bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nastajanje andragogike, razvoj študija andragogike in usposabljanje izobraževalcev odraslih pred osamosvojitvijo Slovenije in po njej
Authors: Krajnc Ana
Published: December 2018

V prispevku avtorica analizira nastajanje andragogike, razvoj študija andragogike ter izobraževanje in usposabljanje izobraževalcev odraslih v Sloveniji, ko je bila ta del nekdanje Jugoslavije in po osamosvojitvi. Pri tem se opira na dostopne zgodovinske vire in biografsko metodo. Ugotavlja, da je andragogika v obdobju nekdanje Jugoslavije nastajala predvsem iz potreb prakse; da so se študij andragogike ter izobraževanje in usposabljanje izobraževalcev odraslih v Sloveniji oblikovali izhajajoč iz potreb, saj bi brez posplošitev in odkrivanja temeljnih načel in lastnosti pojavov začela postopoma usihati tudi praksa; ter da so na razvoj andragogike na Slovenskem v obdobju nekdanje Jugoslavije poleg lokalnih (republiških) specifik pomembno vplivali najnovejša spoznanja o izobraževanju odraslih v svetu, določeni institucionalni modeli in tudi (naj)vidnejši akterji (univerzitetni profesorji) s področja izobraževanja odraslih na globalni ravni. Ker je področje izobraževanja odraslih fenotipsko, ocenjuje, da se bo morala andragogika pod globalizacijskimi vplivi prilagoditi novim družbenim razmeram, ki jih ustvarja današnji čas.
Emission of volatile halogenated organic compounds over various landforms at the Dead Sea
Authors: Shechner Moshe , Guenther Alex , Rhew Robert , Wishkerman Asher , Li Qian , Blake Donald , Lerner Gil , Tas Eran
Published: December 2018

Abstract. Volatile halogenated organic compounds (VHOCs), such as methyl halides (CH3X; X = Br, Cl and I) and very short-lived halogenated substances (VSLS; CHBr3, CH2Br2, CHBrCl2, C2HCl3, CHCl3 and CHBr2Cl) are well known for their significant influence on ozone concentrations and oxidation capacity of the troposphere and stratosphere, and for their key role in aerosol formation. Insufficient characterization of the sources and emission rate of VHOCs limits our present ability to understand and assess their impact in both the troposphere and the stratosphere. Over the last two decades several natural terrestrial sources for VHOCs, including soil and vegetation, have been identified, but our knowledge about emission rates from these sources and their responses to changes in ambient conditions remains limited. Here we report measurements of the mixing ratios and the fluxes of several chlorinated and brominated VHOCs from different landforms and vegetated sites at the Dead Sea during different seasons. Fluxes were highly variable but were generally positive (emissive), corresponding with elevated mixing ratios for all of the VHOCs investigated in the four investigated site types – bare soil, coastal, cultivated and natural vegetated sites – except for fluxes of CH3I and C2HCl3 over the vegetated sites. In contrast to previous reports, we also observed emissions of brominated trihalomethanes, with net molar fluxes ordered as follows: CHBr2Cl > CHBr3 > CHBrCl2 > CHCl3. This finding can be explained by the enrichment of soil with Br. Correlation analysis, in agreement with recent studies, indicated common controls for the formation and emission of all the above trihalomethanes but also for CH2Br2. Also in line with previous reports, we observed elevated emissions of CHCl3 and C2HCl3 from mixtures of soil and different salt-deposited structures; the high correlations of flux with methyl halides, and particularly with CH3I, suggested that at least CH3I is also emitted via similar mechanisms or is subjected to similar controls. Overall, our results indicate elevate emission of VHOCs from bare soil under semi-arid conditions. Along with other recent studies, our findings point to the strong emission potential of a suite of VHOCs from saline soils and salt lakes, and call for additional studies of emission rates and mechanisms of VHOCs from saline soils and salt lakes.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of fog and low clouds in the Namib
unveiled with ground and space-based observations
Authors: Andersen Hendrik , Cermak Jan , Solodovnik Irina , Lelli Luca , Vogt Roland
Published: December 2018

Abstract. Fog is an essential component of Namib-region ecosystems. Current knowledge on Namib-region fog patterns and processes is limited by a lack of coherent observations in space and time. In this study, data from multiple satellite platforms and station measurements paint a coherent picture of the spatiotemporal dynamics of fog and low cloud (FLC) distribution. It is found that observed seasonal patterns derived from satellite observations differ from station measurements in coastal locations, whereas they agree further inland. This is linked to an observed seasonal cycle in the vertical structure of FLC that determines the probability of low-level clouds touching the ground. For the first time, these observations are complemented by spatially coherent statistics concerning the diurnal cycle of FLC using geostationary satellite data. The average timing of the start of the diurnal FLC cycle is found to strongly depend on the distance to the coastline (r ≈ 0.85 north of 25° N), a clear indication of dominant advective processes. In the central Namib, FLC typically occurs 2–4 hours later than in other coastal regions, possibly due to local advection patterns. The findings lead to a new conceptual model of the spatiotemporal dynamics of fog and low clouds in the Namib.
Using computational fluid dynamics and field experiments to
improve vehicle-based wind measurements for environmental
monitoring
Authors: Hanlon Tara , Risk David
Published: December 2018

