bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Awareness, Possession, and Use of Take-Home Naloxone Among Illicit Drug Users, Vancouver, British Columbia, 2014-2015
Authors: Nolan Seonaid , Buxton Jane , Dobrer Sabina , Dong Huiru , Hayashi Kanna , Milloy M. J. , Kerr Thomas , Montaner Julio , Wood Evan
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

Although take-home naloxone (THN) programs are integral in strategies to prevent overdose deaths among opioid users, the uptake of THN among people who use drugs (PWUD) (including non-opioid users) is unknown. The objectives of this study were to determine awareness, possession, and use of THN among PWUD in Vancouver, Canada, and identify barriers to adopting this strategy.

Methods:

From December 1, 2014, to May 29, 2015, participants in 2 prospective cohort studies of PWUD in Vancouver completed a standardized questionnaire, which asked about awareness, possession, and use of THN; sociodemographic characteristics; and drug use patterns. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses to determine factors independently associated with awareness and possession of THN.

Results:

Of 1137 PWUD, 727 (64%) reported at least 1 previous overdose ever, and 220 (19%) had witnessed an overdose in the previous 6 months. Although 769 (68%) participants overall reported awareness of THN, only 88 of 392 (22%) opioid users had a THN kit, 18 (20%) of whom had previously administered naloxone. Factors that were positively associated with awareness of THN included witnessing an overdose in the previous 6 months (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49-3.34; P < .001), possession of THN (aOR = 1.85; 95% CI, 1.11-3.06; P = .02), younger age (aOR = 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04; P = .003), white race (aOR = 1.67; 95% CI, 1.27-2.19; P < .001), hepatitis C infection (aOR = 1.63; 95% CI, 1.13-2.36; P = .01), residing in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside neighborhood (aOR = 1.93; 95% CI, 1.47-2.53; P < .001), and at least daily heroin injection (aOR = 1.69; 95% CI, 1.09-2.62; P < .02).

Conclusion:

Efforts to improve knowledge of and participation in the THN program may contribute to reduced opioid overdose mortality in Vancouver.
Preparation of partially end-capped amino-terminated hyperbranched polymer and dyeing properties enhancement to polyurethane membrane
Authors: Ren Longfang , Geng Jin , Wang Na , Guo Zidong
Published: July 2017

In this study, a series of products with different water solubility, which were named as partial end-capped amino-terminated hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) 1–6, were obtained by changing the mass ratio of raw materials. The structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The polyurethane was respectively mixed with partial end-capped amino-terminated HBPs to prepare different blend membranes by the drying method. The results showed that the water solubility of partial end-capped amino-terminated HBPs had obvious effects on the dyeing properties of blend membranes. When the mass ratio of amino-terminated HBP and single-blocked isophorone diisocyanate was 3:2, the performance of prepared partial end-capped amino-terminated HBP 4 was the best. The structures of blend membranes were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). When the mass fraction of partial end-capped amino-terminated HBP 4 was 2%, dye uptake improved from 12% to 85%. The dry-rub fastness and wet-rub fastness reached 4.5 and 3, respectively. The K/S values indicated that the surface chroma also deepened. The results indicated that partial end-capped amino-terminated HBP and polyurethane had hydrogen-bond interaction and certain phase separation.
Adolescents’ Experiences of Smoking and Their Transitions to Motherhood
Authors: MacQuarrie Colleen , Bryanton Janet , Greaves Lorraine , Herbert Rosemary , Smith Philip , Begley Lorraine
Published: July 2017

Our longitudinal, qualitative study with 29 pregnant adolescents who smoke used a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach to understand experiences and the function of tobacco through pregnancy to 6 months postpartum. The young women described complex lives of overlapping oppressions interspersed with expressions of resistance; these were lived experiences on the threshold of both adulthood and an anticipated better life. Our research implicated tobacco use as a value laden action at the border of oppression and resistance. Thinking about tobacco as a component of and a flag for oppression, we combined a gender based focus with the social ecological model to create a rich understanding of the opportunities for designing equitable interventions that address a range of interconnected influences on an adolescent mother’s health. Opportunities for interventions open briefly in the space between the early idealism displayed by adolescent mothers and the impinging potential reality of oppressive life trajectories.
Aging Perceptions in Older Gay and Bisexual Men in Portugal
Authors: Pereira Henrique , Serrano Juan Pedro , de Vries Brian , Esgalhado Graça , Afonso Rosa Marina , Monteiro Samuel
Published: July 2017

Aims and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions toward aging among Portuguese gay and bisexual men over 60 years old.

Background

Despite the growth of the older population, and the increased visibility and acceptance of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people in Western countries, the experience of aging in older gay and bisexual men is only beginning to be understood.

