Empirical Study: Exploring Medication Adherence for Medicaid Insured Asthma Patients in Louisiana

Asthma is a chronic disease whose effects are controlled/ prevented using appropriate medication. Although benefits of asthma medication is well known, poor medication adherence among asthma patients has been reported. Medication non-adherence is associated to increased healthcare costs, unnecessary hospital utilization, readmission and even death in few cases. The overarching goal of this research was to evaluate the impact of medication non-adherence on hospital admissions, and identify key factors that result in medication non-adherence for Medicaid insured asthma patients. To achieve these objectives, Correlation analysis, T-tests, Multivariate logistic analysis and odds ratios were performed. Based on results of the study, the present study did not find significant relationships between control medication adherence and the different types of hospital visits (i.e. emergency department visits, inpatient admits, and readmission). However, patients with high rescue medication adherence had fewer emergency department visits (p-value=0.0004) and inpatient admissions (p-value=0.0303). Patients with more than 4 office visits had better rescue medication adherence, older and low-income patients had higher 30-day readmissions rate. While, male and low-income patients had emergency visits Additionally, The two types of insurance coverage (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Supplemental Security Income-Non Dual) were the only significant predictors of control medication adherence among the factors analyzed (with p-values =0.0001). Asthma patients with TANF and SSI- Non Dual coverage are less adherent to control medication adherence compared to other coverage. Also, control and rescue medication adherence was not significantly different among case managed and non-case managed asthma patients

From wearable towards epidermal computing : soft wearable devices for rich interaction on the skin

