bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping Direct Observations From Objective Structured Clinical Examinations to the Milestones Across Specialties
Authors: Baker-Genaw Kimberly , Kokas Maria S. , Ahsan Syed F. , Darnley-Fisch Deborah , Drake Sean , Goyal Nikhil , Inamdar Kedar , Moutzouros Vasilios , Prabhakar Deepak , Rolland Laurie , Sangha Roopina , Shreve Maria , Woodward Ann
Published: May 2016

Little is known about residents' performance on the milestones at the institutional level. Our institution formed a work group to explore this using an institutional-level curriculum and residents' evaluation of the milestones.Background

 We assessed whether beginner-level milestones for interpersonal and communication skills (ICS) related to observable behaviors in ICS-focused objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) for postgraduate year (PGY) 1 residents across specialties.Objective

 The work group compared ICS subcompetencies across 12 programs to identify common beginner-level physician-patient communication milestones. The selected ICS milestone sets were compared for common language with the ICS-OSCE assessment tool—the Kalamazoo Essential Elements of Communication Checklist–Adapted (KEECC-A). To assess whether OSCE scores related to ICS milestone scores, all PGY-1 residents from programs that were part of Next Accreditation System Phase 1 were identified; their OSCE scores from July 2013 to June 2014 and ICS subcompetency scores from December 2014 were compared.Methods

 The milestones for 10 specialties and the transitional year had at least 1 ICS subcompetency that related to physician-patient communication. The language of the ICS beginner-level milestones appears similar to behaviors outlined in the KEECC-A. All 60 residents with complete data received at least a beginner-level ICS subcompetency score and at least a satisfactory score on all 3 OSCEs.Results

 The ICS-OSCE scores for PGY-1 residents appear to relate to beginner-level milestones for physician-patient communication across multiple specialties.Conclusions
The Future of Foreign Language Instructional Technology: BYOD MALL
Authors: Burston Jack
Published: May 2016

This paper describes trends in instructional technology that are influencing foreign language teaching today and that can be expected to increasingly do so in the future. Though already an integral part of foreign language instruction, digital technology is bound to play an increasing role in language teaching in the coming years. The greatest stimulus for this will undoubtedly be the accessibility of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL), made possible through the exploitation of mobile devices owned by students themselves. The ubiquitous ownership of smartphones and tablet computers among adolescents and adults now makes a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) approach a feasible alternative to desktop computer labs. Making this work, however, especially in a financially and technologically restricted environment, presents a number of challenges which are the focus of this paper.
Variations in motivation, anxiety and boredom in learning English in Second Life
Authors: Kruk Mariusz
Published: May 2016

The article presents the results of a study whose main aim was to investigate the changes in motivation, language anxiety and boredom in learning English in Second Life. The sample consisted of 16 second year students of English philology. The study was conducted over the period of a summer semester. During that time the participants in the study were asked to use Second Life and practice English there in their own time. The data were obtained by means of a background questionnaire and session logs and subjected to quantitative and qualitative analysis. The results show that the students declared quite a high level of motivation to learn English in Second Life, a low level of anxiety and a relatively low level of boredom. In addition, the findings of the study revealed that both the reported motivation as well as the experience of boredom fluctuated over time. In contrast, the levels of foreign language anxiety declared by the subjects remained almost unchanged. Possible causes of such fluctuations are offered.
Prostitución y explotación sexual infantil en Uruguay. Opinión de las trabajadoras sexuales.
Authors: Guerra Pablo
Published: May 2016

En este artículo presentaremos los datos que resultaron de la investigación titulada “Indagación sobre condiciones de trabajo y opinión sobre trata de personas entre población que ejerce la prostitución femenina en Uruguay” a partir de 188 entrevistas a trabajadoras sexuales. Partimos analizando el concepto de prostitución infantil en el marco de la explotación sexual de niños, niñas y adolescentes, para avanzar luego en el resultado del trabajo de campo. El 29% de la muestra expresa conocer casos de prostitución infantil en sus ámbitos de trabajo, lo que confirma una preocupante presencia de este fenómeno, sobre todo en la denominada prostitución callejera. En cuanto a la opinión, 77% de las entrevistadas tiene una opinión negativa del fenómeno.
Sexting: su definición, factores de riesgo y consecuencias
Authors: Mercado Contreras Cinthia Tomasa , Pedroza Cabrera Francisco Javier , Martínez Martínez Kalina Isela
Published: May 2016

