 8 hours/day of sleep. Consumption of dairy products and vegetables was <1 serving/day. Lab blood tests confirmed vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D: 9 ng/L) and hyperphosphatemia (5.2 mg/dL); other tests were normal. DXA scan Z‐score was ‐2.2 SD (indicative of osteopenia by age and sex). The premenarchal girl was referred to a pediatrician, who confirmed the results, and prescribed a daily supplement with 2000 IU of vitamin D and 1000 mg of calcium. Seclusion during the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the severity of the findings. Therefore, we recommend screening children undergoing growth spurts for vitamin D, calcium, and poor lifestyle habits during and after the pandemic.Keywords: bone mass, vitamin D, puberty, Hispanic
Procedia PDF Downloads 1242431 Experimental and Analytical Study on the Bending Behavior of Concrete-GFRP Hybrid Beams
Authors: Alaa Koaik, Bruno Jurkiewiez, Sylvain Bel
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Recently, the use of GFRP pultruded profiles increased in the domain of civil engineering especially in the construction of sandwiched slabs and footbridges. However, under heavy loads, the risk of using these profiles increases due to their high deformability and instability as a result of their weak stiffness and orthotropic nature. A practical solution proposes the assembly of these profiles with concrete slabs to create a stiffer hybrid element to support higher loads. The connection of these two elements is established either by traditional means of steel studs (bolting in our case) or bonding technique. These two techniques have their advantages and disadvantages regarding the mechanical behavior and in-situ implementation. This paper presents experimental results of interface characterization and bending behavior of two hybrid beams, PB7 and PB8, designed and constructed using both connection techniques. The results obtained are exploited to design and build a hybrid footbridge BPBP1 which is tested within service limits (elastic domain). Analytical methods are also developed to analyze the behavior of these structures in the elastic range and the ultimate phase. Comparisons show acceptable differences mainly due to the sensitivity of the GFRP moduli as well as the non-linearity of concrete elements.Keywords: analytical model, concrete, flexural behavior, GFRP pultruded profile, hybrid structure, interconnection slip, push-out
Procedia PDF Downloads 2232430 Banking and Accounting Analysis Researches Effect on Environment and Income
Authors: Gerges Samaan Henin Abdalla
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Ultra-secured methods of banking services have been introduced to the customer, such as online banking. Banks have begun to consider electronic banking (e-banking) as a way to replace some traditional branch functions by using the Internet as a distribution channel. Some consumers have at least one account at multiple banks and access these accounts through online banking. To check their current net worth, clients need to log into each of their accounts, get detailed information, and work toward consolidation. Not only is it time consuming, but it is also a repeatable activity with a certain frequency. To solve this problem, the concept of account aggregation was added as a solution. Account consolidation in e-banking as a form of electronic banking appears to build a stronger relationship with customers. An account linking service is generally referred to as a service that allows customers to manage their bank accounts held at different institutions via a common online banking platform that places a high priority on security and data protection. Consumers have at least one account at multiple banks and access these accounts through online banking. To check their current net worth, clients need to log into each of their accounts, get detailed information, and work toward consolidation. The article provides an overview of the account aggregation approach in e-banking as a new service in the area of e-banking.Keywords: compatibility, complexity, mobile banking, observation, risk banking technology, Internet banks, modernization of banks, banks, account aggregation, security, enterprise development
Procedia PDF Downloads 372429 Arteriosclerosis and Periodontitis: Correlation Expressed in the Amount of Fibrinogen in Blood
Authors: Nevila Alliu, Saimir Heta, Ilma Robo, Vera Ostreni
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Periodontitis as an oral pathology caused by specific bacterial flora functions as a focal infection for the onset and aggravation of arteriosclerosis. These two distant pathologies, since they affect organs at a distance from each other, communicate with each other with correlation at the level of markers of inflammation in the blood. Fluctuations in the level of fibrinogen in the blood, depending on the active or passive phase of the existing periodontitis, affect the promotion of arteriosclerosis. The study is of the review type to analyze the effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment on fluctuations in the level of fibrinogen in the blood. The reduction of fibrinogen levels in the blood after non-surgical periodontal treatment of periodontitis in the patient's cavity is visible data and supported by literature sources. Also, the influence of a high amount of fibrinogen in the blood on the occurrence of arteriosclerosis is also another important data that again relies on many sources of literature. Conclusions: Thromboembolism and arteriosclerosis, as risk factors expressed in clinical data, have temporary bacteremia in the blood, which can occur significantly and often between phases of non-surgical periodontal treatment of periodontitis, treatments performed with treatment phases and protocols of predetermined treatment. Arterial thromboembolism has a significant factor, such as high levels of fibrinogen in the blood, which are significantly reduced during the period of non-surgical periodontal treatment.Keywords: fibrinogen, refractory periodontitis, atherosclerosis, non-surgical, periodontal treatment
