Gender equality within the aerospace and defense industry

Three of America\u27s largest aerospace and defense companies (ADC1, ADC2, and ADC3) have major operations in the Los Angeles region of Southern California. This study focused on a single aerospace and defense company, ADC1. In the broader population of ADC1, there are almost as many females (45%) as there are males. However, of the 19 members of ADC1\u27s leadership team for its Southern California region-based division, as of October 2008, less than 16% were women. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand what it is like to be a female senior executive leader in the male-dominated aerospace and defense industry. The study helped to develop an understanding of the lived experiences of female executives, to learn how they achieved this level of senior leadership, and to understand what it is like for them to be a small minority at the senior executive level. In-depth interviews were conducted with four female executives employed by ADC1. Before the interviews, each participant completed a Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) Assessment and answered demographic questions. The standard deviation and range for the 4 female executives were higher on the practice Encourage the Heart, and the standard deviation and range were markedly higher in the category Challenge the Process. The interviews were conducted using a 12-item questionnaire designed for this study. Key attributes and common themes emerging from the interviews were analyzed using a coding system and were described in detail. Notably, all four executives cited being collaborative, inclusive, and building relationships as key attributes that they feel contributed to their career success. These attributes can be applied by all aspiring leaders, regardless of gender. Female leaders also indicated that they aspired to move into executive leadership roles but were faced with personal and professional barriers, including the lack of a support system in balancing the needs of a career and family. Based on these findings and on the researcher\u27s recommendations for the aerospace industry, the researcher recommends that ADC1 conduct an LPI assessment across a broader population of executives. Additionally it is recommended that ADC1 separately review gender diversity during its annual HR review process

The use of routine chemoprophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis in all patients undergoing hip and knee replacements in rural population - whether it is justified?

Background: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)/ pulmonary embolism (PE) are one of the most feared complications in patients undergoing joint replacements in western literatures. The exact incidence of DVT in Indians particularly rural population remains debatable. Also ways to prevent it in rural population is a dilemma for the orthopedic community. Hence this study was undertaken.Methods: We carried a prospective study of 135 cases of joint replacements i.e. 78 of total hip replacements and 57 of total knee replacements. None of the patients were given any form of chemoprophylaxis like low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Strict monitoring was done. All patients underwent duplex ultrasonographic doppler assessment of both the lower limbs between the 4th-7th day and on 14th - 16th postoperative day. Only 5 out of 135 cases had DVT. Results: We observed that DVT developed more commonly following total hip replacement surgery (4 cases) as compared to total knee replacement (1 case). There was no mortality in our study.Conclusions: DVT following total joint replacements in rural Indian patients is not as common as reported in the Western literature. A high level of suspicion and close clinical monitoring is mandatory. The use of routine chemoprophylaxis in every patient is perhaps not justified. In future further more trials with a larger number of patients and at multiple centers would be required to confirm the findings of our study and to formulate guidelines to prevent DVT

Outcome of fracture of intra articular distal femur treated with distal femur locking compression plate

Background: Intra articular fracture of the distal femur is a composite and complex injury that poses various challenges for orthopaedic surgeon starting from management of fracture to a protracted recovery of the patient.Methods: We have done retrospective study of 25 patients with intra articular distal femur fracture operated during the period of 2008 to 2014. NEER score is used as criteria for evaluation of patients.Results: With use of DFLCP, anatomical reduction and rigid fixation, early mobilization and aggressive physiotherapy can be started with the use of these plates.Conclusions: Our study shows that distal femur locking compression plate (DFLCP) is the evolving approach to treat distal femur fractures

A comparative study of effect on reducing pain, inflammation and side effect of combination of enzymes (bacterial proteases, papain, bromelain, vitamin C and rutin) versus conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac) in patients of closed fracture lower end radius coming at orthopaedic department of a tertiary care hospital

Background: Diclofenac and oral systemic enzymes both are commonly used for control of pain and inflammation in fracture lower end radius as well as other such conditions. Some studies have shown that combination of enzymes like bacterial proteases, papain, bromelain, vitamin C and rutin can reduce pain and Inflammation which is comparable to diclofenac but it still not definite.Methods: Total 50 patients with closed fracture lower end radius were enrolled and randomly divided in to two groups. Group-1 with 25 patients received oral diclofenac and group-2 with 25 patients received oral preparation which contains combination of enzymes bacterial proteases, papain, bromelain, vittamin C and rutin. Effect of drug was assessed by improvement in wrist function which was evaluated by patient rated wrist evolution (PRWE) and reduction in oedema on day 1, day 3 and day 5. Both the groups were compared by unpaired Z test.Results: Mean reduction in PRWE score was 132.08±5.01 in Group 1 and 104.4±11.78 in group 2. Mean of percentage reduction of oedema for group 1 was 8.22 while for group 2 it was 17.8. Both were statistically significant (p<0.05). Total 5 patients out of 25 complained of gastritis in group 1 patients while there was no side effect reported in group 2 patients.Conclusions: Diclofenac was better in reducing pain, while combination of enzymes used in the study was better in reducing oedema. Combination of the enzymes used in this study is safer than diclofenac in cases of the closed fracture lower end radius

Naftopidil for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms compatible with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

World Allergy Organization-McMaster University Guidelines for Allergic Disease Prevention (GLAD-P): Probiotics