El avance en la tecnología dentro de las comunicaciones ha llevado a que las redes sociales por internet cumplan un papel importante dentro de la sociedad. Entre las más usadas y conocidas se encuentra Facebook, red social que además de permitir hacer pública cierta información, ofrece la oportunidad de mantener conversaciones privadas. Esta nueva tendencia de conversaciones, así como el natural deseo de explorar la sexualidad ha llevado a los jóvenes a interesarse por un fenómeno conocido como sexting. Dicho fenómeno, a partir de que algunas de sus consecuencias negativas llegaron a ser públicas, ha atraído el interés por parte de padres de familia, maestros, investigadores y personal de salud, sin embargo no existe un consenso en su definición. Esta falta de conceptualización unánime ha llevado a confusiones dentro del área psicológica, social y legal. Es por ello que en el presente artículo se presentan resultados de una investigación sistemática de artículos que hablan sobre el sexting, se eligieron aquellos que se publicaron del 2009 al 2014, en los cuales se trabaja con adolescentes y que hablen sobre factores de riesgo y consecuencias del fenómeno. Los artículos fueron analizados observando las semejanzas y diferencias en su definición de sexting y sus resultados, identificando los factores de riesgo y consecuencias que consideran relacionados. Con el análisis fue posible categorizar sus limitaciones y finalmente ofrecer una posible definición de dicho término.
Menores que agreden a sus padres: factores psíquicos, sociales y educativos
Authors: Bailín-Perarnau Carmen , Tobeña-Arasanz Rosario , Ortega-Franco Gemma , Asensio-Martinez Angela , Magallón-Botaya Rosa
Published: May 2016

La incidencia del fenómeno de la violencia filio-parental parece estar aumentando. Se ha utilizado un diseño descriptivo y transversal. La recogida de datos se ha realizado con encuestas, tests psicológicos y cuestionarios, aplicados a padres, menores, educadores de servicios sociales y profesionales de Salud Mental Infanto-Juvenil de Zaragoza y Huesca, España. Los principales resultados encontrados son: los menores agresores son varones adolescentes; la madre es la persona más agredida; existen más casos de familias con niveles socioeconómicos bajos; la adopción puede ser un elemento característico de estas familias, pero no, la separación de los padres; estos adolescentes presentan problemas escolares y trastorno de hiperactividad con déficit de atención, asimismo consumen drogas; la violencia de género y el maltrato infantil están presentes. Además, se ha comprobado que se aplican diferentes medidas rehabilitadoras siendo el modelo de psicoterapia más utilizado el sistémico familiar y parece elevado el número de menores con tratamiento farmacológico. Los hallazgos obtenidos servirán de guía para orientar la intervención y ajustar los servicios a las necesidades de estos menores y de sus familias.
Photochemical Organonitrate Formation in Wet Aerosols
Authors: Lim Yong Bin , Kim Hwajin , Kim Jin Young , Turpin Barbara J.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Water is the most abundant component of atmospheric fine aerosol. However, despite rapid progress, multiphase chemistry involving wet aerosols is still poorly understood. In this work, we report results from smog chamber photooxidation of glyoxal and OH – containing ammonium sulfate or sulfuric acid particles in the presence of NOx and O3 at high and low relative humidity. Particles were analyzed using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). During the 3 hour irradiation, OH oxidation products of glyoxal that are also produced in dilute aqueous solutions (e.g., oxalic acids and tartaric acids) were formed in both ammonium sulfate (AS) aerosols and sulfuric acid (SA) aerosols. However, the major products were organonitrogens (CHNO), organosulfates (CHOS), and organonitrogen-sulfates (CHNOS). These were also the dominant products formed in the dark chamber indicating non-radical formation. In the humid chamber (> 70 % RH), two main products for both AS and SA aerosols were organonitrates, which appeared at m/z− 147 and 226. They were formed in the aqueous phase via non-radical reactions of glyoxal and nitric acid, and their formation was enhanced by photochemistry because of the photochemical formation of nitric acid via reactions of peroxy radicals, NOx and OH during the irradiation.
Evaluation of three lidar scanning strategies for turbulence measurements
Authors: Newman Jennifer F. , Klein Petra M. , Wharton Sonia , Sathe Ameya , Bonin Timothy A. , Chilson Phillip B. , Muschinski Andreas
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Several errors occur when a traditional Doppler beam swinging (DBS) or velocity–azimuth display (VAD) strategy is used to measure turbulence with a lidar. To mitigate some of these errors, a scanning strategy was recently developed which employs six beam positions to independently estimate the u, v, and w velocity variances and covariances. In order to assess the ability of these different scanning techniques to measure turbulence, a Halo scanning lidar, WindCube v2 pulsed lidar, and ZephIR continuous wave lidar were deployed at field sites in Oklahoma and Colorado with collocated sonic anemometers.Results indicate that the six-beam strategy mitigates some of the errors caused by VAD and DBS scans, but the strategy is strongly affected by errors in the variance measured at the different beam positions. The ZephIR and WindCube lidars overestimated horizontal variance values by over 60 % under unstable conditions as a result of variance contamination, where additional variance components contaminate the true value of the variance. A correction method was developed for the WindCube lidar that uses variance calculated from the vertical beam position to reduce variance contamination in the u and v variance components. The correction method reduced WindCube variance estimates by over 20 % at both the Oklahoma and Colorado sites under unstable conditions, when variance contamination is largest. This correction method can be easily applied to other lidars that contain a vertical beam position and is a promising method for accurately estimating turbulence with commercially available lidars.
Continuous CO2/CH4/CO measurements (2012–2014) at Beromünster tall tower station in Switzerland
Authors: Satar Ece , Berhanu Tesfaye A. , Brunner Dominik , Henne Stephan , Leuenberger Markus
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The understanding of the continental carbon budget is essential to predict future climate change. In order to quantify CO2 and CH4 fluxes at the regional scale, a measurement system was installed at the former radio tower in Beromünster as part of the Swiss greenhouse gas monitoring network (CarboCount CH). We have been measuring the mixing ratios of CO2, CH4 and CO on this tower with sample inlets at 12.5, 44.6, 71.5, 131.6 and 212.5 m above ground level using a cavity ring down spectroscopy (CRDS) analyzer. The first 2-year (December 2012–December 2014) continuous atmospheric record was analyzed for seasonal and diurnal variations and inter-species correlations. In addition, storage fluxes were calculated from the hourly profiles along the tower. The atmospheric growth rates from 2013 to 2014 determined from this 2-year data set were 1.78 ppm yr−1, 9.66 ppb yr−1 and −1.27 ppb yr−1 for CO2, CH4 and CO, respectively. After detrending, clear seasonal cycles were detected for CO2 and CO, whereas CH4 showed a stable baseline suggesting a net balance between sources and sinks over the course of the year. CO and CO2 were strongly correlated (r2 > 0.75) in winter (DJF), but almost uncorrelated in summer. In winter, anthropogenic emissions dominate the biospheric CO2 fluxes and the variations in mixing ratios are large due to reduced vertical mixing. The diurnal variations of all species showed distinct cycles in spring and summer, with the lowest sampling level showing the most pronounced diurnal amplitudes. The storage flux estimates exhibited reasonable diurnal shapes for CO2, but underestimated the strength of the surface sinks during daytime. This seems plausible, keeping in mind that we were only able to calculate the storage fluxes along the profile of the tower but not the flux into or out of this profile, since no Eddy covariance flux measurements were taken at the top of the tower.
Distinctly different bacterial communities in surface and oxygen minimum layers in the Arabian Sea
Authors: Bandekar Mandar , Ramaiah Nagappa , Jain Anand , Murti Meena Ram
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Contributions of microbial communities to biogeochemical processes in oxygen minimum oceanic zones are being realized through the applications of molecular techniques. To understand seasonal and depth-wise variations in bacterial community structure (BCS) in the Arabian Sea oxygen minimum region, extensive sampling and molecular analyses were carried out. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was done to profile the BCS from five depths, surface (5 m), deep chorophyll maximum (43–50 m, DCM), 250 m, 500 m and 1000 m during Spring intermonsoon (SIM), Fall intermonsoon (FIM), and Northeast monsoon (NEM) seasons. Sequencing of 743 chimera-free clones revealed a clear vertical partitioning of BCS between the surface (surface + DCM) and OMZ (250 + 500 + 1000 m) layers. There was no distinct seasonal difference in the BCS. Most 16S rRNA gene sequences were affiliated to Gammaproteobacteria (39.31 %), Alphaproteobacteria (23.56 %) and Cyanobacteria (20.2 %). Higher diversity and OTUs in OMZ predominantly consisting of Alteromonodales, Sphinogomonadales, Rhodobacterales, Burkholderales, and Acidimicrobiales we observed might be due to their microaerophilic metabolism, ability to degrade recalcitrant substrates and assimilate sinking particulate matter. Further hitherto undescribed diversity both in surface and OMZ layers was evidenced. Implicit role of extant bacterial community in denitrification and anammox and in sulphur oxidation is highlighted.
Can C-Band SAR be used to estimate soil organic carbon storage in tundra?
Authors: Bartsch Annett , Widhalm Barbara , Kuhry Peter , Hugelius Gustaf , Palmtag Juri , Siewert Matthias
Published: May 2016