Design

We used a qualitative research methodology, based on critical gerontology, for establishing research questions and to identify the perspectives on the aging process in older gay and bisexual individuals.

Methods

We used a structured electronic inquiry with 25 gay and bisexual men over 60 years of age from Portugal. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to help identify repeated patterns of meaning in the data set.

Results

The recurrent themes in the narratives of the aging experiences of the participants in the study were as follows: positive perceptions of aging, negative perceptions of aging, coping with being a gay/bisexual man and family ties, professional care, homophobia/discrimination, relationships and social support, intergenerational differences, mediating role of sexual orientation, sociopolitical changes, and personal characteristics.

Conclusion

Analysis of perceptions about the aging process in older gay and bisexual men emphasized the desire for normalization in the social awareness of sexual orientation. It is important to continue doing research on this topic and disseminate this information among professionals who work with older lesbian, gay, and bisexual people so that they may better understand how they can meet the specific needs of this population.
Barriers and facilitators to healthy eating and disease self-management among older adults residing in subsidized housing
Authors: Petroka Katherine , Campbell-Bussiere Rania , Dychtwald Dan K , Milliron Brandy-Joe
Published: July 2017

Background:

As adults transition into older ages, meeting age-specific dietary recommendations can become increasingly challenging, especially for low-income seniors who reside in publicly subsidized rental housing.

Aim:

The primary objectives of this study were to: 1) identify barriers and facilitators to healthy eating and self-management of nutrition-related chronic illnesses experienced by low-income seniors residing in a subsidized housing setting; and 2) assess the interest in community nutrition programming among low-income seniors residing in a subsidized housing setting.

Method:

A qualitative study design, using food focus groups and food pantry observations, was used. Participants included 24 male and female senior adults, between 65 and 75 years of age, residing in a subsidized housing community in Philadelphia, PA. This setting also included the unique features of a community garden and food pantry. Data were manually analyzed using a content analysis approach, which included familiarization, identification of themes, categorization and interpretation; and verified using NVivo 10.

Results:

Personal barriers, including food cost and accessibility, physical limitations, desire for convenience, and low self-efficacy to change dietary habits, inhibited motivation to change. External barriers in the food environment, including lack of transportation and distance of markets to access fresh produce, were commonly cited; as well as negative influences of the internal environment, such as the presence of vending machines, common cultural cooking and eating practices, and the lack of social cohesion. Facilitators focused on food preparation and recipe adaptation.

Conclusions:

Participants expressed an interest in learning more about food, nutrition, and health through community-based programming.
The Impact of Accompanying Text on Visual Processing and Hedonic Evaluation of Art
Authors: Lin Fen , Yao Mike
Published: July 2017

This study explores how accompanying text affects the way an individual views and interprets a painting. We randomly assigned participants to view 20 paintings from the classical era with factual information, contextualized background information, or no information displayed next to them. We then recorded their visual gaze using an eye-tracking device and asked them to evaluate the paintings. The results show that how people view a painting and how they evaluate a painting are two distinct cognitive processes. The contextual information serves to orient the viewing process. The accompanying text influences the visual attention and gaze pattern but has limited impact on the hedonic evaluation of paintings. Instead, hedonic evaluation is more of a taste acquired through education and socialization. This study offers an empirical footnote to discussions on the cognitive assumptions in sociological studies of art and cultural phenomena.
Analysis of mortality in the emergency department at a university hospital in Pleven
Authors: Stefanovski Petko Hristov , Vladimir Radkov Radev , Lyubomir Ilkov Tsankov , Pencho Tonchev Tonchev , Yoana Mladenova Todorova , Vihar Manchev Kovachev , Radko Nikolov Radev
Published: July 2017

Objective

To identify the demographic patterns of mortality, the time spent before death in the emergency department (ED), and the causes of fatal outcomes.

Methods

We performed a 5-year (01/01/2011 to 01/01/2016) retrospective analysis of all non-traumatic deaths in the ED of the UMHAT – Pleven. To extract the necessary information, we used the registers in the ED until the patients’ death.

Results

Among 156,848 patients in the study period, 381 died and the mortality rate was 2.4/100000. The male:female ratio was 1.48:1. The 71–80 years age group was the most affected. The mean (SD) age of patients who died in the ED was 69.9 ± 8.4 years. Most non-traumatic deaths (222 cases) were due to cardiovascular disease. Most patients (70.9%) died within 2.3 h after arrival. The factors contributing to mortality included poverty, transporting the patient to hospital too late, and a lack of developed care centres for terminally ill patients.

