bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An experimental characterization of human falling down
Authors: Meng Libo , Ceccarelli Marco , Yu Zhangguo , Chen Xuechao , Huang Qiang
Published: March 2017

Abstract. This paper presents results of an experimental investigation on the falling down of the human body in order to identify significant characteristics and parameters. A specific lab layout has been settled up with vision tracking system and suitable sensors to monitor information on trajectories, impact force and acceleration during the falling with elaboration procedures that make fairly easy to track and interpret the motion characteristics. We focus on the more often falling mode: forward and backward falling Tests are discussed with results from lab tests that give both behavior and values of the biomechanics of falling down of the human body. Possible protection strategies for falling based on the proposed research are talked about at the last.
Landslide displacement prediction using the GA-LSSVM model and time series analysis: a case study of Three Gorges Reservoir, China
Authors: Wen Tao , Tang Huiming , Wang Yankun , Lin Chengyuan , Xiong Chengren
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Predicting landslide displacement is challenging, but accurate predictions can prevent casualties and economic losses. Many factors can affect the deformation of a landslide, including the geological conditions, rainfall, and reservoir water level. Time series analysis was used to decompose the cumulative displacement of landslide into a trend component and a periodic component. Then the least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) model and genetic algorithm (GA) were used to predict landslide displacement, and we selected a representative landslide with step-like deformation as a case study. The trend component displacement, which is associated with the geological conditions, was predicted using a polynomial function, and the periodic component displacement which is associated with external environmental factors, was predicted using the GA-LSSVM model. Furthermore, based on a comparison of the results of the GA-LSSVM model and those of other models, the GA-LSSVM model was superior to other models in predicting landslide displacement, with the smallest root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The results of the case study suggest that the model can provide good consistency between measured displacement and predicted displacement, and periodic displacement exhibited good agreement with trends in the major influencing factors.
Transitioning Into Modern Society: Why The Law Is Not "Keeping Up" With Gender Identity
Authors: Kelly Gianna M.
Published: March 2017

N/A
Corporate Manslaughter by Industrial Robots at Work: Who Should Go on Trial under the Principles of Common Law Australia?
Authors: Solaiman S.M.
Published: March 2017

Industrial robots have been increasingly used for decades and the International Federation of Robotics predicts that 1.3 million more of such humanoids will be installed in factories across the globe between 2015 and 2018. While robots are deemed beneficial for industrial production, they pose a serious threat to our health and safety. Meanwhile, robots have killed many people and gravely injured numerous others in different countries. Policymakers around the world remain largely unmoved about resolving the uncertainty over the specificity of which persons should go on trial for such killings. This article examines the principles of common law governing manslaughter by criminal negligence with particular reference to Australia; however, it will generally apply to other common law countries as well. It finds that while it would be theoretically possible to identify the potential accused of workplace deaths caused by robots, we consider that the common law identification doctrine in practice will be a bar to successful prosecutions against corporate employers given the specific complexities associated with the usage of industrial robots. This article therefore submits a recommendation with justifications for dealing with this serious offence by enacting appropriate manslaughter law for the effective regulation of robots provoked fatalities.
Feminism and the Carceral State: Gender-Responsive Justice, Community Accountability, and the Epistemology of Antiviolence
Authors: Heiner Brady T , Tyson Sarah K
Published: March 2017

Building on recent feminist scholarship on the complicity of feminist antiviolence movements in the build-up of mass incarceration, this essay analyzes the epistemic occupation of feminist antiviolence work by carceral logic, taking the Gender-Responsive Justice and Community Accountability movements as countervailing examples. Both strategies claim to be a feminist response to violence. Gender-Responsive Justice arises from feminist criminology and has genealogical roots in the American prison reformatory movement. Community Accountability stems from grassroots intersectional and decolonial feminisms that are fundamentally at odds with the professionalization and state-centrism of the mainstream antiviolence movement. We argue that Gender-Responsive Justice is a form of carceral humanism that repackages carceral control as the caring provision of social services, while Community Accountability advances a radically creative abolitionist and decolonial project of an irreducibly epistemological order.
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Bryan Heit
Authors: Jung Youngkyung
Published: March 2017

Dr. Bryan Heit is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Western Ontario. Through his research he is investigating the role macrophages play in the development of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis. Dr. Heit was interviewed for his professional and personal insights regarding the world of scientific research by Youngkyung Jung, a member of the Academic Affairs Committee, WURJHNS.
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Vojislava Grbic
Authors: Nguyen Dana
Published: March 2017

Dr. Vojislava Grbic is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Western University. She completed her BSc in Plant Breeding and her MSc in Plant Genetics at the University of Novi Sad, before going on to complete her PhD in Genetics at the University of Wisconsin. She teaches undergraduate science courses, including Genetic Engineering and a fourth year Seminar in Genetics. Her research focuses on Arabidopsis developmental genetics, genomics of plant-pest interaction and biotechnology. Dana Nguyen, a member of the Academic Affairs Committee for WURJHNS, had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Grbic to learn more about her career path and her research.
Cobertura periodística sobre el suicidio: ¿habría riesgo de causar efectos negativos en personas susceptibles?
Authors: Suárez Estefanía , Barrera julián , Gómez López Mariana Teresa , Velásquez Nicolás , Guzmán Yahira , García Víctor
Published: March 2017

