bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Standing alongside your friends
Authors: Ward Hugh , Dorussen Han
Published: March 2016

Why do countries contribute troops to UN peacekeeping? Recognizing the incentives to free ride on the contributions of other countries, existing explanations have tended to focus on the private benefits of providing troops. There has been particular emphasis on some major contributing countries that gain financially from providing peacekeepers. An alternative explanation could be that countries prefer to deploy troops to peacekeeping alongside countries with similar foreign policy preferences in order to maximize jointly produced private benefits. Accordingly, the willingness to provide peacekeepers should depend on which other countries are providing troops to peacekeeping operations. The implications are explored within the context of games on networks, and it is demonstrated that in equilibrium countries that are more Bonacich central in the network of foreign policy preference contribute disproportionally to UN peacekeeping. Based on actual contributions to UN peacekeeping from 1990 until 2011, we find that policy complementarities explain why countries provide a larger proportion of peacekeepers to a particular mission. Importantly, centrality in the network of policy complementarities matters and not simply that countries have moderate policy preferences. There is robust evidence for the prevalence of peacekeeping alongside your ‘friends’; in effect, countries with a lot of ‘friends’ contribute more peacekeepers.
Model for studying commodity bundling with a focus on consumer preference: Evidence from the Korean telecommunications market
Authors: Shin Jungwoo , Choi Jae Young , Lee Daeho
Published: March 2016

This research complements the demand-side analysis of previous commodity bundling studies. Most previous have researchers analyzed the effects of commodity bundling by focusing on firm behavior and have assumed a simple consumer utility that does not reflect the heterogeneity of consumer preference. However, to measure the results of competition with the bundling strategy, an analysis of commodity bundling based on consumer preference is useful. Unlike previous studies, this study proposes a model that directly analyzes consumer behavior for commodity bundling and incorporates consumer heterogeneity to measure the consumer utility derived from bundled commodities. To validate the model, we used data on service subscriptions and usage of information communication technology in Korea, including fixed phone service, mobile service, and Internet. The empirical results show that the proposed model is useful in analyzing the effects of bundling for various services and products.
Synthesis, characterization and ultrafiltration of reactive dyes. Application by exhaustion and/or ink-jet printing—II
Authors: Lykidou Smaro , Karanikas Evangelos , Nikolaidis Nikolaos , Tsatsaroni Eforia
Published: March 2016

Three novel vinyl sulfone reactive dyes of various metallic salts (Na, K, Li) have been synthesized by coupling 1-amino-phenyl-4-beta hydroxyethyl sulfone sulfate ester with 1-amino-8-hydroxynaphthalene-3,6-disulfonic acid (H-acid). The reactive dyes were then purified using ultrafiltration (UF). The ultrafiltrated dyes of the various metallic salts were characterized by their spectrophotometrical data using Ultra Violet-visible (UV-vis), Fourier transform infra-red and optical emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and elemental analysis. The purity of the dyes was checked by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). The solubility characteristics of the various salts of the ultrafiltrated reactive dyes were assessed and compared with the non-ultrafiltrated reactive dyes of the same salts. The dyes were characterized and applied to cotton, wool, and nylon 66 by exhaustion (dyeing).

Novel water-based reactive ink-jet inks were prepared with the ultrafiltrated reactive dyes of the various metallic salts. Their suitability for digital printing applications was examined by using a digital printer on suitably pretreated cotton samples. Color and fastness properties measurements were performed for both the dyed and digitally printed samples.

K/S values of the dyed samples were higher than those of the digitally printed ones, whereas K/S values of the samples dyed with the ultrafiltrated dyes were much higher than those of the non-ultrafiltrated dyes. The other coloristic co-ordinates L*, a*, b*, C*, and ho were in line with strength changes of the dyes before and after UF. The dyed and digitally printed samples had excellent wash and good light fastness properties. UF slightly improved the fastness properties of the dyed samples.
Current global and Korean issues in radiation safety of nuclear medicine procedures
Authors: Song H.C.
Published: March 2016

In recent years, the management of patient doses in medical imaging has evolved as concern about radiation exposure has increased. Efforts and techniques to reduce radiation doses are focussed not only on the basis of patient safety, but also on the fundamentals of justification and optimisation in cooperation with international organisations such as the International Commission on Radiological Protection, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the World Health Organization. The Image Gently campaign in children and Image Wisely campaign in adults to lower radiation doses have been initiated in the USA. The European Association of Nuclear Medicine paediatric dosage card, North American consensus guidelines, and Nuclear Medicine Global Initiative have recommended the activities of radiopharmaceuticals that should be administered in children. Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), developed predominantly in Europe, may be an important tool to manage patient doses. In Korea, overexposure to radiation, even from the use of medical imaging, has become a public issue, particularly since the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. As a result, the Korean Nuclear Safety and Security Commission revised the technical standards for radiation safety management in medical fields. In parallel, DRLs for nuclear medicine procedures have been collected on a nationwide scale. Notice of total effective dose from positron emission tomography-computed tomography for cancer screening has been mandatory since mid-November 2014.
Long‐Term Fish Oil Lipid Emulsion Use in Children With Intestinal Failure–Associated Liver Disease
Authors: Nandivada Prathima , Fell Gillian L. , Mitchell Paul D. , Potemkin Alexis K. , O'Loughlin Alison A. , Gura Kathleen M. , Puder Mark
Published: March 2016

