Comparison of polymerase chain reaction and bacterial culture for Salmonella detection in the Muscovy duck in Trinidad and Tobago

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence and serovar identity of Salmonella, at the national level, in farmed Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) in Trinidad and Tobago, and to compare the relative benefits of bacterial culture to those of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for use in the routine detection and surveillance of Salmonella in these ducks. Methods: From March-September 2003, 110 fecal samples were collected from 82 farms across the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Salmonella was isolated from fresh and frozen samples and the serotype of each was determined through bacterial culture. An in-house, nested PCR that detects all pathogenic Salmonella species was utilized in analyzing the samples. Results: Five samples were positive for Salmonella by bacterial culture, whereas 44 were positive by the nested PCR. Serovars isolated were Kiambu, Orion, Uganda, and two isolates from Group E1 whose H antigens could not be fully characterized. Of the samples, 87 (79%) gave equivalent PCR results for both enrichment broths-28 were positive for both and 59 were negative for both). However, 16 samples were positive for one broth, but not for the other, with the majority (14 of the 16) resulting positive for Selenite broth. PCR results for seven samples were inconclusive due to ambiguous band size or multiple bands near the expected band size. Conclusions: In Trinidad and Tobago, the Muscovy duck does not appear to be a significant source of S. typhimurium or S. enteritidis, but it does harbor other Salmonella species. In-house, nested PCR represents a simple, relatively inexpensive and potentially more sensitive method than bacterial culture for the routine surveillance of pathogenic Salmonella in the Muscovy duck

The ethical significance of user-control in AI-driven speech-BCIs: a narrative review

AI-driven brain-computed interfaces aimed at restoring speech for individuals living with locked-in-syndrome are paired with ethical implications for user’s autonomy, privacy and responsibility. Embedding options for sufficient levels of user-control in speech-BCI design has been proposed to mitigate these ethical challenges. However, how user-control in speech-BCIs is conceptualized and how it relates to these ethical challenges is underdetermined. In this narrative literature review, we aim to clarify and explicate the notion of user-control in speech-BCIs, to better understand in what way user-control could operationalize user’s autonomy, privacy and responsibility and explore how such suggestions for increasing user-control can be translated to recommendations for the design or use of speech-BCIs. First, we identified types of user control, including executory control that can protect voluntariness of speech, and guidance control that can contribute to semantic accuracy. Second, we identified potential causes for a loss of user-control, including contributions of predictive language models, a lack of ability for neural control, or signal interference and external control. Such a loss of user control may have implications for semantic accuracy and mental privacy. Third we explored ways to design for user-control. While embedding initiation signals for users may increase executory control, they may conflict with other aims such as speed and continuity of speech. Design mechanisms for guidance control remain largely conceptual, similar trade-offs in design may be expected. We argue that preceding these trade-offs, the overarching aim of speech-BCIs needs to be defined, requiring input from current and potential users. Additionally, conceptual clarification of user-control and other (ethical) concepts in this debate has practical relevance for BCI researchers. For instance, different concepts of inner speech may have distinct ethical implications. Increased clarity of such concepts can improve anticipation of ethical implications of speech-BCIs and may help to steer design decisions

The ethical significance of user-control in AI-driven speech-BCIs: a narrative review

AI-driven brain-computed interfaces aimed at restoring speech for individuals living with locked-in-syndrome are paired with ethical implications for user’s autonomy, privacy and responsibility. Embedding options for sufficient levels of user-control in speech-BCI design has been proposed to mitigate these ethical challenges. However, how user-control in speech-BCIs is conceptualized and how it relates to these ethical challenges is underdetermined. In this narrative literature review, we aim to clarify and explicate the notion of user-control in speech-BCIs, to better understand in what way user-control could operationalize user’s autonomy, privacy and responsibility and explore how such suggestions for increasing user-control can be translated to recommendations for the design or use of speech-BCIs. First, we identified types of user control, including executory control that can protect voluntariness of speech, and guidance control that can contribute to semantic accuracy. Second, we identified potential causes for a loss of user-control, including contributions of predictive language models, a lack of ability for neural control, or signal interference and external control. Such a loss of user control may have implications for semantic accuracy and mental privacy. Third we explored ways to design for user-control. While embedding initiation signals for users may increase executory control, they may conflict with other aims such as speed and continuity of speech. Design mechanisms for guidance control remain largely conceptual, similar trade-offs in design may be expected. We argue that preceding these trade-offs, the overarching aim of speech-BCIs needs to be defined, requiring input from current and potential users. Additionally, conceptual clarification of user-control and other (ethical) concepts in this debate has practical relevance for BCI researchers. For instance, different concepts of inner speech may have distinct ethical implications. Increased clarity of such concepts can improve anticipation of ethical implications of speech-BCIs and may help to steer design decisions

A nested-PCR with an Internal Amplification Control for the detection and differentiation of Bartonella henselae and B. clarridgeiae: An examination of cats in Trinidad