Human skin provides a large, always available, and easy to access real-estate for interaction. Recent advances in new materials, electronics, and human-computer interaction have led to the emergence of electronic devices that reside directly on the user's skin. These conformal devices, referred to as Epidermal Devices, have mechanical properties compatible with human skin: they are very thin, often thinner than human hair; they elastically deform when the body is moving, and stretch with the user's skin. Firstly, this thesis provides a conceptual understanding of Epidermal Devices in the HCI literature. We compare and contrast them with other technical approaches that enable novel on-skin interactions. Then, through a multi-disciplinary analysis of Epidermal Devices, we identify the design goals and challenges that need to be addressed for advancing this emerging research area in HCI. Following this, our fundamental empirical research investigated how epidermal devices of different rigidity levels affect passive and active tactile perception. Generally, a correlation was found between the device rigidity and tactile sensitivity thresholds as well as roughness discrimination ability. Based on these findings, we derive design recommendations for realizing epidermal devices. Secondly, this thesis contributes novel Epidermal Devices that enable rich on-body interaction. SkinMarks contributes to the fabrication and design of novel Epidermal Devices that are highly skin-conformal and enable touch, squeeze, and bend sensing with co-located visual output. These devices can be deployed on highly challenging body locations, enabling novel interaction techniques and expanding the design space of on-body interaction. Multi-Touch Skin enables high-resolution multi-touch input on the body. We present the first non-rectangular and high-resolution multi-touch sensor overlays for use on skin and introduce a design tool that generates such sensors in custom shapes and sizes. Empirical results from two technical evaluations confirm that the sensor achieves a high signal-to-noise ratio on the body under various grounding conditions and has a high spatial accuracy even when subjected to strong deformations. Thirdly, Epidermal Devices are in contact with the skin, they offer opportunities for sensing rich physiological signals from the body. To leverage this unique property, this thesis presents rapid fabrication and computational design techniques for realizing Multi-Modal Epidermal Devices that can measure multiple physiological signals from the human body. Devices fabricated through these techniques can measure ECG (Electrocardiogram), EMG (Electromyogram), and EDA (Electro-Dermal Activity). We also contribute a computational design and optimization method based on underlying human anatomical models to create optimized device designs that provide an optimal trade-off between physiological signal acquisition capability and device size. The graphical tool allows for easily specifying design preferences and to visually analyze the generated designs in real-time, enabling designer-in-the-loop optimization. Experimental results show high quantitative agreement between the prediction of the optimizer and experimentally collected physiological data. Finally, taking a multi-disciplinary perspective, we outline the roadmap for future research in this area by highlighting the next important steps, opportunities, and challenges. Taken together, this thesis contributes towards a holistic understanding of Epidermal Devices}: it provides an empirical and conceptual understanding as well as technical insights through contributions in DIY (Do-It-Yourself), rapid fabrication, and computational design techniques.Die menschliche Haut bietet eine große, stets verfügbare und leicht zugängliche Fläche für Interaktion. Jüngste Fortschritte in den Bereichen Materialwissenschaft, Elektronik und Mensch-Computer-Interaktion (Human-Computer-Interaction, HCI) [so that you can later use the Englisch abbreviation] haben zur Entwicklung elektronischer Geräte geführt, die sich direkt auf der Haut des Benutzers befinden. Diese sogenannten Epidermisgeräte haben mechanische Eigenschaften, die mit der menschlichen Haut kompatibel sind: Sie sind sehr dünn, oft dünner als ein menschliches Haar; sie verformen sich elastisch, wenn sich der Körper bewegt, und dehnen sich mit der Haut des Benutzers. Diese Thesis bietet, erstens, ein konzeptionelles Verständnis von Epidermisgeräten in der HCI-Literatur. Wir vergleichen sie mit anderen technischen Ansätzen, die neuartige Interaktionen auf der Haut ermöglichen. Dann identifizieren wir durch eine multidisziplinäre Analyse von Epidermisgeräten die Designziele und Herausforderungen, die angegangen werden müssen, um diesen aufstrebenden Forschungsbereich voranzubringen. Im Anschluss daran untersuchten wir in unserer empirischen Grundlagenforschung, wie epidermale Geräte unterschiedlicher Steifigkeit die passive und aktive taktile Wahrnehmung beeinflussen. Im Allgemeinen wurde eine Korrelation zwischen der Steifigkeit des Geräts und den taktilen Empfindlichkeitsschwellen sowie der Fähigkeit zur Rauheitsunterscheidung festgestellt. Basierend auf diesen Ergebnissen leiten wir Designempfehlungen für die Realisierung epidermaler Geräte ab. Zweitens trägt diese Thesis zu neuartigen Epidermisgeräten bei, die eine reichhaltige Interaktion am Körper ermöglichen. SkinMarks trägt zur Herstellung und zum Design neuartiger Epidermisgeräte bei, die hochgradig an die Haut angepasst sind und Berührungs-, Quetsch- und Biegesensoren mit gleichzeitiger visueller Ausgabe ermöglichen. Diese Geräte können an sehr schwierigen Körperstellen eingesetzt werden, ermöglichen neuartige Interaktionstechniken und erweitern den Designraum für die Interaktion am Körper. Multi-Touch Skin ermöglicht hochauflösende Multi-Touch-Eingaben am Körper. Wir präsentieren die ersten nicht-rechteckigen und hochauflösenden Multi-Touch-Sensor-Overlays zur Verwendung auf der Haut und stellen ein Design-Tool vor, das solche Sensoren in benutzerdefinierten Formen und Größen erzeugt. Empirische Ergebnisse aus zwei technischen Evaluierungen bestätigen, dass der Sensor auf dem Körper unter verschiedenen Bedingungen ein hohes Signal-Rausch-Verhältnis erreicht und eine hohe räumliche Auflösung aufweist, selbst wenn er starken Verformungen ausgesetzt ist. Drittens, da Epidermisgeräte in Kontakt mit der Haut stehen, bieten sie die Möglichkeit, reichhaltige physiologische Signale des Körpers zu erfassen. Um diese einzigartige Eigenschaft zu nutzen, werden in dieser Arbeit Techniken zur schnellen Herstellung und zum computergestützten Design von multimodalen Epidermisgeräten vorgestellt, die mehrere physiologische Signale des menschlichen Körpers messen können. Die mit diesen Techniken hergestellten Geräte können EKG (Elektrokardiogramm), EMG (Elektromyogramm) und EDA (elektrodermale Aktivität) messen. Darüber hinaus stellen wir eine computergestützte Design- und Optimierungsmethode vor, die auf den zugrunde liegenden anatomischen Modellen des Menschen basiert, um optimierte Gerätedesigns zu erstellen. Diese Designs bieten einen optimalen Kompromiss zwischen der Fähigkeit zur Erfassung physiologischer Signale und der Größe des Geräts. Das grafische Tool ermöglicht die einfache Festlegung von Designpräferenzen und die visuelle Analyse der generierten Designs in Echtzeit, was eine Optimierung durch den Designer im laufenden Betrieb ermöglicht. Experimentelle Ergebnisse zeigen eine hohe quantitative Übereinstimmung zwischen den Vorhersagen des Optimierers und den experimentell erfassten physiologischen Daten. Schließlich skizzieren wir aus einer multidisziplinären Perspektive einen Fahrplan für zukünftige Forschung in diesem Bereich, indem wir die nächsten wichtigen Schritte, Möglichkeiten und Herausforderungen hervorheben. Insgesamt trägt diese Arbeit zu einem ganzheitlichen Verständnis von Epidermisgeräten bei: Sie liefert ein empirisches und konzeptionelles Verständnis sowie technische Einblicke durch Beiträge zu DIY (Do-It-Yourself), schneller Fertigung und computergestützten Entwurfstechniken