El artículo buscó comprobar que un uso inadecuado de la información en medios de comunicación puede incrementar riesgos en personas susceptibles a enfermedad mental. Para ello se estudió el efecto de noticias colombianas, tanto nacionales como regionales, que se relacionaban con la palabra suicidio en el 2014. Posteriormente, se analizaron las noticias, aplicando una encuesta con ocho preguntas por parte de dos integrantes del grupo, entrenados previamente para la realización de la investigación, a fin de ir más a fondo y ver el efecto de los medios de comunicación y su estigmatización. Hoy en día, los adolescentes se ven más expuestos a situaciones que pueden afectar su estado de ánimo por un uso inadecuado de medios de comunicación, teniendo en cuenta que el peor desenlace sería llevar a una conducta suicida.
Aspectos éticos y jurídicos de la salud ocupacional
Authors: Arenas Massa Ángela , Riveros Ferrada Carolina
Published: March 2017

La salud ocupacional cubre aspectos técnicos, médicos, sociales y jurídicos. Este artículo la analizó desde el bioderecho, específicamente los aspectos relacionados con los comportamientos de riesgo y sus factores de protección contenidos en instrumentos internacionales vinculantes, resoluciones y declaraciones emanados de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y la Organización Internacional del Trabajo, que buscan mejorar la seguridad y salud en el trabajo y medioambiente. Para ello hubo una revisión bibliográfica de documentos jurídicos y artículos científicos de referencia. El desafío es la concienciación de agentes decidores de políticas públicas y empresariales respecto de la complejidad que presenta el fenómeno del trabajo. También la implementación de buenas prácticas en los diversos sectores involucrados.
Adecuación cultural y capacitación acerca del proceso de consentimiento informado en proyecto sobre nutrición escolar en un pueblo indígena aymara de Perú
Authors: Muñoz del Carpio Toia Agueda , Dueñas Ancco André , Sánchez Rodríguez Kristell , Begazo M. Lucía
Published: March 2017

Antecedentes: es importante que las investigaciones respeten normas éticas y la toma del consentimiento informado (CI) con la debida adecuación cultural y verificando su comprensión en comunidades indígenas de las regiones Andina y Amazónica, incluidas hoy en investigaciones sociales y médicas. Objetivo: determinar el grado de comprensión del CI en una comunidad aymara del Perú con un proyecto de nutrición escolar. Metodología: se realizó un estudio de campo cuasi experimental, prospectivo, de intervención educativa en Puno, en 2015. Se explicó a los líderes aymaras los objetivos y procedimientos del estudio de nutrición escolar y CI. Se confeccionó un cuestionario de conocimientos y prácticas de loncheras saludables para niños aymaras; un programa educativo de nutrición escolar y dos formatos de CI (simple y con adecuación cultural). La documentación fue evaluada por un comité de ética de la investigación. Resultados: 70 pobladores aymaras participaron del proyecto de investigación. El grado de comprensión del CI se modificó con significancia estadística luego de la intervención educativa y la adecuación cultural.
Obstacles of Financing Small Projects by Jordanian Commercial Banks
Authors: Al-abedallat Abedalfattah Zuhair , Aburuman Naseem M , – Hiyasat Hamdan Moh' D Al , Shammout Belal Rabah Taher
Published: March 2017

The small projects sector suffers from many constraints, especially in terms of the financial side due to weakness in the finance, the problem of the study occurs based on the presence of obstacles in financing small projects by Jordanian Commercial Banks (Banking Obstacles, Small Projects Obstacles, and Governmental Obstacles). Thus, the study seeks to identify those obstacles, and it founded there is a significant statistical impact of the obstacles (Banking obstacles, Small projects Obstacles, Governmental obstacles) on the financing of small projects by Jordanian commercial banks. Also, there is a good statistical relationship between the obstacles (Banking obstacles, Small projects Obstacles, Governmental obstacles) and the financing of small projects by Jordanian commercial bank. The study recommended that the central bank should make laws that force banks to set aside a portion of the loans portfolio to small projects. Also, there is a need for the government to provide support to small projects, specifically in the training of the human resources and in the making of an economic feasibility study.
Retention and Task Shifting in Human Resources for Health through Data Mining
Authors: Wang Cheng-Kun
Published: March 2017

Human resources for health (HRH) are the backbone of the healthcare system, but a shortage of medical manpower and the misdistribution of human resources are critical problems in the rural areas of many countries till 2017. The shortage of medical manpower is a big issue between 2004 and 2013. Data mining of bibliometrics is a good tool to find the solutions for shortage of medical manpower. By analyzing 118,092 citations in 2,000 articles published in the SSCI and SCI databases addressing HRH from 2004 to 2013, we plotted the networks among authors in the field. We combine quantitative bibliometrics and a qualitative literature review to determine the important articles and to realize the relationships between important topics in this field. We find that retention and task shifting are the hot topics in HRH field between 2004 and 2013, and find out the solutions for these issues through literature review in later papers. The solution to the HRH shortage is to determine the motivations of health workers and to provide incentives to maintain their retention. Task shifting is another solution to the HRH crisis.
A Case for Regulating Corporate Governance for SMEs in Ghana
Authors: Asunka Benjamin A.
Published: March 2017

Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) are an integral part of every nation’s economic activity. They play an important role in nation building. It is believed that as they grow and expand the economy also grows. Corporate governance involves the systems and processes that are put in place to promote accountability and compliance by organizations to ensure value is created for the owners of the investment. Unfortunately, SMEs in Ghana have been left out of the corporate governance idea, because all the regulations and code of best practices on corporate governance concern mostly large corporate bodies and listed firms. With all the challenges that SMEs are faced with, the researcher tries to make a strong case for the regulation of corporate governance specifically for these SMEs to ensure they are better managed.Adopting the literature review method, the researcher reviewed various publications about the challenges that SMEs face in Ghana. Various researchers in this subject matter have established a lot of challenges faced by SMEs, these challenges exist in both the internal and external environments of these businesses. The author is of the opinion that most of the internal challenges are a result of corporate governance lapses, and if these lapses are addressed properly, it would help mitigate the challenges that emanate from the external environment. The recommendation therefore, is that a code of corporate governance for SMEs is necessary to help sustain their survival and growth.
Authentic Leadership and Employees’ Work-related Quality of Life: A Study of IT Organizations in India
Authors: Yadav Nidhi , Dixit Shikha
Published: March 2017

This article intends to explore the impact of authentic leadership on employees’ work-related quality of life. Previous studies have demonstrated that well-being of employees is an important aspect that needs to be focused upon by the organizations. It has also been documented that employee well-being at workplace is one of the positive outcomes associated with authentic leadership. However, there is a need for further empirical investigation to corroborate these findings. Therefore, an attempt has been made to assess the relationship between authentic leadership and employees’ work-related quality of life (WRQoL) which comprises of six dimensions encompassing well-being of employees not just in professional realm but also in personal life. This study has been conducted on team leaders and their team members in several IT organizations located in Delhi-NCR. The total sample for this study includes 45 team leaders and 122 team members. Multi-level analysis of data has been done using Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM). Findings indicate that authentic leadership has a significant positive influence on all the dimensions of WRQoL of the employees. Implications of this study have also been discussed.
Bohaterowie czy antybohateriowie? Medialne wcielenia monarchów a problem „rozpadu” Hiszpanii
Authors: Biernacka Maja
Published: March 2017

The article is dedicated to the media images of the Spanish Bourbon monarchy, especially the King Felipe VI and his wife Letizia, accompanied with an analysis of their role as (super) heroes or antiheroes of the nation. The author presents the problem of their standing in the public opinion in the face of participation of the royal family members in numerous political, sex and financial scandals, but also general crisis of the monarchy in Spain. Additional factors which make the King’s role of a superhero infeasible is a high level of contestation of the national idea in the society and augmenting secessionist tendencies, especially in Catalonia. In the atmosphere of probable disintegration of the Spanish state the monarch is unable to take substantial measures but remains obliged to make reference to them in his ceremonial public statements.
Acquired Cystic Disease–Associated Renal Cell Carcinoma: Review of Pathogenesis, Morphology, Ancillary Tests, and Clinical Features
Authors: Foshat Michelle , Eyzaguirre Eduardo
Published: March 2017

Acquired cystic disease–associated renal cell carcinoma (ACD-RCC) is a recently described subtype of RCC found in individuals with ACD of the kidney. Because of underrecognition, information regarding this lesion is sparse but continues to accumulate with each new report. Herein, a thorough literature review amassing the current understanding of this unique neoplasm is presented. Discussion focuses on clinical features, pathogenesis, disease outcome, and relation to the duration of dialysis. The macroscopic and characteristic microscopic features are described with illustrations. Compared with previous opinion, compiled immunohistochemical data may now allow for recognition of a unique immunophenotypic pattern of ACD-RCC. Distinction of ACD-RCC from clear cell and papillary RCCs based on molecular genetic information is deliberated, including a summary of the most frequently detected cytogenetic abnormalities. The key morphologic and immunophenotypic patterns used to distinguish this entity from a comprehensive differential diagnosis are provided.
Daily rhythms of behavioral and hormonal patterns in male dromedary camels housed in boxes
Authors: Aubè Lydiane , Fatnassi Meriem , Monaco Davide , Khorchani Touhami , Lacalandra Giovanni Michele , Hammadi Mohamed , Padalino Barbara
Published: March 2017

Background

Daily rhythmicity has been observed for a number of hormonal and behavioral variables in mammals. It can be entrained by several external factors, such as light-dark cycle and scheduled feeding. In dromedary camels, daily rhythmicity has been documented only for melatonin secretion and body temperature. In this study, the daily rhythmicity of behavioral repertoire, cortisol and testosterone levels was investigated in captive male camels.

Methods

Six clinically healthy male dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) were used. The animals were housed in single boxes for 24 h daily and fed twice a day. Over a period of 48 h, behavioral observations were made and blood samples taken every two hours. The data were analyzed using diurnality index, conisor analysis and PROC mixed procedure.