Conclusion

Most patients die within approximately 2 h after arrival at the ED. The main cause of death is acute myocardial infarction. Pulmonary embolism remains unrecognized in most patients (69%). Oncological pathology is among the main causes (7.4%) of mortality.
Nagaram during the Chola and Pandyan Period: Commerce and Towns in the Tamil Country A.D. 850–1350
Authors: Karashima N. , Subbarayalu Y. , Shanmugam P.
Published: July 2017

In medieval Tamil country, starting from the eighth-ninth centuries, nagaram was the town, where merchants conducted commercial activities, through a corporate body called either as nagaram or nagarattār. if has been studied to some extent by some scholars in the context of the elucidation of medieval state structure and social formation. In the past studies, however, the relations between the state and nagarattār and those between nagarattār and itinerant merchant guilds like ainnūrruvar were not made clear. This study, using a larger corpus of inscriptions, seeks to clarify the changing character of nagaram through a period of five centuries.

In the earlier phase of our study period there was not much difference between nagaram (town) and other agriculture-based villages, and the former was utilized by the state for its local administration, but in the later phase, namely in and after the twelfth century, it transformed its character to the promoter of commerce by associating itself with itinerant merchant guilds. Jāti formation by merchants of various sorts also accelerated the process of network formation by nagarams in the later phase.

We find also a subtle difference in the activities of merchants between the central and northern regions of the Tamil country. As against the more independent attitude of merchants of the central region, who were organized in guilds, merchants and artisans in the northern region, appearing as kāsāyakudi (‘those who pay money taxes’), seem to have been placed under the control of the political powers such as local chiefs.
Integrin β2-Chain (CD18) Over-Expression on CD4+ T Cells and Monocytes after Ischemia/Reperfusion in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Revascularization
Authors: Sardella G. , Accapezzato D. , Di Roma A. , Iacoboni C. , Francavilla V. , Benedetti G. , Musto C. , Fedele F. , Bruno G. , Paroli M.
Published: July 2017

β2-integrin subunit (CD18) plays an essential role in leukocyte recruitment and adhesion in sites of endothelial injury. We analyzed the surface expression of CD18 on T lymphocytes and monocytes in a series of patients presenting acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent primary percutaneous intervention (PCI) for coronary artery revascularization. We found that basal CD18 expression on peripheral blood-derived CD4+ (but not CD8+) T lymphocytes was significantly increased in ACS patients as compared with age-matched healthy volunteers. During primary PCI, a significant increase in CD18 molecule density was detected immediately after balloon deflation (reperfusion) on both CD4+ T cells and monocytes obtained from the right atrium (RT) as compared with basal values. These data suggest that upregulation of CD18 molecules plays an important role in local recruitment of CD4+ T cells and monocytes to the site of endothelial damage after ischemia/reperfusion, therefore being responsible, at least in part, for the inflammatory-mediated complications associated with primary PCI.
Social Exclusion as a State-Level Predictor of Changes in Collateral Sanctions
Authors: Plassmeyer Mark , Sliva Shannon
Published: July 2017

Collateral sanctions are civil penalties or disabilities imposed upon people who are arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime. Little research is available concerning state-level predictors of these policies in the United States. Current research suggests that racial threat and political conservatism are associated with harsher sanctions or more restrictions in the realms of employment, housing, social benefits, and other categories. Using state report cards from the Legal Action Center, this study builds on existing knowledge by testing the relationship between state-level variables consistent with a social exclusion framework and collateral sanctions policies while also testing the relationship between social exclusion and changes in these policies over time. Results indicate that higher levels of social exclusion, measured by affordable housing scarcity, public benefit usage, and state fiscal health, may play a role in the adoption of state collateral sanction policies over time. In contrast to previous research, results offer mixed evidence regarding the relationship between the racial makeup of the state and the adoption of collateral sanctions policies. Policy implications are discussed.
Effects of Classroom Lighting on the Behavior of Exceptional Children
Authors: Fletcher Donna
Published: July 2017

A review of the effects of classroom lighting methods on activity level, achievement, visual acuity/fatigue, and health of nonhandicapped and handicapped students is presented. Effects of different levels of illumination on behavior also are discussed. Because of methodological deficiencies in much of the research and lack of replication of adequate studies, few conclusions are tenable. Additional study is needed to provide a more reliable basis for decisions regarding environmental effects on behavior.
Special Educators as Single-Subject Researchers
Authors: Strain Phillip S. , Mcconnell Scott , Cordisco Linda
Published: July 2017

This paper presents some basic guidelines for planning and conducting single-subject research in special education classrooms, and argues that single-subject research procedures are conceptually compatible with special education practices. Teachers seldom implement their own experiments and in general do not recognize the relevance of research to special education. As one contribution toward rectifying this problem, this paper highlights three basic steps for doing single-subject research in applied special education settings: selecting appropriate target behaviors, designing observational assessment procedures, and selecting cost-effective means for data collection that can be conducted by classroom personnel.
The Reciprocal Relationship Between Passive Social Networking Site (SNS) Usage and Users’ Subjective Well-Being
Authors: Wang Jin-Liang , Gaskin James , Rost Detlef H. , Gentile Douglas A.
Published: July 2017