Background: Fish oil lipid emulsion (FOLE) and multidisciplinary care for infants with intestinal failure (IF) have been associated with reduced morbidity and mortality due to IF‐associated liver disease (IFALD). With increased survival, a greater proportion of infants with IF are now able to remain on parenteral nutrition (PN) in the long term. The purpose of this study was to examine outcomes in children with IFALD who have required long‐term PN and FOLE therapy due to chronic IF. Materials and Methods: A review of prospectively collected data was performed for children with IFALD who required at least 3 years of PN and FOLE therapy due to chronic IF. Outcomes examined include the incidence of death, transplantation, and essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD), as well as growth parameters and the biochemical markers of liver disease. Results: Of 215 patients with IFALD treated from 2004–2015, 30 required PN and FOLE therapy for at least 3 years (median, 4.6 years). To date, no patients have died, required transplantation, or developed EFAD. Biochemical markers of liver disease normalized within the first year of therapy with no recurrent elevations in the long term. Weight‐for age and length‐for‐age z scores improved and PN dependence decreased in the first year of therapy, with a stable rate of growth in the long term. Conclusions: Children with IFALD who required long‐term PN and FOLE for chronic IF had no mortality, need for transplantation, EFAD, or recurrence of liver disease in the long term, allowing for continued intestinal rehabilitation.
Validation of Bedside Ultrasound of Muscle Layer Thickness of the Quadriceps in the Critically Ill Patient (VALIDUM Study)
Authors: Paris Michael T. , Mourtzakis Marina , Day Andrew , Leung Roger , Watharkar Snehal , Kozar Rosemary , Earthman Carrie , Kuchnia Adam , Dhaliwal Rupinder , Moisey Lesley , Compher Charlene , Martin Niels , Nicolo Michelle , White Tom , Roosevelt Hannah , Peterson Sarah , Heyland Daren K.
Published: March 2016

Background: In critically ill patients, muscle atrophy is associated with long‐term disability and mortality. Bedside ultrasound may quantify muscle mass, but it has not been validated in the intensive care unit (ICU). Here, we compared ultrasound‐based quadriceps muscle layer thickness (QMLT) with precise quantifications of computed tomography (CT)–based muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA). Methods: Patients ≥18 years old with abdominal CT scans performed for clinical reasons were recruited from 9 ICUs for an ultrasound assessment of the quadriceps. CT scans of the third lumbar vertebra, performed <24 hours before or <72 hours after ICU admission, were analyzed for CSA. Low muscularity was defined as 170 cm2 for men and 110 cm2 for women. The ultrasound probe was maximally compressed against the skin and QMLT was measured on 2 sites of each quadriceps <72 hours of the CT scan. Results: Mean CT‐derived muscle CSA was 109 ± 25 cm2 for women and 168 ± 37 cm2 for men, where 58% of patients exhibited low muscularity; only 2.7% patients were underweight according to body mass index. QMLT was positively correlated with CT CSA (r = 0.45, P < .001). Based on logistic regression to predict low muscularity, QMLT independently generated a concordance index (c) of 0.67 (P < .002), which increased to 0.77 (P < .001) when age, sex, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and admission type (surgical vs medical) were added. Conclusions: Our results suggest that QMLT alone with our current protocol may not accurately identify patients with low muscle mass.
Self-reported bedtimes, television-viewing habits and parental restrictions among Finnish schoolchildren (aged 10–11 years, and 2 years later aged 12–13 years): Perspectives for health
Authors: Sormunen Marjorita , Turunen Hannele , Tossavainen Kerttu
Published: March 2016

Using self-reported data from children at age 10–11 years in 2008 and at age 12–13 years in 2010 ( n = 113), this study examines bedtime habits, parental permissiveness about television viewing and the most-viewed television programmes. Later bedtimes (both during the week and at the weekend) were reported in 2010 and were related to reported parental permission to watch television freely. Parental attitudes towards television viewing were reported as having become more permissive over time. The Finnish soap opera Salatut elämät and the American animated sitcom The Simpsons were the most popular programmes. The findings are discussed in relation to health.
Multidimensional Perfectionism and Internalizing Problems: Do Teacher and Classmate Support Matter?
Authors: Fredrick Stephanie Secord , Demaray Michelle Kilpatrick , Jenkins Lyndsay N.
Published: March 2016