Abstract. Vehicle-based measurements of wind speed and direction are presently used for a range of applications, including gas plume detection. Many applications use mobile wind measurements without knowledge of the limitations and accuracy of the mobile measurement system. Our research objective for this field-simulation study was to understand how anemometer placement and the vehicle's external air flow field affect measurement accuracy of vehicle-mounted anemometers. Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations were generated in Ansys FLUENT to model the external flow field of a research truck under varying vehicle speed and wind yaw angle. The CFD simulations provided a quantitative description of fluid flow surrounding the vehicle, and demonstrated that the change in windspeed magnitude from the inlet increased as the wind yaw angle between the inlet and the vehicle's longitudinal axis increased. The CFD results were used to develop empirical speed correction factors at specified yaw angles, and to derive an aerodynamics-based correction function calibrated for wind yaw angle and anemometer placement. For comparison with CFD, we designed field tests on a square, 12.8 km route in flat, treeless terrain with stationary sonic anemometers positioned at each corner. The route was driven in replicate under varying wind conditions and vehicle speeds. The vehicle-based anemometer measurements were corrected to remove the vehicle speed and course vector. From the field trials, we observed that vehicle-based windspeed measurements differed in average magnitude in each of the upwind, downwind, and crosswind directions. The difference from stationary anemometers increased as the yaw angle between the wind direction and the truck's longitudinal axis increased, confirming the vehicle's impact on the surrounding flow field and validating the trends in CFD. To further explore the accuracy of CFD, we applied the function derived from the simulations to the field data, and again compared these with stationary measurements. From this study, we were able to make recommendations for anemometer placement, demonstrate the importance of applying aerodynamics-based correction factors to vehicle-based wind measurements, and identify ways to improve the empirical aerodynamic-based correction factors.
Aerosol Optical Depth comparison between GAW-PFR and AERONET-Cimel radiometers from long term (2005–2015) 1-minute synchronous measurements
Authors: Cuevas Emilio , Romero-Campos Pedro Miguel , Kouremeti Natalia , Kazadzis Stelios , García Rosa Delia , Barreto Africa , Guirado-Fuentes Carmen , Ramos Ramón , Toledano Carlos , Almansa Fernando , Gröbner Julian
Published: December 2018

Abstract. A comprehensive comparison of more than 70000 synchronous 1-minute aerosol optical depth (AOD) data from three Global Atmosphere Watch-Precision Filter Radiometer (GAW-PFR) and 15 Aerosol Robotic Network-Cimel (AERONET-Cimel) radiometers was performed for the four nearby wavelengths (380, 440, 500 and 870 nm) in the period 2005–2015. The goal of this study is to assess whether, despite the marked differences between both networks and the number of instruments used, their long term AOD data are comparable and consistent. AOD traceability established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) consists in determining the percentage of synchronous data within specific limits. If, at least, 95 % of the AOD differences of an instrument compared to the WMO standards lie within these limits, both data populations are considered equivalent. The percentage of traceable data is 92.7 % (380 nm), 95.7 % (440 nm), 95.8 % (500 nm) and 98.0 % (870 nm). When small misalignments in GAW-PFR sun-pointing were fixed (period 2010–2015), the percentage of traceable data increased. The contribution of calibration related aspects to comparison outside the 95 % traceability limits is insignificant in all channels, except in 380 nm. The simultaneous failure of both cloud screening algorithms might occur only under the presence of cirrus, or altostratus clouds on the top of a dust-laden Saharan air layer. Differences in the calculation of the optical depth contribution due to Rayleigh scattering, and O3 and NO2 absorption have a negligible impact. For AOD > 0.1, a non-negligible percentage (≈ 1.9 %) of the AOD data outside the 95 % traceability limits at 380 nm can be partly assigned to the different field of view of the instruments. The comparison of the Angström exponent (AE) shows that under non-pristine conditions (AOD > 0.03 and AE
Risk assessment of sea ice disasters on fixed jacket platforms in the
Liaodong Bay
Authors: Xu Ning , Yuan Shuai , Liu Xueqin , Ma Yuxian , Shi Wenqi , Zhang Dayong
Published: December 2018

