bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reasons to end the donor career: a quantitative study among stopped blood donors in the Netherlands
Authors: Klinkenberg E. F. , Romeijn B. , de Kort W. L. , Merz E.‐M. 
Published: July 2017

SUMMARYBackground and ObjectivesPrevious work has studied barriers to donating blood or plasma among current, lapsed and non‐donors. Still, it remains unclear why donors stop donating and end their donor career voluntarily. A thorough understanding of why donors stop is necessary to develop more effective retention strategies and manage the decline in whole‐blood donors.MethodsAn online questionnaire that contained questions about reasons to stop donation was sent out to 7098 Dutch whole‐blood donors who deregistered from the donor pool in 2015 but who were not permanently deferred for medical reasons (response:N = 2490, 35%).ResultsThe final sample consisted of 1865 stopped blood donors. Of the stopped blood donors, 28·4% reported that negative physical experiences were (partly) the reason to stop. This stopping reason was more often reported by women than men, those aged 19–33 years compared to older groups and those who had donated five times or less compared to those with more donations. Inconvenient opening times (26·1%) was a stopping reason more frequently reported by men compared to women, those aged 34–50 years compared to their younger and older counterparts and those who had donated more than five times.ConclusionsWe found that the stopping reasons for blood donors are dependent on gender, age and the number of donations. Stopping reasons differ substantially from barriers experienced by current, lapsed and non‐donors. More research on preventing negative physical experiences and implementing more flexible opening hours are advised.
Determination of optimum insulation thicknesses using economical analyse for exterior walls of buildings with different masses
Authors: Kon Okan 
Published: July 2017

In this study, five different cities were selected from the five climatic zones according to Turkish standard TS 825, and insulation thicknesses of exterior walls of sample buildings were calculated by using optimization. Vertical perforated bricks with density of 550 kg/m3 and 1000 kg/m3 were chosen within the study content. Glass wool, expanded polystyrene (XPS), extruded polystyrene (EPS) were considered as insulation materials. Additionally, natural gas, coal, fuel oil and LPG were utilized as fuel for heating process while electricity was used for cooling. Life cycle cost (LCC) analysis and degree-day method were the approaches for optimum insulation thickness calculations. As a result, in case of usage vertical perforated bricks with density of 550 kg/m3 and 1000 kg/m3 resulted different values in between 0.005-0.007 m (5-7 mm) in the optimum insulation thickness calculations under different insulation materials. Minimum optimum insulation thickness was calculated in case XPS was preferred as insulation material, and the maximum one was calculated in case of using glass wool.
Effects of the I-PASS Nursing Handoff Bundle on communication quality and workflow
Authors: Starmer Amy J , Schnock Kumiko O , Lyons Aimee , Hehn Rebecca S , Graham Dionne A , Keohane Carol , Landrigan Christopher P 
Published: July 2017

Background and objectiveHandoff communication errors are a leading source of sentinel events. We sought to determine the impact of a handoff improvement programme for nurses.MethodsWe conducted a prospective pre-post intervention study on a paediatric intensive care unit in 2011–2012. The I-PASS Nursing Handoff Bundle intervention consisted of educational training, verbal handoff I-PASS mnemonic implementation, and visual materials to provide reinforcement and sustainability. We developed handoff direct observation and time motion workflow assessment tools to measure: (1) quality of the verbal handoff, including interruption frequency and presence of key handoff data elements; and (2) duration of handoff and other workflow activities.ResultsI-PASS implementation was associated with improvements in verbal handoff communications, including inclusion of illness severity assessment (37% preintervention vs 67% postintervention, p=0.001), patient summary (81% vs 95%, p=0.05), to do list (35% vs 100%, p<0.001) and an opportunity for the receiving nurse to ask questions (34% vs 73%, p<0.001). Overall, 13/21 (62%) of verbal handoff data elements were more likely to be present following implementation whereas no data elements were less likely present. Implementation was associated with a decrease in interruption frequency pre versus post intervention (67% vs 40% of handoffs with interruptions, p=0.005) without a change in the median handoff duration (18.8 min vs 19.9 min, p=0.48) or changes in time spent in direct or indirect patient care activities.ConclusionsImplementation of the I-PASS Nursing Handoff Bundle was associated with widespread improvements in the verbal handoff process without a negative impact on nursing workflow. Implementation of I-PASS for nurses may therefore have the potential to significantly reduce medical errors and improve patient safety.
Variations of OCT measurements corrected for the magnification effect according to axial length and refractive error in children
Authors: Bueno-Gimeno Inmaculada , España-Gregori Enrique , Gene-Sampedro Andres , Ondategui-Parra Juan Carlos , Zapata-Rodriguez Carlos J. 
Published: July 2017