Procedia PDF Downloads 972428 Analytical Solutions for Tunnel Collapse Mechanisms in Circular Cross-Section Tunnels under Seepage and Seismic Forces
Authors: Zhenyu Yang, Qiunan Chen, Xiaocheng Huang
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Reliable prediction of tunnel collapse remains a prominent challenge in the field of civil engineering. In this study, leveraging the nonlinear Hoek-Brown failure criterion and the upper-bound theorem, an analytical solution for the collapse surface of shallowly buried circular tunnels was derived, taking into account the coupled effects of surface loads and pore water pressures. Initially, surface loads and pore water pressures were introduced as external force factors, equating the energy dissipation rate to the external force, yielding our objective function. Subsequently, the variational method was employed for optimization, and the outcomes were juxtaposed with previous research findings. Furthermore, we utilized the deduced equation set to systematically analyze the influence of various rock mass parameters on collapse shape and extent. To validate our analytical solutions, a comparison with prior studies was executed. The corroboration underscored the efficacy of our proposed methodology, offering invaluable insights for collapse risk assessment in practical engineering applications.Keywords: tunnel roof stability, analytical solution, hoek–brown failure criterion, limit analysis
Procedia PDF Downloads 752427 Association of Neck Circumference as an Indicator of Upper Body Obesity with Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors among First Degree Relatives of Diabetes Patients
Authors: Hadi Abdollahi, Bijan Iraj, Maryam Mirpourian, Behzad Shariatifar
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Background: The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between neck circumferences (NC), as an indicator of upper body obesity, with anthropometric and cardio-metabolic factors among the first degree relatives of diabetes patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on first degree relatives of diabetes patients (n = 213). Weight, height, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and NC were measured. Laboratory data included oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein, triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol. Results: There was no difference in NC among different results of OGTT in men or women. Factors including weight, body mass index (BMI), WC and HC were strongly associated with NC in both genders (r = 0.420-0.711). NC was weakly associated with SBP in women (r = 0.195) and moderately with DBP in men (r = 0.314). Regarding lipid profile, HDL and TG were associated with NC only in women (r = −0.268-0.325). Conclusions: NC has a significant correlation with gender and anthropometric variables, including BMI, weight and waist and HCs in both men and women, but it does not differ significantly in patients with different status in OGTT.Keywords: body mass index, cardiovascular, diabetes, neck circumference, obesity
Procedia PDF Downloads 702426 From De Soto’s Solution to Urban Disaster: The Effects of Land Titling Policies on the Development of Cities of the Global South in the Case of Lima Peru
Authors: Jitka Molnarova
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Based on De Soto’s idea that a formal land title can provide a secure home and access to credit to poor urban families, a large number of developing countries accepted the formalization of informal settlements as the ultimate solution for their housing crises and struggles with poverty. After two decades of implementation, very little is known about the effects this policy has on the quality of the neighborhoods it produces and on the development of cities in general. Using the capital of Peru -where the solution originated- as a case study, this paper illustrates the negative outcomes this policy has on urban development arguing that land titling encourages 1) expansion of the city often to areas of high physical risk, 2) production of precarious housing on unserviced land, and 3) practices of illegal land trafficking. The evidence is based on interviews with community leaders and officials working at the Cooperation for Formalization of Informal Property (COFOPRI), comparison of satellite images documenting the expansion of Lima in the past twenty years, and a technical evaluation of dozens of houses that have been or are in the process of being granted a land title.Keywords: COFOPRI, De Soto, housing policies, land titling, land trafficking, Lima, Peru, precarious housing, urban expansion
Procedia PDF Downloads 1802425 Tranexamic Acid in Prevention of Postpartum Haemorrhage in Elective Cesarean Section
Authors: Ajay Agrawal, Pravin Shah, Shailaja Chhetri, Pappu Rijal