Abstract. A new approach for the estimation of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) pools North of the tree line has been developed based on synthetic aperture radar data (SAR). SOC values are directly determined from backscatter values instead of upscaling using land cover or soil classes. The multi-mode capability of SAR allows application across scales. It can be shown that measurements in C-band under frozen conditions represent vegetation and surface structure properties which relate to soil properties, specifically SOC. It is estimated that at least 29 PgC are stored in the upper 30 cm of soils North of the tree line. This is approximately 25 % less than stocks derived from the soil map based Northern Circumpolar Soil Carbon Database (NCSCD). The total stored carbon is underestimated since the established empirical relationship is not valid for peatlands as well as strongly cryoturbated soils. The approach does however provide the first spatially consistent account of soil organic carbon across the Arctic. Furthermore, it could be shown that values obtained from 1 km resolution SAR correspond to accounts based on a high spatial resolution (2 m) land cover map over a study area of about 7 x 7 km in NE Siberia. The approach can be also potentially transferred to medium resolution C-band SAR data such as ENVISAT ASAR Wide Swath with 120 m resolution but it is in general limited to regions without woody vegetation. Comparisons to the length of unfrozen period indicates the suitability of this parameter for modelling of the spatial distribution of soil organic carbon storage.
ICESHEET 1.0: a program to produce paleo-ice sheet reconstructions with minimal assumptions
Authors: Gowan Evan J. , Tregoning Paul , Purcell Anthony , Lea James , Fransner Oscar J. , Noormets Riko , Dowdeswell J. A.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. We describe a program that produces paleo-ice sheet reconstructions using an assumption of steady-state, perfectly plastic ice flow behaviour. It incorporates three input parameters: ice margin, basal shear stress and basal topography. Though it is unlikely that paleo-ice sheets were ever in complete steady-state conditions, this method can produce an ice sheet without relying on complicated and unconstrained parameters such as climate and ice dynamics. This makes it advantageous to use in glacial-isostatic adjustment ice sheet modelling, which are often used as input parameters in global climate modelling simulations. We test this program by applying it to the modern Greenland Ice Sheet and Last Glacial Maximum Barents Sea Ice Sheet and demonstrate the optimal parameters that balance computational time and accuracy.
FLOPROS: an evolving global database of flood protection standards
Authors: Scussolini Paolo , Aerts Jeroen C. J. H. , Jongman Brenden , Bouwer Laurens M. , Winsemius Hessel C. , de Moel Hans , Ward Philip J.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. With projected changes in climate, population and socioeconomic activity located in flood-prone areas, the global assessment of flood risk is essential to inform climate change policy and disaster risk management. Whilst global flood risk models exist for this purpose, the accuracy of their results is greatly limited by the lack of information on the current standard of protection to floods, with studies either neglecting this aspect or resorting to crude assumptions. Here we present a first global database of FLOod PROtection Standards, FLOPROS, which comprises information in the form of the flood return period associated with protection measures, at different spatial scales. FLOPROS comprises three layers of information, and combines them into one consistent database. The design layer contains empirical information about the actual standard of existing protection already in place; the policy layer contains information on protection standards from policy regulations; and the model layer uses a validated modelling approach to calculate protection standards. The policy layer and the model layer can be considered adequate proxies for actual protection standards included in the design layer, and serve to increase the spatial coverage of the database. Based on this first version of FLOPROS, we suggest a number of strategies to further extend and increase the resolution of the database. Moreover, as the database is intended to be continually updated, while flood protection standards are changing with new interventions, FLOPROS requires input from the flood risk community. We therefore invite researchers and practitioners to contribute information to this evolving database by corresponding to the authors.
Low molecular weight organic anions (carboxylates) increase microbial activity and alter microbial community composition in uncontaminated and diesel contaminated soil
Authors: Martin Belinda C. , George Suman J. , Price Charles A. , Shahsavari Esmaeil , Ball Andrew  S. , Tibbett Mark , Ryan Megan H.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) are among the most prevalent sources of environmental contamination. It has been hypothesized that plant root exudation of low molecular weight organic acid anions (carboxylates) may aid degradation of PHCs by stimulating heterotrophic microbial activity. We, therefore, applied two commonly-exuded carboxylates (citrate and malonate) to uncontaminated and diesel contaminated microcosms (10,000 mg kg−1; aged 40 days) to determine their impact on the microbial community and PHC degradation. Every 48 hours for 18 days, soil received 5 µmol g−1 of i) citrate, ii) malonate, iii) citrate + malonate or iv) water. Microbial activity was measured daily as the flux of CO2. After 18 days, changes in the microbial community were assessed by community level physiological profiles and 16S rRNA bacterial community profiles determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Saturated PHCs remaining in the soil were assessed by GC-MS. Cumulative soil respiration increased four- to six-fold with the addition of carboxylates, while diesel contamination resulted in a small, but similar, increase across all carboxylate treatments. The addition of carboxylates resulted in distinct changes to the microbial community, but only a small decrease in the n-C17: pristane biomarker. We conclude that carboxylate addition can increase microbial activity and modify the microbial community in both uncontaminated and diesel-contaminated soils. The impact of these changes on PHC biodegradation and rhizosphere processes, more generally, merits further research.
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Neil Klar
Authors: Tan Vivian
Published: May 2016