Employability Skill Evaluation Among Vocational Education Students in India

The changing nature of work and employment is providing individuals for more flexible multi-skilling and learning opportunities. Imparting skill-based industry-oriented teaching can bridge the skill gaps and enhance employment opportunities for students. In this context, Government of India has introduced numerous programs to provide a fillip to technical vocational education and training.  The current paper is aimed at understanding the role of vocational education and the change it brings to skill development and employability of the students.  A combination of both qualitative and quantitative research methods was deployed for the study.  In the quantitative design a multi-stage sampling process comprising of both probabilistic and non-probabilistic methods was employed.  A sample of 586 students pursuing retail vocational education was identified and administered with the questionnaire.  The statistical analysis presented the socio-economic profiles.  Further, five factors for skill development and one factor for employability skill were identified through exploratory factor analysis.  The factors identified for skill development include Initiative and Enterprise Skills (IES), Workplace Skills (WS), Professional Practice and Standards (PPS), Inter Personal Skills (IPS) and Integration Theory and Practice (ITP).  Confirmatory and regression models involving all the factors were tested and their significance was analyzed.  The study revealed that there is a positive impact of skill development on employability.  It is suggested that focus on imparting vocational education for skill development can be a panacea for increased employability. &nbsp

Evaluation of neutropenia and neutrophilia in preterm infants

OBJECTIVE: Neutrophil counts are used routinely as part of the sepsis evaluation in newborn infants. In this article, we review the normal blood neutrophil concentrations and the clinical approach to neutropenia and neutrophilia in the neonatal period. METHODS: A literature search was performed using the databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus, and the electronic archive of abstracts presented at the annual meetings of the Pediatric Academic Societies. RESULTS: Neutropenia and neutrophilia are documented frequently in premature infants. Neutropenia can be seen in up to 8% of all infants admitted to neonatal intensive care. Neutrophilia is even more common, reported in up to 40% of all preterm infants. CONCLUSIONS: Neutrophil counts should be carefully evaluated in premature neonates. Maternal and perinatal history, physical examination, and a limited laboratory assessment is usually adequate for making a diagnosis in most infants

Personal Factors Influencing Consumers’ Buying Decision of Mobile Phone: A Case of Ethiopia, Dilla City

Mobile phones have become one of the most important means of communication in Ethiopia. It enables people to keep in touch with their families and friends. Beyond personal communication mobile phones facilitate the day to day activity of its users. The objective of this study is to investigate personal factors influencing consumers’ buying decision of mobile phone in Ethiopia, Dilla City. This study focuses on studying consumers’ personal factors   such as age, education, income, and occupation of consumers’ that influence buying decision of mobile phone. The study surveyed 381 customers by using non probability sampling technique. Sampling was all from businessmen, employees in government office, teachers, as well as students. The primary data were collected by using structured questionnaire where as the secondary data were obtained from books, various published, and unpublished works of scholars, reports, and on line sources. Customers were studied at their motive to purchase new mobile phones on the basis of pre-purchase evaluation, post purchase evaluation, and personal factors.  Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test have been employed to analyze the data. Investigations of the inferential analysis revealed that significant associations exist between motivating factors and personal factors. Therefore, the findings of the study provide companies and active players in mobile phone production and marketing with practical suggestions as well as recommendations on how to meet consumers’ needs in Dilla town. Keywords: Personal factors, Mobile phone, Consumer behavior, Dilla City

Application of PST Source based DC Link Restoration for IDVR

Interline Dynamic Voltage Restorer (IDVR) comprises of several Dynamic Voltage Restorers (DVRs) connected to different distribution feeders in the power system sharing common energy storage. One of the DVR provides for voltage sag compensation appearing in that feeder, while the other DVRs restore the energy in the common dc-link thus dynamically maintaining the voltage of DC link capacitor constant by importing power from the other feeders. Restoration of the DC link energy plays an important role in the capability of the individual DVR in the IDVR to mitigate deep sags with long durations. In this paper the restoration of the DC link energy of the IDVR is achieved by the utilizing the phase shifting transformers (PST) which assist the respective DVR during its power control mode. A controlled switching action is provided to choose the appropriate connection of PST to the feeders depending upon the voltage sag condition. The proposed novel concept is examined in a test power system with IDVR

Acute pancreatitis: a study of urine trypsinogen-2 measurement as a screening test