Abstract. Sea ice disasters seriously threaten the safety of oil platforms in the Bohai Sea. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out the risk assessment of sea ice disasters on oil platforms in the Bohai Sea. In the study, the risk assessment of sea ice disasters on fixed jacket platforms in the Liaodong Bay was performed. Firstly, the formation mechanisms of sea ice disasters were analyzed and the sources and modes of sea ice risks were clarified. Secondly, according to the calculation formulas of extreme ice force, dynamic ice force and accumulated force, several ice indices such as thickness, motion, strength, period, and concentration were proposed as the hazard indices and corresponding values were assigned to the proposed indices based on ice conditions in the Bohai Sea. Thirdly, based on four structural failure modes (structures overturned by the extreme ice force (Mode 1), structural fracture failure caused by dynamic ice force (Mode 2), facility damage caused by the dynamic ice force (Mode 3), and structural function failure caused by accumulated ice (Mode 4)), the structural vulnerability index, overturning index, dynamic index, ice-induced vibration index, and function index were proposed and corresponding values were assigned to the structural vulnerability index of fixed jacket platforms in the Liaodong Bay. Fourthly, the weight of each risk index was determined according to previous sea ice disasters and accidents and the sea ice risk was calculated with the weighted synthetic index method. Finally, with the above index system and risk assessment methods, the risk assessment of sea ice disasters on 10 jacket platforms in three sea areas in the Liaodong Bay was carried out. The analysis results showed that efficient sea ice prevention strategies could largely mitigate the sea ice-induced vibration-related risks of jacket platforms in the Liaodong Bay. If steady-state vibration occurred (usually in front of the vertical legged structure) or the structural fundamental frequency was high, the structural vulnerability was significantly increased and the calculated risk levels were high. The sea ice risk assessment method can be applied in the design, operation, and management of other engineering structures in sea ice areas.
Research on Occurrence and Development of Pasture Drought Events in Alpine Grassland using the Drought Threshold
Authors: Zhang Tiaofeng , Li Lin , Xiao Hongbin , Li Hongmei
Published: December 2018

Abstract. Pasture is vital to livestock husbandry development in Qinghai and even in North China. Drought is the primary meteorological disaster that affects pasture, but insufficient soil moisture is the most prominent cause of pasture drought. Timely and accurate determination of the soil moisture threshold of pasture is important for objective recognition and monitoring of the occurrence and development of pasture drought. This study aims at investigating pasture responses to soil drought as well as quantitative expression of soil drought degree and drought threshold. Test plots were selected from the pasture test station. Five testing groups were set according to coverage rate (0–100 %) at the initiation the pasture growth period. The impacts of profile moisture characteristics, drought threshold, and precipitation on duration of pasture drought were studied. Research results have demonstrated that moisture in the soil profile below 20 cm decreases slightly throughout drought events in alpine grassland. Changes of soil moisture in the 0–20 cm layer can generally reflect drought stress of the pasture. In the process of a drought event, the relationship between soil water storage and cumulative relative water loss can be expressed via a logarithmic linear equation. Quantitative expression of drought degree in grasslands can be realized by transforming the slope of this equation into the index D with an interval of [0, 1]. The occurrence rates of mild drought,moderate drought, and severe drought were 0.36, 0.45, and 0.70, respectively. The duration of severe drought was closely related with initial soil moisture. The relationship between duration of drought and the necessary minimum precipitation can be expressed by an exponential equation. Values of the D index can express soil drought intensity and pasture drought intensity. The durations for different grades of drought events were correlated with both initial soil moisture and previous precipitation. The conclusions of this study can provide scientific references for the objective understanding onoccurrence, development, monitoring, and early warning of pasture drought.
Synoptic-scale conditions and convection-permitting hindcast
experiments of a cold-season derecho on 3 January 2014 in Western
Europe
Authors: Mathias Luca , Ludwig Patrick , Pinto Joaquim G.
Published: December 2018

Abstract. A major linear mesoscale convective system caused severe weather over northern France, Belgium, the Netherlands and northwestern Germany on 3 January 2014. The storm was classified as a cold-season derecho with widespread wind gusts exceeding 25 m s−1. While such derechos occasionally develop along cold fronts of extra-tropical cyclones, this system formed in a postfrontal air mass along a baroclinic surface pressure trough favoured by strong large-scale air ascent induced by an intense mid-level jet. The lower-tropospheric conditions were characterized by weak latent instability and strong vertical wind shear. Given the poor operational forecast of the storm, we analyse the role of initial and lateral boundary conditions to the storm's development by performing convection-permitting simulations with different datasets. The storm is best represented in simulations with high temporally and spatially resolved ERA5 initial and lateral boundary conditions, which provide the most realistic development of the essential surface pressure trough. Moreover, simulations at convection-resolving scale enable a better representation of the observed derecho intensity. This case study indicates that high resolution ensemble simulations might be important to overcome the current shortcomings of forecasting cold-season convective storms, particularly for cases not associated with a cold front.
3-Dimensional Rockfall Shape Back-Analysis: Methods
and Implications
Authors: Bonneau David A. , Hutchinson D. Jean , Difrancesco Paul-Mark , Coombs Melanie , Sala Zac
Published: December 2018

Abstract. Rockfall is a complex natural process that can present risks to the effective operation of infrastructure in mountainous terrain. Remote sensing tool and techniques are rapidly becoming the state of practice in the characterization, monitoring and management of these geohazards. The aim of this study is to address the methods and implications of how the dimensions of 3-dimensional rockfall objects, derived from sequential terrestrial laser scans (TLS), are measured. Previous approaches are reviewed, and two novel algorithms are introduced in an attempt to standardize the process. The approaches are applied to a set of synthetic rockfall objects generated in the open-source software package Blender. In addition, a database of close to 5000 rockfalls is presented derived from sequential TLS monitoring in the White Canyon, British Columbia, Canada. This study illustrates that the method in which the rockfall's dimensions are calculated has a significant impact on how the shape of a rockfall object is classified. This has implications for rockfall modelling as the block shape is known to influence rockfall runout.
Nelo Risi visto da vicino
Authors: Ioli Giovanna
Published: December 2018

