An eigenvalue approach evaluating minors for weighing matrices W (n, n - 1)

In the present paper we concentrate our study on the evaluation of minors for weighing matrices W(n,n-1). Theoretical proofs concerning their minors up to the order of (n-4)×(n-4) are derived introducing an eigenvalue approach. A general theorem specifying the analytical form of any (n-l)×(n-l) minor is developed. An application to the growth problem for weighing matrices is given. © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Stroke Units Necessity for Patients, Web- Based SUN4P Registry: Descriptive Characteristics of the Population

The aim of this study was to present the descriptive characteristics of the Stroke Units Necessity for Patients (SUN4P) registry. Methods: The study population derived from the web-based SUN4P registry included 823 patients with first-ever acute stroke. Descriptive statistics were used to present patients' characteristics. Results: The vast majority of patients (80.4%) had an ischemic stroke, whereas 15.4% had a hemorrhagic stroke. Hypertension was the leading risk factor in both patients. The patients with ischemic stroke had higher prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and smoking and most commonly cryptogenic stroke (39%). National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was higher among patients with hemorrhagic in comparison to those with ischemic stroke (10.5 vs 6 respectively). Moreover, all patients had similar rate of disability prior to stroke, as shown by Modified Rankin Scale (mRS=0). Conclusions: These data are in accordance with current evidence and should be thoroughly assessed in order to ensure optimal therapeutic management of stroke patients. © 2022 The authors and IOS Press

Assessing Staff's and Stroke Patients' Experiences in 8 Hospitals in Greece: Results from a Prospective Multi-Center Study (SUN4Patients)

To assess stroke patient-reported experiences and hospital staff experiences, during hospital stay. Methods: Stroke patient-reported experiences (n=387) were recorded using the translated and culturally adapted NHS-Stroke Questionnaire into Greek and staff experiences (n=236) were investigated using the Compassion Satisfaction and Burnout subscales of the ProQOL questionnaire. Results: Staff's mean compassion satisfaction score was 39.2 (SD=6.3) and mean burnout score was 24.3 (SD=5.6). Only 38.5% of the staff stated that there is smooth cooperation with healthcare professionals of other specialties/disciplines. Personnel working in an NHS Hospital was more satisfied and less burned-out when compared to personnel working at a University Hospital (p=0.02 and p<0.001, respectively). Mean total patient-reported experiences score was 81.9 (SD=9.5). Bivariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences for total patient-reported experiences among the eight study hospitals (p>0.001). Conclusions: Health policy planners and decision-makers must take into consideration the results of such self-reported measures to establish innovative techniques to accomplish goals such as staff-specialization, continuous training and applying formal frameworks for efficient cooperation amongst different disciplines. © 2022 The authors and IOS Press