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Financial crisis prediction model using ant colony optimization
No full textFinancial decisions are often based on classification models which are used to assign a set of observations into predefined groups. Different data classification models were developed to foresee the financial crisis of an organization using their historical data. One important step towards the development of accurate financial crisis prediction (FCP) model involves the selection of appropriate variables (features) which are relevant for the problems at hand. This is termed as feature selection problem which helps to improve the classification performance. This paper proposes an Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) based financial crisis prediction (FCP) model which incorporates two phases: ACO based feature selection (ACO-FS) algorithm and ACO based data classification (ACO-DC) algorithm. The proposed ACO-FCP model is validated using a set of five benchmark dataset includes both qualitative and quantitative. For feature selection design, the developed ACO-FS method is compared with three existing feature selection algorithms namely genetic algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm and Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) algorithm. In addition, a comparison of classification results is also made between ACO-DC and state of art methods. Experimental analysis shows that the ACO-FCP ensemble model is superior and more robust than its counterparts. In consequence, this study strongly recommends that the proposed ACO-FCP model is highly competitive than traditional and other artificial intelligence techniques
The State of Press Freedom in Uganda
No full textThe press-freedom landscape in Uganda is one of unique contradictions. On one hand, Uganda is said to have one of the most free and active media landscapes in Central and East Africa, and courts regularly rule in favor of journalists’ rights. On the other hand, an array of legal and extralegal mechanisms continues to limit free expression. In-depth interviews with Ugandan journalists revealed that journalists face dangers if they report critically about the president or his inner circle, but they simultaneously play a role in the limited press freedom. Findings from this study suggest that the actions of journalists have not been sufficiently factored into media development theory and propose that while the political science framework of the safety valve may be at play, Uganda is undergoing the process of journalistic domestication
Conservative management of De Quervain’s tendinopathy with an orthopedic manual physical therapy approach emphasizing first CMC manipulation: a retrospective case series
No full textDe Quervain’s tendinopathy (DQT) is a musculoskeletal disorder that limits hand function of affected individuals. Management of DQT can include splinting, activity modification, medications, corticosteroid injections, physical therapist management, and surgery. There is limited evidence to support the combination of manual therapy and exercise interventions within an Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (OMPT) approach when managing patients with DQT. Three patients identified with DQT underwent a multi-modal treatment regimen including carpometacarpal (CMC) thrust and non-thrust manipulation, end range radiocarpal mobilization, mobilization with movement (MWM), strengthening exercises, and grip proprioception training. Outcomes were assessed using the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), Jamar hand dynamometer grip strength, and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick DASH) questionnaire. These measures were administered at baseline and discharge. Each patient demonstrated improvements in all outcome measures and required ten visits or less to reach a satisfactory outcome. The NPRS improved by a mean of 7.1 points on a 0–10 scale, Quick DASH improved by an average of 37.1%, and grip strength improved by a mean of 27.6 pounds. Each patient was able to return to daily tasks without pain and all improvements were maintained at six month follow-up. An impairment based OMPT management approach was effective in managing three patients with DQT. The inclusion of first CMC manipulation within this multi-modal approach may enhance conservative management of patients with DQT. Because a cause and effect relationship cannot be inferred from a case series, further research is recommended to investigate the efficacy of this management approach
Increasing Knowledge, Motivation and Self-Efficacy of NICU Nurses on Family Integrated Care
Get PDFProblem. Can an education session on the family-integrated care model increase NICU nurses’ knowledge, motivation and self-efficacy to implement the role transitions needed to practice within a FIC model?
Purpose. Measure if an educational training session would increase knowledge, motivation and self-efficacy of nurses to work in a FIC model of care NICU.
Goal/Objectives. Following an online educational training, NICU staff will demonstrate, through self-report instrument, an increase in: Knowledge of benefits of FIC, knowledge of role transition required, motivation to adapt role change and belief in the ability to implement role change.
Plan. Descriptive pre-test post-test design using a convenience sample technique with a multiple- choice self-report instrument tool.
Results. The study identified the significance of an online educational program in increasing the knowledge, motivation and self-efficacy of NICU nurses about FIC.