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Background and Objectives: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a common and occasionally life-threatening complication of labour. Cesarean section (CS) is associated with more blood loss than vaginal delivery. There is a trend for increasing CS rates in both developed and developing countries. This could increase the risk of morbidity and mortality, especially among anemic women. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative administration of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid (TA) on blood loss during and after elective CS delivery. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective, randomized controlled study. 160 eligible pregnant women of 37 or more POG planned for CS were randomized into two groups either to receive 10ml(1gm) of tranexamic acid intravenously or 10ml of normal saline. Blood loss was measured during and for 24 hours after operation. Results: The mean estimated blood loss was significantly lower in women treated with TA compared with women in the placebo group (392.13 ml ± 10.06 versus 498.69 ml ± 15.87, respectively; p < 0.001). The mean difference in pre-operative and post-operative hemoglobin levels was statistically significant in the tranexamic acid group than in the control group (0.31 ± 0.18 versus 0.79 ± 0.23, respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Pre-operative use of tranexamic acid is associated with reduced blood loss during and after elective cesarean section. In a developing country like ours where PPH is a major threat to the life of the mothers, it seems to be a promising option.Keywords: blood loss, cesarean section, postpartum hemorrhage, tranexamic acid
Procedia PDF Downloads 2672424 Analyzing the Nutritional Challenges in Old People with Diabetes
Authors: Maedeh Gharazi
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Adults with age 50 and older will include more than 70% of the diabetic populace by the year 2025. More established patients with diabetes are more inclined to have concurrent ceaseless conditions like hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular sickness that may affect their nutritious necessities. The issue of achievement and support of an ideal body weight in elderly diabetic persons may not be as direct as in other age gatherings, and the risk-benefit ratio may be diverse too. Albeit expanded predominance of overweight and weight in the elderly adds to insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, more seasoned tenants of long haul care offices who experience the ill effects of diabetes have a tendency to be underweight. Both may mean insufficient nutritional status and lead to expanded grimness and mortality. The attendant problems of appetite changes, palatability of food, dietary restrictions, loneliness, and depression may influence the sort and amount of food devoured by elderly persons. Organized screening devices may recognize nutrition related issues that warrant proof based mediations. Despite the fact that glucose control and health concerns are essential calculates diet change in the more established populace, different contemplations incorporate personal satisfaction and individual inclinations. Redoing of nutritious rules to the needs of the more seasoned diabetic patient bodes well.Keywords: diabetes, nutritious necessities, insulin resistance, glucose control
Procedia PDF Downloads 3252423 Ethical Concerns in the Internet of Things and Smart Devices: Case Studies and Analysis
Authors: Mitchell Browe, Oriehi Destiny Anyaiwe, Zahraddeen Gwarzo
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The Internet of Things (IoT) is a major evolution of technology and of the internet, which has the power to revolutionize the way people live. IoT has the power to change the way people interact with each other and with their homes; It has the ability to give people new ways to interact with and monitor their health; It can alter socioeconomic landscapes by providing new and efficient methods of resource management, saving time and money for both individuals and society as a whole; It even has the potential to save lives through autonomous vehicle technology and smart security measures. Unfortunately, nearly every revolution bears challenges which must be addressed to minimize harm by the new technology upon its adopters. IoT represents an internet technology revolution which has the potential to risk privacy, safety, and security of its users, should devices be developed, implemented, or utilized improperly. This article examines past and current examples of these ethical faults in an attempt to highlight the importance of consumer awareness of potential dangers of these technologies in making informed purchasing and utilization decisions, as well as to reveal how deficiencies and limitations of IoT devices should be better addressed by both companies and by regulatory bodies. Aspects such as consumer trust, corporate transparency, and misuse of individual data are all factors in the implementation of proper ethical boundaries in the IoT.Keywords: IoT, ethical concerns, privacy, safety, security, smart devices
Procedia PDF Downloads 762422 Peripheral Inflammation and Neurodegeneration; A Potential for Therapeutic Intervention in Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Lourdes Hanna, Edward Poluyi, Chibuikem Ikwuegbuenyi, Eghosa Morgan, Grace Imaguezegie
