Business models for sustained ehealth implementation: lessons from two continents

There is general consensus that Computers and Information Technology have the potential to enhance health systems applications, and many good examples of such applications exist all over the world. Unfortunately, with respect to eHealth and telemedicine, there is much disillusionment and scepticism. This paper describes two models that were developed separately, but had the same purpose, namely to facilitate a holistic approach to the development and implementation of eHealth solutions. The roadmap of the Centre for eHealth Research (CeHRes roadmap) was developed in the Netherlands, and the Telemedicine Maturity Model (TMMM) was developed in South Africa. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the commonalities and differences of these approaches, and to explore how they can be used to complement each other. The first part of this paper comprises of a comparison of these models in terms of origin, research domain and design principles. Case comparisons are then presented to illustrate how these models complement one another

Relations between depressed mood and vocal parameters before, during and after sleep deprivation: a circadian rhythm study

The mechanism underlying improvement after total sleep deprivation (TSD) was studied in 14 major depressed patients. The suggestions that (1) circadian processes and/or (2) dimensions of arousal may play a role in the response to TSD were investigated. Diurnal variation of depressed mood and of mood- and arousal-related vocal parameters was studied in relation to the effect of TSD on depressed mood and vocal parameters. During 3 baseline days, during TSD and 2 days after TSD vocal parameters and depressed mood were assessed 6 and 3 times daily respectively. The mean fundamental frequency (frequency of vocal fold vibration, F0) (presumably reflecting aspects of arousal) as well as the range of the F0 (proposed to reflect sadness) showed a clear circadian pattern with a peak at about 4.00 p.m. TSD affected the circadian organization of the mean F0 and advanced the peak of the curve. After one night of subsequent sleep this effect disappeared. In addition, improvement after TSD coincided with an increase of the mean F0. The diurnal variation of mood before TSD predicted the mood response to TSD, whereas diurnal variation of vocal parameters did not. Moreover, circadian changes in vocal parameters were not related to changes in depressed mood. These findings suggest that the diurnal variations in mood and vocal parameters are regulated by different mechanisms. Data support the presumption that circadian as well as arousal processes are involved in the mood response to TSD. Circadian changes in vocal parameters due to TSD are not likely to reflect changes in the biological clock.

Laboratory and observational study of the interrelation of the carbonaceous component of interstellar dust and solar system materials

By studying the chemical and isotopic composition of interstellar ice and dust, one gains insight into the composition and chemical evolution of the solid bodies in the solar nebula and the nature of the material subsequently brought into the inner part of the solar system by comets and meteorites. It is now possible to spectroscopically probe the composition of interstellar ice and dust in the mid-infrared, the spectral range which is most diagnostic of fundamental molecular vibrations. We can compare these spectra of various astronomical objects (including the diffuse and dense interstellar medium, comets, and the icy outer planets and their satellites) with the spectra of analogs we produce in the laboratory under conditions which mimic those in these different objects. In this way one can determine the composition and abundances of the major constituents of the various ices and place general constraints on the types of organics coating the grains in the diffuse interstellar medium. In particular we have shown the ices in the dense clouds contain H2O, CH3OH, CO, perhaps some NH3 and H2CO, we well as nitriles and ketones or esters. Furthermore, by studying the photochemistry of these ice analogs in the laboratory, one gains insight into the chemistry which takes place in interstellar/precometary ices. Chemical and spectroscopic studies of photolyzed analogs (including deuterated species) are now underway. The results of some of these studies will be presented and implications for the evolution of the biogenic elements in interstellar dust and comets will be discussed