Background: Usefulness of urine trypsinogen-2 as screening test for acute pancreatitis in Indian population.Methods:We prospectively compared the urinary trypsinogen-2 dipstick test and serum amylase assays in 100 consecutive patients with acute abdominal pain at the emergency department. Urine samples were obtained on admission and tested for the dipstick. The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was made on the basis of a typical clinical picture and serum amylase at least more than threefold the upper reference limit (300 IU) and/or radiological evidence (Abdominal X ray/ultrasonography/contrast enhanced CT).Results: 1. Urine trypsinogen-2 dipstick test was having 100% sensitivity and 85.71% specificity in diagnosing acute pancreatitis in Indian population. 2. Serum amylase was having 61.36% sensitivity and 78.57% specificity in diagnosing acute pancreatitis. 3. Sensitivity and specificity of urine trypsinogen-2 dipstick test is more than that of serum amylase in diagnosing acute pancreatitis which is statistically proved to be significant (P <0.05).Conclusion:Detection of trypsinogen-2 in urine is a simple office test in diagnosing acute pancreatitis in emergency department. As the sensitivity and specificity are high, detection of urine trypsinogen-2 in urine can be used as a screening test, which will definitely help in early diagnosis and prompt treatment of acute pancreatitis.

Choriocapillaris flow impairment predicts the development and enlargement of drusen

Purpose: To evaluate the choriocapillaris flow in regions of enlarged or new incident drusen in patients with early and intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed structural optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) images of consecutive patients with early or intermediate AMD evaluated at the Doheny-UCLA Eye Centers between 2015 and 2018. All patients were imaged using a Cirrus OCT, and only one eye was included in the study. To be eligible for this analysis, patients were required to have a 3 7 3-mm OCTA scan acquired during the first visit (considered as baseline) and a fovea-centered 512 7 128 macular cube (6 7 6&nbsp;mm) acquired at both the baseline visit and after a minimum of 1&nbsp;year follow-up. The drusen maps generated from the macular cubes were used to generate a drusen area (DA) measurement and compute the difference between baseline and follow-up (\u394DA). After registering the structural OCTs to the baseline choriocapillaris (CC) OCTA, we analyzed and compared the baseline flow deficits (FD) within drusen-free region (FDDF), regions into which drusen enlarged or expanded at follow-up (FDEN), and regions in which new incident drusen (FDND) appeared at follow-up. Results: Forty-six patients were eligible for the analysis and had a mean follow-up of 1.47&nbsp;years. Twelve eyes of 12 subjects had a \u394DA &lt; 0.1&nbsp;mm2. In these eyes, only the FDDF was calculated (40.37 \ub1 2.29%) and it was not significantly different from the FDDF of eyes with \u394DA 65 0.1&nbsp;mm2 (40.25 \ub1 4.37%, p = 0.849). When comparing the different regions within the eyes with \u394DA 65 0.1&nbsp;mm2, there was no significant difference between FDED and FDND (43.61 \ub1 4.36% and 44.16 \ub1 2.38%, p = 528), but both were significantly higher than FDDF (p = 0.001 and p &lt; 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Significant CC flow impairment is present under regions of intact retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) where existing drusen will enlarge into or new drusen will appear within 2&nbsp;years. These findings suggest that location of drusen may not be stochastic but may be driven by regional deficits in the choriocapillaris

Routing algorithms for large scale wireless sensor networks

Routing in sensor networks is a challenging issue due to inherent constraints such as power, memory, and CPU processing capabilities. In this thesis, we assume an All to All communication mode in an N × N grid sensor network. We explore routing algorithms which load balance the network without compromising the shortest paths constrain. We analyzed the Servetto method and studied two routing strategies, namely Horizontal-Vertical routing and Zigzag routing. The problem is divided into two scenarios, one being the static case (without failed nodes), and the other being the dynamic case (with failed nodes). In static network case, we derived mathematical formulae representing the maximum and minimum loads on a sensor grid, when specific routing strategies are employed. We show improvement in performance in load balancing of the grid by using Horizontal-Vertical method instead of the existing Servetto method. In the dynamic network scenario, we compare the performance of routing strategies with respect to probability of failure of nodes in the grid network. We derived the formulae for the success-ratio, in specific strategies, when nodes fail with a probability of p in a predefined source-destination pair communication. We show that the Servetto method does not perform well in both scenarios. In addition, Hybrid strategy proposed does not perform well compared to the studied strategies. We support the derived formulae and the performance of the routing strategies with extensive simulations

How the Thread was Lost: Misaligned Expectations between Students and Professors

We argue that many difficulties and frustrations that occurred during the transition to remote learning in early 2020 due to the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic occurred due to misaligned expectations between students and professors. Many expectations that both professors and students had about the other did not account for the change in circumstances that the pandemic caused. Given the unique circumstances of learning from home, professors also needed to deal with misalignments in expectations from student families as well. We discuss these important differences and offer suggestions on how to best approach policies going forward as we inevitably have to make accommodations for students forced to make the switch in the coming semesters