Nella prima sezione di questo testo si analizzano le “esperienze” che stanno all’origine del lavoro di Nelo Risi. La trama dei punti di vista che s’irradiano nelle opere successive è il tema delle altre sezioni, dove sono messe in evidenza le occasioni pubbliche e private che forgiano la particolare forma espressiva e la magnetica memorabilità dello stile di Risi. La novità di questo percorso, in parte già noto, sta nel presentare l’autore seguendo il filo di un’inedita documentazione epistolare e iconografica, una “corrispondenza” d’intrecci e motivi che talvolta diventano ravvicinati, perché sarà la parola di Risi a irrompere dai fogli di un carteggio, mostrando come in uno specchio il suo profilo di uomo e di poeta.
«Un arte general del signo»: Imagen y escritura en las "cancellature" de Emilio Isgrò
Authors: Aznar Pérez Mario
Published: December 2018

Este artículo propone una aproximación crítica a la obra del artista y poeta italiano Emilio Isgrò (Barcellona di Sicilia, 1937), quien fusionando las nociones tradicionales de imagen y de escritura ha desafiado las concepciones del Arte y de la Literatura como instituciones cerradas y excluyentes. Al mismo tiempo, la obra visual de Isgrò dialoga críticamente con el lenguaje de los mass-media y nos invita a reflexionar sobre conceptos tan controvertidos como son los de representación e identidad. Por nuestra parte, en el amplio marco de la poesía experimental y del arte conceptual repasaremos algunas de las obras más relevantes de Isgrò, e indagaremos todos estos aspectos de su poética atendiendo al diálogo que establecen con la conciencia del límite y el procedimiento artístico de las cancellature.
Fantasmagoría y espectralidad: Benjamin y Derrida ante la imagen cinematográfica
Authors: Llevadot Laura
Published: December 2018

El propósito del presente estudio consiste en pensar el funcionamiento del cine y sus dimensiones políticas a partir de una lectura cruzada de Benjamin y Derrida. En primer lugar, se analizarán algunas lecturas críticas de La obra de arte en la era de su reproductibilidad técnica, con especial acento a los conceptos de aura y fantasmagoría. En segundo lugar, se valorarán los modos en que el cine resulta un aparato con potencial emancipador, para cuestionar planteamientos metafísicos inherentes a su concepción política como su capacidad ideológica de velar o desvelar la realidad o el fetichismo de las imágenes. Finalmente, se recurrirá a los conceptos derridianos de espectro, huella e injerto para hallar en el cinematógrafo un potencial político consistente en la producción de una alteración de la sensibilidad y de nuevas condiciones para la experiencia.
Industria cultural: génesis y actualidad de un concepto crítico
Authors: Maiso Jordi
Published: December 2018

El presente ensayo parte del destino histórico del concepto de “industria cultural” para intentar recuperar su potencial crítico con vistas al análisis de la sociedad contemporánea. El término fue acuñado en Dialéctica de la Ilustración, y se trata tanto de entender su sentido entonces como de sondear su posible vigencia hoy. En primer lugar se da cuenta de cómo para Adorno el análisis de la industria cultural era una clave para comprender las transformaciones de la socialización capitalista en su fase post-liberal, y no puede entenderse al margen de estas. Más adelante se intenta sondear si es posible reapropiarse de ese concepto para analizar fenómenos contemporáneos. Se intenta así plantear una actualización del diagnóstico de la industria cultural a partir de los procesos de digitalización, virtualización del mundo de la vida y transformación de las relaciones laborales con el propósito de iluminar las relaciones hoy vigentes entre la sociedad capitalista, el lugar de la cultura y las condiciones de vida.
Motivating Generation Z: Pop-ups in the FLE classroom
Authors: Abraham Marine
Published: December 2018

This study analyses how pedagogic aims have been altered by the introduction of new technologies used in Western societies and specifically focuses on the use of pop-ups in motiving teenage FLE (French as a Foreign Language) leaners. Having outlined a theoretical framework, it will then examine the results of a task-based learning activity in which FLE students designed an advertising campaign integrating the knowledge of technology acquired during the didactic sequence. Finally, it will highlight the fact that integrating new technologies during each stage of the academic project is fundamental in promoting active participation and collaboration in the learning environment.
Analysis of Healthcare Seeking Behavior
Authors: Dangel Chrissy , Allgeier Steven , Haas Adam , Johnson Amanda
Published: December 2018

This paper describes analyses of health seeking behaviors from two surveillance datastreams: Poison Control Center (PCC) calls and Emergency Department (ED) visit records. These analyses were conducted in order to quantify behaviors following the development of symptoms after water contamination exposure and to understand  the motivation, decision-making and timing behind healthcare seeking behaviors.
Real-time Laboratory-Based Influenza Surveillance with Xpert Flu
Authors: Dugas Andrea , Burkom Howard , Rothman Richard
Published: December 2018

