bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Modular Arbitrary-Order Ocean-Atmosphere Model: MAOOAM v1.0
Authors: De Cruz Lesley , Demaeyer Jonathan , Vannitsem Stéphane
Published: May 2016

Abstract. This paper describes a reduced-order quasi-geostrophic coupled ocean-atmosphere model that allows for an arbitrary number of atmospheric and oceanic modes to be retained in the spectral decomposition. The modularity of this new model allows one to easily modify the model physics. Using this new model, coined "Modular Arbitrary-Order Ocean-Atmosphere Model" (MAOOAM), we analyse the dependence of the model dynamics on the truncation level of the spectral expansion, and unveil spurious behaviour that may exist at low resolution by a comparison with the higher resolution versions. In particular, we assess the robustness of the coupled low-frequency variability when the number of modes is increased. An "optimal" version is proposed for which the ocean resolution is sufficiently high while the total number of modes is small enough to allow for a tractable and extensive analysis of the dynamics.
Technical note: Analytical drawdown solution for steady-state pumping tests in two-dimensional isotropic heterogeneous aquifers
Authors: Zech Alraune , Attinger Sabine
Published: May 2016

Abstract. A new method is presented which allows interpreting steady-state pumping tests in heterogeneous isotropic transmissivity fields. In contrast to mean uniform flow, pumping test drawdowns in heterogeneous media cannot be described by a single effective or equivalent value of hydraulic transmissivity. An effective description of transmissivity is required, being a function of the radial distance to the well and including the parameters of log-transmissivity: mean, variance, and correlation length. Such a model is provided by the upscaling procedure radial coarse graining, which describes the transition of near-well to far-field transmissivity effectively. Based on this approach, an analytical solution for a steady-state pumping test drawdown is deduced. The so-called effective well flow solution is derived for two cases: the ensemble mean of pumping tests and the drawdown within an individual heterogeneous transmissivity field. The analytical form of the solution allows inversely estimating the parameters of aquifer heterogeneity. For comparison with the effective well flow solution, virtual pumping tests are performed and analysed for both cases, the ensemble mean drawdown and pumping tests at individual transmissivity fields. Interpretation of ensemble mean drawdowns showed proof of the upscaling method. The effective well flow solution reproduces the drawdown for two-dimensional pumping tests in heterogeneous media in contrast to Thiem's solution for homogeneous media. Multiple pumping tests conducted at different locations within an individual transmissivity field are analysed, making use of the effective well flow solution to show that all statistical parameters of aquifer heterogeneity can be inferred under field conditions. Thus, the presented method is a promising tool with which to estimate parameters of aquifer heterogeneity, in particular variance and horizontal correlation length of log-transmissivity fields from steady-state pumping test measurements.
The referential grain size and effective porosity in the Kozeny–Carman model
Authors: Urumović Kosta , Urumović Sr. Kosta
Published: May 2016

Abstract. In this paper, the results of permeability and specific surface area analyses as functions of granulometric composition of various sediments (from silty clays to very well graded gravels) are presented. The effective porosity and the referential grain size are presented as fundamental granulometric parameters expressing an effect of the forces operating on fluid movement through the saturated porous media. This paper suggests procedures for calculating referential grain size and determining effective (flow) porosity, which result in parameters that reliably determine the specific surface area and permeability. These procedures ensure the successful application of the Kozeny–Carman model up to the limits of validity of Darcy's law. The value of effective porosity in the referential mean grain size function was calibrated within the range of 1.5 µm to 6.0 mm. The reliability of the parameters applied in the KC model was confirmed by a very high correlation between the predicted and tested hydraulic conductivity values (R2 =  0.99 for sandy and gravelly materials; R2 =  0.70 for clayey-silty materials). The group representation of hydraulic conductivity (ranging from 10−12 m s−1 up to 10−2 m s−1) presents a coefficient of correlation of R2 =  0.97 for a total of 175 samples of various deposits. These results present new developments in the research of the effective porosity, the permeability and the specific surface area distributions of porous materials. This is important because these three parameters are critical conditions for successful groundwater flow modeling and contaminant transport. Additionally, from a practical viewpoint, it is very important to identify these parameters swiftly and very accurately.
How relevant is copyright to online artists? A qualitative study of understandings, coping strategies, and possible solutions
Authors: Dowthwaite Liz , Houghton Robert J. , Mortier Richard
Published: May 2016

Online copyright law is a major issue for many in the creative industries. Independent artists often rely on sharing their work across social media and content-sharing sites, leaving them open to having their work stolen or misused. This paper discusses a series of 11 semi-structured interviews that examined attitudes towards copyright and attribution amongst webcomic artists, in relation to current copyright laws across the EU and internationally. Whilst artists are generally aware of the cover provided by copyright, they feel that it is not necessarily relevant or effective within the creative space they work in. There is very little support and there are few resources available to help them to fight for control of their work, and whilst artists do get angry about actual theft and removal of attribution, they accept that they have to put up with certain violations if they wish to continue to publish comics for free on the Internet. The paper ends by discussing potential solutions to the problems raised.
Incoded counter-conduct: What the incarcerated can teach us about resisting mass surveillance
Authors: Lingel Jessa , Sinnreich Aram
Published: May 2016