Purpose: The aim of this paper was to examine the distribution of macular, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and optic disc parameters of myopic and hyperopic eyes in comparison with emmetropic control eyes and to investigate their variation according to axial length (AL) and spherical equivalent (SE) in healthy children. Methods: This study included 293 pairs of eyes of 293 children (145 boys and 148 girls), ranging in age from 6 to 17 years. Subjects were divided according to SE in control (emmetropia, 99 children), myopia (100 children) and hyperopia (94 children) groups and according to axial AL in 68 short ([Formula: see text]22.00[Formula: see text]mm, 68), medium (from [Formula: see text]22.00[Formula: see text]mm to 25.00[Formula: see text]mm, 189) and long eyes ([Formula: see text]25.00[Formula: see text]mm, 36). Macular parameters, RNFL thickness and optic disc morphology were assessed by the CirrusTM HD-OCT. AL was measured using the IOL-Master system. Littmann’s formula was used for calculating the corrected AL-related ocular magnification. Results: Mean age ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]SD) was 10.84[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]3.05 years; mean ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]SD) SE was [Formula: see text]0.14[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.51 D (range from [Formula: see text]8.75 to [Formula: see text]8.25 D) and mean AL ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]SD) was 23.12[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]1.49. Average RNFL thickness, average macular thickness and macular volume decreased as AL and myopia increased. No correlations between AL/SE and optic disc parameters were found after correcting for magnification effect. Conclusions: AL and refractive error affect measurements of macular and RNFL thickness in healthy children. To make a correct interpretation of OCT measurements, ocular magnification effect should be taken into account by clinicians or OCT manufacturers.
Imprints of modal metasomatism in the post-Deccan subcontinental lithospheric mantle: petrological evidence from an ultramafic xenolith in an Eocene lamprophyre, NW India
Authors: Pandey Rohit , Rao N. V. Chalapathi , Pandit Dinesh , Sahoo Samarendra , Dhote Prashant 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

We report here on the occurrence of an interesting mantle-derived ultramafic xenolith entrained in an Eocene (
c.
55 Ma) lamprophyre dyke from the Dongargaon area of the Chhotaudepur alkaline subprovince located within the Narmada Rift Zone, NW India. The mineralogy of the xenolith comprises olivine, clinopyroxene and mica (phlogopite), with the latter occurring essentially as rims around the clinopyroxene. Inclusions of apatite, interstitial sulphide (pyrite) and micron-scale exsolved spinel are widespread. Olivine is forsteritic (Fo
85.34
), displays little compositional variation and overlaps with that reported from worldwide mantle peridotite xenoliths. Clinopyroxene is a diopside with a compositional range of Wo
48.36
En
43.83
, Fs
6.53
and Ac
1.27
, and is conspicuous by its high CaO (up to 24.4 wt%) and TiO
2
(up to 1.6 wt%) content. Clinopyroxene is also compositionally similar to that reported from ‘enriched’ (metasomatized) peridotite xenoliths rather than those that occur in the ‘normal’ (depleted) peridotitic xenoliths. Phlogopites have a high concentration of fluorine (up to 1 wt%), whereas the apatites show an anomalous enrichment of F (up to 5 wt%), as well as enrichment in Sr (SrO up to 1.9 wt%). Our study provides the first direct petrographical evidence for the modal metasomatism in the post-Deccan subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) from this domain. From the textural and mineralogical assemblage of the xenolith, we infer that a possible olivine + garnet + orthopyroxene assemblage, in the presence of a metasomatic fluid, has given rise to clinopyroxene + phlogopite + spinel. The paragenesis of apatite essentially as inclusions suggests that it to be the earliest crystallized phase during the metasomatic event. Geothermobarometry of the clinopyroxene in the xenolith reveal temperatures of approximately 1200°C and pressures of approximately 12 kb, which are comparable with such data reported from other Deccan-related xenoliths. Preservation of phlogopite and apatite in the ultramafic xenolith imply that some of the readily fusible metasomatized portions in this domain escaped wholesale melting during the eruption of the Deccan Traps, possibly due to the variable thickness of the underlying SCLM.
Restricted vision increases sensorimotor cortex involvement in human walking
Authors: Oliveira Anderson S. , Schlink Bryan R. , Hairston W. David , König Peter , Ferris Daniel P. 
Published: July 2017