Prior studies have found an inconclusive relationship between social networking site (SNS) usage and users’ subjective well-being. Passive SNS usage may be detrimental to subjective well-being, because it cannot provide social support and may evoke envy and jealousy. Conversely, it is also possible that lower subjective well-being may predict higher passive SNS usage, which can be used as a means to relieve stress. To examine this reciprocal process, a two-wave study among a sample of Chinese college students was conducted ( N = 350 at Time 1, 265 at Time 2). Data were analyzed with structural modeling. Cross-lagged analysis indicated that passive SNS usage at Time 1 predicted a decrease in subjective well-being at Time 2. Lower subjective well-being at Time 1 also predicted an increase in passive SNS usage at Time 2. These findings deepen our understanding of the complicated association between SNS usage and well-being and has implications for how to help individuals use SNS healthily.
Neurofeedback as an adjunct therapy for treatment of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder related to refugee trauma and torture experiences: two case studies
Authors: Askovic Mirjana , Watters Anna J , Aroche Jorge , Harris Anthony W F
Published: July 2017

Objective:

The objective of this study was to describe the use of neurofeedback for refugee-related chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in two case studies.

Methods:

We describe the assessment and application of neurofeedback integrated into the treatment of two clients with chronic PTSD. We include details of our treatment schedule, symptoms and quantitative electrophysiological data for each case.

Results

All clients achieved significant reduction in symptoms of PTSD and improvement in daily functioning post-neurofeedback therapy. Quantitative electroencephalogric (EEG) measures indicate a normalisation of EEG markers relating to trauma, including overarousal at rest and working memory function.

Conclusions

Neurofeedback as an adjunct to trauma-informed therapy may help to remediate chronic PTSD relating to refugee experiences. If replicated then improvements demonstrated in this population would be generalisable to all chronic PTSD.
Doctoral Social Work Education
Authors: Cnaan Ram A. , Ghose Toorjo
Published: July 2017

This article is intended to forecast major environmental changes that may impact social work doctoral education and assess what should be done in anticipation of these changes. We apply an open system and future studies perspective to guide our work. We present a set of predicted societal changes that will impact social work as a profession and doctoral education in particular. We then present and discuss major expected changes in higher education and further assess some of their potential impact on social work doctoral education. We conclude with a synthesis of how these pending changes may impact social work doctoral education and what can be done in anticipation of these changes.
Generalizability of Randomized Trial Results to Target Populations
Authors: Stuart Elizabeth A. , Ackerman Benjamin , Westreich Daniel
Published: July 2017

Randomized trials play an important role in estimating the effect of a policy or social work program in a given population. While most trial designs benefit from strong internal validity, they often lack external validity, or generalizability, to the target population of interest. In other words, one can obtain an unbiased estimate of the study sample average treatment effect from a randomized trial; however, this estimate may not equal the target population average treatment effect if the study sample is not fully representative of the target population. This article provides an overview of existing strategies to assess and improve upon the generalizability of randomized trials, both through statistical methods and study design, as well as recommendations on how to implement these ideas in social work research.
Anxiety effects on disaster precautionary behaviors: A multi-path cognitive model
Authors: Wirtz Philip W , Rohrbeck Cynthia A , Burns Katherine M
Published: July 2017

Previous studies have revealed a negative relationship between anxiety and health-promoting behavior. This study identified three cognitive pathways through which anxiety operates on preparedness behaviors for terrorist attacks. Preparedness was regressed on trait anxiety, perceived threat, and self-efficacy based on data from 306 adults. Mediating paths through perceived threat (positive) and self-efficacy (negative) and an independent negative path were identified. Results suggest that the anxiety/precautionary behavior relationship is more complex than previously thought, involving multiple pathways of competing directionality. Interventions to improve disaster preparedness and thus reduce disaster-related morbidity/mortality would benefit by capitalizing on this multidimensionality.
Hooked on a feeling: Repetitive cognition and internalizing symptomatology in relation to autism spectrum symptomatology
Authors: Keenan Elliot Gavin , Gotham Katherine , Lerner Matthew D
Published: July 2017