This paper reviews penal history in order to consider forms of resistance to mass surveillance. Because experiences of surveillance are endemic to incarcerated life, identifying tactics of protest among these populations provides valuable insights for potential forms of counter-conduct in other circumstances of ubiquitous monitoring. We introduce the term incodification as a means of describing conditions of continuous surveillance ingrained into infrastructures of everyday life, even as these conditions give rise to tactics of resistance. We focus on three forms of protest: hunger strikes, alternate communication networks and viral dance videos, drawing on Foucault’s theory of askesis in order to develop our understanding of incodification. Our objective in introducing this term, and with our analysis as a whole, is to provoke and promote theoretical and activist projects that both address and subvert infrastructures of incodification.
ED Visits Related to Marijuana Exposures in the Denver Metropolitan Area of Colorado
Authors: Chen Yushiuan , Askenazi Michele , DeYoung Kathryn H. , Albanese Bernadette , Yun Lourdes W. , Hockenberry Todd
Published: May 2016

To explore whether disparities exist among persons seeking emergency department (ED) care related to marijuana use, we developed marijuana case (MJCs) definitions, provided an overview of the prevalence of ED visits related to marijuana use, and identified differences in MJCs by age, gender, and geographic location. Males and persons aged 18-44 years constituted a higher proportion of MJCs, which may be related to differences in usage patterns as identified by the BehaviOral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Denver and Arapahoe Counties had a higher percentage of pediatric MJCs. More advanced spatial analysis will describe details of geographic disparities in the research.
Key Challenges for Eradication of Poliomyelitis in Ukraine
Authors: Cyganchuk Oksana
Published: May 2016

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the epidemic situation on poliomyelitis in the world is not good. Ukraine is on the list of countries certified by WHO as the territory free of polio, and previously, population coverage with scheduled vaccination against polio was 95%.
An Improved EWMA-Based Method for Outbreak Detection in Multiple Regions
Authors: Dassanayaka Sesha K. , French Joshua
Published: May 2016

We present a simple, fast, and easily interpretable procedure that results in faster detection of outbreaks in multiple spatial regions. Disease counts from neighboring regions are aggregated to compute a Poisson CUSUM statistic for each region. Instead of controlling the average run length error criterion in the testing process, we instead utilize the false discovery rate. Additionally, p-values are used to make decisions instead of traditional critical-values. The use of the false discovery rate and p-values in testing allows us to utilize more powerful multiple testing methodologies. The procedure is successfully applied to detect the 2011 Salmonella Newport outbreak in Germany.
Military and Civilian Disease Outbreaks: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Daughton Ashlynn , Velappan Nileena , Abeyta Esteban , Deshpande Alina
Published: May 2016

Using influenza like illness (ILI) data from the repository held by AFHSC, and publically available malaria data we characterized similarities and differences between military and civilian outbreaks. Our analysis is meant to extend previously published work tempOrally, geographically, and to new diseases.
Enhancing the BioSense Platform: Findings from an ESSENCE and SAS Pilot Project
Authors: Davis Cassandra N.
Published: May 2016

BioSense was created in 2003 with the intent of establishing an integrated system of nationwide public health surveillance for the early detection of potential bioterrorism-related syndromes or other public health emergencies. BioSense has evolved into the National Syndromic Surveillance Program that includes the BioSense Platform - an improved suite of analytical tools based in a cloud environment. To address the user community's priorities of the platform's current system requirements and the preference for including other software on the platform to improve syndromic surveillance data processing, CDC conducted a pilot project to evaluate the tools, SAS and ESSENCE.
Hospital Readmissions Among the Homeless Population in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Authors: Dirmyer Victoria F.
Published: May 2016

It is estimated that there are 1.7 million homeless individuals in the United States; 36% are families with children under the age of 18. Due to lack of resources, homeless individuals frequent emergency departments for immediate health care needs. The aim of this study was to examine a homeless population who visited an Albuquerque area hospital at any time during a 3-year time period. A comparison of demographic characteristics as well as visit/hospitalization characteristics between two populations was analyzed; homeless individuals who had a 30-day readmission compared to those that did not have a 30-day readmission.
Better, Stronger, Faster: Why Add Fields to Syndromic Surveillance? New Jersey, 2015
Authors: Erdogdu Pinar , Hamby Teresa , Tsai Stella
Published: May 2016

This poster presentation will describe the inclusion of triage notes into a syndromic surveillance system, Epicenter, to enhance population health surveillance activities. Emergency Department data from EpiCenter and call data from New Jersey Poison Information and Education System related to increased number of synthetic cannabinoid use were evaluated in this analysis.
Evaluation of HIV/AIDS Surveillance System (2010-2013) in Enugu State April 2014
Authors: Ezeudu Chinyere C. , Nguku Patrick M. , Oladimeji Abisola , Fawole Olufunmilayo
Published: May 2016

