bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury: Analysis of parameters in proximal tibia using anteroposterior radiography
Authors: Xiao Wen-Feng , Yang Tuo , Cui Yang , Zeng Chao , Wu Song , Wang Yi-Lun , Lei Guang-Hua 
Published: December 2015

Objective To investigate the relationship between the proximal tibial parameters of tibia width (TW), eminence width (EW), and eminence width index (EWI), and noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, in a Chinese population. Methods A retrospective case–control study was conducted of all ACL reconstructions (ACL group) and meniscal surgeries (control group) undertaken at two Chinese hospitals. Patients in the ACL group were age- and sex-matched with controls. Anteroposterior knee radiographs were used to measure the TW, EW and EWI. Results A total of 73 pairs of patients who were verified by knee arthroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging and physical examination were included in the study. There was no significant difference between the ACL group and the control group in terms of TW in the total population and in the two sex subgroups. The ACL group had a significantly smaller EW and EWI compared with the control group in the total population and in the two sex subgroups. Conclusion Decreased EW and EWI are associated with increased risk of noncontact ACL injury in a Chinese population.
Breastfeeding Duration and Primary Reasons for Breastfeeding Cessation among Women with Postpartum Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Bascom Erin McElderry , Napolitano Melissa A. 
Published: December 2015

Background: Although postpartum depression is associated with lower breastfeeding initiation rates and shorter breastfeeding duration, the potential mechanisms through which this relationship functions are not well understood. Objective: This study examined the breastfeeding behaviors of women with postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS) to identify potential motivations for early breastfeeding cessation. Methods: An analysis of quantitative data from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II examined the relationship between PDS and breastfeeding behaviors, including breastfeeding duration and primary reasons for early breastfeeding cessation. Results: Of the women in the sample, 30.9% met criteria for mild PDS. Women with PDS had shorter overall (18.4 vs 21.8 weeks, P = .001) and exclusive breastfeeding duration (3.6 vs 4.7 weeks, P = .012) than women without PDS. A larger proportion of women with PDS stopped breastfeeding before 6 months (68.7% vs 57.2%, P < .001). After controlling for socioeconomic status, education, marital status, employment status, race/ethnicity, maternal age, parity, and breastfeeding intentions, presence of PDS significantly predicted higher odds of reporting “too many household duties” (OR = 1.90, P = .011) as a primary reason for breastfeeding cessation among women who stopped breastfeeding before 6 months. After controlling for these same covariates, women with PDS had, on average, 2.4 weeks shorter breastfeeding duration than women without PDS ( P = .025). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among new mothers, and most do not breastfeed for recommended time periods. Increased PDS screening during prenatal and postpartum visits and promotion of lactation support services may better address the high rates of PDS and suboptimal breastfeeding behavior.
Do Videogames Simulate? Virtuality and Imitation in the Philosophy of Simulation
Authors: Karhulahti Veli-Matti 
Published: December 2015

Simulation. The concept of simulation has been contested in academia since its proliferation in the 1960s. This is hardly the case in videogame research, the subject of which is commonly discussed as a simulation or something that simulates with little analytical consideration of the term’s other scientific roles. Comparison. The article compares the simulation of videogame research to the ways in which other scientific sectors utilize the term. Problematic science communication. It turns out that videogame research has found an eccentric use for simulation with none or little relation to the term’s scientific (knowledge-driven) and etymological (imitational) predecessors. This becomes a problem in cross-scientific communication. Intentional philosophy. In order to overcome the problem, the article encourages scholars to adopt an intentional philosophy of simulation according to which videogames and their components may be structured as computerized simulators or simulations if functional evidence for a reference system exists. For those cases that lack functional evidence, the article (re)proposes the conceptual framework of virtuality.
Translating knowledge into practice: An exploratory study of dementia-specific training for community-based service providers
Authors: O’Sullivan Grace , Hocking Clare , McPherson Kathryn 
Published: December 2015

Objective To develop, deliver, and evaluate dementia-specific training designed to inform service delivery by enhancing the knowledge of community-based service providers. Methods This exploratory qualitative study used an interdisciplinary, interuniversity team approach to develop and deliver dementia-specific training. Participants included management, care staff, and clients from three organizations funded to provide services in the community. Data on the acceptability, applicability, and perceived outcomes of the training were gathered through focus group discussions and individual interviews. Transcripts were analyzed to generate open codes which were clustered into themes and sub-themes addressing the content, delivery, and value of the training. Findings Staff valued up-to-date knowledge and “real stories” grounded in practice. Clients welcomed the strengths-based approach. Contractual obligations impact on the application of knowledge in practice. Implications The capacity to implement new knowledge may be limited by the legislative policies which frame service provision, to the detriment of service users.
ICAM-1–expressing neutrophils exhibit enhanced effector functions in murine models of endotoxemia
Authors: Woodfin Abigail , Beyrau Martina , Voisin Mathieu-Benoit , Ma Bin , Whiteford James R. , Hordijk Peter L. , Hogg Nancy , Nourshargh Sussan 
Published: December 2015