Adolescent stressors coupled with environmental demands, such as pressures to achieve, might lead to negative outcomes for some students. Students who worry about their ability to meet high standards might be more at risk of internalizing problems. The current study investigated the relations among perfectionism, social support, and internalizing problems of middle school students ( N = 169). Research has established perfectionism as having maladaptive and adaptive traits. Regression analyses indicated that maladaptive perfectionism was positively related, while adaptive perfectionism was negatively related, to anxiety and depression. Adaptive perfectionists reported significantly higher levels of teacher support than maladaptive perfectionists and nonperfectionists and higher levels of classmate support than nonperfectionists. In addition, classmate support for girls and boys, and teacher support for boys, were found to buffer the relation between maladaptive perfectionism and anxiety and depression. Future research should examine social support and perfectionism and how to best provide support to maladaptive perfectionists.
Diet Redux
Authors: Kossoff Eric H. , Doerrer Sarah C. , Winesett Steven P. , Turner Zahava , Henry Bobbie J. , Bessone Stacey , Stanfield Anthony , Cervenka Mackenzie C.
Published: March 2016

The outcome for patients attempting dietary therapy for epilepsy a second time is unknown. Twenty-six subjects treated with the ketogenic diet as children who then began either the ketogenic diet or a Modified Atkins Diet (MAD) at least 6 months later were evaluated. The mean age at the first diet trial was 5.6 years and at the second diet trial was 11.5 years. Most restarted dietary therapy because of persistent seizures (65%) or recurrence after seizure freedom (19%). Overall, 77% had a ≥50% seizure reduction with the first diet, and 50% with the second diet, P = .04. Individual subject responses were largely similar, with 14 (54%) having identical seizure reduction both times, 9 worse (35%) with the second attempt, and 3 (16%) improved. The second diet trial was more likely to lead to >50% seizure reduction if the first trial was started at a later age (7.4 vs 3.9 years, P = .04).
Suggestions for the Needed Standardization of Determining the Local Economic Impact of Professional Sports
Authors: Wassmer Robert W. , Ong Ryan S. , Propheter Geoffrey
Published: March 2016

An effort to secure a local government subsidy for a professional sports venue or event typically cites findings from a private consultant’s economic impact analysis on its purported benefits to the jurisdiction(s) offering the subsidy. Scholars have consistently expressed concerns regarding the ability of the public, and the officials that represent them, to detect the deficiencies that often plague such an analysis. The authors review the previous academic research to identify a common set of concerns regarding this form of analysis. These concerns are the basis for a list of 20 evaluative questions to consider in a critical assessment of an economic impact study. To illustrate the practicality of these questions, the authors ask them of previous studies regarding the economic impact of different professional sport venues or events in five different U.S. cities.
Advanced controller support tools for sequencing and merging operations
Authors: Frontera Guillermo , Martín David J , Besada Juan A , Soto Andrés
Published: March 2016

This paper proposes the adoption of a set of ground support tools to assist the approach controller on issuing and monitoring spacing instructions where interval management operations are carried out. The algorithmic basis of these tools, based on computing feasible maneuvers to achieve the desired spacing and monitoring their safe execution, is described. These tools assume the use of suitable airborne spacing–flight deck interval management systems, and exploit them. These controller support tools comprise two phases: (i) the design of the intended maneuver, making use of simplified geometrical calculations to compute required routes and speeds; and (ii) the monitoring of the safe execution of the intended merging operations. The designed tools have been tested developing a simulator that comprises the complete process. The simulator first generates a set of feasible maneuvers to allow the controllers the selection of the most appropriate one, then simulates the selected maneuver and secondly monitors it to ensure safety and correctness of the operation. The simulation takes into account inaccuracies such as inexact weather (wind) forecast and errors in Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast measures.
The visual basis of linguistic meaning and its implications for critical discourse studies: Integrating cognitive linguistic and multimodal methods
Authors: Hart Christopher
Published: March 2016

Two important challenges currently facing critical discourse studies (CDS) concern (1) the nature of language processing and (2) the relation between linguistic and multimodal approaches. In this article, I seek to address both issues by advancing an integrated cognitive and multimodal approach to CDS to account for the communication of ideology in linguistic discourse. This approach is predicated on an argument from Cognitive Linguistics which suggests that understanding language involves the construction of multimodal mental representations, the properties of which can be approached within frameworks of multimodal social semiotics. Specifically, this article shows how spatial organisation and orientation feature in our linguistic understanding of certain grammatical constructions and, consequently, what evaluative functions those constructions covertly confer. Traditionally, the direction of influence between linguistic and multimodal forms of discourse analysis is unidirectional, with the former informing the latter but not the other way around. This article represents a reversal of this orthodoxy.
The Nexus between Financial Development and Economic Growth in Lao PDR
Authors: Kyophilavong Phouphet , Uddin Gazi Salah , Shahbaz Muhammad
Published: March 2016