The HIV/AIDS surveillance system in Enugu State was evaluated. The objectives of the evaluation was to describe the attributes and process of operation of the system, to determine if the set objectives for establishing the surveillance system are met and to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the system.We evaluated the system using the Centres for Disease Control guidelines for evaluating surveillance systems(2001).We qualitatively assessed the system's key attributes and usefulness.The system is passive,useful, stable,flexible,timely but not representative,sensitive nor simple.The resource to maintain the system are inadequate.
Eliciting Disease Data from Wikipedia Articles
Authors: Fairchild Geoffrey , De Silva Lalindra , Del Valle Sara Y. , Segre Alberto M.
Published: May 2016

Traditional disease surveillance systems suffer from several disadvantages, including reporting lags and antiquated technology, that have caused a movement towards internet-based disease surveillance systems. This study presents the use of Wikipedia article content in this sphere.  We demonstrate how a named-entity recognizer can be trained to tag case, death, and hospitalization counts in the article text. We also show that there are detailed time series data that are consistently updated that closely align with ground truth data.  We argue that Wikipedia can be used to create the first community-driven open-source emerging disease detection, monitoring, and repository system.
Development of Food Hygiene Surveillance System in Plantation Sector, Sri Lanka
Authors: Galgamuwa Lahiru S. , Iddawela Devika , Dharmaratne Samath D.
Published: May 2016

Diseases due to consumption of contaminated food are a common problem in worldwide. Information about food hygiene practices in plantation sector in Sri Lanka is insufficient. This study was designed to identify hygiene practices for the establishment of a Surveillance system in Sri Lanka. Knowledge of food hygiene practices among food handlers in plantation sector is very poor. Community - Health education programs, promoting better food hygiene and improved sanitary conditions should be considered, to plan a food hygiene Surveillance system.
Alert-Enabled Application Integrating Data Quality Monitoring for Multiple Sources
Authors: Gil Harold , Michaud Nicholas L.
Published: May 2016

An interactive, point-and-click (R-Shiny) application was developed to facilitate the routine assessment of known data quality factors that compromise the integrity and timeliness of data sets used at the Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD). The code (and associated documentation) for this application is being made available online so that other surveillance practitioners interested in adopting this approach can mix and match the features they are most interested in to create customized data quality assessment applications that meet their needs.
Evaluation of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (Measles and Diphtheria) Surveillance System - Delhi, India, 2013
Authors: Goel Kapil
Published: May 2016

The vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) of measles and diphtheria in India were responsible for 47% of global measles mortality and 20% of global diphtheria mortality in 2010. We evaluated the VPD surveillance system of Delhi, focusing on measles and diphtheria. We evaluated the Health Management Information System (HMIS) and reviewed the available data for measles and diphtheria surveillance from North Delhi district from 2012 to 2013. Primary data were collected by interviewing key state and district level stakeholders using a semi-structured questionnaire. Documents like protocols, operational manuals, training documents and hospital and dispensary records were also reviewed. HMIS is a web-based reporting system started in Delhi in April 2008. Data are collected through passive surveillance. The system uses standard definitions and reporting mechanisms. Data validation is standardized and documented. The system is useful and simple to use; the system has shown flexibility in adapting to needed changes over time. The system is acceptable due to involvement of field staff in the process. We observed completeness in reporting of forms (93.8% [845/900]) and systemic support (manpower, infrastructure, funds) for effective functioning of HMIS. The surveillance system is sensitive enough to see trends but data are not available at the population level to know the true burden of disease. The data quality is good for case data but poor for mortality data. The system provides incomplete representation for private sector [captures only 3.3% of reporting units (15/450)]. Only 42% (38/90) of reporting units reported on time for January 2013. The overall quality of the surveillance system is good, and it is meeting its objectives. However timeliness of reporting and representativeness needs further improvement.
Weather Outlook: Cloudy with a Chance of...— Classification of Storm-Related ED Visits
Authors: Hamby Teresa , Tsai Stella , Gu Hui , Goodrow Gabrielle , Gleason Jessie , Fagliano Jerald
Published: May 2016

Hurricane "˜Superstorm' Sandy struck New Jersey on October 29, 2012, causing harm to the health of residents and billions of dollars of damage to businesses, transportation, and infrastructure. Monitoring health outcomes for increased illness and injury due to a severe weather event is important in measuring the severity of conditions and the efficacy of state response, as well as in emergency response preparations for future severe weather events. This talk will describe NJDOH's development of a suite of 20 indicators in EpiCenter to perform syndromic surveillance of extreme weather-related conditions.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus, Coxiella burnetii & Brucella spp. in Milk, Kazakhstan
Authors: Hay John , Farris Christina , Elzer Phil , Andrushchenko Alexei , Hagius Sue , Richards Allen , Ayazbayev Timur
Published: May 2016