Results

The diurnality index for rumination and lying down was close to 0 (respectively, 0.09 and 0.19), while the indices for stereotypy, standing, feeding and walking were close to 1 (respectively, 0.74, 0.84, 0.92 and 0.85). Cosinor analysis revealed daily rhythmicity for all behaviors and for cortisol levels (acrophase at 12:57) but not for testosterone. Rumination and lying down (inactive behaviors) reached a peak during the scotophase, whereas feeding, walking and stereotypy (active behaviors) reached a peak during the photophase around midday. Cortisol level and expression of stereotypies peaked before and after food distribution and were negatively correlated (r =  − 0.287,P = 0.005). Testosterone levels and expression of sexual behaviors were stimulated by the visual and olfactory contacts with the females and were positively correlated (r = 0.164,P = 0.040). Testosterone was also negatively correlated with cortisol (r =  − 0.297;P = 0.003).

Discussion

These preliminary results provided new knowledge about the daily rhythm of behaviors in camels housed in boxes, suggesting that camels exhibit diurnal behavior pattern in the maintenance conditions outlined in the study. Daily rhythmicity seemed to be entrained not only by the light-dark cycle but also by scheduled feeding. The rise in stereotypy after food distribution could be due to the persistence of feeding motivation and frustration after the ingestion of food. Therefore, feeding practices should be improved to satisfy the foraging and feeding motivation of these camels. Behavioral and hormonal daily patterns in camels should be taken in consideration to adapt the management system, giving the animals more freedom during the light period and a diet richer in fiber, so as to improve reproductive performance, health and welfare.
Adapted Choice Architecture and Diversity in the National Academy of Medicine
Authors: Phillips Robert L. , Kim Se , Fuentes-Afflick Elena
Published: October 2024

This Viewpoint discusses how the National Academy of Medicine’s adapted choice architecture has led to a more diverse membership and how other mission-based organizations can consider using this strategy.
Proportion of US Counties and Population Served by Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics
Authors: Mauri Amanda I. , Xiang Nuannuan , Adams Danielle R. , Purtle Jonathan
Published: October 2024

This case series evaluates the proportion of US counties and the US population residing within an area served by a certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC) from October 2016, when the first CCBHCs opened, to June 2024.
A Quality Improvement Initiative for Inpatient Advance Care Planning
Authors: Sacks Olivia A. , Murphy Megan , O’Malley James , Birkmeyer Nancy , Barnato Amber E.
Published: October 2024

Importance

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented advance care planning (ACP) billing codes in 2016 to encourage practitioners to conduct and document ACP conversations, and included ACP as a quality metric in the CMS Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Initiative in 2018. Use of this billing code in the inpatient setting has not been studied.

Objective

To determine whether a quality improvement intervention to increase inpatient ACP is effective in increasing ACP billing rates or changing hospital treatment plans or patient outcomes.

Design, Settings, and Participants

This nationwide cohort study and difference-in-differences analyses compared changes in ACP billing, treatment, and outcomes in Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries aged 65 years and older who were hospitalized and cared for by 3 different groups: practitioners employed by a national acute care staffing organization who underwent an ACP quality improvement intervention, nonintervention practitioners at the same hospital, and control group practitioners from other hospitals. Using data from the Master Beneficiary Summary File, acute care hospital stays for nonsurgical conditions were linked to Medicare enrollment, claims, and vital status data from 1-year preadmission to 1-year postadmission from 2015 to 2019. The ACP billing rates for each group were assessed for associations with 6 inpatient treatments and 4 outcomes. Data analyses were performed from January 2022 to December 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Billed ACP conversations, receipt of intensive care and life support (intensive care unit admission, gastrostomy tube placement, mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy), treatment limitations (newly initiated do-not-resuscitate orders) and outcomes (discharge to hospice, inpatient death, 30-day postadmission death, and 1-year postadmission death).

Results

The total study sample included 109 intervention hospitals, 1691 control hospitals, nearly 12 million Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries aged 65 years and older, and 738 309 practitioners associated with admissions from 2016 to 2018. ACP billing rates increased more for the intervention (1.3% in preintervention to 14.0% in postintervention; P < .001) than for the nonintervention (same hospitals) and control groups (odds ratio [OR], 2.6; 95% CI, 1.7-4.1 intervention vs control). Increased ACP billing rates were significantly associated with decreased rates of inpatient death in the intervention group (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.90-1.00) compared to the nonintervention (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04-1.17) and control groups (reference). All other associations were nonsignificant.

Conclusions and Relevance

This nationwide cohort study suggests that while the ACP quality initiative increased ACP billing, changes in clinical outcomes were inconsistent with the hypotheses. Further study is needed to address questions regarding confounding by unobserved measures of care quality.
Substance Use Emergency Department Visits Among Youths With Chronic Conditions During COVID-19
Authors: Summersett Williams Faith , Zaniletti Isabella , Masonbrink Abbey R. , Garofalo Robert , Rahmandar Maria , Karnik Niranjan S. , Donenberg Geri , Kuhns Lisa
Published: October 2024

Importance

Pediatric emergency department (ED) visits for substance use (SU) increased during COVID-19. Better understanding of trends associated with SU ED visits among youths with a chronic medical condition (CMC) is needed to target SU screening, prevention, and intervention efforts in this population.

Objective

To describe trends in pediatric SU ED visits before and during COVID-19 among youths in the US with and without CMCs and by race and ethnicity.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this cohort study, data were obtained from 47 US children’s hospital EDs in the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) between March 1, 2018, and March 1, 2022. The cohort included patients aged 10 to 18 years. Data analysis occurred from November 2022 to February 2023.

