Effects of a Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on Patient Depression

Background: Screening for depression upon intake and completion of a Phase II cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program may influence the type of interventions implemented by CR staff and reduce depression. Objectives: We examined patients before and after a Phase II CR program who self-reported as depressed using the CES-D score and also assessed scores by procedure, gender and age. We further identified the types of interventions used for those who were depressed. Methods: We conducted a pre-post intervention study. Using a convenience sample, data were collected on CES-D scores before and after the program and by type of procedure, gender, and age from May 1, 2013 to April 30, 2017. We conducted independent and paired t-test and ANOVA analyses. Results: Among 132 patients, 25 (19%) self-reported as depressed and most who were depressed patients had at least one intervention (n=22, 88%). For the total group, patients had significantly lower mean CES-D scores at the end of the CR program (6.87 ± 6.64) compared to scores before they started (8.79 ± 8.09, t=0.53; p=0.003). For only depressed patients, CES-D scores were also lower at the end versus the start of the program (p\u3c.001). No differences were found in level of depression based on type of procedure, gender or age. Conclusion: Interventions used by CR staff were effective in decreasing depression scores from intake to completion of a Phase II program. Our results and recommendations were reviewed and discussed with the stakeholders to improve and standardize depression interventions

Interview with Sherrie R. Savett

For transcript, click the Download button above. For video index, click the link below. Sherrie R. Savett (L\u2773) is a leading practitioner in the areas of securities litigation and consumer litigation with the firm of Berger Montague, where she has served as Chair Emeritus of the firm, Chair of the Securities Litigation Department and of the Qui Tam/False Claims Act Department

Interview with William R. Klaus

For transcript, click the Download button above. For video index, click the link below

Self-Contained Avionics Sensing and Flight Control System for Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

A self-contained avionics sensing and flight control system is provided for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The system includes sensors for sensing flight control parameters and surveillance parameters, and a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. Flight control parameters and location signals are processed to generate flight control signals. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is configured to provide a look-up table storing sets of values with each set being associated with a servo mechanism mounted on the UAV and with each value in each set indicating a unique duty cycle for the servo mechanism associated therewith. Each value in each set is further indexed to a bit position indicative of a unique percentage of a maximum duty cycle for the servo mechanism associated therewith. The FPGA is further configured to provide a plurality of pulse width modulation (PWM) generators coupled to the look-up table. Each PWM generator is associated with and adapted to be coupled to one of the servo mechanisms

Odorant-Binding Proteins OBP57d and OBP57e Affect Taste Perception and Host-Plant Preference in Drosophila sechellia

Despite its morphological similarity to the other species in the Drosophila melanogaster species complex, D. sechellia has evolved distinct physiological and behavioral adaptations to its host plant Morinda citrifolia, commonly known as Tahitian Noni. The odor of the ripe fruit of M. citrifolia originates from hexanoic and octanoic acid. D. sechellia is attracted to these two fatty acids, whereas the other species in the complex are repelled. Here, using interspecies hybrids between D. melanogaster deficiency mutants and D. sechellia, we showed that the Odorant-binding protein 57e (Obp57e) gene is involved in the behavioral difference between the species. D. melanogaster knock-out flies for Obp57e and Obp57d showed altered behavioral responses to hexanoic acid and octanoic acid. Furthermore, the introduction of Obp57d and Obp57e from D. simulans and D. sechellia shifted the oviposition site preference of D. melanogaster Obp57d/e(KO) flies to that of the original species, confirming the contribution of these genes to D. sechellia's specialization to M. citrifolia. Our finding of the genes involved in host-plant determination may lead to further understanding of mechanisms underlying taste perception, evolution of plant–herbivore interactions, and speciation

Patent Pools and Competition Law - A Study of the Contemporary Scenario

The intense conflict between intellectual property law and competition law is seen in almost every field of industry reflecting the concept of discord between individual benefit and business ethics. The development of jurisprudential literature on the two disciplines gives an insight as to what forms the legal foundation of the conflict. One of the many examples of this conflict would be the friction between patent pools and anti-trust practices. Till date, there are numerous issues faced by patent pools such as patent hold-up and hold-out problems. Patent pools are commonly characterized by patent holders coming together, waiving their exclusive rights under an agreement. While they help to develop research and innovation and reduce transaction costs by allowing licensing of multiple patents, they also provide space for potential malpractices such as collusion, price fixing and cartelization. In such a scenario, it becomes imperative to analyze the anti-competitive effects of patent pools and look for robust solutions to foster a healthy and competitive environment to maintain an amicable economic climate. Through this paper, the authors would like to shed better light on this issue and make an attempt at suggesting a few constructive solutions which will alleviate, if not solve the problem

Economic Impact of Domestic Violence: An Analysis

Domestic violence is one of the most prevalent crimes in India. The main purpose of this paper is to explore its economic effect on the nation. The first part deals with the different types and categories of costs incurred privately and socially due to the act of domestic violence. It tries to understand and review the existing cost measure and emphasizes consider the intangible costs also while making the policy related to IPV. The second part deals with a non-cooperative model of a family wherein violence exists and what are the way out or solutions for the victim to control the level of violence. The third part shows the dependence of the business cycle or the impact of the down economy as in COVID-19 on the increasing cases of domestic violence. The fourth part deals with the problem of decreasing the rate of involvement of women in the labour work/force of India. It discusses the effect of family structure on the participation or non-participation of a woman and emphasizes providing more opportunities that would be suitable for a woman in a particular area. The fifth part tests whether the hypothesis is proved or disproved based on the above-discussed matter and the last part disscuss the policy implications of the different findings

Interview with Curtis Reitz

For transcript, click the Download button above. For video index, click the link below. Curtis R. Reitz (L\u27 56)is the Algernon Sydney Biddle Professor, Emeritus of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He has represented Pennsylvania for 25 years in the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, and is chair of the Conference\u27s Committee on International Legal Developments. He also participated in the recent revision of the Uniform Commercial Code