Raw milk was collected from cows in western Kazakhstan in winter 2014-2015. Samples were defatted and frozen at -20C, then tested as follows. For tick-borne encephalitis virus, 65 samples were tested using the VectorBest TBEV antigen capture kit, with 9% positive. For Coxiella burnetii, 50 samples were assayed using a species-specific qPCR assay and all were negative, though positive controls were consistently positive. For Brucella spp., PCR, ELISA and FPA testing is ongoing, with some positive results. These data suggest that consumption of raw cow's milk in western Kazakhstan is a risk factor for tick-borne encephalitis and brucellosis. The risk for Q fever appears to be small during winter, but may be present at other times of the year.
Augmenting Surveillance to Minimize the Burden of Norovirus-Like Illness in Ontario: Using TeleHealth Ontario Data to Detect the Onset of Community Activity
Authors: Hughes Stephanie L. , Papadopoulos Andrew
Published: May 2016

Norovirus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide, resulting in millions of infections annually. In comparison to other viral illnesses, the total number of norovirus cases per year is second only to the common cold. While infection is relatively short-lived, the illness causes a high economic impact due to lost productivity and healthcare expenditures, thus requiring action to reduce the burden. In Ontario, surveillance is predominantly laboratory-based, leaving much room for improvement. This project will utilize syndromic surveillance to create an early warning system for early norovirus detection; TeleHealth Ontario call data will be analyzed to identify the beginning of the winter vomiting season in conjunction with laboratory data to confirm the season. From this, public health authorities can notify hospitals, long-term care homes, and other vulnerable populations of impending outbreaks.
Regional Syndromic Surveillance Data Sharing Workshops: Process and Early Outcomes
Authors: Ishikawa Charlie , DeVore Katrina , Gordon Scott , Sum Mark , Streichert Laura
Published: May 2016

Sharing syndromic surveillance data across jurisdictional boundaries enhances epidemiological capacities and expands situational awareness at multiple levels. This talk will detail a training model for developing data sharing practices at a HHS regional level, and early workshop results and outcomes. Workshop participants built knowledge and skills in syndromic surveillance practice through relationship building as a foundation to data sharing; sharing of actual SyS data and information, and discussion of the benefits and barriers to data solution in order to identify solutions and plan action.
SAVSNET: Collating Veterinary Electronic Health Records for Research and Surveillance
Authors: Jones Philip H. , Radford Alan D , Noble Peter-John M , Sánchez-Vizcaíno Fernando , Menacere Tarek , Heayns Bethaney , Bolan Susan , Wardeh Maya , Gaskell Rosalind M , Dawson Susan
Published: May 2016

Owners and pets frequently live in very close contact. As a result, surveillance of disease-related events in companion animals has the potential to deliver benefits for both animal and human health. SAVSNET"”the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network"”collects and collates real-time data from veterinary diagnostic laboratories and veterinary practices across the UK to support research and disease surveillance in companion animals. The data collected by SAVSNET is made available to a wide range of interested parties including academic collaborators, PhD researchers, students and commercial companies. As such, SAVSNET is a valuable resource for One Health surveillance.
Evaluation of Hepatitis C Surveillance in Washington State
Authors: Linton Natalie
Published: May 2016

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections go largely undetected due to their asymptomatic nature. It is believed that fewer than half of existing cases are detected by surveillance systems. Further confusion in surveillance may arise in that acute and chronic infections are often handled separately. This evaluation will look at the simplicity, flexibility, data quality, acceptability, sensitivity, positive predictive value, representativeness, timeliness, and stability of HCV surveillance in Washington State. The evaluation is currently in progress and preliminary results are expected to be formulated by November.
Disease Surveillance by Private Health Providers in Nigeria: A Research Proposal
Authors: Makinde Olusesan A. , Odimegwu Clifford O.
Published: May 2016

A large proportion of Nigerians access healthcare services in private health facilities (PHFs) but the compliance of these PHFs to the mandatory disease surveillance and reporting - a means of implementing the international health regulation of 1969 - has not been established. The recent Ebola outbreak spread to Nigeria and revealed challenges in the efficiency of the surveillance system after a suspicious case presented at a PHF. The impact of an inefficient disease surveillance system can be far reaching. Thus, we propose a study to investigate and understand factors affecting compliance of these PHFs to the country disease surveillance and response system.
CDCPlot: an Application for Viewing Weekly CDC MMWR Disease Count Data
Authors: Michaud Nicholas L. , Kite-Powell Aaron , Niemi Jarad
Published: May 2016

We present a user-friendly online application for viewing CDC disease count data. The application creates plots for user selected diseases, time ranges and geographic scales. An optional alert threshold informs the user when a disease count has risen very rapidly in a short period of time. The application is updated weekly as the CDC makes new data available.
The Burden of Seasonal Respiratory Pathogens on a New National Telehealth System
Authors: Morbey Morbey , Harcourt Sally , Elliot Alex J. , Pebody Richard , Zambon Maria , Hutchison John , Rutter Judith , Smith Gillian E.
Published: May 2016

Syndromic surveillance telehealth calls were shown to provide early warning of seasonal rises in RSV and influenza compared to traditional laboratory reporting.
Identifying Depression-Related Tweets from Twitter for Public Health Monitoring
Authors: Mowery Danielle , Smith Hilary A. , Cheney Tyler , Bryan Craig , Conway Michael
Published: May 2016