Key PointsMurine neutrophils can be stimulated by LPS to express de novo ICAM-1 in vitro and in murine models of endotoxemia in vivo. Neutrophil ICAM-1 expression correlated with enhanced phagocytosis and ROS generation, and ICAM-1 deficiency caused defective phagocytosis.
Trends and predictors of asthma costs: results from a 10-year longitudinal study
Authors: Tan Ngiap Chuan , Nguyen Hai V. , Lye Weng Kit , Sankari Usha , Nadkarni Nivedita V. 
Published: December 2015

Research on asthma costs often focuses on estimating average asthma costs. Trends in asthma costs and patterns of medication use, especially for those who have been followed up and under treatment, have received much less attention. This study's objective was to document asthma costs over time for asthma patients who are enrolled in an asthma care programme in Singapore and to identify its predictors, using a 10-year longitudinal dataset.The study population comprised different cohorts of 939 asthma patients entering the programme at different times during 2004–2013. Average asthma costs were estimated and the trends over time examined graphically, within and across patient cohorts. Regression analyses were conducted to examine cost predictors, with a focus on the relationship between risk factors at programme enrolment and subsequent asthma costs.The results indicate that 10-year average annual asthma cost was GBP 341 per patient. The main drivers of costs were asthma medications and consultation fees. Use of combined inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β-agonist medications increased over time, but this was accompanied by declines in controller drug use, doctor visits and total asthma drug costs. Obesity, smoking and asthma severity were the main predictors of subsequent asthma costs, especially for females.
Light-emitting diode fluorescence microscopy for tuberculosis diagnosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chang Eva W. , Page Anne-Laure , Bonnet Maryline 
Published: December 2015

Light-emitting diode fluorescence microscopy (LED-FM) is recommended by the World Health Organization to replace conventional Ziehl–Neelsen microscopy for pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis. Uptake of LED-FM has been slow. One reason is its reported loss of specificity compared with Ziehl–Neelsen microscopy. We aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of LED-FM for tuberculosis detection and explore potential factors that might affect its performance.A comprehensive search strategy based on pre-specified criteria was employed to identify eligible studies between January 1, 2000 and April 1, 2014 in 11 databases. Standardised study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were conducted. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of LED-FM using culture as the reference standard were estimated through meta-analyses using a bivariate random-effects model. Investigation of heterogeneity was performed by subgroup analyses.We identified 12 unique studies, half of which were from peripheral healthcare facilities. LED-FM achieved a pooled sensitivity of 66.9% (95% CI 60.5–72.7%) and pooled specificity of 96.8% (95% CI 93.1–98.6%). A pooled sensitivity of 53.0% (95% CI 42.8–63.0%) and pooled specificity of 96.1% (95% CI 86.0–99.0%) were obtained by LED-FM among HIV-infected patients. Study methodology factors and differences in the LED-FM procedure or device could also affect the performance.LED-FM specificity is high and should not be a barrier to device introduction, particularly among peripheral healthcare settings where this technology is meant to be used. Sensitivity is reduced in HIV-infected patients.
Lung function, forced expiratory volume in 1 s decline and COPD hospitalisations over 44 years of follow-up
Authors: Zaigham Suneela , Wollmer Per , Engström Gunnar 
Published: December 2015

The use of baseline lung function in the prediction of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) hospitalisations, all-cause mortality and lung function decline was assessed in the population-based “Men Born in 1914” cohort.Spirometry was assessed at age 55 years in 689 subjects, of whom 392 had spirometry reassessed at age 68  years. The cohort was divided into three groups using fixed ratio (FR) and lower limit of normal (LLN) criterion: forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/vital capacity (VC) ≥70%, FEV1/VC <70% but ≥LLN (FR+LLN−), and FEV1/VC <70% and <LLN (FR+LLN+).Over 44 years of follow-up, 88 men were hospitalised due to COPD and 686 died. Hazard ratios (95% CI) for incident COPD hospitalisation were 4.15 (2.24–7.69) for FR+LLN−and 7.88 (4.82–12.87) for FR+LLN+(reference FEV1/VC ≥70%). Hazard ratios for death were 1.30 (0.98–1.72) for FR+LLN−and 1.58 (1.25–2.00) for FR+LLN+. The adjusted FEV1decline between 55 and 68 years of age was higher for FR+LLN−and FR+LLN+relative to the reference. Of those with FR+LLN−at 55 years, 53% had progressed to the FR+LLN+group at 68 years.Airflow obstruction at age 55 years is a powerful risk factor for future COPD hospitalisations. The FR+LLN−group should be carefully evaluated in clinical practice in relation to future risks and potential benefit from early intervention. This is reinforced by the increased FEV1decline in this group.
The Ghana essential health interventions program: a plausibility trial of the impact of health systems strengthening on maternal & child survival
Authors: Awoonor-Williams John Koku , Bawah Ayaga A , Nyonator Frank K , Asuru Rofina , Oduro Abraham , Ofosu Anthony , Phillips James F 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