Exposures

ED visit occurrence before or during the COVID-19 pandemic and with or without the presence of a CMC. CMCs included chronic conditions (CCs) and complex CCs (CCCs).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the number of visits for an SU diagnosis based on diagnostic codes for youths with and without CMCs. Trends were assessed using logistic regression, adjusting for covariates and center effect.

Results

The sample included 3 722 553 ED visits from March 1, 2018, to March 1, 2022 (1 932 258 aged 14-18 years [51.9%]; 1 969 718 female [52.9%]; 961 121 Hispanic [25.8%]; 977 097 non-Hispanic Black [26.2%]; 1 473 656 non-Hispanic White [39.6%]). Of all visits, 1 016 913 (27.3%) were youths with CCs and 367 934 (9.9%) were youths with CCCs. Youth SU ED visits increased for all groups during COVID-19. The SU ED visits increased by 23% for youths with CCs (21 357 visits [4.0%] to 23 606 visits [4.9%]), by 26% for youths with CCCs (3594 visits [1.9%] to 4244 visits [2.4%]), and by 50% for youths without CCs (4997 visits [0.4%] to 5607 visits [0.6%]). Furthermore, compared with youths without CCs, youths with CCs had consistently larger odds of SU than the other groups before COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio, 9.74; 99% CI, 9.35-10.15) and during COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio, 8.58; 99% CI, 8.25-8.92). The interaction between race and ethnicity and CMCs was significant (P for interaction < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cohort study suggest that providing SU services to all youths during times of societal crises is critical, but particularly for youths with CMCs who experience higher potential health impacts from SU given their medical concerns.
Variation in Opioid Agonist Dosing in Clinical Trials by Race and Ethnicity
Authors: Ross Rachael K. , Inose Shodai , Shulman Matisyahu , Nunes Edward V. , Zalla Lauren C. , Burlew A. Kathleen , Rudolph Kara E.
Published: October 2024

Importance

Racial and ethnic disparities in access to treatment and quality of treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) have been identified in usual care settings. In contrast, disparities in treatment quality within clinical trials are relatively unexamined.

Objective

To estimate racial and ethnic differences in the dose of opioid agonist treatment for OUD in the first 4 weeks of treatment in clinical trials.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study performed analysis of the methadone and buprenorphine treatment arms of 3 trials conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network between May 2006, and January 31, 2017, at multiple Clinical Trials Network sites across the US. Trial participants who were randomized to and initiated buprenorphine or methadone treatment and who identified as Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, or non-Hispanic White were included in the present study. Data were analyzed from November 1, 2023, to August 5, 2024.

Exposure

Combined race and ethnicity as self-classified by the patient at trial enrollment.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The maximum daily dose of buprenorphine or methadone received in each week for the first 4 weeks of treatment. The mean dose and the percentage of patients receiving a higher dose (buprenorphine ≥16 mg and methadone ≥60 mg) were compared across race and ethnicity groups.

Results

A total of 1748 patients (1263 who initiated buprenorphine and 485 who initiated methadone treatment) were included in the analysis (1168 [66.8%] male; median age, 33 [IQR, 26-45] years). Of these, 138 patients (7.9%) identified as Black, 273 (15.6%) as Hispanic, and 1337 (76.5%) as White. In week 4, Black patients received buprenorphine doses 2.5 (95% CI −4.6 to −0.5) mg lower and methadone doses 16.7 (95% CI, −30.7 to −2.7) mg lower compared with White patients, after standardizing by age and sex. In week 4, the percentage of patients receiving a higher dose of medication (buprenorphine ≥16 mg; methadone ≥60 mg) was 16.9 (95% CI, −31.9 to −1.9) points lower for Black patients compared with White patients. Hispanic and White patients received similar buprenorphine doses; Hispanic patients received lower methadone doses than White patients.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of data from 3 clinical trials, White patients generally received higher doses of medication than Black patients. Future research is needed to understand the mechanisms of and interventions to reduce disparities in OUD treatment quality and how such disparities impact generalizability of trial results.
Characterizing Prehospital Wall Fall Injuries at the US-Mexico Border
Authors: Tenorio Alexander , Schecter Arielle , Greenblatt David Y. , Young Janine , Hill Linda L. , Doucet Jay J. , Levy Michael
Published: October 2024

This cross-sectional study examines treatment received for falls from a section of the US-Mexico border wall with a focus on emergency medical services activation and type of treatment.
Economic Cost of US Older Adult Assault Injuries
Authors: Peterson Cora , Haileyesus Tadesse , Herbst Jeffrey H. , Gerald Melissa S. , Florence Curtis
Published: October 2024

This economic evaluation uses nationwide public health data to evaluate incidence and economic costs of homicides and nonfatal assault injuries among US adults aged 60 years or older.
Infective Endocarditis Among Women Who Inject Drugs
Authors: Adams Janica A. , Spence Cara , Shojaei Esfandiar , Thandrasisla Priyadarshini , Gupta Anmol , Choi Yun-Hee , Skinner Stuart , Silverman Michael
Published: October 2024

Importance

In the US and Canada, women comprise approximately one-third of people who inject drugs (PWID); however, clinical characteristics and outcomes of injection drug use complications in women are poorly described.