BACKGROUND: Bartonella species are bacterial blood parasites of animals capable of causing disease in both animals and man. Cat-Scratch Disease (CSD) in humans is caused mainly by Bartonella henselae and is acquired from the cat, which serves as a reservoir for the bacteria. A second species, B. clarridgeiae is also implicated in the disease. Diagnosis of Bartonellosis by culture requires a week or more of incubation on enriched media containing blood, and recovery is often complicated by faster growing contaminating bacteria and fungi. PCR has been explored as an alternative to culture for both the detection and species identification of Bartonella, however sensitivity problems have been reported and false negative reactions due to blood inhibitors have not generally been addressed in test design. METHODS: A novel, nested-PCR was designed for the detection of Bartonella henselae and B. clarridgeiae based on the strategy of targeting species-specific size differences in the 16S-23S rDNA intergenic regions. An Internal Amplification Control was used for detecting PCR inhibition. The nested-PCR was utilized in a study on 103 blood samples from pet and stray cats in Trinidad. RESULTS: None of the samples were positive by primary PCR, but the Nested-PCR detected Bartonella in 32/103 (31%) cats where 16 were infected with only B. henselae, 13 with only B. clarridgeiae and 3 with both species. Of 22 stray cats housed at an animal shelter, 13 (59%) were positive for either or both species, supporting the reported increased incidence of Bartonella among feral cats. CONCLUSION: The usefulness of a single PCR for the detection of Bartonella henselae and B. clarridgeiae in the blood of cats is questionable. A nested-PCR offers increased sensitivity over a primary PCR and should be evaluated with currently used methods for the routine detection and speciation of Bartonella henselae and B. clarridgeiae. In Trinidad, B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae are the predominant species in cats and infection appears highest with stray cats, however B. clarridgeiae may be present at levels similar to that of B. henselae in the pet population

UNBOUND

Unbound showcases the graduating class from the fashion design school at Fanshawe College. Unbound describes the creative spirit and achievements of our twenty-seven emerging Canadian fashion designers. Unbound 2014 is a professional collaboration between Fanshawe College, Community and Professionals in the Fashion Industry. As you turn the pages, admire their accomplishments - the results of three years of passion, hard work, and dedication.https://first.fanshawec.ca/famd_design_fashiondesign_unbound/1003/thumbnail.jp

Factors influencing adverse events resulting in malpractice litigation in nursing practice in private hospitals in the Western Cape