Background
During the 1990s, researchers at the Navrongo Health Research Centre in northern Ghana developed a highly successful community health program. The keystone of the Navrongo approach was the deployment of nurses termed community health officers to village locations. A trial showed that, compared to areas relying on existing services alone, the approach reduced child mortality by half, maternal mortality by 40%, and fertility by nearly a birth — from a total fertility rate of 5.5 in only five years. In 2000, the government of Ghana launched a national program called Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) to scale up the Navrongo model. However, CHPS scale-up has been slow in districts located outside of the Upper East Region, where the “Navrongo Experiment” was first carried out. This paper describes the Ghana Essential Health Intervention Project (GEHIP), a plausibility trial of strategies for strengthening CHPS, especially in the areas of maternal and newborn health, and generating the political will to scale up the program with strategies that are faithful to the original design.

Description of the intervention
GEHIP improves the CHPS model by 1) extending the range and quality of services for newborns; 2) training community volunteers to conduct the World Health Organization service regimen known as integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI); 3) simplifying the collection of health management information and ensuring its use for decision making; 4) enabling community health nurses to manage emergencies, particularly obstetric complications and refer cases without delay; 5) adding $0.85 per capita annually to district budgets and marshalling grassroots political commitment to financing CHPS implementation; and 6) strengthening CHPS leadership at all levels of the system.

Evaluation design
GEHIP impact is assessed by conducting baseline and endline survey research and computing the Heckman “difference in difference” test for under-5 mortality in three intervention districts relative to four comparison districts for core indicators of health status and survival rates. To elucidate results, hierarchical child survival hazard models will be estimated that incorporate measures of health system strength as survival determinants, adjusting for the potentially confounding effects of parental and household characteristics. Qualitative systems appraisal procedures will be used to monitor and explain GEHIP implementation innovations, constraints, and progress.

Discussion
By demonstrating practical means of strengthening a real-world health system while monitoring costs and assessing maternal and child survival impact, GEHIP is expected to contribute to national health policy, planning, and resource allocation that will be needed to accelerate progress with the Millennium Development Goals.
Fiscal policies and the prices of labor: a comparison of the U.K. and U.S.
Authors: Mulligan Casey B. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
This paper measures the 2007–13 evolution of employment tax rates in the U.K. and the U.S. The U.S. changes are greater, in the direction of taxing a greater fraction of the value created by employment, and primarily achieved with new implicit tax rates. Even though both countries implemented a temporary “fiscal stimulus,” their tax rate dynamics were different: the U.S. stimulus increased rates, whereas the U.K. stimulus reduced them. The U.K. later increased the tax on employment during its “austerity” period. Tax rate measurements are a first ingredient for cross-country comparisons of labor markets during and after the financial crisis.
Sport Hall Acoustics
Authors: Iannace Gino 
Published: December 2015

A reciprocating compressor is commonly used in industry. However, because it is extremely noisy and harmful to the ears, a noise control mechanism is necessary. Eight kinds of noise control strategies used with the reciprocating compressor are explored, and COMSOL, a numerical analysis software, is adopted for acoustical analysis in the paper. The primary purpose of this research is to assess the influence of seven noise control strategies for the suction/discharge muffler of a reciprocating compressor. Results have shown that the noise control strategies can efficiently improve the acoustical performance of the suction/discharge mufflers. Sports halls are often used for musical shows, but they are primarily built for sporting events and the reverberation time values are often very high. In this paper acoustic measurements are reported inside a sport hall, the reverberation time measured is over 5.0 s at the middle frequencies, so it is unsuitable for musical shows. The acoustic correction is analysed with a software for the architectural acoustics; absorbent material under trusses and on the walls were considered, in this configuration the reverberation time calculated is about 2.6 s; the presence of audience is also analysed.
Improving the accuracy of HES comorbidity codes by better documentation in surgical admission proforma
Authors: Navid Ahmad , Hajibandeh Shahin , Mohan Jayarama , Hajibandeh Shahab 
Published: December 2015