The relationship between financial development and economic growth is not conclusive in the existing economics literature. The aim of this article is to test two hypotheses, ‘supply-leading’ hypothesis and ‘demand-following’ hypothesis, using time series data from Laos. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach to cointegration is used to carry out this task. Our results confirm the presence of feedback effect between both the variables. Financial development promotes economic growth and as a result, economic growth leads to financial development.
The Effect of Deals and Moods on Compulsive Buying: A Study on Young Indian Consumers
Authors: Pandey S.K.
Published: March 2016

The present study is an attempt to establish the relationship between deals and moods on the compulsive buying behaviour. A total of 172 subjects responded to the structured questionnaire conducted mainly through online methods. Established scales of moods, compulsive buying, etc. were validated before use in measuring these constructs. Contrary to the established Western literature, young Indian consumers were not found to be affected by moods either directly or indirectly. There was neither any main nor interaction effect of moods on compulsive buying. However, deals had a significant main effect, meaning more deals lead to more compulsive buying. This finding is in line with even national brands offering seasonal and festival sales. The effect of demographic variables including gender was also non-significant. This again is a departure from the existing literature which states females to be more compulsive buyers when compared with their male counterparts. Managerial implication in targeting student population is to promote deals without differentiating customers further on demographic profiles.
Ambiguity, contract, and innovation in financial institutions
Authors: Clark Gordon L , Monk Ashby HB
Published: March 2016

The global financial crisis and its aftermath put the structure and performance of the global financial services industry into sharp relief. Questions have been raised as to what intermediaries individually and collectively add to the production of investment returns and social welfare in general. In this article, we look at the roles and responsibilities of investment consultants in relation to asset owners including pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, and family offices. Focusing upon the relationship between investment consultants and clients, it is argued that this relationship is characterized by ambiguity; there is a (desired) lack of clarity as to the precise roles and responsibilities of both parties. This argument is developed by reference to three prototypical pension funds, distinguished by asset size – a proxy for capabilities and resources. It is shown that although ambiguity may be of benefit to both sides of the market, it can also impose costs on clients, unable or unwilling to remake their relationships with intermediaries. The article highlights instances of innovation where these relationships have been redrawn so as to respond to the challenges of operating in global financial markets.
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae genetic variability within a swine operation
Authors: Pantoja Lucina Galina , Pettit Kalie , Dos Santos Lucas F. , Tubbs Rick , Pieters Maria
Published: March 2016

The objective of our study was to characterize the Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae genetic diversity within a swine operation comingling weaned pigs. Bronchial swabs and tracheal aspirates were collected from 3 nursery-to-finish farms. During the finishing production stages, samples were obtained from mortalities and from live coughing pigs in rooms where mortality was not observed. A total of 105 samples were examined by a M. hyopneumoniae real-time polymerase chain reaction and subjected to genetic typing using a multilocus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) assay. The MLVA was used to identify genetic variants based on the number of repeats in 2 variable number tandem repeats loci, namely P97 and P146, thought to mediate adherence of M. hyopneumoniae to swine cilia. Four distinguishable M. hyopneumoniae variants were identified: MVLA variants 9-15, 11-21, 9-21, and 7-15. Variant 9-15 was the most prevalent, observed in 79% of rooms, and detected on all 3 farms. Variant 11-21 was present in 37% of the rooms on 2 of the 3 farms. Only one 9-21 variant was identified in 1 farm, and all samples of variant 7-15 were recovered from another farm. Based on the low prevalence and limited geographic distribution of the last 2 variants, it is hypothesized that they might be the result of in-situ recombination. All variants detected in this investigation appeared to belong to 3 clusters. Overall, a limited number of variants and clusters were identified in a system that comingles pigs from different sources, suggesting limited M. hyopneumoniae genetic variation within commercial swine production environments.
A variant of the linear isotropic indeterminate couple-stress model with symmetric local force-stress, symmetric nonlocal force-stress, symmetric couple-stresses and orthogonal boundary conditions
Authors: Ghiba Ionel-Dumitrel , Neff Patrizio , Madeo Angela , Münch Ingo
Published: March 2016

In this paper we venture a new look at the linear isotropic indeterminate couple-stress model in the general framework of second-gradient elasticity and we propose a new alternative formulation which obeys Cauchy–Boltzmann’s axiom of the symmetry of the force-stress tensor. For this model we prove the existence of solutions for the equilibrium problem. Relations with other gradient elastic theories and the possibility of switching from a fourth-order (gradient elastic) problem to a second-order micromorphic model are also discussed with the view of obtaining symmetric force-stress tensors. It is shown that the indeterminate couple-stress model can be written entirely with symmetric force-stress and symmetric couple-stress. The difference of the alternative models rests in specifying traction boundary conditions of either rotational type or strain type. If rotational-type boundary conditions are used in the integration by parts, the classical anti-symmetric nonlocal force-stress tensor formulation is obtained. Otherwise, the difference in both formulations is only a divergence-free second-order stress field such that the field equations are the same, but the traction boundary conditions are different. For these results we employ an integrability condition, connecting the infinitesimal continuum rotation and the infinitesimal continuum strain. Moreover, we provide the orthogonal boundary conditions for both models.
On uniqueness and stability for a thermoelastic theory
Authors: Quintanilla R
Published: March 2016