Thesis (MCur)--Stellenbosch University, 2018.ENGLISH SUMMARY: Patient safety is the focus of the healthcare environment. However, the incidences of medical negligence leading to malpractice litigation cases are increasing globally. The aim of this study was to investigate factors that influence adverse events resulting in malpractice litigation in nursing practice in private hospitals in the Western Cape, which is a sub-study to the principle study “A retrospective analysis of malpractice litigation in nursing practice in South Africa”. The ethics approval for the main study is confirmed by reference number N16/02/027. The research question was “What are the factors that influence adverse events resulting in malpractice litigation in nursing practice in private hospitals in the Western Cape?” The objectives included: Complete an audit analysis of the nursing process Categorise the adverse events into principle types Determine factors associated with the adverse events involving the nurse practitioners that have resulted in malpractice litigation Identify other healthcare team members who may be associated with the adverse events that have resulted in malpractice litigation Assess the severity of the adverse events associated with malpractice litigation. A quantitative, retrospective audit research design was used for the purpose of this study. The study focused on malpractice litigation cases that occurred in private hospitals in the Western Cape. A convenience sample was applied. Seven attorneys, who had a variety of cases from various private hospitals within the Western Cape, granted the researcher permission to audit a total of 81 trial bundles. The test-retest method was applied to ensure the instrument included all required information to audit the trial bundles. The main study conducted a pilot study which confirmed reliability of the instrument. Expert opinions were obtained to ensure validity of the instrument. A rigorous process ensured face and content validity. The pilot study which is a sub study was conducted for the main study and not repeated in this study. The individual trial bundles were audited with the use of an audit instrument at the offices of the attorneys who specialised in malpractice litigation cases. With the support of the biostatistician, a descriptive analysis was completed and presented in tables and graphs. Ethical approval (S16/10/204) was granted by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Science at Stellenbosch University. The researcher found that n=49 (60.5%) of the cases were settled out of court. Clinical manifestations were not recorded in n=62 (76.5%) of the trial bundles. Clinical management was the most common principle type found, n=72 (88.9%). The majority of the adverse events were extreme, n=29 (35.8%) resulting in death or disability. The recommendations include encouraging continuous professional development, improving supervision in the clinical environment, promoting the ‘Just Culture’ within the healthcare environment to encourage reporting of adverse events: thereby allowing measures to be put into place to prevent a recurrence of the adverse event.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die veiligheid van die pasiënt is die fokus binne die omgewing van die gesondheidsorg. Nietemin, die voorkoms van mediese nalatigheid wat tot wanpraktyk litigasie-sake lei, is wêreldwyd aan die toeneem. Die doel van hierdie studie was om faktore te ondersoek wat nadelige gebeurtenisse beïnvloed wat lei tot wangpraktyk-litigasie in die verpleegpraktyk in privaat hospitale in die Wes-Kaap. Dit is 'n substudie vir die hoofstudie. 'n Terugwerkende analise van wanpraktyk-litigasie in die verpleegpraktyk in Suid-Afrika. Die etiese goedkeuring vir die hoofstudie word bevestig deur verwysingsnommer N16/02/027. Die navorsingsvraag was: "Wat is die faktore wat nadelige gebeurtenisse beïnvloed, wat lei tot wanpraktyk-litigasie in die verpleegpraktyk in privaat hospitale in die Wes-Kaap?" Die doelwitte was om: ‘n Ouditanalise van die verpleegproses te voltooi. Die negatiewe gebeure in beginsel tipes te kategoriseer. Die faktore wat verband hou met die nadelige gebeuretenisse waarby die verpleegkundige praktisyns betrokke is, wat tot wangedrag litigasie gelei het te bepaal. Ander gesondheidsorgspanlede wat geassosieer kan word met die nadelige gebeurtenisse wat tot wanpraktyk-litigasie gelei het te identifiseer. Die erns van die nadelige gebeurtenisse wat verband hou met wanpraktyk- litigasie te bepaal. ‘n Kwantitatiewe, retrospektiewe oudit-navorsingsontwerp was gebruik vir die doel van hierdie studie. Die studie het op wanpraktyk litigasie-sake wat in private hospitale in die Wes-Kaap gebeur het, gefokus. ‘n Gerieflike steekproef is uitgevoer. Sewe prokureurs wat ’n verskeidenheid sake van verskillende private hospitale in die Wes-Kaap ondersoek het, het die navorser toestemming gegee om ‘n totaal van 81 hofstukke te oudit. Die toets- en hertoetsmetode was toegepas om te verseker dat die instrument alle vereiste inligting om die hofstukke te oudit, insluit. ‘n Steekproef is vir die hoofstudie gedoen wat die betroubaarheid van die instrument bevestig het. Vakkundige opinies is ingewin om die geldigheid van die instrument te verseker. ‘n Nougesette proses het sig- en inhoudgeldigheid verseker. Die loodsstudie wat ’n substudie is, was vir die hoofstudie uitgevoer en is nie in hierdie hoofstudie herhaal nie. Met die ondersteuning van die biostatistikus is ‘n beskrywende analise voltooi en is in tabelle en grafieke aangebied. Die individuele hofstukke was by die kantore van die prokureurs wat in wanpraktyk litigasie-sake spesialiseer geoudit deur gebruik te maak van ‘n oudit-instrument. Etiese goedkeuring (S16/10/204) is goedgekeur deur die Fakulteit van Medisyne en Wetenskap aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch. Die navorser het gevind dat n=49 (60.5%) van die sake buite die hof besleg is. Kliniese manifestasies was nie opgeneem in n=62(76.5%) van die hofstukke nie. Kliniese bestuur was die mees algemene beginseltipe wat bevind was, n-72(88.9%). Die meeste van die nadelige gebeurtenisse was uiterste gevalle n-29 (35.8%) wat tot die dood en gestremdheid gelei het. Aanbevelings sluit in gedurige professionele ontwikkeling moet aangemoedig word, toesig in die kliniese omgewing behoort verbeter te word, die ‘just culture’ binne die gesondheidsorg omgewing moet bevorder word om die rapportering van nadelige gebeurtenisse aan te moedig; daardeur word maatstawwe in plek geplaas om die herhaling van die nadelige gebeurtenise te voorkom

Low-Velocity Impact Behavior of Foam Core Sandwich Panels with Inter-Ply and Intra-Ply Carbon/Kevlar/Epoxy Hybrid Face Sheets

Sandwich composites are extensively employed in a variety of applications because their bending stiffness affords a greater advantage than composite materials. However, the aspect limiting the application of the sandwich material is its poor impact resistance. Therefore, understanding the impact properties of the sandwich structure will determine the ways in which it can be used under the conditions of impact loading. Sandwich panels with different combinations of carbon/Kevlar woven monolithic face sheets, inter-ply face sheets and intra-ply face sheets were fabricated, using the vacuum-assisted resin transfer process. Instrumented low-velocity impact tests were performed using different energy levels of 5 J, 10 J, 20 J, 30 J and 40 J on a variety of samples and the results were assessed. The damage caused by the modes of failure in the sandwich structure include fiber breakage, matrix cracking, foam cracking and debonding. In sandwich panels with thin face sheets, the maximum peak load was achieved for the inter-ply hybrid foam core sandwich panel in which Kevlar was present towards the outer surface and carbon in the inner surface of the face sheet. At an impact energy of 40 J, the maximum peak load for the inter-ply hybrid foam core sandwich panel was 31.57% higher than for the sandwich structure in which carbon is towards the outer surface and Kevlar is in the inner surface of the face sheet. The intra-ply hybrid foam core sandwich panel subjected to 40 J impact energy demonstrated a 13.17% higher maximum peak load compared to the carbon monolithic face sheet sandwich panel. The experimental measurements and numerical predictions are in close agreement