We present our work towards automatic monitoring of major depressive disorder at the population-level leveraging social media and natural language processing. In this pilot study, we manually annotated Twitter tweets i.e., whether the tweet conveys clinical evidence of depression or not, and if the tweet is depression-related, whether it conveys low mood, fatigue or loss of energy, or problems with social environment. Our classifiers trained with simple features can automatically distinguish between tweets with clinical evidence of depression or not with promising results, suggesting complete automation is possible.
Flea-Borne Rickettsiae in Almaty Oblast, Kazakhstan
Authors: Nurmakhanov Talgat , Sansyzbayev Yerlan , St. John Heidi , Farris Christina , Richards Allen
Published: May 2016

To better understand the contribution of Rickettsia spp. to prevalent flea-borne diseases in Kazakhstan, we evaluated fleas collected in the Almaty Oblast of southeastern Kazakhstan for the presence of rickettsiae by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). We found that fleas captured from Kazakhstan’s common Great Gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) and corresponding burrows were infected with rickettsiae. The most commonly found rickettsia-infected flea species was Xenopsylla gerbilli, and the most commonly found rickettsia was Candidatus R. asemboensis. Further studies may include testing these and other fleas samples for the presence of additional disease agents, including Bartonella spp. and Yersinia pestis.
Methods to Measure Socio-Economic Inequalities in Health for Indian Adolescents
Authors: Parmar Priyanka , Mathur Manu R. , Tsakos Georgios , Watt Richard G.
Published: May 2016

There is lack of standardized and reliable questionnaires to capture various behavioural aspects of subjective health of the population in India and this study was aimed to identify and validate methods and scales measuring determinants of socio-economic inequalities in health in context to Indian adolescents residing in diverse urban areas. In this study scales and questions from internationally validated questionnaires were adopted, and then reliability and validity tests were conducted through a cross sectional study on 1386 Indian adolescents residing in diverse areas of residence (slums, middle class and resettlement colonies) and standardized them to be used on Indian adolescent.
The Public Health Community Platform: Implementing Electronic Case Reporting
Authors: Rennick Marcus , Gordon Scott , Huang Monica , Sum Mark , Soper Paula
Published: May 2016

The Public Health Community Platform (PHCP) is currently piloting an initial implementation of an electronic case reporting (eCR) solution. This work integrates community-defined resources (such as the Reportable Conditions Knowledge Management System and the Reportable Conditions Trigger Codes) to extract standardized data from clinical EHRs and transport that data to the correct public health agency, automating a core function of public health surveillance. This eCR solution will allow public health to benefit from a centrally developed and deployed infrastructure and tools and decrease the burden for clinical provider participation.
Natural Language Processing and Technical Challenges of Influenza-Like Illness Surveillance
Authors: Rumoro Dino P. , Gibbs Gillian S. , Shah Shital C. , Hallock Marilyn M. , Trenholme Gordon M. , Waddell Michael J. , Bernstein Joseph P.
Published: May 2016

Processing free-text clinical information in an electronic medical record may enhance surveillance systems for early identification of influenza-like illness outbreaks. However, processing clinical text using natural language processing (NLP) poses a challenge in preserving the semantics of the original information recorded. In this study, we discuss several NLP and technical issues as well as potential solutions for implementation in syndromic surveillance systems.
One Health e-Surveillance for Early Detection of Gastrointestinal Disease Outbreaks
Authors: Sánchez-Vizcaíno Fernando , Rowlingson Barry , Radford Alan D , Hale Alison , Giorgi Emanuele , O’Brien Sarah J , Dawson Susan , Gaskell Rosalind M , Jones Philip H , Menacere Tarek , Noble Peter-John M , Wardeh Maya , Diggle Peter
Published: May 2016

In human and animal health, conventional approaches to preventing and controlling gastrointestinal disease (GI) have not reduced the overall disease burden. In order to understand and mitigate shared GI aetiologies between humans and animals it is necessary to develop One Health Surveillance approaches that integrate data-sources contributed to by human and veterinary healthcare. Here we describe how a real-time surveillance system for early detection of GI outbreaks in small animal and human health is being developed by collecting electronic health records from veterinary practitioners and a telephone-based 24-hour medical triage service in the UK.
Situational Awareness of Health Events Using Social Media and the SMART Dashboard
Authors: Tsou Ming-Hsiang , Jung Chin-Te , Peddecord Michael
Published: May 2016

We have developed a robust and flexible system to collect, process twitter messages and then display them on an interactive dashboard “SMART” that can potentially provide a tool for practitioners to monitor and visualize syndromes, specific diseases and other events of public health interest. We are seeking to make the SMART system and dashboard a useful tool that can provide timely and actionable information for local agencies and practitioners. To facilitate widespread use and testing of this system, we are seeking input and suggestions from public health and surveillance professionals.
Evaluation of Legionellosis Surveillance in Michigan Focusing on Diagnostic Testing
Authors: Tyndall Snow Leigh M. , Fialkowski Veronica A. , Stobierski Mary Grace
Published: May 2016