Objective

To identify clinical characteristics and outcomes of infective endocarditis (IE) among women who inject drugs (WWID).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This is a retrospective cohort study of PWID with definite IE (per 2023 Duke–International Society for Cardiovascular Infectious Diseases criteria) admitted from April 5, 2007, to March 15, 2018, at 5 tertiary-care hospitals in London, Ontario, and Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Data were analyzed from June 1, 2023, to August 2, 2024. Descriptive analyses were conducted for baseline characteristics at index hospitalization and stratified by sex.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the difference in 5-year survival between female and male PWID with IE. The secondary outcome was 1-year survival. Multivariable time-dependent Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were conducted for variables of clinical importance to evaluate 5-year mortality.

Results

Of 430 PWID with IE, 220 (51.2%) were women; of 332 non-PWID with IE, 101 (30.4%) were women. WWID with IE were younger than men (median [IQR] age, 31.5 [27.0-38.5] vs 38.5 [31.0-49.0] years), and 11 of 220 (5.0%) were pregnant at index hospitalization, although only 12 of 220 (5.5%) had contraceptive use documented. Women had a larger proportion of right-sided IE than men (158 of 220 women [71.8%] vs 113 of 210 men [53.8%]). WWID living in urban areas had higher mortality than WWID in rural areas (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.70; 95% CI, 1.15-6.34; P = .02). Overall mortality was lower among PWID referred for substance use disorder counseling in centers with inpatient services compared with centers with only outpatient referrals (aHR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.17-0.51; P < .001). Overall mortality was lower with right-sided heart disease for both women (aHR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.27-0.71; P < .001) and men (aHR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.10-0.50; P < .001) and was higher with congestive heart failure for both women (aHR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.29-4.18; P = .005) and men (aHR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.07-2.79; P = .02).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort of PWID with IE, women were overrepresented. Reasons for women’s disproportionately high IE incidence need further study. Inpatient substance use disorder services, contraception counseling, and enhanced social support for WWID living in urban areas need to be prioritized.
Recovery support groups step up in wake of Minn. agency shutdown
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: October 2024

Last month's sudden closure of a venture capital‐fueled company that had rapidly become one of Minnesota's most prominent providers of peer recovery support services has left clients and peer specialists scrambling, and has community leaders wondering if industry reforms could prevent similar crises in the future.
Did court dismiss medical resident's Title VII retaliation claim against university?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: October 2024

A Black man began his second year of residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He was one of two Black residents. The resident claimed that he experienced discrimination largely involving an attending physician at the medical facility. He claimed that the physician regularly subjected him to excessive scrutiny and ongoing criticism. The resident further contended that no clear, objective standards were used to evaluate his work.
Review recent rulings involving Title II/Section 504 policies, procedures
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: October 2024

An overview of the key topics faced by higher education professionals with citations to noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.
Dealing with periocular and ocular tumours in cats and dogs
Authors: Hartley Claudia
Published: October 2024

Background: Periocular and ocular neoplasia is commonly encountered in small animal practice, varying from benign tumours to locally aggressive or malignant tumours with a propensity to metastasis.

Aim of the article: This article will consider the approach to investigating these cases for accurate diagnosis and staging, as well as options for treatment and management, and the prognosis for the most common neoplastic diseases affecting the eye.
Emergency care of injured wild deer: advice for companion animal practices
Authors: Whitehead Martin
Published: October 2024

Background: Tens of thousands of deer are hit by cars in the UK each year. Many die, many immediately run away despite injury, but some are incapacitated and a vet may be called to the animal by the driver, a passer‐by or the police. Less often a deer is brought to a veterinary practice. Occasionally, vets may be asked to attend deer trapped in fencing or incapacitated in other ways. As more rural practices have come to serve companion animals only, and more wild deer have been moving into suburban and even urban environments, companion animal vets unfamiliar with deer have occasionally found themselves having to deal with these species.

Aim of the article: This article provides relevant information for situations where companion animal vets are tasked with dealing with injured wild deer, including legal, practical, ethical and welfare issues.
Is your autoclave safe? Putting frameworks in place for optimal performance and legal compliance
Authors: Brown Scott
Published: October 2024

Benchtop autoclaves are an essential piece of medical equipment for every veterinary practice to enable surgical instruments to be reprocessed. There are key requirements for the user to adhere to, and technical maintenance that will ensure that autoclave performance remains optimal. Additionally, there are legal requirements that must be adhered to under the Pressure Safety Systems Regulations (2000). This article explores the frameworks that veterinary practices should have in place to ensure that their autoclaves are reliable, safe and legally compliant.
Study finds distance from care affects minority groups most
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: October 2024

Patients who were enrolled in a coordinated specialty care program for early psychosis were less likely to remain engaged in treatment if they had to travel greater distances for appointments, a new study has reported. This effect was more pronounced among members of minority populations, suggesting that administrators of these programs need to be intentional about where to locate their services.
Flexural and pseudo‐ductile behavior of e‐glass uniaxial and biaxial fabric‐reinforced cementitious matrix: Experimental study and simulation
Authors: Yousef Samy , Kalpokaitė‐Dičkuvienė Regina , Subadra Sharath P. , Lukošiūtė Stasė Irena
Published: October 2024