Dr. Neil Klar is an Associate Professor and Undergraduate Chair in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Western University. His main research focuses on clustered randomized trials. Dr. Klar teaches both undergraduate and graduate level courses in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. He also supervises theses at the undergraduate, MSc and PhD level. Vivian Tan, a member of the Editorial Review Board for WURJHNS, had the pleasure to interview Dr. Neil Klar to learn more about his career in Epidemiology and Biostatistics.
The Internet at the eco-village: Performing sustainability in the twenty-first century
Authors: Cerratto-Pargman Teresa , Pargman Daniel , Nardi Bonnie
Published: May 2016

Is the digital infrastructure and its footprint an ideological blind spot for recently emerging ecological communities, including eco-villages? This paper examines how a group of people who are concerned with environmental issues such as peak oil and climate change are orchestrating a transition toward a more sustainable and resilient way of living. We studied a Swedish eco-village, considering how computing in this community contributes to defining what alternative ways of living might look like in the twenty-first century. Drawing on a social-ecological perspective, the analysis illustrates, on the one hand, that the Internet, along with the digital devices we use to access it, capitalizes and mobilizes values, knowledge and social relationships that in turn enhance resilience in the eco-village. On the other hand, the analysis shows that an explicit focus on ecological values is not sufficient for a community of individuals to significantly transform Internet use to conform to ecological ideals. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of the imbrication of social technologies with practices that are oriented to perform sustainable and resilient ways of living.
Data Exchange Between Immunization Registry and Disease Surveillance System
Authors: Chang Hwa-Gan , Jacqueline Griffin , Proske Hans , Meldrum Megan , Rausch-Phung Elizabeth
Published: May 2016