In this paper we investigate a thermoelastic theory obtained from the Taylor approximation for the heat flux vector proposed by Choudhuri. This new thermoelastic theory gives rise to interesting mathematical questions. We here prove a uniqueness theorem and instability of solutions under the relaxed assumption that the elasticity tensor can be negative. Later we consider the one-dimensional and homogeneous case and we prove the existence of solutions. We finish the paper by proving the slow decay of the solutions. That means that the solutions do not decay in a uniform exponential way. This last result is relevant if it is compared with other thermoelastic theories where the decay of solutions for the one-dimensional case is of exponential way.
The anticipated and the lived experience of home and in-centre haemodialysis: Is there a disconnect?
Authors: Majeed-Ariss Rabiya , Jayanti A , Schulz T , Wearden A , Mitra S
Published: March 2016

This qualitative study aimed to explore home haemodialysis and in-centre haemodialysis patients’ experience, to illuminate barriers and facilitators in the uptake and maintenance of home haemodialysis. Thirty-two semi-structured interviews with patients receiving home haemodialysis or in-centre haemodialysis were analysed using framework analysis. Four themes emerged: ‘perceptions of self’; ‘impact of haemodialysis on family’; ‘perceived advantages and disadvantages of home haemodialysis and in-centre haemodialysis’ and ‘practical issues and negotiating haemodialysis’. The lived experience of home haemodialysis was in contrast to the lived experience of in-centre haemodialysis and to the anticipated experience of home haemodialysis, highlighting patient factors that contributed to under-usage of home haemodialysis.
Patient and partner dispositional optimism as a long-term predictor of illness representations in autoimmune diseases
Authors: Karademas Evangelos C , Ktistaki Georgia , Dimitraki Georgia , Papastefanakis Emmanouil , Mastorodemos Vasileios , Repa Argyro , Gergianaki Irini , Bertsias George , Sidiropoulos Prodromos , Simos Panagiotis
Published: March 2016

We examined whether the dispositional optimism of patients suffering from an autoimmune disease as well as of their partners can predict, at a dyadic level, their representations of illness consequences, and personal and treatment control, assessed 1 year later. Patient optimism predicted several patient and partner illness representations. Partner optimism was unrelated to own or patient illness representations. Results highlight the strong long-term predictive power of patient optimism and underline the importance of the interpersonal function of personality traits. At the same time, study findings indicate that the dyadic effects of optimism are complex and probably conditional on several factors.
Authorless authority: A proposal on agency and ritual artefacts
Authors: Severi Carlo
Published: March 2016

In this article, the author proposes a re-examination of the first example of agency given by Alfred Gell in his famous Art and Agency (1998), namely the Zinganga ’nkisi (nail fetish) of Western Africa. This article essentially argues two points. First, the relation between the artefact and the person it incarnates is not, as Gell has defined it, bi-univocal (one-to-one), but can be better described as one-to-many. In the author’s view, the ritual artefact does not work as a mirror reflection, but as a crystal. Secondly, the kind of ‘distributed I’ that the artefact enacts is not composed of a single identity distributed in several material occurrences, as Gell has described it in Art and Agency. In the author’s view, another concept of plurality, defined as a set of different identities condensed in a single object, describes more appropriately the kind of agency that characterizes the ’nkisi.
Visitors’ perceived impacts of interpretation on knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions at Miquelon Lake Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Hvenegaard Glen T
Published: March 2016

Interpretation in protected areas can help reach conservation goals and inspire a new generation of knowledgeable and dedicated park supporters. However, few research projects have examined this connection in a comprehensive manner. This 2011 study evaluated perceived knowledge, interest, appreciation, and advocacy impacts from interpretive programs at Miquelon Lake Provincial Park (MLPP), Alberta, Canada. Of 497 respondents, 19.7% attended an interpretive program. Among attendees, 89% rated the programs as excellent or very good, and most agreed that interpretation increased knowledge about nature (88%), interest in future programs (87%), and appreciation for MLPP (82%). Somewhat fewer but still a majority of attendees agreed that interpretation increased their desire to support AB Parks (71%), their awareness of environmental issues (69%), and their desire to help the environment (61%). Attendees (and nonattendees to a lesser extent) supported the role of interpretation in the park. The key constraints for not attending were lack of awareness, awkward timing, and being too busy. Park interpretation at MLPP appears to generate positive impacts related to the environment, regarding learning, awareness, appreciation, and a desire to help.
Epidural optogenetics for controlled analgesia
Authors: Bonin Robert P , Wang Feng , Desrochers-Couture Mireille , Ga¸secka Alicja , Boulanger Marie-Eve , Côté Daniel C , De Koninck Yves
Published: March 2016

Background

Optogenetic tools enable cell selective and temporally precise control of neuronal activity; yet, difficulties in delivering sufficient light to the spinal cord of freely behaving animals have hampered the use of spinal optogenetic approaches to produce analgesia. We describe an epidural optic fiber designed for chronic spinal optogenetics that enables the precise delivery of light at multiple wavelengths to the spinal cord dorsal horn and sensory afferents.