Repetitive cognition, including rumination such as that seen in depression, has been shown to correlate with depression symptoms in both typically developing individuals and individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Repetitive cognition is more common in autism spectrum disorder than in typically developing peers, as is depression; thus, this study evaluated the role of repetitive cognition in relation between autism spectrum symptomatology and depressive symptomatology. In all, 200 typically developing adults completed self-report questionnaires measuring autism spectrum symptomatology, different forms of repetitive cognition (general perseveration and depressive rumination), depression, and rejection sensitivity. Perseveration was found to mediate the relation between autism spectrum symptoms and depression, and to partially mediate the relation between autism spectrum symptoms and rejection sensitivity. We conclude that it is of vital importance to consider cognition when considering depression in autism spectrum disorder.
Predictors in starting and stopping Internet use between 2002 and 2012 by Dutch adults 65 years and older
Authors: Berner Jessica , Aartsen Marja , Deeg Dorly
Published: July 2017

Research has indicated the need to consider the ageing process with technology adoption by older adults. This study examined psychological, health, social and demographic predictors with starting and stopping Internet use by older adults (2002–2012). Data were used from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, and Cox regression analyses were done to test predictors over time with starting or stopping Internet use. The results indicated that older adults starting to use the Internet (11.6%) outnumbered those who stopped (3.1%). Psychological, health, social and demographic predictors separately predicted starting and stopping Internet use. Starting use was predicted by lower age, higher education, normal cognition and living alone. The predictors in stopping use were being younger, having a high sense of mastery and being higher educated. The results need to be interpreted as indicative due to the small number of stoppers. Suggestions are made on how to improve usability.
Struggling for democracy: Paulo Freire and transforming society through education
Authors: Bolin Timothy D
Published: July 2017

An exploration is presented of how education policy and practice may be used to transform society. Specifically, connections are made between Paulo Freire's teaching strategies and radically democratic organizing. The connections are contextualized within the prefigurative tradition, which explores how the democratic process is central to consistent and sustainable social change. The article contributes to an understanding of Paulo Freire's ontology, and the philosophy of social change, as well as how democratic strategies may address failures of revolutionary movements of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Sandwich Technique for Endovascular Repair of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection
Authors: Gao Feng , Zeng Qian , Lin Fangming , Ge Xiaohu
Published: July 2017

Overview: To describe a new endovascular procedure for acute type A aortic dissection (TAAD) repair. Methods: Between 2013 and 2016, 12 patients (average age 54±9.6 years; 10 men) with acute TAAD (mean EURO score 11.4%±3.2%, range 5–17) and unfit for surgery underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with 2 periscope grafts to preserve blood supply to supra-aortic branches plus bypass grafting as needed. If the ascending aorta was dilated to >40 mm, sternotomy was performed to wrap the ascending aorta and reduce its diameter to accommodate the aortic stent-grafts. Results: All patients were successfully treated. Seven patients required bypass grafting, and most of the patients had periscope grafts to the innominate/right common carotid artery and left common carotid artery; only 3 patients had the left subclavian artery preserved. All patients exhibited good hemodynamics and normal pressures after the procedure. The mean procedure time and blood loss were 4.5±1.0 hours and 217±111.5 mL, respectively. Two patients treated emergently died shortly after surgery from multiorgan failure. The average follow-up duration was 17±14.5 months (range 2–42) in the 10 survivors. The remaining patients recovered and none experienced stent-graft thrombosis, stroke, or peripheral artery embolism during follow-up. Conclusion: A procedure that combines sandwich/periscope grafting with TEVAR, wrapping of the aorta, and supra-arch bypass grafting can be used to treat patients with acute TAAD.
DPP4 Inhibitors Can Be a Drug of Choice for Type 3 Diabetes: A Mini Review
Authors: Chalichem Nehru Sai Suresh , Gonugunta Chaitanya , Krishnamurthy Praveen Thaggikuppe , Duraiswamy Basavan
Published: July 2017

As well known to the scientific community, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disease that ends up with impairment of memory and cognition due to neuronal and synapse loss. Patient’s quality of life can be enhanced by targeting neurogenesis as a therapeutic paradigm. Moreover, several research evidences support the concept that AD is a type of metabolic disorder mediated by impairment in brain insulin responsiveness and energy metabolism. Growing evidence suggests that endogenous peptides such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and stromal-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) provide neuroprotection across a range of experimental models of AD. So, preserving functional activity of SDF-1α and GLP-1 by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibition will enhance the homing/recruitment of brain resident and nonresident circulating stem cells/progenitor cells, a noninvasive approach for promoting neurogenesis. So, herewith we provide this in support of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors as a new target of attention for treating AD.
Spyridon Magginas (1839-1920) and One of the First Successful Radical Nephrectomies
Authors: Kousoulis Antonis A. , Tsoucalas Gregory
Published: July 2017