Background: Poor documentation in medical notes can affect the quality of the source document for coding which can lead to inaccurate coding. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data for comorbidities and to establish whether better documentation in admission clerking proforma can improve the accuracy of codes for comorbidities in general surgical patients. Methods: A clinical audit was conducted to assess the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of HES codes for comorbidities in general surgical patients before and after implementing better documentation in admission clerking proforma. The following comorbidities were included: hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and hypercholesterolaemia. Medical notes were used as reference standard and a target standard of 98% was determined for the above measures. Results: Overall, on the initial audit, HES codes had substandard accuracy (90.5%, kappa = 0.599), sensitivity (47.71%, 95% confidence interval 38.05–57.49%) and negative predictive value (89.60%, 95% confidence interval 86.73–92.03%). HES codes for comorbidities were 100% specific with positive predictive value of 100%. Implementing better documentation in the admission clerking proforma improved the accuracy (99.67%, kappa = 0.985), sensitivity (97.4%, 95% confidence interval 90.93–99.68%) and negative predictive value (99.62%, 95% confidence interval 98.63–99.95%) significantly from the baseline (P<0.0001). Conclusions: Although HES codes can confidently predict the actual presence of the comorbidities, they have substandard accuracy and ability to rule out the presence of the comorbidities. Better documentation in clerking proforma can improve the accuracy and ‘ruling out’ ability of the HES codes. This can be achieved by improving knowledge and accountability of clinicians about documenting comorbidities.
A Newton-like method for computing deflating subspaces
Authors: Demyanko Kirill V. , Nechepurenko Yuri M. , Sadkane Miloud 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis work is devoted to computations of deflating subspaces associated with separated groups of finite eigenvalues near specified shifts of large regular matrix pencils. The proposed method is a combination of inexact inverse subspace iteration and Newton’s method. The first one is slow but reliably convergent starting with almost an arbitrary initial subspace and it is used as a preprocessing to obtain a good initial guess for the second method which is fast but only locally convergent. The Newton method necessitates at each iteration the solution of a generalized Sylvester equation and for this task an iterative algorithm based on the preconditioned GMRES method is devised. Numerical properties of the proposed combination are illustrated with a typical hydrodynamic stability problem.
On the convergence of Halley’s method for simultaneous computation of polynomial zeros
Authors: Proinov Petko D. , Ivanov Stoil I. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn this paper we study the convergence of Halley’s method as a method for finding all zeros of a polynomial simultaneously. We present two types of local convergence theorems as well as a semilocal convergence theorem for Halley’s method for simultaneous computation of polynomial zeros.
Climate and Conflict: Whence the Weather?
Authors: Gartzke Erik , Böhmelt Tobias 
Published: December 2015

AbstractResearchers have increasingly sought to identify the social repercussions of an evolving climate. Several influential studies claim that climate change is responsible for increases in conflict, while other research finds no such evidence. Relating human-caused changes in the climate to conflict poses a basic endogeneity problem, though: accepting that industrial activity is responsible for altering the climate implies that human agency is indirectly involved in the impact of the climate on conflict. Specifically, industrial activity is closely tied to climate change and to rising economic development, the latter generally being accepted as a determinant of reductions in conflict. In this letter, we discuss this endogeneity problem, outline possible shortcomings for empirical research if this problem is not addressed, and propose a research strategy that might eventually help to overcome it effectively.
Blend membranes based on polyurethane and polyethylene glycol: exploring the impact of molecular weight and concentration of the second phase on gas permeation enhancement
Authors: Abdolmaleki Milad , Tavakoli Touraj , Jazani Omid Moini , Saeb Mohammad Reza 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
This work seeks to explore the permeability dependence of polyurethane (PU)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) blend membranes on the molecular weight and composition of PEG constituent polymer. In this regard, gases with different polar nature were mixed (CO2/N2, CO2/CH4, and O2/N2) and subjected to a series of PU/PEG blends prepared via solution casting method. With the alteration of the molecular weight (1000, 2000, and 6000 g/mol) and composition (0, 10, 15, and 20 wt.%) of PEG in the blend films, the potentials of membranes in controlling the permeation of gas molecules within the films were quantified, compared, and discussed. It is known that the introduction of PEG into PU-based membranes causes the films to become more flexible, which brings advantages from an application point of view. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy analyses were used to study the microstructural changes in the prepared PU/PEG blend membranes. The selectivity of the films was obviously displaced by the introduction of PEG, particularly when higher-molecular-weight PEGs were used and the resulting hybrid membranes were subjected to a mixture of CO2/CH4 or CO2/N2 gases.
Numerical simulation of spatial motion of a thread
Authors: Kobel’kov Georgy M. , Zvyagin Alexander V. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractSpatial motion of an ideal inextensible thread is described by six first order partial differential equations with one space variable and one algebraic equation that has to be valid at each point. In the paper, new formulation of the problem without an algebraic equation is suggested. It is proved that the new problem is equivalent to the original one and an efficient numerical method for its solution is developed.