Elder financial abuse based on victim–perpetrator relationship as perceived by Asian young adults

Objective: The current study aimed to examine how Asian adults perceive the severity of elder financial abuse (EFA) based on victim–perpetrator relationship and the explanations they give for minimizing it when the perpetrator is a close family member. Background: Financial abuse, one of the fastest growing forms of abuse in the elderly population, has remained understudied, especially in Asian communities, due to cultural variations in its definition and perception. Method: A mixed‐methods study design was utilized. One hundred sixty‐four participants responded to two vignettes depicting EFA perpetrated by a close family member (son) and nonfamily member (neighbor). Results: Paired samples t test found significant differences in severity ratings of EFA committed by son and neighbor within Asian adults. The qualitative report explored participants' explanations for minimizing EFA perpetrated by close family member using thematic analysis, which identified two major themes: (a) dismissal of severity and responsibility and (2) justification of abuse. Conclusion: This is one of the few studies to provide valuable insight into the influence of culture on perceptions of elder abuse. Implications: With the elderly population in Asia increasing steadily, culturally relevant risk factors of abuse need to be identified because this could guide legal provisions that help protect the rights of older individuals

Demonstration of optically modulated dispersion forces

We report the first experiment on the optical modulation of dispersion forces through a change of the carrier density in a Si membrane. For this purpose a high-vacuum based atomic force microscope and excitation light pulses from an Ar laser are used. The experimental results are compared with two theoretical models. The modulation of the dispersion force will find applications in optomechanical micromachines.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures, opex3.sty is used, text has been made in accordance with the final version to appear in Optics express, 3 misprints are correcte

Demonstration of the difference Casimir force for samples with different charge carrier densities

A measurement of the Casimir force between a gold coated sphere and two Si plates of different carrier densities is performed using a high vacuum based atomic force microscope. The results are compared with the Lifshitz theory and good agreement is found. Our experiment demonstrates that by changing the carrier density of the semiconductor plate by several orders of magnitude it is possible to modify the Casimir interaction. This result may find applications in nanotechnology.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, to appear in Phys. Rev. Let

Experimental procedures for precision measurements of the Casimir force with an Atomic Force Microscope

Experimental methods and procedures required for precision measurements of the Casimir force are presented. In particular, the best practices for obtaining stable cantilevers, calibration of the cantilever, correction of thermal and mechanical drift, measuring the contact separation, sphere radius and the roughness are discussed.Comment: 14 pages, 7 figure

Evaluating the impact of transport mechanisms on web performance for effective web access

Peer reviewedPostprin

Epstein-Barr virus associated haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis treated with anakinra and rituximab: A case report

BACKGROUND: Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a severe, life-threatening syndrome characterised by hyperinflammation and macrophage activation. Viral infections such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are a well-recognised trigger of HLH but the treatment of such cases is not well-defined. We present a case of primary EBV driven HLH that was successfully treated with the interleukin-1 inhibitor anakinra in addition to rituximab and high-dose steroids. CASE: A 22-year-old female with no past medical history developed a mononucleosis-like illness lasting five days characterised by fevers, sore throat and neck swelling. Two weeks following this she presented with fevers, night sweats, fatigue and right upper quadrant pain. She was diagnosed with HLH based on high fevers with hyperferritaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, pancytopaenia, abnormal liver function tests and hepatosplenomegaly. Extensive investigation revealed an EBV viral load of 23,000,000 copies/ml with nil other obvious triggers. A diagnosis of primary-driven EBV HLH was made. She was treated with the interleukin-1 inhibitor anakinra, methylprednisolone and IVIG and a single dose of rituximab. Following the commencement of treatment, the patient made a dramatic improvement. Her EBV viral load reduced to 660 within nine days and her blood counts and liver function returned to normal. She was discharged from hospital on day sixteen. She continued the anakinra for 5 weeks at a weaning dose and completed a 12-week weaning dose of steroids. She has returned to her studies and has no lasting complications from her illness. DISCUSSION: This case highlights the potential of primary EBV infection to cause fulminant HLH. The prompt diagnosis and treatment of HLH using anakinra and rituximab in addition to conventional HLH treatment was safe, and associated with a dramatic clinical improvement. The use of anakinra has been documented in other cases of HLH but none, to our knowledge, of primary EBV-driven HLH with no underlying haematological or rheumatological condition