Spyridon Magginas was among the Greek doctors of the turn of the century who trained abroad with the hope of returning to their native country to offer their services. He became a professor in the “Othonion University” of Athens to promote surgery among young physicians. He was raised in an upper social class family and, reportedly, had an arrogant behaviour, which occasionally led him to have ineffective patient interactions. His patient, and an important Greek writer, Emmanuel Rhoides, nicknamed him the “surgeon beast” for neglecting his case. However, Magginas was an innovative surgeon and in 1902, completed the first successful radical nephrectomy in Greece, and possibly one of the first few globally of the 20th century. A key factor in his success was the prioritisation and application of strict antisepsis.
Indoor environmental quality assessment: Part 1: Choice of the indoor environmental quality sub-component models
Authors: Piasecki Michał , Kostyrko Krystyna , Pykacz Sławomir
Published: July 2017

Indoor environment quality is a relative measure of comfort perception by people exposed to the indoor conditions. It is expected that any assessment of energy performance should also include indoor comfort. This study is to review indoor environmental quality models (with respect to thermal and acoustic comfort, indoor air and lighting quality). A simplified indoor environmental quality model is also developed with consideration of EN 15251 draft ‘Guideline for using indoor environmental input parameters for the design and assessment of energy performance of buildings’. This article analyses what components should be modelled and in particular discusses the effect of different weighting schemes on the overall indoor environmental quality index. The analysis includes thermal comfort models, indoor air quality, acoustic comfort and daylight illumination versus lightning. The proposed indoor environmental quality component sub-models will give the most reliable results when the model indoor environment input data are correctly measured and disturbing influences of indoor environmental quality monitoring process are well defined and properly assessed. The final indoor environmental quality result is based on subjoining the uncertainty values achieved in panel analysis of percentage of persons dissatisfied with indoor environmental quality with corrected measurement uncertainty. All simulations for IEQindex sub-components and preliminary metrological analysis of the whole indoor environmental quality model were performed with the NIST program for Monte Carlo tests. The presented indoor environmental quality model proposal is developed to support engineers’ practice as the convenient tool for a practical assessment of building’s occupational satisfaction.
A dynamic Bayesian network approach for prognosis computations on discrete state systems
Authors: Foulliaron Josquin , Bouillaut Laurent , Aknin Patrice , Barros Anne
Published: July 2017

The maintenance optimization of complex systems is a key question. One important objective is to be able to anticipate future maintenance actions required to optimize the logistic and future investments. That is why, over the past few years, the predictive maintenance approaches have been an expanding area of research. They rely on the concept of prognosis. Many papers have shown how dynamic Bayesian networks can be relevant to represent multicomponent complex systems and carry out reliability studies. The diagnosis and maintenance group from French institute of science and technology for transport, development and networks (IFSTTAR) developed a model (VirMaLab: Virtual Maintenance Laboratory) based on dynamic Bayesian networks in order to model a multicomponent system with its degradation dynamic and its diagnosis and maintenance processes. Its main purpose is to model a maintenance policy to be able to optimize the maintenance parameters due to the use of dynamic Bayesian networks. A discrete state-space system is considered, periodically observable through a diagnosis process. Such systems are common in railway or road infrastructure fields. This article presents a prognosis algorithm whose purpose is to compute the remaining useful life of the system and update this estimation each time a new diagnosis is available. Then, a representation of this algorithm is given as a dynamic Bayesian network in order to be next integrated into the Virtual Maintenance Laboratory model to include the set of predictive maintenance policies. Inference computation questions on the considered dynamic Bayesian networks will be discussed. Finally, an application on simulated data will be presented.
Everyday clinical dilemmas
Authors: Salisbury Helen , Dixon Sharon , Papanikitas Andrew N
Published: July 2017

Everyday clinical dilemmas in general practice may not always be recognised as involving ethical challenges. Such cases will typically make the GP feel a bit uncomfortable and uncertain. Ethics is often seen as relevant to abstruse and complicated cases, such as cases concerning genetic testing for Huntingdon’s chorea or the reckless patient with a contagious disease. Complicated cases present relatively rarely, are recognisable and prompt us to readily seek advice from colleagues. This article offers four everyday clinical cases that illustrate ethical challenges to encourage not only thought and discussion about these cases, but also about similar cases that will present commonly to GPs and may be the subject of case-based discussions within ePortfolios or appraisal.
The Development of New Composite Metrics for the Comprehensive Analytic and Visual Assessment of Hypoglycemia Using the Hypo-Triad
Authors: Thomas Andreas , Shin John , Jiang Boyi , McMahon Chantal , Kolassa Ralf , Vigersky Robert A.
Published: July 2017

Background:

Quantifying hypoglycemia has traditionally been limited to using the frequency of hypoglycemic events during a given time interval using data from blood glucose (BG) testing. However, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) captures three parameters—a Hypo-Triad—unavailable with BG monitoring that can be used to better characterize hypoglycemia: area under the curve (AUC), time (duration of hypoglycemia), and frequency of daily episodes below a specified threshold.