Using existing immunization registry query functionality, an automated linkage was built for data exchange between immunization registry and disease surveillance system. A HL7 query file of reported pertussis cases was sent to immunization registry and a response file that contains vaccine related information was loaded into disease surveillance vaccine table. This process provides a timely and efficient way to get vaccine information for vaccine preventable reported cases.
Evaluation of Point of Need Diagnostic Tests for Use in California Influenza Outbreaks
Authors: Daughton Ashlynn , Deshpande Alina
Published: May 2016

Because of the potential threats flu viruses pose, the United States, like many developed countries, has a very well established flu surveillance system consisting of 10 components collecting laboratory data, mortality data, hospitalization data and sentinel outpatient care data. Currently, this surveillance system is estimated to lag behind the actual seasonal outbreak by one to two weeks. As new data streams come online, it is important to understand what added benefit they bring to the flu surveillance system complex. For data streams to be effective, they should provide data in a more timely fashion or provide additional data that current surveillance systems cannot provide. Two multiplexed diagnostic tools designed to test syndromically relevant pathogens and wirelessly upload data for rapid integration and interpretation were evaluated to see how they fit into the influenza surveillance scheme in California.
New Master Mapping Reference Table (MMRT) to Assist ICD-10 Transition for Syndromic Surveillance
Authors: Evans Brooke , Hicks Peter , Pavlin Julie A. , Kite-Powell Aaron , Baer Atar , Swenson David J. , Lampkins Rebecca , Jayatilleke Achala U. , Streichert Laura
Published: May 2016

The International Society for Disease Surveillance (ISDS), in consultation with the CDC and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE), conducted a project to develop consensus-driven syndrome definitions based on ICD-10-CM codes. The goal was to have the newly created ICD-9-CM-to-ICD-10-CM mappings and corresponding syndromic definitions fully reviewed and vetted by the syndromic surveillance community, which relies on these codes for routine surveillance as well as for research purposes. The resulting tool, the Master Mapping Reference Table, may be leveraged by other federal, state, and local public health entities to better prepare and improve their surveillance, analytics, and reporting activities impacted by the ICD-10-CM transition.
Secondary Data Analysis of HIV/AIDS Control Programme Data, Enugu State, (2010-2013)
Authors: Ezeudu Chinyere C. , Nguku Patrick M. , Oladimeji Abisola
Published: May 2016

As of 2012, 3,400 million people are living with HIV in Nigeria. The estimated new HIV infections is 260,000 and estimated AIDS death is 240,000.The number of adults on ART was 459,465 and the ART coverage according to WHO guideline was 36%.Nigeria has developed the president's Comprehensive Response Plan that assesses needs and gaps, identifies focus area and set targets for PMCT, ART and HCT services.This study therefore aims to determine the number of individual that were counselled and tested for HIV and those currently on ART drugs in Enugu State, Nigeria.
One Health in Action: Lyme Disease
Authors: Fialkowski Veronica A. , Foster Erik , Signs Kim , Stobierski Mary Grace
Published: May 2016

The response to public concern of an increase in tick populations and Lyme disease prompted by a local veterinarian on a Lake Michigan island is a prime example of the One Health approach. Due to an increase in Lyme disease diagnosis in pets, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services were invited to the island to conduct an environmental investigation and provide health education to local residents.
Evaluation of the Michigan Disease Surveillance System for Histoplasmosis Reporting
Authors: Fialkowski Veronica A. , Tyndall Snow Leigh M. , Signs Kimerbly , Stobierski Mary Grace
Published: May 2016

The histoplasmosis surveillance system was evaluated using the 2001Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Updated Guidelines for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems. From 2004 to 2014, a total of 1,608 confirmed or probable cases were reported into MDSS, with a slight increasing trend in case numbers over time. Michigan’s histoplasmosis surveillance system is relatively simple, but the misclassification of cases is troublesome. Development of tools for LHDs to aid in classification of cases may improve the PPV and decrease case investigation time. Increasing the number of hospitals that report directly to MDSS would indicate more acceptability, and increase sensitivity.
Mantle: An Open Source Platform for One Health Biosurveillance and Research
Authors: Huff Andrew G. , Allen Toph
Published: May 2016

Mantle is an open-source web platform designed for the storage, sharing, and visualization of One Health biosurveillance data and is designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of users. One Health scientists in the field or the lab will be able to upload datasets in multiple formats to Mantle's intelligent database, where they will be stored for easy download and analysis. Mantle users will be able to use fine-grained access controls to protect and share their uploaded datasets, and examine datasets in views appropriate to their content (e.g., tables, maps, and charts). Mantle's flexible storage layer will also display spatial datasets from different data sources alongside one another, and save and export combined datasets.
Product Landscape of Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Pathogens
Authors: Hull Noah , Hickey Andrew , Quitugua Teresa
Published: May 2016