In Michigan, legionellosis cases are reportable through the Michigan Disease Surveillance System (MDSS), a web-based database. The objectives of this study were to evaluate Michigan's legionellosis surveillance system and determine whether diagnostic methods influenced case distribution. Michigan's legionellosis surveillance system was evaluated using the 2001 MMWR surveillance system evaluation guidelines focusing on data quality, timeliness, and sensitivity. Additional analyses were performed on the diagnostic test data. The system showed moderate sensitivity, and reporting times over the 24-hour state requirements. Data completeness improved 20% over time. Decreasing culture diagnoses make linking cases to environmental sources in an outbreak investigation challenging.
Highway Emergency Response and Accident Mitigation Service (HERAM) – A Field Report
Authors: Utla Balaji , Hegde Shailendra Kumar B. , Saride Sri Ranga Prasad , Kandaala Ramanuja Chary , Upadhya Sridhar , Saxena Anukrati
Published: May 2016

This paper describes a cross-sectional analysis of data pertaining to accidents that occurred on the National Highway between Hyderabad and Vijaywada, over a period of one year. A fully equipped trauma ambulance was despatched to the site as soon as a call comes on 1033. The victim was attended to by well-trained paramedics in the ambulance and transported to the nearest health care facility. This service attended to 60% of the accidents in the service area. Incidence of fatalities was 5.63%. This service can be established at the national level to provide emergency ambulance care service to accident victims on National Highways.
Enhancing Biosurveillance Specificity Using PraedicoTM, A Next Generation Application
Authors: Vahdatpour Alireza , Lucero-Obusan Cynthia A. , Lee Chris , Oda Gina , Schirmer Patricia , Mostaghimi Anosh , Sedghi Farshid , Etminani Payam , Holodniy Mark
Published: May 2016

We evaluated the specificity of Praedico Biosurveillance, a next generation biosurveillance application leveraging multiple detection algorithms, big data and machine learning, for VA outpatient syndromic surveillance alerting during the period of June 2014 thru May 2015, and compared it to the Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-Based Epidemics (ESSENCE). Praedicoâ„¢ Biosurveillance generated alerts were significantly lower compared to ESSENCE generated alerts across all major syndromic syndromes and demonstrated higher sensitivity to seasons (i.e., ILI activity in winter). Reducing alerting fatigue would enhance specificity of computer-generated alerts, promoting more usage and gradual improvement in the algorithm's output.
Use of Peripheral Health Units in Low-Transmission Ebola Virus Disease Surveillance
Authors: Young Alyssa J. , Connolly Allison , Hoar Adam , Mancuso Brooke , Esplana John Mark , Kaur Guddu , Fisher Laura , Hartley Mary-Anne , Tran Anh-Minh A
Published: May 2016

Surveillance strategies for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Sierra Leone use a centralized "live alert" system to refer suspect cases from the community to specialized Ebola treatment centers. As EVD case burden declined in Port Loko District, Sierra Leone so did the number of reported alerts. Because EVD presents similarly to malaria, the number of alerts should remain consistent with malaria prevalence in malaria-endemic areas, irrespective of the reduction in true EVD cases. A community-based EVD surveillance system with improved symptom recording and follow-up of malaria-confirmed patients at PHUs was implemented in order to strengthen the sensitivity of EVD reporting.
Epizootology and Molecular Diagnosis of Lumpy Skin Diesease Among Livestock in Azerbaijan
Authors: Zeynalova Shalala K.
Published: May 2016

Signs of LSD in Azerbaijan were recorded for the first time in the Region (rayon) of Bilasuvar in May of 2014 and reported to OIE [3]. LSD was quickly suspected, as Bilasuvar neighbors Iran which had recently reported LSD. The same clinical signs were subsequently recorded in cattle in the regions of Jalilabad and Aghdash. Some of the cases resulted in death. A PCR assay was set up in the Republican Veterinary Laboratory in Azerbaijan in order to test livestock samples for the disease while an epizootological study was conducted to determine the extent of disease spread within the three affected rayons.
Tecnologias de informação e registro do processo de enfermagem: estudo de caso em UTI neonatal
Authors: Pereira Raphael Brandão , Coelho Maria Alice , Bachion Maria Márcia
Published: May 2016

Objetivou-se analisar o registro do Processo de Enfermagem apoiado por tecnologias de informação e comunicação em meio impresso e eletrônico, no cenário de terapia intensiva neonatal. Estudo de caso único, integrado, desenvolvido de janeiro a abril de 2014. Participaram sete enfermeiros que atuavam na UTI neonatal antes e após a implantação de novas tecnologias de informação e comunicação (NTICs), que combinavam suporte eletrônico e físico (papel). Coletaram-se dados por meio de extração de registros dos prontuários e questionário aplicado aos enfermeiros. Para análise utilizou-se frequência simples e percentual dos níveis de aplicação do processo de enfermagem, e o conjunto de fatores intervenientes relativos à estrutura e processo de organização do trabalho. Encontraram-se resultados positivos e negativos e fatores intervenientes. Conclui-se que as NTICs em meio físico foram responsáveis pelo registro de maior número de registros na coleta de dados e que o registro das demais etapas não apresentou melhora substancial.
Atitudes e conhecimentos de técnicos de enfermagem sobre cuidados a pacientes com transtornos mentais
Authors: Melo Zilda Maria de , Pegoraro Natália Priolli Jora , Santos Manoel Antônio dos , Pillon Sandra Cristina
Published: May 2016