Results

The epidural delivery of light enabled the optogenetic modulation of nociceptive processes at the spinal level. The acute and repeated activation of channelrhodopsin-2 expressing nociceptive afferents produced robust nocifensive behavior and mechanical sensitization in freely behaving mice, respectively. The optogenetic inhibition of GABAergic interneurons in the spinal cord dorsal horn through the activation of archaerhodopsin also produced a transient, but selective induction of mechanical hypersensitivity. Finally, we demonstrate the capacity of optogenetics to produce analgesia in freely behaving mice through the inhibition of nociceptive afferents via archaerhodopsin.

Conclusion

Epidural optogenetics provides a robust and powerful solution for activation of both excitatory and inhibitory opsins in sensory processing pathways. Our results demonstrate the potential of spinal optogenetics to modulate sensory behavior and produce analgesia in freely behaving animals.
Non-Government Sector Mental Health Data Dictionary and Standard Data Set
Authors: Wood Christie , Pennebaker Duane
Published: March 2016

In order to provide a framework for standardised data reporting in the Australian nongovernment community mental health sector, a Data Dictionary and standard data set were developed. Advisory Committee and key stakeholder consultation, review of local and national minimum data sets and stakeholder validation informed this process. This resulted in a Data Dictionary containing 37 items and a standard data set containing 15 items. These items conform to the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare's (AIHW) standards and address Leginski et al.'s (1989) decision standards.
The 2nd National Health Online Summit, Brisbane 3–4 March 2003
Authors: Callen Joanne
Published: March 2016

The first conference was held in Adelaide in August 2000. The conference was an initiative of the National Health Information Management Advisory Council (NHIMAC). NHIMAC was established in 1998 by the Australian Health Ministers to advise on options to promote a nationally uniform approach to more effective information management in the health sector. The second conference was held in Brisbane in March 2003, and this paper provides an overview of the key issues addressed there.
Should There Be an Age Split for Stroke DRGs? Analysing a Large Clinical Data Set of a Principal Teaching Hospital over a Five-Year Period
Authors: Royle Monique , Callen Joanne , Craig Maria
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to analyse the inpatient statistics collection relating to stroke patients admitted to a major teaching hospital, with particular reference to length of stay, and to assess the adequacy of the diagnosis related group (DRG) as a predictor of length of stay. The study subjects were selected by DRG to identify all stroke inpatients admitted and discharged between 1 July 1995 and 30 June 2000. There were 1365 stroke discharges (half of whom were over 75 years of age at discharge) over the period of the study. The median length of stay was 8 days, and 67% of the subjects experienced complications and/or comorbidities. Age was significantly associated with increased length of stay of stroke patients, independent of complications or comorbidities.

These findings raise the question of whether casemix-based funding should be based solely on DRGs for complicated conditions such as stroke, or whether additional measures such as age should be used for funding allocation. This study provides a model that health information managers and other researchers could use to analyse inpatient statistics collections at state, territory or national levels.
Once upon a Time … the Power of Story and Learning Journals
Authors: Lewis Melinda
Published: March 2016

This paper will invite you to consider the role of stories for learning and the use of learning journals as a tool to create meaning. The application of story and story culture in higher education, academia and management contexts will be presented. As an example, an old Punjabi tale will be adapted for use when managing and inspiring teams in the workplace. Storytelling is experiencing a revival and being used in the corporate sector to ignite action in knowledge-era organisations.
The Draft National Health Privacy Code: Unresolved Issues for Health Records
Authors: Gordon Cassandra
Published: March 2016

While the need for a consistent national privacy framework is well recognised, it has become even more pressing in light of the development of online health information networks which transcend existing state and territory borders. The Commonwealth Government's draft National Health Privacy Code attempts to address this need by providing a single mechanism for governing the privacy of health records nationally. This paper identifies the privacy challenges posed by e-health records and the importance of proper safeguards to protect this information. The draft Code, including a number of unresolved problems underpinning its implementation, is discussed. Although a stakeholder consultation process has been undertaken, it is argued that further debate and development is required before such an untested and fundamental change to Australia's health privacy framework can be effectively implemented.
Best Practice for the Design of Forms
Authors: Zammit Leanne , Bauer Doreen
Published: March 2016