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Background: Degeneration of the central nervous system (CNS), also known as neurodegeneration, describes an age-associated progressive loss of the structure and function of neuronal materials, leading to functional and mental impairments. Main body: Neuroinflammation contributes to the continuous worsening of neurodegenerative states which are characterised by functional and mental impairments due to the progressive loss of the structure and function of neu-ronal materials. Some of the most common neurodegenerative diseases include Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Whilst neuroinflammation is a key contributor to the progression of such disease states, it is not the single cause as there are multiple factors which contribute. Theoretically, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have potential to target neuroinflammation to reduce the severity of disease states. Whilst some animal models investigating the effects of NSAIDs on the risk of neurodegenerative diseases have shown a beneficial effect, this is not the same finding. Conclusion: Further investigation using more advanced research methods is required to better understand neuroinflammatory pathways and understand if there is still a potential window for NSAID efficacy.Keywords: intervention, central nervous system, neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation
Procedia PDF Downloads 702421 Measuring Financial Asset Return and Volatility Spillovers, with Application to Sovereign Bond, Equity, Foreign Exchange and Commodity Markets
Authors: Petra Palic, Maruska Vizek
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We provide an in-depth analysis of interdependence of asset returns and volatilities in developed and developing countries. The analysis is split into three parts. In the first part, we use multivariate GARCH model in order to provide stylized facts on cross-market volatility spillovers. In the second part, we use a generalized vector autoregressive methodology developed by Diebold and Yilmaz (2009) in order to estimate separate measures of return spillovers and volatility spillovers among sovereign bond, equity, foreign exchange and commodity markets. In particular, our analysis is focused on cross-market return, and volatility spillovers in 19 developed and developing countries. In order to estimate named spillovers, we use daily data from 2008 to 2017. In the third part of the analysis, we use a generalized vector autoregressive framework in order to estimate total and directional volatility spillovers. We use the same daily data span for one developed and one developing country in order to characterize daily volatility spillovers across stock, bond, foreign exchange and commodities markets.Keywords: cross-market spillovers, sovereign bond markets, equity markets, value at risk (VAR)
Procedia PDF Downloads 2542420 Oral Biofilm and Stomatitis Denture: Local Implications and Cardiovascular Risks
Authors: Adriana B. Ribeiro, Camila B. Araujo, Frank L. Bueno, Luiz Eduardo V. Silva, Caroline V. Fortes, Helio C. Salgado, Rubens Fazan Jr., Claudia H. L. da Silva
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Denture-related stomatitis (DRS) has recently been associated with deleterious cardiovascular effects, including hypertension. This study evaluated salivary parameters, blood pressure (BP) and heart rate variability (HRV), before and after DRS treatment in edentulous patients (n=14). Collection of unstimulated and stimulated saliva, as well as blood pressure (BP) measurements and electrocardiogram recordings were performed before and after 10 days of DRS treatment. The salivary flow (mL/min) was found similar at both times while pH was smaller (more neutral) after treatment (7.3 ± 2.2 vs. 7.1 ± 0.24). Systolic BP (mmHg) showed a trend, but not a significant reduction after DRS treatment (158 ± 25.68 vs. 148 ± 16,72, p=0,062) while diastolic BP was found similar in both times (86 ± 13.93 and 84 ± 9.38). Overall HRV, measured by standard deviation of RR intervals was not affected by DRS treatment (24 ± 4 vs 18 ± 2 ms), but differences of successive RR intervals (an index of parasympathetic cardiac modulation) increased after the treatment (26 ± 4 vs 19 ± 2 ms). Moreover, another index of vagal modulation of the heart, the power of RR interval spectra at high-frequency, was also markedly higher after DRS treatment (236 ± 63 vs 135 ± 32 ms²). Such findings strongly suggest that DRS is linked to an autonomic imbalance with sympathetic overactivity, which is markedly deleterious, increasing cardiovascular risk and the incidence of diseases such as hypertension. Acknowledgment: This study is supported by FAPESP, CNPq.Keywords: biofilm, denture stomatitis, HRV, blood pressure
Procedia PDF Downloads 2312419 Social Technology and Youth Justice: An Exploration of Ethical and Practical Challenges
Authors: Ravinder Barn, Balbir Barn
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This paper outlines ethical and practical challenges in the building of social technology for use with socially excluded and marginalised groups. The primary aim of this study was to design, deploy and evaluate social technology that may help to promote better engagement between case workers and young people to help prevent recidivism, and support young people’s transition towards social inclusion in society. A total of 107 practitioners/managers (n=64), and young people (n=43) contributed to the data collection via surveys, focus groups and 1-1 interviews. Through a process of co-design where end-users are involved as key contributors to social technological design, this paper seeks to make an important contribution to the area of participatory methodologies by arguing that whilst giving ‘voice’ to key stakeholders in the research process is crucial, there is a risk that competing voices may lead to tensions and unintended outcomes. The paper is contextualized within a Foucauldian perspective to examine significant concepts including power, authority and surveillance. Implications for youth justice policy and practice are considered. The authors conclude that marginalized youth and over-stretched practitioners are better served when such social technology is perceived and adopted as a tool of empowerment within a framework of child welfare and child rights.Keywords: youth justice, social technology, marginalization, participatory research, power
