Generalized Legendre Polynomials

AbstractOrthogonal polynomials have been extensively investigated. In this paper we construct a sequence of orthogonal Dirichlet polynomials which generalize Legendre polynomials. We show that our new system satisfies a generalized Rodrigues formula. We also extend a well known result concerning the distribution of the zeros of Legendre polynomials

Developing a vascular access team

Post print versio

On Riesz summability

The thesis is divided into four chapters. The first contains notation and fundamental results. The others contain a number of theorems on Riesz summability, ordinary in the second, absolute in the third and strong in the fourth. The substance of chapter II has appeared in the Proceedings of the Glasgow Mathermatical Association [2]

On the relations between the Abel-type and Borel-type methods of summability

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GIST with a twist: An extra-luminal pedunculated gastric GIST presenting with tumor torsion and hemoperitoneum

AbstractGastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are rare mesenchymal tumors. Most present with nonspecific symptoms. We present a case of a 17-year-old male with sudden abdominal pain. Imaging revealed a hypodense mass inferior to the stomach. Serial blood work showed a decreasing hemoglobin level. In the operating room a pedunculated, torted, hemorrhagic mass on the anterior surface of the stomach was resected. Pathology confirmed a GIST, c-kit positive with involved margins. The patient was started on imatinib. Pediatric GISTS are different than adult GISTs; the majority are c-kit negative (wild-type) and typically indolent. Despite a high recurrence rate, aggressive resection of pediatric GIST is generally not indicated. This pediatric GISTs was c-kit and PDGFR exon 18 mutation positive and thus was treated according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines (for adults)

A concept analysis of befriending

Aim. To report an analysis of the concept of Befriending. Background. Befriending is an intervention used in a range of nursing, health and social care settings to provide support for individuals who are socially isolated or lack social support. However, in many cases befriending and its impact remains poorly understood and under researched. Concept analysis provides clarification of the concept and basis for further research and development. Design. Concept analysis. Data sources. AMED, Psyc Articles, Psych Info, Medline, MedlinePlus, Social Science Index and CINHAL databases were searched for literature published between 1993–2013 using the search term Befriending. Methods. Walker and Avant’s method of concept analysis was chosen. This combined with insights from Risjord’s work produced a theoretical concept analysis which focused on the concept in peer reviewed academic literature. Results. There are currently several ways the mechanisms of befriending and its effects on individuals and communities are understood. It is possible however to identify key attributes which define the concept and differentiate it from related concepts, such as peer support and mentoring. Key attributes are that it is an organised intervention, involving the creation of an emotionally connected friendlike relationship, where there is a negotiation of power. Conclusion. This concept analysis has clarified current understandings and uses of befriending. It provides the basis for widening the focus of research into the effectiveness and impact of befriending on those who are befriended, those who befriend and the communities where befriending takes place

Eliciting human intelligence: police source handlers' perceptions and experiences of rapport during covert human intelligence sources (CHIS) interactions

Rapport is an integral part of interviewing, viewed as fundamental to the success of intelligence elicitation. One collection capability is human intelligence (HUMINT), the discipline charged with eliciting intelligence through interactions with human sources, such as covert human intelligence sources (CHIS). To date, research has yet to explore the perceptions and experiences of intelligence operatives responsible for gathering HUMINT within England and Wales. The present study consisted of structured interviews with police source handlers (N = 24). Rapport was perceived as essential, especially for maximising the opportunity for intelligence elicitation. Participants provided a range of rapport strategies while highlighting the importance of establishing, and maintaining, rapport. The majority of participants believed rapport could be trained to some degree. Thus, rapport was not viewed exclusively as a natural skill. However, participants commonly perceived some natural attributes are required to build rapport that can be refined and developed through training and experience

A feasibility study of acceptance and commitment therapy for emotional dysfunction following psychosis

The experience of psychosis can lead to depression, anxiety and fear. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) facilitates individuals to accept difficult mental experiences and behave in ways that are consistent with personally held values. This study was a single (rater) blind pilot randomised controlled trial of ACT for emotional dysfunction following psychosis. Twenty-seven participants with psychosis were randomised to either: ten sessions of ACT plus treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU alone. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills and Working Alliance Inventory were used. Individuals were assessed at baseline and 3 months post-baseline. The individuals randomised to receive ACT found the intervention acceptable. A significantly greater proportion of the ACT group changed from being depressed at time of entry into the study to not being depressed at follow-up. The ACT group showed a significantly greater increase in mindfulness skills and reduction in negative symptoms. Results indicated that individuals randomised to ACT had significantly fewer crisis contacts over the study. Changes in mindfulness skills correlated positively with changes in depression. ACT appears to offer promise in reducing negative symptoms, depression and crisis contacts in psychosis