Cyclic catalytic upgrading of chemical species using metal oxide materials

Processes are disclosure which comprise alternately contacting an oxygen-carrying catalyst with a reducing substance, or a lower partial pressure of an oxidizing gas, and then with the oxidizing gas or a higher partial pressure of the oxidizing gas, whereby the catalyst is alternately reduced and then regenerated to an oxygenated state. In certain embodiments, the oxygen-carrying catalyst comprises at least one metal oxide-containing material containing a composition having one of the following formulas: (a) Ce.sub.xB.sub.yB'.sub.zB''O.sub..delta., wherein B=Ba, Sr, Ca, or Zr; B'=Mn, Co, or Fe; B''=Cu; 0.01<x<0.99; 0<y<0.6; 0<z<0.5; and 1<.delta.<2.2; (b) Sr.sub.vLa.sub.wB.sub.xB'.sub.yB''.sub.zO.sub..delta., wherein B=Co or Fe; B'=Al or Ga; B''=Cu; 0.01<v<1.4; 0.1<w<1.6; 0.1<x<1.9; 0.1<y<0.9; 0<z<2.2; and 3<.delta.<5.5)

Quantitative systematic review of the effects of non‐pharmacological interventions on reducing apathy in persons with dementia

AimTo review the quantitative evidence concerning the effects of non‐pharmacological interventions on reducing apathy in persons with dementia.BackgroundApathy, a prevalent behavioural symptom among persons with Alzheimer Disease, is defined as a disorder of motivation with deficits in behavioural, emotional and cognitive domains and is associated with serious social and physical obstacles. Non‐pharmacological interventions show promise as symptom control modalities among persons with dementia.DesignQuantitative systematic review.Data sourcesCINAHL, PubMed, PSYCHinfo and Cochrane Trials databases were searched for published English language research inclusive through December 2014, with no early year limiters set.Review methodsComprehensive searches yielded 16 international randomized controlled trials or quasi‐experimental studies based on inclusion criteria and a rigorous quality appraisal process.ResultsA narrative summary analysis revealed that non‐pharmacological interventions for apathy varied substantially and lacked specificity, conceptual clarity and were methodologically heterogeneous. Select interventions demonstrated effectiveness, but lacked systematic long‐term follow‐up. Limitations include publication bias and lack of a meta‐analytic approach due to the methodological heterogeneity of included studies.ConclusionStudy results demonstrate promise for the use of non‐pharmacological interventions, particularly music‐based interventions, in reducing apathy levels in individuals with dementia. Intervening to reduce apathy may have a positive clinical impact and healthcare providers should be encouraged to incorporate positive sources of interest and intellectual stimulation into care. However, future research is needed to examine the aetiologic mechanism and predictors of apathy, to improve evidence‐based interventions and specificity and to optimize dosage and timing of non‐pharmacological interventions across the disease trajectory.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/134246/1/jan13026_am.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/134246/2/jan13026.pd

A New Galactic 6cm Formaldehyde Maser

We report the detection of a new H2CO maser in the massive star forming region G23.71-0.20 (IRAS 18324-0820), i.e., the fifth region in the Galaxy where H2CO maser emission has been found. The new H2CO maser is located toward a compact HII region, and is coincident in velocity and position with 6.7 GHz methanol masers and with an IR source as revealed by Spitzer/IRAC GLIMPSE data. The coincidence with an IR source and 6.7 GHz methanol masers suggests that the maser is in close proximity to an embedded massive protostar. Thus, the detection of H2CO maser emission toward G23.71-0.20 supports the trend that H2CO 6cm masers trace molecular material very near young massive stellar objects.Comment: Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal Letter

Prediction of small business owners success level by means of biographical and business variables.

Thesis (M.Com.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1992.The main aim of this study was to establish the biographical and business variables as predictors of of success of small business' owners in South Africa. is based on secondary information obtained from the national venture capital organisation. value of the level The study files of a The sample consisted of 569 small business owners active within 435 businesses. The statistical analysis strategy implemented was aimed at eliminating chance and capitalisation on chance in an attempt to eventually identify discriminants in a more accurate, valid and reliable manner. One-way Analyses of Variance with Bonferroni's Ranges test specified (only ordinal and interval scale variables) and Chi-square (only nominal scale variables) were used to initially investigate relationships among level of success of small business owners and biographical and business variables. Stepwise Discriminant analyses was then used to determine the relationship between level of success of small business owners and biographical/business variables. Significant differences in the level of success of small business owners were found for five biographical and seven bus iness variables. Discriminant analyses was then used to predict level of success of small business owners by means of the significant biographical/business variables identified in the first phase of the statistical analysis (Chi-square, One-way Analyses of Variance, Stepwise Discriminant Analyses). The results of the study revealed that certain biographical and business variables are promising as predictors of the level of success of small business owners. The results are discussed in terms of (1) implications for the selection criteria of venture capital organisations in selecting possible successful small business owners and (2) future economic policies for South Africa