The recent Ebola - Zaire outbreak highlighted the need to understand the current and potential availability of diagnostic assays for a number of viral hemorrhagic fevers. The potential product landscape for rapid diagnostics of viral hemorrhagic fevers is extensive. The vast majority of these assays were developed in academic or government laboratories and have not progressed further toward commercialization or broad public health use. Subsequently, their approval under an Emergency Use Authorization may be delayed due to the lack of validation and standardization required for deployment as a reliable diagnostic tool. Lastly, the validation methods by which each assay was tested varied greatly, resulting in difficultly drawing direct comparisons amongst assays.
Injury Surveillance with District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2)
Authors: Jayatilleke Achala U. , Ganewatta Megha , Amarakoon Pamod , Hewapathirana Roshan , Jayatilleke Achini
Published: May 2016

Injuries are a major but neglected global public health problem. In 2001, World Health Organization (WHO) published injury surveillance guidelines emphasizing the importance of injury surveillance at country levels to cope with this grave problem. However there are no customizable generic injury surveillance systems which can be used in developing countries. Therefore we conducted this study to customize open source public health information system, District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2) for injury surveillance and pilot it in a resource constrained country, Sri Lanka.
Motor Vehicle Crash (MVC) Case Definitions and How They Impact MVC Surveillance
Authors: Jones Jennifer L. , Falls Dennis M. , Barnett Clifton A. , Ising Amy , Waller Anna E.
Published: May 2016

Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are one of the leading causes of injury in the U.S. National injury surveillance is commonly captured using E-codes. However, use of E-codes alone to capture MVC-related ED visits may result in a different picture of MVC injuries compared to using text searches of triage or chief complaint notes. In this study, we identify and describe how the case definition used to identify MVC patients can impact results when conducting MVC surveillance. We compare MVC patients identified using E-codes, text searches, or both criteria together. We found that choice of case definition impacts the picture of MVC severity.
Creating a Universal Data Release Policy Across Programs in a State Health Department
Authors: Joseph-Isang Ekaette
Published: May 2016

Information sharing strengthens collaborative work across program areas and integrates services in many health agencies. A major barrier to achieving this goal is the lack of standardized data security and confidentiality procedures, which has often been cited as an obstacle for programs seeking to maximize use of data for public health action and provide integrated and comprehensive services. Data release policies servs as a reference document governing how data is released or shared. This document discusses the process of creating a data release policy that is acceptable across program areas.
Resolving Disconnected Patient Records to Support Patient Care and Population Health
Authors: Krive Jacob , Hendrickx Annamarie , Godar Terri
Published: May 2016

Population health relies on tracking patients through a continuum of care with patient records from disparate sources. An assumption is made that all patient records are connected. The reality is: they are not. Disconnected records negatively impact results: from individual patient care management through population health's predictive analytics. An enterprise master patient index (EMPI) system can be employed to connect all patient records, but it requires comprehensive tuning to maximize the number of connected records. This presentation describes how one large healthcare integrated delivery network tuned their EMPI system to maximize the number of connected patient records across all sources.
Evaluating Syndromic Surveillance Systems
Authors: Lake Iain , Colón-González Felipe J. , Morbey Roger , Elliot Alex J. , Smith Gillian E. , Pebody Richard
Published: May 2016

Syndromic surveillance systems are commonly presented in the literature but few are rigorously evaluated. We present and test an evaluation framework to examine which events can and cannot be detected, the time to detection and the efficacy of different syndromic surveillance data streams. This was achieved using four national syndromic surveillance systems in England and simulating a number of possible disease events (e.g. outbreak of pandemic influenza, (Cryptosporidium) outbreak and deliberate anthrax release). This methodology can be widely adopted to provide more empirical analysis of the effectiveness of syndromic surveillance systems worldwide.
Using National Health Insurance Claims Data to Supplement Notifiable Infectious Disease Surveillance System
Authors: Lee Heeyoung , Lee Kwan , Yi Seon-ju , Park Gichan , Kim Hwami , Min SoYoon , Suh Jee soo , Kim Young-Man , Jo Soojung , Jeong Daeun
Published: May 2016

This study will determine opportunity of using the National Health Insurance (NHI) claims data for supplemental notifiable infectious disease surveillance system at national or regional levels.
Improving the Value Proposition of Surveillance Tools: Innovative Uses for VA ESSENCE
Authors: Lucero-Obusan Cynthia A. , Schirmer Patricia , Oda Gina , Holodniy Mark
Published: May 2016

We describe VA's experience developing innovative and alternative uses for a surveillance system. We reviewed use cases for new data elements; enhancements to system analytics and functionality; and novel use cases for original outpatient data elements. Enhancements and innovations to influenza surveillance (immunization tracking, %ILI for primary care settings, telephone triage data, inpatient influenza data, geospatial mapping); epidemiologic reviews and lookbacks (identifying ERCP procedures for a CRE review); and infection control activities (SSI procedure dominators, pneumonia hospitalizations for Legionella testing review and needlestick injury queries) were highlighted. These activities were essential for demonstrating usefulness and maintaining system support within VA.
Interplay of Socio-Cultural and Environmental Factors on Microbial Contamination of Food in Samaru, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Maikai Beatty V. , Salman Mujtaba A.
Published: May 2016