In order to provide real-time access to influenza test results, we created a laboratory-based surveillance system which automatically uploaded influenza test results from a rapid PCR-based influenza test, Xpert Flu, and the associated testing times and locations. On-site, type-specific results were available to physicians and uploaded for public health awareness within 100 minutes of patient nasopharyngeal swab. Expansion of this real-time capability to sentinel facilities could improve both local and national surveillance and response, reducing the need for syndromic influenza surveillance.
Syndromic Surveillance of Motor Vehicle Crash Related Injuries in Nebraska
Authors: Gonzalez Sandra , Newmyer Ashley , Han Guangming , Qu Ming , Safranek Thomas
Published: December 2018

Traffic crashes cost Nebraska $1.6 billion a year, are the leading cause of injury death, and the fourth leading cause of injury hospital treatment in Nebraska. This pilot study demonstrates the value of emergency department syndromic surveillance data to aid the surveillance of motor vehicle crash (MVC) related injuries in Nebraska. Results of this study suggests that emergency department syndromic surveillance data can be used for the timely identification of MVC-related injuries in Nebraska. This will allow stakeholders to identify accident hot spots and better deployments of accident prevention assets and procedures.
Establishing a Plan of Action Implementing Integrated Disease Surveillance in Sudan
Authors: Khogali Hayat , Erondu Ngozi A. , Haile Betiel H. , McNabb Scott J.
Published: December 2018

A recent assessment of the Sudan public health surveillance system found fragmented and siloed disease programs and an overburdened workforce due to vertical systems and inefficient processes. A plan of action was developed to support improving public health surveillance strengthening by: 1) implementing a strategic approach to achieving IHR (2005), 2) implementing One Health and IDSR aims, and 3) establishing an E-surveillance ICT platform for increasing public health surveillance capacity to safely and rapidly detect and report infectious diseases in Sudan.
Patterns of Care in Michigan Emergency Departments as Insurance Coverage Expands
Authors: Mamou Fatema , Davis Matthew , Collins Jim , Fiedler Jay , Henderson Tiffany , Wickliffe Berger Kiera
Published: December 2018

Using the Michigan Syndromic Surveillance System changes in emergency department (ED) volume are being monitored as health insurance coverage expands through the Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP), which provides healthcare coverage to low-income adults. Seasonally adjusted monthly ED visits prior to and after the HMP implementation on April 1, 2014 are being compared. Preliminary data show increasing trends in ED utilization among populations with previously low levels of health insurance coverage. Increased health insurance coverage may expand healthcare service options beyond EDs. Alternatively, the demand for primary care services may exceed the level of access leading to increased ED utilization for primary care.
Electronic Health Records and Environmental Public Health Tracking
Authors: Namulanda Gonza
Published: December 2018

The Environmental Public Health Tracking Network (Tracking Network) is a national surveillance system that integrates environmental hazard, exposure, and health outcome data into one system. The Tracking Network launched in July 2009, and has since been receiving data from 23 funded state and local health departments, and several national partners. Despite this success, some challenges exist in obtaining more timely and complete data. This presentation will discuss how the Tracking Network is exploring the use of EHR to meet Tracking Network surveillance challenges and provide other opportunities to enhance environmental public health surveillance.
Monitoring Respiratory Syncytial Virus Regionally In Children Aged < 5 Years Old Using Emergency Department and Urgent Care Center Chief Complaint Data in Florida’s Syndromic Surveillance System, Week 1, 2010 - Week 32, 2014
Authors: Rubino Heather , Atrubin David , Hamilton Janet J.
Published: December 2018

ED chief complaint and discharge diagnosis data accessed through a syndromic surveillance system can be used for effective, timely monitoring of RSV hospitalizations in children < 5 years old and may be a more efficient and complete means of monitoring seasonality of RSV activity by region and statewide compared to hospital-based laboratory data reporting. Additionally, this surveillance technique can efficiently monitor RSV activity as well as estimate hospital admissions due to RSV and may be a useful approach for other states with syndromic surveillance systems.
Ebola, Enterovirus, MERS, Novel Flu, and other Challenges for Public Health Surveillance Practitioners
Authors: Siniscalchi Alan , Evans Brooke
Published: December 2018

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 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.
An Early Warning Influenza Model using Alberta Real- Time Syndromic Data (ARTSSN)
Authors: Smetanin Paul , Biel Rita K. , Stiff David , McNeil Douglas , Svenson Lawrence , Usman Hussain R. , Meurer David P. , Huang Jane , Nardelli Vanessa , Sikora Christopher , Talbot James
Published: December 2018

We developed early warning algorithms for influenza using data from the Alberta Real-Time Syndromic Surveillance Net (ARTSSN). In addition to looking for signatures of potential pandemics, the model was operationalized by using the algorithms to provide regular weekly forecasts on the influenza trends in Alberta during 2012-2014. We describe the development of the early warning model and the predicted influenza peak time and attack rate results. We report on the usefulness of this model using real-time ARTSSN data, discuss how it was used by decision makers and suggest future enhancements for this promising tool in influenza planning and preparedness.
Development of National Disability Surveillance System in Sri Lanka
Authors: Weerasinghe Inoka E. , Jayatilake Sumedha
Published: December 2018