O estudo teve por objetivo avaliar atitudes e conhecimentos teórico-práticos de técnicos de enfermagem sobre cuidados a pacientes com transtornos mentais. Estudo descritivo realizado em um pronto socorro municipal do interior paulista. Informações sociodemográficas e formação profissional, atitudes e conhecimentos sobre identificação de sinais e sintomas, sentimentos e assistência de enfermagem a pessoas com transtornos mentais foram avaliadas em 69 técnicos de enfermagem, caracterizados por serem do sexo feminino, adultos, com ensino médio e nível superior. A maioria recebeu conteúdo teórico sobre como identificar sinais e sintomas, porém menos da metade recebeu informações sobre a sistematização da assistência de enfermagem. Apesar de sentirem muito interesse na área de psiquiatria, os profissionais percebiam esses pacientes como indivíduos imprevisíveis, necessitado de cuidados constantes. Constatou-se a necessidade de melhores investimentos em temas relacionados aos cuidados de enfermagem para que os profissionais possam oferecer uma assistência de melhor qualidade as pessoas com transtornos mentais.
Infecção pelo vírus Zika na gestação e microcefalia em recém-nascidos: revisão integrativa de literatura
Authors: Salge Ana Karina Marques , Castral Thaíla Corrêa , Sousa Marília Cordeiro de , Souza Romilda Rayane Godoi , Minamisava Ruth , Souza Sandra Maria Brunini de
Published: May 2016

A febre pelo vírus Zika é pouco conhecida, sendo que apenas 18% das infecções humanas têm manifestações clínicas. Nos últimos meses, o número de casos de microcefalia neonatal, possivelmente relacionados ao vírus Zika, cresceu significativamente no Brasil, emergindo como um problema de saúde mundial. O objetivo deste estudo foi buscar evidências na literatura, para reunir e sintetizar o conhecimento produzido sobre relação entre a infecção pelo vírus Zika durante a gestação e as consequências neonatais, por meio de revisão integrativa da literatura. A busca das referências nas bases BVS, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science e sites governamentais (Ministério da Saúde e FIOCRUZ) e da World Health Organization permitiu identificação de quatro artigos e quatro protocolos que se adequaram aos critérios estabelecidos. Os artigos possuem baixo nível de evidência, porém permitem constatar evidências da transmissão transplacentária do vírus Zika, porém ainda não há comprovação que o vírus Zika desencadeie a microcefalia.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Williams Richard
Published: May 2016

Journal of Agricultural Studies (JAS) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from March 1, 2014, to September 1, 2014. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether JAS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Macrothink Institute appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period. Carlos Alberto Zúniga GonzálezEliana Mariela WerbinEwa MoliszewskaGeonyzl Lepiten AlviolaLucélia CabralMarie-Madeleine Pare NgoutaneMohamed El-EsawiMoses OlotuPramod Kumar MishraSahar BahmaniSahar BahmaniTran Dang Khanh
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Williams Richard
Published: May 2016

Journal of Agricultural Studies would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JAS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issueReviewers for Volume 4, Number 1  Ashit Kumar PaulBOUMAHDI MERAD ZOUBEIDACarlos Alberto Zúniga GonzálezChenlin HuEliana Mariela WerbinEwa MoliszewskaFerdaous ManiGajanan T BehereGerardo OjedaGulzar Ahmad NayikHojjat HasheminasabHui GuoIdin ZibaeeIdress Hamad AttitallaIvo Vaz OliveiraLuisa PozzoMartin Ernesto QuadroMing-Chi WeiMohamed EL Sayed MegahedMohammad Reza AlizadehMoses OlotuMuhammed YuceerPramod Kumar MishraRasha Mousa AhmedReham Ibrahim Abo-ShnafRichard UwieraSahar BahmaniSait EngindenizSyed Rizwan AbbasTran Dang KhanhZakaria Fouad AbdallahZhao ChenZoi M. Parissi  Richard WilliamsEditorJournal of Agricultural Studies-------------------------------------------Macrothink Institute5348 Vegas Dr.#825Las Vegas, Nevada 89108United StatesPhone: 1-702-953-1852 ext.521Fax: 1-702-420-2900Email: jas@macrothink.orgURL: http://jas.macrothink.org
An Overview on Explicit and Implicit instructions on Learners’ Pragmatic Awareness in Making Request in English
Authors: Shokouhi Saeedeh
Published: May 2016