This study aimed to determine whether there is electrocortical evidence of augmented participation of sensory brain areas in walking modulation during walking with eyes closed. Healthy subjects ( n = 10) walked on a treadmill at 1 m/s while alternating 5 min of walking with the eyes open or closed while we recorded ground reaction forces (GRFs) and high-density scalp electroencephalography (EEG). We applied independent component analysis to parse EEG signals into maximally independent component (IC) processes and then computed equivalent current dipoles for each IC. We clustered cortical source ICs and analyzed event-related spectral perturbations synchronized to gait events. Our results indicated that walking with eyes closed reduced the first peak of the vertical GRFs and induced shorter stride duration. Regarding the EEG, we found that walking with eyes closed induced significantly increased relative theta desynchronization in the frontal and premotor cortex during stance, as well as greater desynchronization from theta to beta bands during transition to single support for both left and right somatosensory cortex. These results suggest a phase-specific increased participation of brain areas dedicated to sensory processing and integration when vision is not available for locomotor guidance. Furthermore, the lack of vision demands higher neural processing related to motor planning and execution. Our findings provide evidence supporting the use of eyes-closed tasks in clinical practice, such as gait rehabilitation and improvements in balance control, as there is higher demand for additional sensory integration for achieving postural control. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We measured electrocortical dynamics in sighted individuals while walking with eyes open and eyes closed to induce the participation of other sensory systems in postural control. Our findings show that walking with visual restriction increases the participation of brain areas dedicated to sensory processing, motor planning, and execution. These results confirm the essential participation of supraspinal inputs to postural control in human locomotion, supporting the use of eyes-closed tasks in clinical practice.
India-ASEAN Investment Flows
Authors: Bhatt P.R. 
Published: July 2017

The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) was created in 1967 through the Bangkok Declaration. It is a group of ten nations, viz. Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. ASEAN has been quite successful in raising its collective bargaining power to ensure market accessibility with the major players such as USA, Japan and European Community (EC). ASEAN economies are among the most successful in terms of economic growth and development. Intra-regional direct investment flows have complemented and reinforced the growth of trade within Asia by building up the export capability of the host countries on one hand and by directly increasing machinery imports from the capital exporting countries on the other. The importance of increased intra-regional direct investment goes much beyond the increase in financial flows to the ASEAN region. Intra-regional FDI has been an important instrument for the realisation of the so-called "flying geese" pattern of industrial development in Asia. The ASEAN region has become one of the most attractive investment locations in the developing world and attracted a disproportionately large amount of FD!, particularly during1987-96 period. FD! is not only a source of capital funds and foreign exchange, but also is a dynamic and efficient vehicle to secure the much needed industrial technology, managerial expertise and marketing knowledge and networks to improve on growth, employment, productivity and export performance. The present paper deals with these aspects of FDI in ASEAN region.
Anti-dumping – Containment and Reform
Authors: Bhat T. P. 
Published: July 2017

In the global trade policy discussions, the issue of anti-dumping has assumed significance. Many trade experts view that such a practice is trade distruptive. Increasingly, now, the anti-dumping instrument is used to protect non-competitive domestic industries against alleged “unfair trade” practices. It is an easy option for the governments to oblige domestic pressure groups to confirm favours. In the post-WTO era, anti-dumping actions have acquired menacing proportion denying market access achieved through successive GATT/WTO Trade Rounds. Anti-dumping Agreement is one of the contentious issues negotiated under the Uruguay Round. It achieved mixed results in tightening the rules that govern anti-dumping actions. The gains were introduction of de minimis and sunset review provisions. But loopholes were left in culmination provision, margin of dumping, material injury, cost calculation method, constructed value, initiation standard and termination provision and so on. The paper attempts to examine the salient features of the current anti-dumping agreement and traces its impact on international trade. It suggests ways and means to reform the rules to address genuine concerns of fair trade under the WTO framework.
Problems of Validity of Measures Used in Investigating Man—Machine Systems
Authors: McCoy William K. 
Published: July 2017

The human engineer, in his role as consultant to system design teams, is confronted with problems of measuring system performance in such a way that various elements of the system can be evaluated. The validity of such measurement techniques is often questioned but little data concerning the validation of such measurement techniques is available. Analysis of the problems involved in validating measures used in investigating man—machine systems suggest that the concepts of validity as adhered to in modern psychology might not be adequate for use by a human engineer confronted with a system in its development stage. The general approach to system evaluation and the concepts of validity are discussed in terms of the problems involved in determining the validity of measurement schemes commonly used in investigating the properties of a man—machine system.
Practical Programs, Materials and Techniques
Authors: Bannatyne Alex 
Published: July 2017

This month I present a sound practical paper which is concerned with intensive play equipment. Intensive play is a very valuable activity for many kinds of young handicapped children. It helps children develop physically and socially and may even help develop some modest intellectual skills. However, it is timely to comment on the extensive use of materials by teachers to achieve objectives with children other than those for which the materials were obviously designed. It is very important when purchasing materials and programs to insure they are exactly suited to the children with whom you intend to use them. Even more important is the objective or outcome you expect to achieve with the children. All too often teachers expect children to learn fluent reading by having them do lots of block design cards, visual-motor training and/or learning to balance. Block design cards will help the children do block designs efficiently, visual-motor training will train visual-motor coordination, and balancing trains balancing skills. If you wish the children to learn language encoding and decoding, you have to teach them the language, reading, writing and spelling in a very efficient psycholinguistic, multisensory way combined with strong motivation through appropriate reinforcements. The above comments are in no way intended to reflect on the Port-A-Pit equipment, the real value of which is described in the following paper.
Trends in Premarital Sex in the United States, 1954–2003
Authors: Finer Lawrence B. 
Published: July 2017