Recommendations. Ongoing periodical educational intervention can result in improved buy in on FIC hence efforts should be made to educate nurses on the benefits of FIC occasionally
An Educational Intervention to Increase Emergency Department Nurse’s Knowledge and Confidence in Recognizing Victims of Human Trafficking
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Objective/Purpose: To provide an educational intervention to Registered Nurses (RNs) in the Emergency Department (ED) to increase their knowledge and confidence in recognizing/identifying victims of human trafficking (HT).
Methods: A quantitative study using a presurvey, pretest-posttest design to collect information on ED RNs knowledge, awareness and confidence in identifying HT victims. The study used a ten-question survey and ten-question pre and post-test, developed in collaboration with other researchers, based on the evidence identified in the literature.
Results: The paired sample t test results did not show a statistically significant change from pretest to posttest mean scores (t = -1.797, p = .074), suggesting the educational intervention did not make a significant impact on improving the ED RNs knowledge, likely the participants entered the project with the knowledge necessary to score well on the pre and posttest.
Conclusion: HT victims interact with EDs every day and the victims continue to go unnoticed. Providing proper education for ED RNs in Pennsylvania, specifically Montgomery County, the ED becomes a safe place, or more importantly a place for healing for victims. The screening tool aimed at identifying HT victims will contribute to improving outcomes for them and is the only way to fight the criminal construct of HT. Raising the knowledge and confidence of the RNs in the Eds, and building a rapport with the victim are the necessary steps to assist in ending HT
The Difference in Motivation and Self-Efficacy following Resistance Training and Individualized Diet Planning for Obese Patients with Chronic Pain
Get PDFExecutive Summary
Problem. Obesity and chronic pain negatively impact patients’ lives causing long-term physical, psychological, and economic consequences. Current management strategies focus on symptom management.
Purpose. In adults age 18-65 with a BMI ≥ 30, will a group program which included resistance training, counseling, and educational support on the key components of a Mediterranean like diet that is individualized for the patient increase motivation and self-efficacy to make these lifestyle changes designed to decrease BMI and chronic musculoskeletal pain?
Objective. Increase motivation and self-efficacy to continue individualized weight loss and physical activity programs following the study.
Plan. A pre- and post-intervention tests to compare changes in motivation and self-efficacy after a six-week program that included provider guided resistance training and individualized diet counseling changed.
Results. The results showed a statistically significant increase in dietary motivation (t= -2.714, pt= -4.360, p=.000), and exercise self-efficacy (t= -9.942, p=.000). Exercise motivation was not statistically changed (t= .248, p=.805).
Limitations. Limitations of the study included a small sample size (N=10) and limited control of extraneous variables such as age, gender, previous experience in diet and exercise
Practical Considerations of Hypotheses and Evidence in Cannabis Pharmacotherapy: Refining Expectations of Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency
No full textAn Industry founded on the promotion of presumed health and wellness benefits of cannabis use continues to grow in the United States, despite the lack of substantial evidence in support of the many claims being made. Several hypotheses exist regarding the role of endocannabinoids in human health and the pertinence of phytocannabinoids as pharmacotherapies for addressing their dysregulation. An opinion is offered regarding the tenuous nature of these assumptions and questions are raised regarding how best to interpret the complex metabolic interplay of the still vaguely defined endocannabinoid system
Resilience Factors and Suicide Risk for a Sample of Transgender Clients
No full textThis study explored how individual- and community-based resilience factors operated together in order to reduce risk of suicide for a sample of transgender therapy clients. We collected cross-sectional survey data from 106 transgender therapy clients at a local community center, including demographic information, experiences of relational support, participants\u27 emotional stability, and risk for suicide. Results from our mediation analysis indicated that high levels of perceived relational support are related to reduced risk for suicide and that this happens by way of a person\u27s emotional stability. Clinical implications for family therapists are discussed based on the significant indirect effect found in this study
A review of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for pharmacists
No full textCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath, with presentations ranging from absence of symptoms to severe infection requiring mechanical ventilation. COVID-19 has spread throughout the world and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Current clinical management includes infection prevention measures and supportive care. Additionally, many investigational therapies are being used for the treatment of patients with this novel infection. Guidelines for the management of COVID-19 are being regularly updated based on rapidly emerging information. Pharmacists are in a key position to pro-vide recommendations for appropriate preventive measures and to actively work with other healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate management of patients presenting with this infection