Procedia PDF Downloads 4452418 Explicit Numerical Approximations for a Pricing Weather Derivatives Model
Authors: Clarinda V. Nhangumbe, Ercília Sousa
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Weather Derivatives are financial instruments used to cover non-catastrophic weather events and can be expressed in the form of standard or plain vanilla products, structured or exotics products. The underlying asset, in this case, is the weather index, such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind, and snowfall. The complexity of the Weather Derivatives structure shows the weakness of the Black Scholes framework. Therefore, under the risk-neutral probability measure, the option price of a weather contract can be given as a unique solution of a two-dimensional partial differential equation (parabolic in one direction and hyperbolic in other directions), with an initial condition and subjected to adequate boundary conditions. To calculate the price of the option, one can use numerical methods such as the Monte Carlo simulations and implicit finite difference schemes conjugated with Semi-Lagrangian methods. This paper is proposed two explicit methods, namely, first-order upwind in the hyperbolic direction combined with Lax-Wendroff in the parabolic direction and first-order upwind in the hyperbolic direction combined with second-order upwind in the parabolic direction. One of the advantages of these methods is the fact that they take into consideration the boundary conditions obtained from the financial interpretation and deal efficiently with the different choices of the convection coefficients.Keywords: incomplete markets, numerical methods, partial differential equations, stochastic process, weather derivatives
Procedia PDF Downloads 792417 Sediment Delivery from Hillslope Cultivation in Northwest Vietnam
Authors: Vu Dinh Tuan, Truc Xuyen Nguyen Phan, Nguyen Thi Truc Nhi
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Cultivating on hillslopes in Northwest Vietnam induced soil erosion that reduce overall soil fertility, capacity of water bodies and drainage ditches or channels, and enhance the risk of flooding, even obstruct traffics and create 'mud flooding or landslide’. This study aimed at assessing the magnitude of erosion under maize monocropping and perennial teak plantation on a rainstorm basic over two years 2010-2011 using double sediment fences installed at convergent point of catchments (slope inclination of 27-74%). Mean annual soil erosion under maize cultivation was 4.39 kg.m⁻², being far greater than that under teak plantation 1.65 kg.m⁻². Intensive tillage in maize monocropping and clearance of land before sowing was most probably the causes induced such effect as no tillage was performed in teak plantation during monitored period. Larger sediment generated across two land use types in year 2010 (4.11 kg.m⁻²) compared to year 2011 (1.87 kg.m⁻²) was attributed to higher amount and intensity of precipitation in the first year (1448 mm) as compared to the latter year (1299 mm). Reducing tillage and establishing good cover for maize monocropping on steep slopes, therefore, are necessary to reduce soil erosion and control sediment delivery to downstream.Keywords: maize monocropping, teak plantation, tillage, sediment fence, sediment delivery, soil erosion
Procedia PDF Downloads 2112416 Using Econometric Methods to Explore Obesity Stigma and Avoidance of Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening
Authors: Stephanie A. Schauder, Gosia Sylwestrzak
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Overweight and obese women report avoiding preventive care due to fear of weight-related bias from medical professionals. Gynecological exams, due to their sensitive and personally invasive nature, are especially susceptible to avoidance. This research investigates the association between body mass index (BMI) and screening rates for breast and cervical cancer using claims data from 1.3 million members of a large health insurance company. Because obesity is associated with increased cancer risk, screenings for these cancers should increase as BMI increases. However, this paper finds that the distribution of cancer screening rates by BMI take an inverted U-shape with underweight and obese members having the lowest screening rates. For cervical cancer screening, those in the target population with a BMI of 23 have the highest screening rate at 68%, while Obese Class III members have a screening rate of 50%. Those in the underweight category have a screening rate of 58%. This relationship persists even after controlling for health and demographic covariates in regression analysis. Interestingly, there is no association between BMI and BRCA (BReast CAncer gene) genetic testing. This is consistent with the narrative that stigma causes avoidance because genetic testing does not involve any assessment of a person’s body. More work must be done to determine how to increase cancer screening rates in those who may feel stigmatized due to their weight.Keywords: cancer screening, cervical cancer, breast cancer, weight stigma, avoidance of care
Procedia PDF Downloads 1922415 An Inflammatory Mediated Hypothesis of COVID-19 Psychosis