Case report: Basedow paraplegia: A possible misnomer

Thyrotoxic myopathy frequently occurs in clinical practice; however, the association of hyperthyroidism with a flaccid, areflexic paraplegia, so-called Basedow paraplegia, appears to represent a controversial and doubtful entity. An 18-year-old female with undiagnosed and untreated Graves’ disease presented with acute onset of global weakness predominantly in the lower limbs, but also affecting the upper limbs. The weakness was accompanied by hypotonia and areflexia. Clinically, the patient had a goitre and signs of thyroid ocular disease. Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of hyperthyroidism, and thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies were positive. The cerebrospinal fluid protein level was raised. The electroneuronographic and needle examinations were compatible with a clear denervation process, such as acute motor axonal neuropathy, a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, carbimazole and propranolol were administered. The occurrence of hyperthyroidism with a flaccid, areflexic paraplegia appears to represent more of a fortuitous than a causative association. It is important to consider and treat other causes, such as acute idiopathic polyneuritis

Providing Education to Enhance Wildlife Conservation in South Africa Through the First Wildlife School for Game Rancers - A Grassroots Effort by Government Authorized Conservationists

The establishment of the game ranching industry in South Africa has resulted in the conversion of 20 million hectares of marginal agricultural land to an economically viable and conservation oriented industry. The single biggest driving factor in the growth of the game ranching industry in South Africa was the promulgation of the Game Theft Act 105 of 1991 which conferred private ownership of game. Due to the Act, wildlife became economically viable and were managed according to the creation of this new market. The growth in game animals has reached its highest point since 1850 with over 20 million animals. In 1992, South Africa signed the International Convention on Biodiversity whereby the country committed itself to a goal of 12% of the country would be preserved for wildlife biodiversity by 2021. By 2016, the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) had determined that South Africa’s terrestrial protected area fell far short of the 12% agreed upon by the country. The DEA had determined that South Africa would have to depend on the assistance and conservation of the game ranching industry in order to meet the 12% target. In 2017it was realized that a wildlife school for game farmers was needed, to address utilizing natural resources in a manner that supports sustainability and improves economic prospects while upholding conservation ethics. To help unify the industry and address the unknowns, the first Wildskool was developed to provide direct face to face education

Cyclic Catalytic Upgrading of Chemical Species Using Metal Oxide Materials

Processes are disclosure which comprise alternately contacting an oxygen-carrying catalyst with a reducing substance, or a lower partial pressure of an oxidizing gas, and then with the oxidizing gas or a higher partial pressure of the oxidizing gas, whereby the catalyst is alternately reduced and then regenerated to an oxygenated state. In certain embodiments, the oxygen-carrying catalyst comprises at least one metal oxide-containing material containing a composition having the following formulas: (a) Ce(sub x)B(sub y)B'(sub z)B''O(sub gamma; wherein B=Ba, Sr, Ca, or Zr; B'=Mn, Co, and/or Fe; B''=Cu; 0.01<x<0.99; 0<y<0.6; 0<z<0.5; (b) Ce(sub 1-x-y) Ni(sub x) B(sub y) O(sub 2-*), wherein B=Zr, Ba, Ca, La, or K; 0.02<x<0.1; 0<y<0.1; and 0.02<*<0.15; and 1<delta<2.2 and (c) coal ash either as a catalyst material itself or as a support for said unary or binary metal oxides