This review was carried out to find out the types of national data available in the field of disability and to find out the possible methodology for establishing a disability surveillance system in Sri Lanka. Disability data differ from one data source to the other. Further, current disability data in Sri Lanka are non-comparable locally and internationally because they are not based on a scientific disability classification system. This highlights the great need of establishment of a national disability surveillance system based on scientific methods such as ICF.
Using Syndromic Surveillance Data to Describe Chronic High Frequency ED Utilization
Authors: Austin Erin E.
Published: December 2018

Study aims to use existing syndromic surveillance data to describe demographic and utilization characteristics among chronic high frequency emergency department (ED) users in order to better understand the health complaints affecting this population. A retrospective study was conducted from 44 acute care hospital EDs between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013. Analyses were conducted at the patient level based on medical record number and at the visit level based on chief complaint to characterize health complaints. This assessment determined a portion of visits by high frequency ED users could be directed to other health care services for appropriate treatmenterin.austin@vdh.virginia.gov
An Analysis of the Health Hazards Posed by a Surge of Unaccompanied Alien Children to the Lower Rio Grande Valley Border
Authors: Blessington Tyann , Hickey Andrew , Wong Diana Y. , Freese Mark , Quitugua Teresa
Published: December 2018

The health hazards posed by the 2104 surge of unaccompanied alien children to the Lower Rio Grande Valley border were minimal.
Development of Genomic Surveillance Bioinformatics Modules
Authors: Tyagi Eishita , Hopkins R. C. , Baker Dan , Jordan King , Tang Shiyuyun
Published: December 2018

Developing a modular approach to infectious disease genomic analysis that can easily integrate with public health analytics systems. Using dynamic approaches to genomic sequence analysis, relevant whole genome data can be quickly and accurately visualized and correlated, using a minimum of computational resources. We propose to develop visualization modules that integrate disparate data sources including integrate geospatial location metadata with associated epidemiological factors to enable faster outbreak identification and enhance surveillance.
Unintentional Drug Overdoses in Virginia: Analysis of Syndromic and Death Data
Authors: Wahnich Amanda , Hobron Kathrin , Austin Erin E. , Powell Tim
Published: December 2018

Substance abuse results in considerable morbidity each year in the United States. The relationship between drug overdose emergency department visits and deaths that opiate use contributed to or caused in Virginia was assessed for 2012-2013 to determine if syndromic surveillance data can be used to provide a real-time and accurate picture of the population at risk for drug overdose. Drug overdose emergency department visits showed divergent demographics from opiate deaths with respect to sex and age distributions. This may indicate a shift in the population previously identified as at risk for drug use morbidity.
HIV Surveillance: Life Skills Education Programme among in-school Adolescents
Authors: Adeyemi Olubunmi , Fawole Olufunmilayo , Adeyemi Adedayo
Published: December 2018

Reduction in HIV transmission needs continuous, comprehensive and effective communication methods to motivate adolescents to reduce risk of HIV infection. Life skills education, an integral part of school-based AIDS programs, is a timely prevention effort. The main goal of the life skills approach is to enhance young people ability to take responsibility for making healthier choices, resisting negative pressures, and avoiding risk behaviors. A cross sectional study design was done. The number of students was 1467. This study showed that family life and HIV/AIDS education with some socio demographic factors contributed to the improvement of life skills education program.
Field Lessons from a Zoonotic Disease Study in the Nairobi Health Surveillance System
Authors: Amendah Djesika D. , Muriuki Peterrock , Ngomi Nicholas , Kavao Martin , Muhia Nelson
Published: December 2018

We aim to disseminate field lessons gained from studying zoonotic diseases among children with diarrhea in the Nairobi Urban Health and Demographic Surveillance System. Despite the numerical importance of slums in sub-Saharan Africa, little is known on the practice of health surveillance in those resource-limited areas. Challenges and lessons gained concern sustaining community participation over the years, engaging with gatekeepers, hiring and training local fieldworkers, ensuring safety of employees and material, and offering clinical care to children with diarrhea in their households.
Validation of New Jersey Emergency Department (ED) Registration Data in BioSense 2.0
Authors: Chen Feiyan , Kostial Elizabeth , Hamby Teresa , Tsai Stella
Published: December 2018

Data validation tools and process development
Comparison of ILINet and ESSENCE for Influenza Surveillance at the Local Level
Authors: Connolly Sarah , Danyluk Gregory
Published: December 2018