Methods:

We developed two new analytic metrics to enhance the traditional Hypo-Triad of CGM-derived data to more effectively capture the intensity of hypoglycemia (IntHypo) and overall hypoglycemic environment called the “hypoglycemia risk volume” (HypoRV). We reanalyzed the CGM data from the ASPIRE In-Home study, a randomized, controlled trial of a sensor-integrated pump system with a low glucose threshold suspend feature (SIP+TS), using these new metrics and compared them to standard metrics of hypoglycemia.

Results:

IntHypo and HypoRV provide additional insights into the benefit of a SIP+TS system on glycemic exposure when compared to the standard reporting methods. In addition, the visual display of these parameters provides a unique and intuitive way to understand the impact of a diabetes intervention on a cohort of subjects as well as on individual patients.

Conclusion:

The IntHypo and HypoRV are new and enhanced ways of analyzing CGM-derived data in diabetes intervention studies which could lead to new insights in diabetes management. They require validation using existing, ongoing, or planned studies to determine whether they are superior to existing metrics.
Sacrificial and Festival Terms in the Old Testament: How Can We Translate Them?
Authors: de Regt Lénart J.
Published: July 2017

When we render terms for sacrifices and festivals in the Old Testament, it is helpful to look at the very different ways in which translations have dealt with these groups of terms and see which of their translation methods are the most helpful for our own translation and its specific readership. This article considers renderings in the new Tatar translation of 2015 and translations in some major European languages. Translations have often not been consistent as to which translation method has been followed in this area, but it seems advisable to render sacrificial and festival terms succinctly and according to a translation method that is applied consistently and is considered to be the most suitable for the intended audience, so as to show the contrasts between these terms. The article closes with some thoughts on whether some of these methods are more accurate than others and what we mean by accuracy.
NCLB: A Study of Its Effect on Rural Schools—School Administrators Rate Service Options for Students with Disabilities
Authors: Hodge C. Lynn , Krumm Bernita L.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) mandates on special education programs in rural school districts. In this study, the investigators surveyed 371 rural school administrators from seven states regarding the service options used to address NCLB mandates for the students with disabilities in their schools. Rural school districts continue to experience shortages of highly qualified (HQ) special education teachers. These shortages limit the service options available to students with disabilities (SWD) in some rural schools and affect the free appropriate public education (FAPE) of those students.
The complete genome sequence of the cold adapted crude-oil degrader: Pedobacter steynii DX4
Authors: Chang Sijing , Zhang Gaosen , Chen Ximing , Long Haozhi , Wang Yilin , Chen Tuo , Liu Guangxiu
Published: July 2017

Pedobacter steynii DX4 was isolated from the soil of Tibetan Plateau and it can use crude oil as sole carbon and energy source at 15 °C. The genome of Pedobacter steynii DX4 has been sequenced and served as basis for analysis its metabolic mechanism. It is the first genome of crude oil degrading strain in Pedobacter genus. The 6.58 Mb genome has an average G + C content of 41.31% and encodes 5464 genes. In addition, annotation revealed that Pedobacter steynii DX4 has cold shock proteins, abundant response regulators for cell motility, and enzymes involved in energy conversion and fatty acid metabolism. The genomic characteristics could provide information for further study of oil-degrading microbes for recovery of crude oil polluted environment.
Effectiveness of a Low-Cost, Graduate Student–Led Intervention on Study Habits and Performance in Introductory Biology
Authors: Hoskins Tyler D. , Gantz J. D. , Chaffee Blake R. , Arlinghaus Kel , Wiebler James , Hughes Michael , Fernandes Joyce J.
Published: July 2017

Institutions have developed diverse approaches that vary in effectiveness and cost to improve student performance in introductory science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses. We developed a low-cost, graduate student–led, metacognition-based study skills course taught in conjunction with the introductory biology series at Miami University. Our approach aimed to improve performance for underachieving students by combining an existing framework for the process of learning (the study cycle) with concrete tools (outlines and concept maps) that have been shown to encourage deep understanding. To assess the effectiveness of our efforts, we asked 1) how effective our voluntary recruitment model was at enrolling the target cohort, 2) how the course impacted performance on lecture exams, 3) how the course impacted study habits and techniques, and 4) whether there are particular study habits or techniques that are associated with large improvements on exam scores. Voluntary recruitment attracted only 11–17% of our target cohort. While focal students improved on lecture exams relative to their peers who did not enroll, gains were relatively modest, and not all students improved. Further, although students across both semesters of our study reported improved study habits (based on pre and post surveys) and on outlines and concept maps (based on retrospectively scored assignments), gains were more dramatic in the Fall semester. Multivariate models revealed that, while changes in study habits and in the quality of outlines and concept maps were weakly associated with change in performance on lecture exams, relationships were only significant in the Fall semester and were sometimes counterintuitive. Although benefits of the course were offset somewhat by the inefficiency of voluntary recruitment, we demonstrate the effectiveness our course, which is inexpensive to implement and has advantage of providing pedagogical experience to future educators.
The Math–Biology Values Instrument: Development of a Tool to Measure Life Science Majors’ Task Values of Using Math in the Context of Biology
Authors: Andrews Sarah E. , Runyon Christopher , Aikens Melissa L.
Published: July 2017