In most disadvantaged communities in Northern Nigeria, adolescent girls engage in economic activities so that they can save money for household items to be bought for them when they are given out for marriage. Child marriage is marriage before age 18. Food safety awareness, knowledge and practices among food vendors is affected by interplay of factors. Teenagers engage in hawking food without understanding food-related risks for the preservation of their health and the health of others. Hence food vendors should be given the time, tools and training necessary to facilitate proper food handling practices at all times.
Using Scenarios and Simulations to Validate Syndromic Surveillance Systems
Authors: Morbey Roger , Elliot Alex J. , Smith Gillian E. , Lake Iain , Colón- González Felipe J.
Published: May 2016

We used scenarios and simulations to validate the effectiveness of national syndromic surveillance systems across a range of locations and seasons in situations where no comparable historical dataset may be available.
Socio-Demographic Inequalities in HIV Testing and Prevalence Among Older Adults in Rural Tanzania, 2013
Authors: Mtowa Angelina C. , Gerritsen Annette A. , Mtenga Sally , Mwangome Mary , Geubbels Eveline
Published: May 2016

N/A
A Timeliness Study of Disease Surveillance Data Post ELR Implementation in Houston
Authors: Muhetaer Kasimu , Santos Eunice R. , Raju Avi , Allred Kiley , Yang Biru , Arafat Raouf R.
Published: May 2016

After ELR implementation in Houston, the annual number of cases and number of reportable cases increased substantially (chart1); prior to the ELR implementation it took longer to report a case. The use of electronic disease surveillance system and the implementation of ELR improved the Houston disease surveillance system capacity of early case detection (table1); however, after ELR implementation, probably due to increase in case volume, it took longer to complete an investigation (table2); not substantial differences were found between cases pre and post ELR implementation, but cases populated by ELRs were less complete with case reporting information (table3).
Surveillance of the Naural Foci of Especially Dangerous Infections in Southern Ukraine
Authors: Nekhoroshykh Zoya , Dzhurtubayeva G.M. , Protsyshyna N.M. , Pilipenko N.V. , Pozdnyakov S.V. , Popova N.A. , Egorova E.A.
Published: May 2016

Surveillance of the natural foci of Especially Dangerous Infections (EDI) is necessary due to their etiological, epidemiological, and clinical diversity, their global spread and overall negative impact on public health. Some EDI pathogens with natural foci are also potential agents for biological weapons. Study of the EDI characteristics is important for development of an effective epidemiological protection system. Francisella tularensis is one of the most virulent human microorganisms and a critical Category A biological agent. In Ukraine, tularemia natural foci are registered in 23 of the 25 regions. We conducted integrated ecological-epidemiological and microbiological research on the EDI natural foci for the past 20 years.
Investigating a Syndromic Surveillance Signal with Complimentary Data Systems
Authors: Parton Hilary B. , Mathes Robert , Abdelnabi Jasmine , Alleyne Lisa , Econome Andrea , Fitzhenry Robert , Forney Kristen , Halbrook Megan , Ngai Stephanie , Weiss Don
Published: May 2016

In early June, the New York City syndromic surveillance system detected five signals in sales of over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications. To determine if this increase reflected a concerning cluster of diarrheal illness, we examined multiple communicable disease surveillance data systems. After further investigation of syndromic and other systems, we determined that findings possibly reflected sales promotions but did not suggest increased diarrheal illness in NYC.
Factors Influencing the Stability and Quality of the French ED Surveillance System
Authors: Pontais Isabelle , Bousquet Vanina , Ruello Marc , Caserio-Schönemann Céline , Fouillet Anne
Published: May 2016

Identification of the main factors influencing the stability and the quality of the French Emergency departments (ED) syndromic surveillance system: tempOral factors, health events occurring in 2015 and the influence to move from a voluntary to a mandatory system on data quality and transmission.
Susceptibility Profile of Drug-Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae Based on ELR
Authors: Raju Avi , Santos Eunice R. , Bakota Eric V. , Yang Biru , Arafat Raouf R.
Published: May 2016

The automated retrieval of antimicrobial susceptibility information via ELR expands public health surveillance without expending additional resources. This study presents the antimicrobial susceptibilities of drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in a local safety net hospital cohort and compares them with the susceptibilities found by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs) program. Demographic characteristics and vaccine history of the patients are also reported. The study found one large difference in percentage susceptibility for one antimicrobial drug (penicillin), suggesting a need to develop regional antimicrobial profiles to better inform clinical decisions.
An R Script for Assessment of Data Quality in the BioSense Locker Database
Authors: Rezny Serena , Hoferka Stacey
Published: May 2016

Syndromic surveillance requires reliable, accurate, and complete healthcare encounter data. To address the need for quality assessment of ED data, we developed an R script to assess and produce reports on data quality in the BioSense locker database. The script examines identifying variables in the HL7 messages from the locker, aggregates messages into ED visits based on these identifiers, processes the aggregated data to calculate metadata for each visit, and computes various data quality metrics. Facility-level reports are written to HTML files, which can then be shared with hospitals and vendors to support ongoing data quality improvements.
A Comparison of Clinical Surveillance Systems in New York City
Authors: Schreibstein Lauren , Newton-Dame Remle , McVeigh Katharine H. , Perlman Sharon E. , Thorpe Lorna E. , Mandel Hannah , Buck Michael
Published: May 2016