This research aims to study the flexural and pseudo‐ductile behavior of e‐glass biaxial and uniaxial fabric reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM). Also, the flexural results and load–deformation curves of FRCM samples were numerically simulated using the finite element method (FEM). The experiments were started with preparation of FRCM flexural samples with different types of fabrics (biaxial and uniaxial) and their distribution in the matrix: one layer was put in the middle, two on the top, two on the bottom, and three layers were distributed equally. The surface morphology and cross‐section microstructure of the fabricated FRCM panels and cohesion of fabrics inside of them were observed using an optical microscope. Subsequently, the flexural response of the FRCM samples was measured according to standard EN 196‐1. Afterwards, based on the flexural measurements, the pseudo‐ductile behavior of the FRCM panels in terms of the ductility index (DI) was determined using energy criteria, including Naaman and Grace models. Finally, the crack propagation and flexural load‐deformation curves of FRCM samples were numerically modeled using FEM (LS‐DYNA) to validate the experiential results. The results showed that reinforcement of mortar with glass fabric leads to a significant increase in strain, especially in case of 3 layers/FRCM till 224% (uniaxial) and 110% (biaxial). Also, the uniaxial FRCM samples provided higher flexural load (3600 N) compared with mortar panel (2337 N) and biaxial FRCM (2788 N). In addition, the DI of FRCM samples was significantly improved by embedding 3 layers of uniaxial fabrics up to 152% (Naaman) and 230% (Grace), when compared with neat panel. Finally, the numerical results obtained from FEM provided a high predication to simulate the failure mode of all panels and to model the load–deformation curves with agreement >96%. Based on that, it is highly recommended to use three layers of e‐glass uniaxial fabric to reinforce the cementitious composite and to improve its flexural response.
Evaluation of Degree of Orientation in Metal and Oxide Epitaxial Thin Films by Using Reciprocal Space Mapping
Authors: Sakuma Hiroshi , Adachi Yusuke , Kashiwakura Takayuki
Published: October 2024

The degree of orientation of mixed a‐ and c‐axis‐oriented epitaxial thin films was defined. This can be evaluated using several scanning methods in X‐ray diffraction. Reciprocal space mapping was chosen because it is adaptable to the modulations of lattice spacing, as well as the small modulations of orientation. The proposed method was demonstrated for superconducting YBa2Cu3O7–δ and magnetic FePt thin films. The increasing tendency of the degree of orientation with increasing deposition temperature agreed with those obtained from the pole figure measurements. The degree of orientation was used to evaluate the order parameter of the FePt film with overlapping sublattice and fundamental peaks. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
The Policy of Teacher Standards: A Systems Mapping Framework for the Implementation Process of Teacher Preparation
Authors: Randez Robert A.
Published: October 2024

Teacher preparation has the insurmountable task of preparing candidates for classrooms with constantly changing demographics and demands. Whether it is contemporary pedagogical practices or understanding the needs of a multilingual/multicultural student body, TESOL teacher preparation programs (TPP) are trusted by accrediting bodies to produce classroom‐ready teachers. In the United States, state departments of education produce teacher standards that are implemented in TPP curricula, which are then acknowledged through accreditation. This relationship marks these TESOL teacher standards as policy (Johnson, 2013), and this study serves as an exemplar for mapping the implementation process, starting with the language policy funnel (Johnson & Johnson, 2015) and then expanding it using Social Systems Theory (Luhmann, 2012). The new system model highlights two breakdown points in the implementation process, which question the teacher standards/curriculum alignment in a Midwestern TESOL TPP. The findings offer insight into the complexity of TESOL TPP, the disconnect between TPPs and real‐world classrooms, and policy implementation research in educational contexts.
Nodular skin disease in cattle
Authors: Fenemore Caroline , Swinson Vanessa , Foster Aiden
Published: October 2024

This focus article was prepared by Caroline Fenemore and Vanessa Swinson of the APHA Cattle Species Expert Group, with Aiden Foster of the University of Bristol (Farm Animal Pathology Services).
Ready for the year ahead
Authors: Mullineaux Liz
Published: October 2024

BVA's new president, Liz Mullineaux, looks forward to a busy year.
Taking a non‐clinical role was tough but a management career was the right choice
Authors: Robinson Rebecca
Published: October 2024

Starting out in farm practice, Rebecca Robinson changed to small animal to get more control over on‐call work. After attempts to buy her own practice then failed, she found the perfect path in leadership and management.
System of equations and configurations in the Euclidean space
Authors: Korchmaros Annachiara
Published: October 2024

In the 3-dimensional Euclidean space $${\textbf{E}}^3$$

E

3

, fix six pairwise distinct points $$\begin{aligned} \begin{array}{ccc} A=(a_1,a_2,a_3), & B=(b_1,b_2,b_3), & C=(c_1,c_2,c_3), \\ D=(d_1,d_2,d_3), & E=(e_1,e_2,e_3), & F=(f_1,f_2,f_3) \end{array} \end{aligned}$$