In response to calls to improve the quantitative training of undergraduate biology students, there have been increased efforts to better integrate math into biology curricula. One challenge of such efforts is negative student attitudes toward math, which are thought to be particularly prevalent among biology students. According to theory, students’ personal values toward using math in a biological context will influence their achievement and behavioral outcomes, but a validated instrument is needed to determine this empirically. We developed the Math–Biology Values Instrument (MBVI), an 11-item college-level self-­report instrument grounded in expectancy-value theory, to measure life science students’ interest in using math to understand biology, the perceived usefulness of math to their life science career, and the cost of using math in biology courses. We used a process that integrates multiple forms of validity evidence to show that scores from the MBVI can be used as a valid measure of a student’s value of math in the context of biology. The MBVI can be used by instructors and researchers to help identify instructional strategies that influence math–biology values and understand how math–biology values are related to students’ achievement and decisions to pursue more advanced quantitative-based courses.
Use of Surveillance Mammography Among Older Breast Cancer Survivors by Life Expectancy
Authors: Freedman Rachel A. , Keating Nancy L. , Pace Lydia E. , Lii Joyce , McCarthy Ellen P. , Schonberg Mara A.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The benefits of annual surveillance mammography in older breast cancer survivors with limited life expectancy are not known, and there are important risks; however, little is known about mammography use among these women.

Materials and Methods

We used National Health Interview Study data from 2000, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2013, and 2015 to examine surveillance mammography use among women age ≥ 65 years who reported a history of breast cancer. Using multivariable logistic regression, we assessed the probability of mammography within the last 12 months by 5- and 10-year life expectancy (using the validated Schonberg index), adjusting for survey year, region, age, marital status, insurance, educational attainment, and indicators of access to care.

Results

Of 1,040 respondents, 33.7% were age ≥ 80 years and 88.6% were white. Approximately 8.6% and 35.1% had an estimated life expectancy of ≤ 5 and ≤ 10 years, respectively. Overall, 78.9% reported having routine surveillance mammography in the last 12 months. Receipt of mammography decreased with decreasing life expectancy ( P < .001), although 56.7% and 65.9% of those with estimated ≤ 5-year and ≤ 10-year life expectancy, respectively, reported mammography in the last year. Conversely, 14.1% of those with life expectancy > 10 years did not report mammography. In adjusted analyses, lower ( v higher) life expectancy was significantly associated with lower odds of mammography (odds ratio, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.8 for ≤ 5-year life expectancy and OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.6 for ≤ 10-year life expectancy).

Conclusion

Many (57%) older breast cancer survivors with an estimated short life expectancy (< 5 years) receive annual surveillance mammography despite unknown benefits, whereas 14% with estimated life expectancy > 10 years did not report mammography. Practice guidelines are needed to optimize and tailor follow-up care for older patients.
The Double Diamond Paradox
Authors: Garcia Daniel , Honda Jun , Janssen Maarten
Published: July 2017

We study vertical relations in markets with consumer and retailer search. We obtain three important new results. First, we provide a novel explanation for price dispersion that does not depend on some form of heterogeneity among consumers. Price dispersion takes on the form of a bimodal distribution. Second, under competitive conditions (many retailers or small consumer search cost), social welfare is significantly smaller than in the double marginalization outcome. Manufacturers' regular price is significantly above the monopoly price, squeezing retailers' markups and providing an alternative explanation for incomplete cost pass-through. Third, firms' prices are decreasing in consumer search cost. (JEL D11, D21, D43, D83, L13, L60, L81)
Efficient Procurement Auctions with Increasing Returns
Authors: Baranov Oleg , Aperjis Christina , Ausubel Lawrence M. , Morrill Thayer
Published: July 2017

For procuring from sellers with decreasing returns, there are known efficient dynamic auction formats. In this paper, we design an efficient dynamic procurement auction for the case where goods are homogeneous and bidders have increasing returns. Our motivating example is the procurement of vaccines, which often exhibit large fixed costs and small constant marginal costs. The auctioneer names a price and bidders report the interval of quantities that they are willing to sell at that price. The process repeats with successively lower prices, until the efficient outcome is discovered. We demonstrate an equilibrium that is efficient and generates VCG prices. (JEL D24, D44, F53, H57, I11, L14, L65)