The New York City Department of Health has been developing two public health surveillance systems for chronic diseases. The first is the NYC Macroscope, which is built on a distributed query network of 740 New York City ambulatory practices all using proprietary software from one EHR vendor. The second model, Query Health, still in its initial phase, accesses data collected by a Health Information Exchange. This study compares these two models for potential disease surveillance and public health application.
Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism for Multi- Center Capacity Building Gestational Diabetes Program for Physicians in India
Authors: Sharma Megha
Published: May 2016

M and E for a program requires identification of indicators that measure inputs, process, outputs, and outcomes. The frequency of collecting information for these indicators will vary depending on the level of use, type of indicator as well as time interval over which we expect to see a change in that parameter. For effective M and E of CCGDM a list of indicators and parameters has been finalized. Following tools and techniques will be used for effective monitoring of CCGDM Cycle III.1.Base line & End line Questionnaire: Baseline and End Line survey is employed to assess Knowledge Attitude Practices of GDM among participants. The questionnaire comprises of 20 MCQ’s pertaining to screening, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and management of GDM. Baseline was circulated to all enrolled participants during Module I session just before pre test. End Line questionnaire will be distributed to participants subsequent to completion of Module IV to ascertain the shift of knowledge before and after the course. The responses will be entered in an excel template and analyzed.2. Monitoring Forms and Formats:Standardized forms which help in capturing and collection of data in a systematic and uniform manner PAN India from all stakeholders. Five forms which were used in monitoring of CCGDM Cycle I were: Observers Checklist, Participant Feedback Form, Trainer Feedback Form, Participant Testimonial Form and Trainer Testimonial Form.3. SMS Real Time Monitoring System: The SMS Real Time Monitoring System is a state of the art reporting mechanism which will allow the Observers to report on selected pre-defined parameters during the on-site monitoring of the contact sessions. Each parameter had a pre-defined code which was entered in SMS message and sent to the CCGDM Program Secretariat on a designated number. Each Observers mobile number has been registered with the system and a unique code was maintained throughout the tenure of the program. The Observers use this code developed for the parameters to construct the SMS, which when sent is collected at CCGDM Program Secretariat. This system in turn was allowing for meticulous and timely follow up by the management.End Line Evaluation Survey:The evaluation for CCGDM Cycle III will be conducted in the month of November 2015, following the completion of Module IV in October 2014. The evaluation will enable us to amalgamate the overall experiences of the participants during the program. It will also help us to measure the improvement in the knowledge and skills of all eligible participants of CCGDM Cycle II in the field of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.
Avian Flu, Ebola, MERS, and Other Emerging Challenges for Influenza Surveillance Practitioners
Authors: Siniscalchi Alan , Evans Brooke
Published: May 2016

Public health agencies strive to develop and maintain cost-effective disease surveillance systems to better understand the burden of disease within their jurisdiction. The emergence of novel avian influenza and other respiratory viruses such as MERS-CoV along with other emerging diseases including Ebola virus disease offer new challenges to public health practitioners. The authors conducted a series of surveys of influenza surveillance coordinators to identify and define these challenges. The results emphasize the importance of maintaining sufficient infrastructure and the trained personnel needed to operate these surveillance systems for optimal disease detection and public health preparedness and response readiness.
Comparison of Exposure to Risk Factors for Giardiasis Among Endemic and Travel Cases
Authors: Swirski Alexandra , Pearl David , Peregrine Andrew , Pintar Katarina
Published: May 2016

In public health reporting, a distinction is made between Canadian-acquired and international travel-related cases, but there is no differentiation between domestic travel-related and endemic cases. The objective of this presentation is to explore how demographic and exposure factors related to giardiasis vary between travel and endemic cases, for residents of the Region of Waterloo (Ontario). We found that exposure to risk factors for giardiasis varies among domestic-travel, international-travel, and endemic cases. Consequently, a distinction should be made between these case types in developing prevention strategies.
Strengthening Community Surveillance of Ebola Virus Disease in Sierra Leone
Authors: Tran AnhMinh A. , Hoar Adam , Young Alyssa J. , Connolly Allison , Hartley Mary-Anne , Boland Samuel , Mancuso Brooke , Kaur Guddu , Esplana John , Polich Erin , Fisher Laura
Published: May 2016

Port Loko district in Sierra Leone had over 1,400 confirmed Ebola cases since the start of the outbreak. Stronger surveillance systems were critical for the early detection of potential EVD cases, thus containing further spread of the epidemic. Community structures such as clinics, village/section chiefs, community Ebola responders, religious institutions and community social mobilization teams were critical to developing robust integrated surveillance systems that could report significant EVD events to the District Ebola Response Center. This ensured that all significant events were investigated. Continuous engagement of community and section structures proved critical in stopping the spread of EVD in Port Loko