One of the important part of the pragmatics studies in recent years is about the intercultural communication. EFL learners should know both grammatical competence and also sociolinguistic rules to use the language in an appropriate context. This review explores the effect of the explicit and implicit instruction on the learners’ attention in the production of the speech act of request. Pragmatics includes “the study of how speakers use and understand speech acts” (Richards and Schmidt 2002). Moreover, pragmatics plays a very important role in the production and perception of the language. That is why interlocutors should have enough pragmatic knowledge to produce and perceive the proper and intended speech acts based on context. Therefore, having pragmatic competence is one of the key factors in the process of communication. Pragmatic competence in foreign language contexts is defined as the knowledge of communicative action or speech acts, how to perform it, and the ability to utilize the language in proper ways based on the context or contextual factors (Kasper 1997; Kasper & Roever 2005).
In Vitro 2D PIV Measurements and Related Aperture Areas of Tricuspid Bioprosthetic Mitral Valves at the beginning of Diastole
Authors: Bazan Ovandir , Ortiz Jayme Pinto , Fukumasu Newton Kiyoshi , Pacifico Antonio Luiz , Yanagihara Jurandir Itizo
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Besides ventricular parameters, the design and angular orientation of a prosthetic heart valve induce a specific flow field. The aim of this study was to know the inflow characteristics of a left ventricular model (LVM), investigating the behavior of tricuspid bioprosthetic mitral valves in terms of velocity profiles and related valve aperture areas at the beginning of diastole, under different conditions.

Methods

3 heart rates (HRs) were established in the LVM and each mitral bioprosthesis (27 and 31 mm diameter) was installed in 2 orientations, rotated by 180°. For each experimental setup, 2-dimensional particle image velocimetry (2D PIV) measurements and simultaneous mitral valve (MV) area detection were obtained from 50 samples.

Results

The results from the velocity profiles immediately downstream of mitral bioprostheses showed the influence of valve orientation for moderate HRs, although for a similar magnitude of mean velocity vectors. The geometries of MV open areas for each HR were similar regardless of valve orientation, except for the 27-mm valve at 90 beats per minute (bpm), and for the 31-mm valve at 60 bpm. Moreover, for each HR, similar percentages of valve open area were obtained regardless of MV nominal diameters.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the experimental setup for the 2D PIV measurements synchronized with the MV area detection was a useful tool for knowing the inflow characteristics of the LVM.
The Gunmaking Trade in Bethlehem, Christiansbrunn, and Nazareth: Opportunity and Constraint in Managed Moravian Economies, 1750–1800
Authors: Gordon Scott Paul , Lienemann Robert Paul
Published: May 2016

Rifle collectors and contemporary rifle builders have romanticized the gunshop at Christiansbrunn (or Christian's Spring) into something it never was. Offering a carefully researched analysis of the gunmaking trade in the Moravian communities of Bethlehem, Christiansbrunn, and Nazareth, this article shows that during the 1750s the gunstocker's activity contributed more to supporting mission work than it did to the General Economy. The gunstocker worked “on demand,” repairing or restocking the arms brought to him by Native Americans or a few friends of the community. Only in the 1760s, several years after the trade had moved to Christiansbrunn, did Moravian gunstockers begin to produce new rifles for sale to the general public. Gunmaking in Christiansbrunn was a modest affair, except in the mid-1770s when the American Revolution briefly transformed the gunshop into an ambitious arms factory. After the war, authorities allowed gunmaking activities in Christiansbrunn to decline and closed the shop in the late 1780s.
“A Plague of the State and the Church”: A Local Response to the Moravian Enterprise
Authors: Petterson Christina
Published: May 2016

In 1755 the Lutheran Pastor Johann Gottlob Seidel published his polemical text Haupt-Schlüssel zum Herrnhutischen Ehe-Sacrament. The publication consisted of a number of Count Zinzendorf's sermons to the married choirs in Herrnhut, Herrnhaag and Marienborn, with an introduction and running commentary by Seidel. The introduction is the point of departure of this article because Seidel's vehement criticism of Zinzendorf's business practices provides an insight into the effects of the emerging global economy on local industry. By shifting Seidel's emphasis from marriage to the choir structure of the community, this article will demonstrate how the Moravians took part in these processes.
A Sense of Humor for Civic Life: Toward a Strong Defense of Humor
Authors: Rossing Jonathan P.
Published: May 2016

This article takes as its starting point the shared histories and attitudes toward the arts of rhetoric and humor. Both arts face the daunting task of defending their status in the serious realm of public life against attacks that trivialize and vilify their practices. Following the work of Richard Lanham, this article explores a familiar weak defense for humor that ultimately leaves humor without a strong foundation on which to contribute seriously to public life. It then offers a strong defense of humor that celebrates the art's motivational complexity, its purposeful contributions to the socio-political sphere, and its emphasis on a world of indeterminacy that is always ripe for new constructions. Ultimately, this article presents this defense of humor to imagine a richer understanding of a sense of humor, not as a light-hearted personality trait but as a set of skills and sensibilities essential to civic life.
The Year's Work in American Humor Studies, 2014
Authors: Caron James E.
Published: May 2016

The “Year's Work in American Humor Studies,” an annual feature of Studies in American Humor since 1999, reviews humor scholarship and related materials, including humor theory, published during the specified year from many disciplinary perspectives. The review gives special emphasis to studies of humor in American culture, broadly conceived.