Maximising ophthalmic theatre time : part 1

Part 2 of the article can be found through this link : https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/12822Aim: To establish whether the available ophthalmic theatre time is being used efficiently and to find ways how to improve our surgical output and reduce the waiting list. Methods: All ophthalmic surgeries under the care of Mr Franco Mercieca carried out in Theatre 13 in the sample months of May and October 2009, were retrospectively analyzed. Average times were estimated for all types of ophthalmic procedures. The total number of cataract operations and patients listed for surgery were noted from beginning of 2006 till end of 2009. Results: In 2009, this firm has carried out 572 cataract operations, 81% increase from 2008, of which 52% were performed on weekends and public holidays. The theatre usage time in the sample months under study was 89.25% on weekdays and over 94% on extra sessions. Theatre time wastage was an average of 8%, half of which being due to cancellations on the day. On average over 71% of our theatre time is used for cataract surgery. Conclusions: In order to maximize our theatre time efficiency, we need to set up a Preoperative Assessment clinic and encourage more patients to have their surgery under local anaesthesia. To reduce the waiting list the need for a parallel theatre dedicated solely to cataract surgery under local anaesthesia is of paramount importance.peer-reviewe

Dynamic fluctuations in a Short-Range Spin Glass model

We study the dynamic fluctuations of the soft-spin version of the Edwards-Anderson model in the critical region for $T\rightarrow T_{c}^{+}$. First we solve the infinite-range limit of the model using the random matrix method. We define the static and dynamic 2-point and 4-point correlation functions at the order $O(1/N)$ and we verify that the static limit obtained from the dynamic expressions is correct. In a second part we use the functional integral formalism to define an effective short-range Lagrangian $L$ for the fields $\delta Q^{\alpha\beta}_{i}(t_{1},t_{2})$ up to the cubic order in the series expansion around the dynamic Mean-Field value $\overline{{Q}^{\alpha\beta}}(t_{1},t_{2})$. We find the more general expression for the time depending non-local fluctuations, the propagators $[\langle\delta Q^{\alpha\beta}_{i}(t_{1},t_{2}) \delta Q^{\alpha\beta}_{j}(t_{3},t_{4})\rangle_{\xi}]_{J}$, in the quadratic approximation. Finally we compare the long-range limit of the correlations, derived in this formalism, with the correlations of the infinite-range model studied with the previous approach (random matrices).Comment: 25 pages, LaTeX, 5 figures available upon request. Revised version, to be published on Journal de physiqu

Nella stanza del terapeuta “da lontano”. Consapevolezza della propria identità sessuale e attacchi di panico durante la Pandemia attraverso l’Approccio Pluralistico Integrato

Il caso illustrato in questo articolo è quello di una ragazza di 15 anni, studentessa in un liceo di Roma, gemella di un fratello molto intraprendente e brillante, all’interno di una famiglia molto presente ed attenta. Francesca, questo è il nome di fantasia che darò qui alla paziente, ha iniziato a sviluppare attacchi di panico subito dopo l’inizio del lock down del 2020 dovuto alla Pandemia da Covid. Il suo percorso inizia a settembre del 2020, non in presenza, ma a distanza, a causa delle sue paure e delle restrizioni preventive. La risoluzione di questo percorso mostrerà l’utilizzo dell’Approccio Pluralistico Integrato. La psicoterapia gestaltica integrata alla terapia umanistica, cognitivo-comportamentale, strategica, al Training Autogeno e alla meditazione, sono state utilizzate sia rispetto ai disturbi d’ansia che rispetto alle conseguenze comportamentali e psicoemotive del periodo pandemico. Verranno esplorate anche le difficoltà relazionali dovute all’omosessualità e le difficoltà di coming out con i familiari

A path model “why-what-how-when” to Implement an IC reporting

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an empirical study and the critical success factors for implementing Intellectual Capital (IC) reporting. Selecting an IC model to be implemented in a specific context at a particular time depends on several contingent factors. In light of this, we propose the following “why-what-how-when” agenda, which will be applied in the case study: 1. Why implement IC reporting in a specific context? 2. What IC approach/tool is suitable to satisfy users’ informational needs? 3. How is the quality of information? 4. When is information available? The research is qualitative and focused on a case study in order to understand the dynamics of a given process. The company analyzed designs and develops Large Systems for Homeland Protection. The analyzed case study shows that there isn’t “one best way” to report on intangibles. Thus, the main critical factors of the process investigated are the following: accurate identification of actors involved in the decision-making process; quality and availability of information. The case study allows us to analyze how changes in decision maker(s), users’ informational needs and information quality can impact the selection of the framework and its relative artifact/tool to be used to report on intangibles