Objectives. Policy and programmatic efforts promoting sexual abstinence until marriage have increased, but it is unclear whether establishing such behavior as normative is a realistic public health goal. This study examined the proportion of individuals in various cohorts who had had premarital sex (defined as either having had vaginal intercourse before first marrying or ever having had intercourse and never having married) by various ages. Methods. Data from four cycles of the National Survey of Family Growth, 1982–2002, and event history analysis techniques, including Kaplan-Meier life-table procedures and Cox proportional-hazards regression models, were used to examine the incidence of premarital sex by gender and historical cohort. Results. Data from the 2002 survey indicate that by age 20, 77% of respondents had had sex, 75% had had premarital sex, and 12% had married; by age 44, 95% of respondents (94% of women, 96% of men, and 97% of those who had ever had sex) had had premarital sex. Even among those who abstained until at least age 20, 81% had had premarital sex by age 44. Among cohorts of women turning 15 between 1964 and 1993, at least 91% had had premarital sex by age 30. Among those turning 15 between 1954 and 1963, 82% had had premarital sex by age 30, and 88% had done so by age 44. Conclusions. Almost all Americans have sex before marrying. These findings argue for education and interventions that provide the skills and information people need to protect themselves from unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases once they become sexually active, regardless of marital status.
Assessment of Applied Epidemiology Competencies among the Virginia Department of Health Workforce
Authors: Patel Ami S. , Powell Timothy A. , Woolard C. Diane 
Published: July 2017

Objectives. Epidemiologists play critical roles in public health. However, until recently, no formal standards existed for epidemiology practice. In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists drafted Competencies for Applied Epidemiologists in Governmental Public Health Agencies (AECs) that provide a foundation for expectations and training programs for three tiers of practice. We characterized the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) epidemiology workforce and assessed its baseline applied epidemiology competency by using these competencies. Methods. Epidemiologists representing multiple divisions developed an Internet survey based on the AECs. Staff who met the definition of an epidemiologist were requested to complete the survey. Within eight skill domains, specific competencies were listed. For each competency, frequency and confidence in performing and need for training were measured by using Likert scales. Differences among tier levels were assessed using analysis of variance. Results. Eighty-eight people from 10 program areas responded and were included in the analysis. Median epidemiology experience was four years, with 52% having completed formal training. Respondents self-identified as Tier 1/entry-level (38%), Tier 2/mid-level (47%), or Tier 3/senior-level (15%) epidemiologists. Compared with lower tiers, Tier 3 epidemiologists more frequently performed financial or operational planning and management ( p=0.023) and communication activities ( p=0.018) and had higher confidence in assessment and analysis ( p<0.001). Overall, training needs were highest for assessment/analysis and basic public health sciences skills. Conclusions. VDH has a robust epidemiology workforce with varying levels of experience. Frequency and confidence in performing competencies varied by tier of practice. VDH plans to use these results and the AECs to target staff training activities.
Do Cigarette Prices Vary by Brand, Neighborhood, and Store Characteristics?
Authors: Toomey Traci L. , Chen Vincent , Forster Jean L. , Van Coevering Pam , Lenk Kathleen M. 
Published: July 2017

Objective. We assessed the price variability of cigarettes by brand, neighborhood characteristics (racial/ethnic and youth composition, number of schools, and number of stores), and store type. Methods. Trained research staff purchased three different brands of cigarettes (premium, menthol, and discount—all produced by the same company) at 214 stores in one metropolitan area. We assessed associations between price and neighborhood/store characteristics through multivariate regression, using four price variables as dependent variables—the price of each brand of cigarettes and the mean price across the three brands. Results. We found that the price of cigarettes varied by neighborhood and store characteristics, although this variability differed by brand. For the same brand, the maximum price was 1.7 to 1.8 times higher than the lowest price. We found a positive association between the percentage of a neighborhood that was nonwhite and the price of discount and premium cigarettes as well as the overall mean price of cigarettes, but not with the price of the menthol brand. We found a negative association between the percentage of youth in a neighborhood and the price of premium cigarettes as well as the mean price, but not with the price of the other two brands. In addition, we found a greater likelihood of higher discount brand prices at independent vs. chain-operated stores. Conclusions. Our findings showed that cigarette prices do vary by brand, the youth and racial/ethnic composition in a neighborhood, and store type, suggesting that the tobacco industry might vary its marketing strategies based on brand as well as neighborhood and store characteristics.