ILINet is used by sentinel healthcare providers for reporting influenza surveillance data. The Florida Department of Health receives urgent care center data through the ESSENCE syndromic surveillance system from participating facilities, and which can include discharge diagnoses. Seminole County is unique in that its sentinel providers located in four separate urgent care centers report into both systems, and their discharge diagnoses are recorded in ESSENCE. Data from the two systems were therefore compared both among and between the individual sentinel providers in order to identify differences in reporting influenza in ILINet from actual discharge diagnoses for influenza identified through ESSENCE.
Dry Climate as a Predictor of Chagas’ Disease Irregular Clusters: A Covariate Study
Authors: Duczmal Luiz H. , Moreira Gladston J. , Paquete Luís , Menotti David , Takahashi Ricardo , Burgarelli Denise
Published: December 2018

ovariate studies associating the presence of regularly shaped geographic clusters with environmental factors are routinely done using the Circular Scan.  However, if the study employs irregular clusters instead, accurate results depend on the generation of a rich family of variants of the primary cluster.  We employ climate information to assess the possible spatial dependence on the occurrence of Chagas' disease irregular clusters in Central Brazil, using a modification of the Spatial Scan Statistic, the Geo-Dynamic Scan.  It finds more potentially useful variants of the primary cluster with more desirable covariate values.  This information could be useful in Chagas' disease surveillance.
School Health: A Novel School Nurse Clinic Surveillance Project in Coastal Georgia
Authors: Feldpausch Amanda , Smith Wendy , Soetebier Karl , Drenzek Cherie , Cornell Marsha
Published: December 2018

In 2012, the Syndromic Surveillance Program (SSP) of the Georgia Department of Public Health and Effingham County Schools began collecting syndromic surveillance school nurse clinic visit data. The hypothesis was that these data could provide situational awareness during a pandemic, inform health interventions, elucidate disease burden in students, and characterize school nurse activities. Analysis of the data highlighted a significant burden of asthma and diabetes management and a disparate burden of illnesses across schools. In response to the initial findings of this project, chronic disease programs at the state health department are considering funding Effingham schools for targeted health interventions.
Use of Administrative Health Care Data for Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance
Authors: Flagg Elaine W. , Weinstock Hillard
Published: December 2018

We evaluated the usefulness of 3 administrative health care databases for sexually transmitted disease (STD) surveillance. Strengths include availability of diagnosis and procedure codes for large numbers of records. All data sources offer standardized data values. However, none of the sources include laboratory test results or inpatient medications, although several contain outpatient prescription claims. Despite limitations, administrative health care data provide new opportunities for STD surveillance among large numbers of health care consumers. These data may be particularly useful for non-reportable STD and STD clinical sequelae, but delayed availability may limit their utility for public health response.
Evaluation of PraedicoTM, A Next Generation Big Data Biosurveillance Application
Authors: Holodniy Mark , Winston Carla , Lucero-Obusan Cynthia A. , Oda Gina , Mostaghimi Anosh , Pavlin Julie A. , Etminani Payam , Lee Chris , Sedghi Farshid
Published: December 2018

We conducted an initial assessment of the biosurveillance capabilities of a new software application called Praedico and compared results obtained from previous queries with the ESSENCE.
Using SAGES OpenESSENCE for Mass Gathering Events
Authors: Hoy Damian , Mercier Alize , White Paul , Saketa Salanieta T. , Roth Adam , Souares Yvan , Lepers Christelle , Wojcik Richard , Katz Aaron , Campbell Timothy , Patel Shraddha , Feighner Brian , Lewis Sheri
Published: December 2018

Present how a surveillance tool such as SAGES was used for disease surveillance for mass gathering activities. Presentation will contain some visualizations that were created from the SAGES toolkit.
Evaluation of an Electronic Smart-Card Based School Absenteeism Surveillance System
Authors: Ip Dennis , Lau Eric H.Y. , Tam Yat-hung , So Teresa , Lam Chi-kin , Cowling Benjamin J. , Leung Gabriel M.
Published: December 2018

We evaluated the performance of an electronic smart-card based school absenteeism surveillance system which was initiated in 2008 in Hong Kong. The result demonstrated the feasibility and potential benefit of employing electronic school absenteeism data as captured automatically by a smart card system as an alternative data stream for monitoring influenza activities, and flexibility in establishing surveillance for emerging diseases. The increasing popularity of usage of smart card technology in various community settings might also represent potentially timely and cost-effective opportunities for innovative surveillance systems.
Using NC DETECT for Comprehensive Morbidity Surveillance on Poisoning and Overdose
Authors: Ising Amy , Harmon Katherine J. , Waller Anna E. , Proescholdbell Scott , Deyneka Lana
Published: December 2018

Twelve new locally defined case definitions were added to NC DETECT in May and June 2014 to facilitate timely surveillance for poisoning and overdose in North Carolina. The case definitions cover acute alcohol poisoning, poisoning, unintentional poisoning, heroin overdose, medication or drug overdose, methadone overdose, opioid overdose, prescription opioid analgesic overdose, Narcan/naloxone, and unintentional medication or drug overdose. Authorized users can monitor trends and review line listing details for their jurisdictions and compare their counties at the aggregate level to other counties and the state.
An Exploration of the H1N1 Outbreak in Champaign and Urbana Elementary Schools
Authors: Komisarz Christopher , Brooks Ian
Published: December 2018

This project examines school absence data in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. These school districts differ in their catchment policies with Urbana using traditional neighborhood schools and Champaign schools being integrated city-wide. Analysis of these data showed that there is a difference both in time and severity between the two school districts. Urbana schools show a distinct time of increased absences over the course of October 2009, while Champaign schools show a general peak in absences in mid-October. There were no significant correlations among absences and low-income composition, school population, or ethnic composition.
Timeliness of Chlamydia Laboratory and Provider Reports: A Modern Perspective
Authors: Lai Patrick T. , Johns Janae E. , Kirbiyik Uzay , Dixon Brian E.
Published: December 2018