A
=
(

a
1

,

a
2

,

a
3

)
,

B
=
(

b
1

,

b
2

,

b
3

)
,

C
=
(

c
1

,

c
2

,

c
3

)
,

D
=
(

d
1

,

d
2

,

d
3

)
,

E
=
(

e
1

,

e
2

,

e
3

)
,

F
=
(

f
1

,

f
2

,

f
3

)

together with two further points $$X^*=(x_1^*,x_2^*,x_3^*)$$

X
∗

=

(

x
1
∗

,

x
2
∗

,

x
3
∗

)

and $$Y^*=(y_1^*,y_2^*,y_3^*)$$

Y
∗

=

(

y
1
∗

,

y
2
∗

,

y
3
∗

)

in $${\textbf{E}}^3$$

E

3

. We show that System $$(*)$$

(

∗
)

consisting of the following six equations in the unknowns $$X=(x_1,x_2,x_3)$$

X
=
(

x
1

,

x
2

,

x
3

)

and $$Y=(y_1,y_2,y_3)$$

Y
=
(

y
1

,

y
2

,

y
3

)

$$\begin{aligned} \frac{1}{\Vert X-T\Vert ^2} +\frac{1}{\Vert Y-T\Vert ^2}=\frac{1}{\Vert X^*-T\Vert ^2} +\frac{1}{\Vert Y^*-T\Vert ^2}, \quad T\in \{A,B,C,D,E,F\} \end{aligned}$$

1

‖
X
-
T
‖

2

+

1

‖
Y
-
T
‖

2

=

1

‖

X
∗

-
T
‖

2

+

1

‖

Y
∗

-
T
‖

2

,

T
∈

{
A
,
B
,
C
,
D
,
E
,
F
}

has only finitely many solutions provided that both of the following two conditions are satisfied:

No four of the fixed points A, B, C, D, E, F are coplanar;

No four of the six spheres of center T and radius $$1/\sqrt{k_T}$$

1
/

k
T

with $$\begin{aligned} k_T=\frac{1}{\Vert X^*-T\Vert ^2} +\frac{1}{\Vert Y^*-T\Vert ^2} \end{aligned}$$

k
T

=

1

‖

X
∗

-
T
‖

2

+

1

‖

Y
∗

-
T
‖

2

share a common point in $${\textbf{E}}^3$$

E

3

.

Furthermore, we exhibit configurations $$ABCDEFX^*Y^*$$

A
B
C
D
E
F

X
∗

Y
∗

, showing that (i) is also necessary. This result is an improvement on [2, Theorem 1] where the finiteness of solutions of System $$(*)$$

(

∗
)

was only ensured for sufficiently generic choices of the points $$A,B,\ldots ,F,X^*,Y^*.$$

A
,
B
,
…
,
F
,

X
∗

,

Y
∗

.

The extended System $$(**)$$

(

∗

∗
)

associated to System $$(*)$$

(

∗
)

consists of seven equations (1) where $$T\in \{A,B,C,D,E,E,F,G\}$$

T
∈
{
A
,
B
,
C
,
D
,
E
,
E
,
F
,
G
}

with a further point $$G=(g_1,g_2,g_3)\in {\textbf{E}}^3$$

G
=

(

g
1

,

g
2

,

g
3

)

∈

E

3

. We show that if (i) and (ii) hold for $$T\in \{A,B,C,D,E,F\}$$

T
∈
{
A
,
B
,
C
,
D
,
E
,
F
}

and the associated extended System $$(**)$$

(

∗

∗
)

has some solutions other than $$(X^*,Y^*)$$

(

X
∗

,

Y
∗

)

and $$(Y^*,X^*)$$

(

Y
∗

,

X
∗

)

, then G lies on a real affine surface only depending on $$\{A,B,\ldots ,F\}$$

{
A
,
B
,
…
,
F
}

. This result proves [2, Conjecture 1]. Motivation for studying the above problems comes from applications to genetics; see [2].
Animal-free safety assessment of chemicals: an innovation system perspective
Authors: Hoogstraaten Marjolein J. , Vriend Jelle , de Leeuw Victoria C. , Negro Simona O. , Moors Ellen H. M. , Kienhuis Anne S. , Hoekman Jarno
Published: October 2024

This perspective paper, which is the result of a collaborative effort between toxicologists and scholars in innovation and transition studies, presents a heuristic framework based on innovation system literature for understanding and appraising mission achievement to animal-free chemical safety assessment using New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). While scientific and technical challenges in this area are relatively well known, the recent establishment of missions and roadmaps to accelerate the acceptance and effective use of NAMs for chemical safety assessment raises new questions about how we can grasp the systemic nature of all changes needed in this transition. This includes recognising broader societal, institutional, and regulatory shifts necessary for NAM acceptance and uptake. Our paper discusses how the innovation system approach offers insights into key processes and associated activities that include as well as transcend the technical and scientific realm, and can help to accelerate acceptance and uptake of NAMs. Based on these insights, we present a comprehensive framework that, next to scientific and technological developments, recognises the need for coordinated efforts in areas like education, training, funding, policy-making, and public engagement to promote the acceptance and uptake of NAMs. Our framework can be used to perform structural and functional analyses of the innovation system of NAMs and animal-free safety assessment and as such provides handholds to track progress and organise collective efforts of actors to make sure we are moving in the right direction.