Authors: Hilary P. Stevenson, Alexander J. Hayek, Amie Dereczyk
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In this case report, we provide an example of an asymptomatic COVID-19 positive patient who presented with new-onset psychosis with severe paranoid delusions. He was seen in our ED after ingesting isopropyl alcohol which he reported was an attempt to escape presumed attackers, which at the time was logical to the patient. The patient’s family had COVID-19 symptoms that corresponded to those typically observed from the Omicron variant. The patient was treated successfully, within ten days, with Risperdal twice-daily dosing resulting in the resolution of the patient’s delusions and improved insight regarding the events that led to his hospitalization. In this work, we examine possible contributing factors to new-onset psychosis in the context of COVID-19, a phenomenon that is becoming increasingly notable in the literature. One area of importance is the already established inflammatory hypothesis of psychosis in which defects in the innate immune system, which result in its overactivation, may play a role in a typical first-episode psychosis, in addition to subsequent episodes. Given that COVID-19 is known to cause derangements in the innate immune system, such as cytokine storm reactions, this link may be critical in further understanding the etiologies of new-onset COVID-19 psychosis and its risk factors. Also included in this work is a brief review of antipsychotic interventions that have been described in the literature to date for the first episode of COVID-19-related psychosis. This will explore the potential of some antipsychotics to innately diminish the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, further enhancing their usefulness in COVID-19 first-episode psychosis patients.Keywords: COVID-19, first break psychosis, inflammatory hypothesis of psychosis, Risperdal
Procedia PDF Downloads 932414 Prevalence of Thyroid Disorders in Pregnancy in Northern Algeria
Authors: Samira Akdader-Oudahmane, Assia Kamel, Lynda Lakabi, Michael Bruce Zimmermann, Zohra Hamouli-Said, Djamila Meskine
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Background: Iodine is a trace element whose adequate intakes are essential during pregnancy to promote the correct growth and development of the fetus. Iodine deficiency is the cause of several disorders in foetal development, and thyroid disorders during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of miscarriage or premature birth. The aim of this study was to assess the iodine status and thyroid function of pregnant women (PW) in northern Algeria. Methods: Healthy PW were recruited from an urban area (Algiers). Spot urine and venous blood samples were collected to assess iodine status (urinary iodine concentration, UIC) and serum thyroid hormones (TSH, FT4), and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) concentrations. Results: The median UIC for the PW (n=172) in Algiers was 246,74µg/L, 244,68 µg/L, and 220,63µg/L, respectively, during the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. Mean TSH and FT4 concentrations were within reference ranges in all groups of women. Among PW, 72.7%, 75.4%, and 75.5% in the first, second and third trimester were TPO-Ab+. Among PW, 14%, 10%, and 10% in the first, second and third trimester, respectively, with TPO -Ab+ had subclinical hypothyroidism. An analysis of the variations in the levels of the serum parameters (FT4, TSH and anti-TPO antibodies) was analyzed according to the UIC intervals admitted and show that these marker are predictive of thyroid function. Conclusion: In northern Algeria, median UICs indicate iodine sufficiency in PW. About 75% of PW are TPO-Ab+ and the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism is high.Keywords: thyroid, pregnant woman, urinary iodine, subclinical hypothyroidism
Procedia PDF Downloads 702413 Effects of Continuous and Periodic Aerobic Exercises on C Reactive Protein in Overweight Women
Authors: Maesoomeh Khorshidi Mehr, Mohammad Sajadian, Shadi Alipour
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The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of eight weeks of continuous and periodic aerobic exercises on serum levels of CRP in overweight woman. 36 woman aged between 20 and 35 years from the city of Ahwaz were randomly selected as the sample of the study. This sample was further divided into three groups (n= 12) of continuous aerobic exercise, periodic aerobic exercise, and control. Subjects of the groups of continuous and periodic aerobic exercise participated in 8 weeks of specialized exercises while the control group subjects did not take part in any regular physical activity program. Blood samples were collected from subjects in 24 hours prior to and 48 hours past to the intervention period. Afterwards, the serum level of CRP was measured for each blood sample. Results showed that BMI and serum level of CRP both significantly reduced as a result of aerobic exercises. However, no statistically significant difference was recorded between the extent of effects of the former and latter aerobic exercise types. Eight weeks of aerobic exercise will probably result in reduced inflammation and cardiovascular diseases risk in overweight women. The reason for lack of difference between effects of continuous and periodic aerobic exercise may lie in the similarity of average intensity and length of physical administered activities.Keywords: heart diseases, aerobic exercise, inflammation, CRP, overweight
Procedia PDF Downloads 192