Communicable disease reporting remains a challenging task for public health. To understand modern reporting behaviors and challenges, we investigated a sample of chlamydia laboratory and provider communicable disease documentation sent to a local health department. We measured the delay between a chlamydia positive test result and when reports were sent to public health in addition to comparing the results to state law. Laboratory reporting has improved given the adoption of electronic lab reporting. However, provider reports still lag and tend to be fax-based. Given the movement towards electronic health record (EHR) systems, health IT platforms may further improve the timeliness of public health reporting.
Modeling Spatial Heterogeneity with Excess Zeroes from School Absenteeism dSata
Authors: Song Xiaoxiao , Zhao Qi , Zhou Changming , Tao Tao , Palm Lars , Diwan Vinod , Yuan Hui , Xu Biao
Published: December 2018

Absenteeism has great advantages in promoting the early detection of epidemics. The spatial patterns of the data generally are polytropy and heterogeneity. The public health experts pay more attention to whether an outbreak will happen or/and how large the epidemic will be of school absenteeism data in spatial patterns. We construct simultaneously two set of random effects (u1, u2) in RE-ZIP to quantify this two kind spatial heterogeneity for 62 schools.
Evaluating the Utility of HealthMap as a Supplementary Surveillance Tool
Authors: Thomas Melinda C. , Kite-Powell Aaron , Atrubin David , Hamilton Janet J.
Published: December 2018

This session discusses an assessment of the outbreak detection utility of HealthMap, a publically available event-based biosurveillance system utilizing various internet-based media resources to identify outbreaks, at the state and local level. Results may help determine whether HealthMap should be monitored more closely as a supplementary surveillance tool.
Influenza Surveillance in Mozambique: Results and Challenges from the First Year of Implementation
Authors: Tivane Almiro R. , Adamo Noorbebi , Nguenha Neuza , Ali Sadia A. , Dimbane Edma D. , Bero Diocreciano M. , Chilaúle Jorfélia J. , Pinto Gabriela D. , Mussa Tufaria
Published: December 2018

An approriate approach is needed for Mozambique reality to maintain the appropriate surveillance of influenza and other respiratory virus. Such approaches include the appropriate hospital staff (commitment and understanding), flow within the system, cost-effectiveness, case definitions and selection of the sentinel sites. The approach used at the start of the influenza surveillance yield to low income of samples, but more flu positive cases detected, with other challenges related to staff commitment, awarness and others. A second approach was adopted and specimens income increased, but the flu positivity was low and some other challenges remains to be find out and overcome.
Using an Emergency Department Syndromic Surveillance System to Assess the Impact of Cyclone Bejisa, Reunion Island
Authors: Vilain Pascal , Pagès Frédéric , Mougin-Damour Katia , Combes Xavier , Marianne Dit Cassou Pierre-Jean , Antoine Yves Jacques , Filleul Laurent
Published: December 2018

On January 2, 2014 the cyclone Bejisa struck Reunion Island. In anticipation, an epidemiological surveillance was set up in order to assess the impact in the aftermath of the cyclone. Short-term health effects were assessed using a syndromic surveillance system based on data of EDs and EMS. A peak of calls to the EMS was observed the day of the cyclone and an increase of ED visits over the next two days. At the same time, a significant increase of visits for trauma, burns, conjunctivitis was detected. The reactivity and the flexibility of the syndromic surveillance system allowed to rapidly assess the health impact of the cyclone.
Improving Local Non-Communicable Disease Surveillance within a Changing Data Environment
Authors: Young Allison , Fliss Mike D. , Ising Amy
Published: December 2018

This project aims to fill a growing county-level health data gap, increase noncommunicable disease surveillance capacity within North Carolina local health departments (LHDs), and improve situational awareness through the development of a low-cost, Excel-based surveillance tool. This prototype utilizes emergency room data collected by the North Carolina Disease Event Tracking and Epidemiologic Collection Tool (NC DETECT), a state-wide surveillance system, in order to visualize, monitor, and compare local health indicators. An Excel template is in development that will allow (NC DETECT) 166 registered LHD users to select common health indicators, pull annual trend data, and visualize them through meaningful reports.
Comparison between HL7 and Legacy Syndromic Surveillance Data in New York City
Authors: Yung Janette , Nkwocha Promise , Tam Anthony W. , Lall Ramona , Mathes Robert
Published: December 2018

As part of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Electronic Health Record Incentive Program, otherwise known as Meaningful Use, many New York City emergency departments participating in the city syndromic surveillance system have switched or are in the process of switching data format from text files to HL7 Messaging Standard Version 2.5.1. We evaluated data completeness, quality, and content from hospitals that are sending in both data formats in parallel. Although the sample size was small (n=4 hospitals), we found data completeness and quality improved as hospitals shifted to HL7 messaging. We will continue monitoring hospitals as they upgrade to this new format.