Background: Prevalence of allergic diseases in infants, whose parents and siblings do not have allergy, is approximately 10% and reaches 20–30% in those with an allergic first-degree relative. Intestinal microbiota may modulate immunologic and inflammatory systemic responses and, thus, influence development of sensitization and allergy. Probiotics have been reported to modulate immune responses and their supplementation has been proposed as a preventive intervention. Objective: The World Allergy Organization (WAO) convened a guideline panel to develop evidence-based recommendations about the use of probiotics in the prevention of allergy. Methods: We identified the most relevant clinical questions and performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials of probiotics for the prevention of allergy. We followed the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to develop recommendations. We searched for and reviewed the evidence about health effects, patient values and preferences, and resource use (up to November 2014). We followed the GRADE evidence-to-decision framework to develop recommendations. Results: Currently available evidence does not indicate that probiotic supplementation reduces the risk of developing allergy in children. However, considering all critical outcomes in this context, the WAO guideline panel determined that there is a likely net benefit from using probiotics resulting primarily from prevention of eczema. The WAO guideline panel suggests: a) using probiotics in pregnant women at high risk for having an allergic child; b) using probiotics in women who breastfeed infants at high risk of developing allergy; and c) using probiotics in infants at high risk of developing allergy. All recommendations are conditional and supported by very low quality evidence. Conclusions: WAO recommendations about probiotic supplementation for prevention of allergy are intended to support parents, clinicians and other health care professionals in their decisions whether to use probiotics in pregnancy and during breastfeeding, and whether to give them to infants

World Allergy Organization-McMaster University Guidelines for Allergic Disease Prevention (GLAD-P): Vitamin D

Background: The prevalence of allergic diseases is approximately 10 % in infants whose parents and siblings do not have allergic diseases and 20–30 % in those with an allergic first-degree relative. Vitamin D is involved in the regulation of the immune system and it may play a role in the development, severity and course of asthma and other allergic diseases. Objective: The World Allergy Organization (WAO) convened a guideline panel to develop evidence-based recommendations addressing the use of vitamin D in primary prevention of allergic diseases. Methods: Our WAO guideline panel identified the most relevant clinical questions and performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and non-randomized studies (NRS), specifically cohort and case-control studies, of vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of allergic diseases. We also reviewed the evidence about values and preferences, and resource requirements (up to January 2015, with an update on January 30, 2016). We followed the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to develop recommendations. Results: Having reviewed the currently available evidence, the WAO guideline panel found no support for the hypothesis that vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of developing allergic diseases in children. The WAO guideline panel suggest not using vitamin D in pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or healthy term infants as a means of preventing the development of allergic diseases. This recommendation does not apply to those mothers and infants who have other indications for prophylactic or therapeutic use of vitamin D. The panel’s recommendations are conditional and supported by very low certainty evidence. Conclusions: WAO recommendations about vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of allergic diseases support parents, clinicians and other health care professionals in their decisions whether or not to use vitamin D in preventing allergic diseases in healthy, term infants

The Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment: Exploring Fundamental Symmetries of the Universe

The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early Universe, the dynamics of the supernova bursts that produced the heavy elements necessary for life and whether protons eventually decay --- these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our Universe, its current state and its eventual fate. The Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment (LBNE) represents an extensively developed plan for a world-class experiment dedicated to addressing these questions. LBNE is conceived around three central components: (1) a new, high-intensity neutrino source generated from a megawatt-class proton accelerator at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, (2) a near neutrino detector just downstream of the source, and (3) a massive liquid argon time-projection chamber deployed as a far detector deep underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. This facility, located at the site of the former Homestake Mine in Lead, South Dakota, is approximately 1,300 km from the neutrino source at Fermilab -- a distance (baseline) that delivers optimal sensitivity to neutrino charge-parity symmetry violation and mass ordering effects. This ambitious yet cost-effective design incorporates scalability and flexibility and can accommodate a variety of upgrades and contributions. With its exceptional combination of experimental configuration, technical capabilities, and potential for transformative discoveries, LBNE promises to be a vital facility for the field of particle physics worldwide, providing physicists from around the globe with opportunities to collaborate in a twenty to thirty year program of exciting science. In this document we provide a comprehensive overview of LBNE's scientific objectives, its place in the landscape of neutrino physics worldwide, the technologies it will incorporate and the capabilities it will possess.Comment: Major update of previous version. This is the reference document for LBNE science program and current status. Chapters 1, 3, and 9 provide a comprehensive overview of LBNE's scientific objectives, its place in the landscape of neutrino physics worldwide, the technologies it will incorporate and the capabilities it will possess. 288 pages, 116 figure

Advance care planning in stroke: influence of time on engagement in the process

Purpose Individuals who experience stroke have a higher likelihood of subsequent stroke events, making it imperative to plan for future medical care. In the event of a further serious health event, engaging in the process of advanced care planning (ACP) can help family members and health care professionals (HCPs) make medical decisions for individuals who have lost the capacity to do so. Few studies have explored the views and experiences of patients with stroke about discussing their wishes and preferences for future medical events, and the extent to which stroke HCPs engage in conversations around planning for such events. In this study, we sought to understand how the process of ACP unfolded between HCPs and patients post-stroke. Patients and methods Using grounded theory (GT) methodology, we engaged in direct observation of HCP and patient interactions on an acute stroke unit and two stroke rehabilitation units. Using semi-structured interviews, 14 patients and four HCPs were interviewed directly about the ACP process. Results We found that open and continual ACP conversations were not taking place, patients experienced an apparent lack of urgency to engage in ACP, and HCPs were uncomfortable initiating ACP conversations due to the sensitive nature of the topic. Conclusion In this study, we identified lack of engagement in ACP post-stroke, attributable to patient and HCP factors. This encourages us to look further into the process of ACP in order to develop open communication between the patient with stroke, their families, and stroke HCPs