A major objective following the 1997 amalgamation of three health services in Ballarat, Victoria, was the integration of the three discrete medical records into one system. This article describes the multidisciplinary collaboration, under the leadership of health information managers, that played a critical role in this project. Standards and best-practice evidence were used to inform new guidelines for forms design and development. This was complemented by another project to develop best-practice guidelines for producing consumer information with a focus on readability. Issues related to designing electronic forms were considered, but further work is required so that best-practice principles are available to guide designers. A sub-committee has been established with delegated authority to approve all forms. Initial evaluations have demonstrated marked improvements in the quality of new and revised forms.
E-Consent Design and Implementation Issues for Health Information Managers
Authors: Grain Heather
Published: March 2016

This article outlines and discusses a number of e-consent issues concerning an individual's access to information held in electronic health records. Through research conducted with general practices and health consumers, the following issues have been identified: limitation of health professionals' access to records; the ability of the individuals to limit access to their records and to indicate the circumstances within which access would be permitted; the degree of the health professional's awareness of restricted or total access to a patient's record; audit trails through which an individual can track the path of a record; and the individual's nomination of an agent authorised to control access to their record. These issues affect system developments and Health Information Managers, and key challenges to Health Information Managers in the electronic health record environment are also highlighted.
Nosology Work: One Step beyond the Medical Record Department
Authors: Jones-Frazier Joyce M. , Arispe Irma
Published: March 2016

This article discusses the role of the nosologist/health information management (HIM) professional in a venue one step beyond the hospital's medical record department. It provides a glimpse of the role of the HIM professional at a statistical government agency, the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) in the United States, and focuses primarily on the collaborative work that is performed by the HIM professional at NCHS. The challenges presented in survey coding will be discussed, while practical examples of how we have chosen to improve the data collection, data processing and data reporting processes will also be addressed.
A Review of Security of Electronic Health Records
Authors: Win Khin Than
Published: March 2016

The objective of this study is to answer the research question, ‘Are current information security technologies adequate for electronic health records (EHRs)?’ In order to achieve this, the following matters have been addressed in this article: (i) What is information security in the context of EHRs? (ii) Why is information security important for EHRs? and (iii) What are the current technologies for information security available to EHRs? It is concluded that current EHR security technologies are inadequate and urgently require improvement. Further study regarding information security of EHRs is indicated.
Investigation of Leukaemia and Lymphoma AR-DRGs at a Sydney Teaching Hospital
Authors: Reid Beth , Allen Corinne , McIntosh Jean
Published: March 2016

Using non-blinded methodology, this study checked the coding of acute leukaemia, non-acute leukaemia and lymphoma episodes assigned to the AR-DRGs R60 A, B, C and R61 A, B during the fiscal year 2000–2001 at a Sydney teaching hospital. The purpose was to investigate whether the assignment of fewer episodes of these diseases to the highest complexity AR-DRGs during that year compared to 1999–2000 was due to miscoding, or due to a true decrease in episodes. A check of all 242 episodes revealed a degree of miscoding (mainly under-coding) of complications and comorbidities that had caused a 15% DRG error rate; nevertheless, there was a true decrease in the highest complexity episodes. The error in DRG assignment may have caused some financial disadvantage to the hospital.
A Contemporary Case Study Illustrating the Integration of Health Information Technologies into the Organisation and Clinical Practice of Radiation Oncology
Authors: Miller Andrew A , Phillips Aaron K
Published: March 2016

The development of software in radiation oncology departments has seen the increase in capability from the Record and Verify software focused on patient safety to a fully-fledged Oncology Information System (OIS).

This paper reports on the medical aspects of the implementation of a modern Oncology Information System (IMPAC MultiAccess®, also known as the Siemens LANTIS®) in a New Zealand hospital oncology department. The department was successful in translating paper procedures into electronic procedures, and the report focuses on the changes in approach to organisation and data use that occurred. The difficulties that were faced, which included procedural re-design, management of change, removal of paper, implementation cost, integration with the HIS, quality assurance and datasets, are highlighted along with the local solutions developed to overcome these problems.
Correlates of Undefined Cause of Injury Coded Mortality Data in Australia
Authors: McKenzie Kirsten , Chen Linping , Walker Susan M
Published: March 2016

The objective of this research was to identify the level of detail regarding the external causes of death in Australia and ascertain problematic areas where data quality improvement efforts may be focused. The 2003 national mortality dataset of 12,591 deaths with an external cause of injury as the underlying cause of death (UCOD) or multiple cause of death (MCOD) based on ICD-10 code assignment from death certificate information was obtained. Logistic regression models were used to examine the precision of coded external cause of injury data. It was found that overall, accidents were the most poorly defined of all intent code blocks with over 30% of accidents being undefined, representing 2,314 deaths in 2003. More undefined codes were identified in MCOD data than for UCOD data. Deaths certified by doctors were more likely to use undefined codes than deaths certified by a coroner or government medical office. To improve the quality of external cause of injuries leading to or associated with death, certifiers need to be made aware of the importance of documenting all information pertaining to the cause of the injury and the intent behind the incident, either through education or more explicit instructions on the death certificate and accompanying instructional materials. It is important that researchers are aware of the validity of the data when they make interpretations as to the underlying causes of fatal injuries and causes of injury associated with deaths.
Keeping Our Classification UP to Date
Authors: Doyle Kerri , Dimitropoulos Vera
Published: March 2016

In Australia, the National Centre for Classification in Health (NCCH) is ultimately responsible for updating ICD-10-AM disease codes and Australian Classification of Health Interventions (ACHI) procedure codes, and the accompanying Australian Coding Standards (ACS). New editions of these publications are released every two years. This article outlines the updating procedure and lists the sources of information upon which the NCCH draws when compiling data for new coding manuals.
Duty of Confidentiality and HIV/AIDS: PD v Harvey
Authors: Mair Judith
Published: March 2016

The issue of doctor-patient confidentiality in situations where the doctor can reasonably foresee that third parties associated with the patient could be put at risk by the patient's medical status is a continuing conundrum. In a case heard in the New South Wales Supreme Court in 1999, BT v Oei (1999) NSWSC 1082, the court held that a medical practitioner owed a duty of care to the sexual partner/s of a patient. Where there were signs/symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of HIV infection, the doctor had a duty to strongly advise the patient to be tested. Where the patient's results were positive, the doctor could not inform the partner/s directly; however, there was an obligation to counsel the patient to inform their partner/s of their HIV status, and to instruct the patient regarding the patient's own statutory responsibility to inform partner/s before engaging in sexual intercourse with them. A second case revolving around the issue of risk to third parties is the case of PD v Dr Nicholas Harvey & I Ors (2003) NSWSC 487, heard in the Supreme Court of NSW in 2003. The facts and the law discussed in this report are drawn from and summarised from the judgment of Cripps AJ.
Hospital Casemix Protocol — Medibank Private Perspective
Authors: Szakiel John
Published: March 2016

Hospital Casemix Protocol data provide a brief summary outlining morbidity data and costs associated with an episode of care. Federal government legislation requires that hospitals report this information to private health insurers who, in turn, merge these data with benefit outlays and report their findings to the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA). This article gives a brief outline of the collection, cleansing and processing of these data and subsequent reporting to DoHA by Medibank Private, which accounts for approximately 30% of collected data.
Reliability of ICD-10 External Cause of Death Codes in the National Coroners Information System
Authors: Bugeja Lyndal , Clapperton Angela J , Killian Jessica J , Stephan Karen L , Ozanne-Smith Joan
Published: March 2016

Availability of ICD-10 cause of death codes in the National Coroners Information System (NCIS) strengthens its value as a public health surveillance tool. This study quantified the completeness of external cause ICD-10 codes in the NCIS for Victorian deaths (as assigned by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in the yearly Cause of Death data). It also examined the concordance between external cause ICD-10 codes contained in the NCIS and a re-code of the same deaths conducted by an independent coder. Of 7,400 NCIS external cause deaths included in this study, 961 (13.0%) did not contain an ABS assigned ICD-10 code and 225 (3.0%) contained only a natural cause code. Where an ABS assigned external cause ICD-10 code was present ( n=6,214), 4,397 (70.8%) matched exactly with the independently assigned ICD-10 code. Coding disparity primarily related to differences in assignment of intent and specificity. However, in a small number of deaths ( n=49, 0.8%) there was coding disparity for both intent and external cause category. NCIS users should be aware of the limitations of relying only on ICD-10 codes contained within the NCIS for deaths prior to 2007 and consider using these in combination with the other NCIS data fields and code sets to ensure optimum case identification.
Coding in Ireland: Time for Recognition
Authors: Murphy Deirdre
Published: March 2016

Recognition of skilled coders' work within the Irish health system is long overdue. A project being undertaken in Ireland now by the central office for coding at the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) is exploring ways to raise the coders' profile, promote a profession of clinical coders and ensure quality benchmarks for all stakeholders, including the introduction of accredited training. The Hospital Inpatient Enquiry (HIPE) at the ESRI uses ICD-10-AM and trains and supports coders in all aspects of their work. This paper also presents some preliminary findings of a HIPE workforce study undertaken in early 2010. The establishment of a recognised clinical coder profession through engagement with all stakeholders and the accreditation of Irish coder education would enhance the position and recognition of coding as a skilled profession within the Irish healthcare system, and also ensure those data meet the highest national and international data quality standards.
UbiMMS: An Ubiquitous Medication Monitoring System Based on Remote Device Management Methods
Authors: Pak JuGeon , Park KeeHyun
Published: March 2016

Medication adherence is one of the most important factors in treating chronic diseases. However, current medication dispensers, which are devices that deliver medication to chronic disease patients according to predetermined schedules, are not equipped with internal remote management functions. Here, we propose a ubiquitous medication monitoring system (UbiMMS) that provides remote functions for medication status transmission, configuration management, software management, and real-time error management. We provide an overview and performance evaluation of the UbiMMS, and show that the proposed system is adequate for remotely monitoring and managing a medication dispenser in real time.