bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elderly Suicide and Attempted Suicide: One Syndrome
Authors: Salib Emad , Tadros George , Cawley Sheila 
Published: January 2017

In this study we explore whether elderly suicide victims who had a previous history of attempted suicide differ from those with no similar history. A group of the elderly, who ended their lives with fatal self-harm (FSH) and had a history of deliberate self-harm (DSH) was compared to a matching group of the elderly who also ended their lives with FSH, but who were not known to have had any history of DSH. The comparison was in respect of epidemiological, social, psychological characteristics, service input and methods of suicide. The elderly, with a history of DSH, were more likely to have been known to the mental health services than the elderly who did not have such a history (P<.05). The two groups used similar methods in their final FSH act. The elderly victims of FSH with or without a previous history of DSH share the same characteristics. The two groups appear to be part of one syndrome. Deliberate self-harm in the elderly should be taken seriously as an unsuccessful suicide rather than a manipulative act or a cry for help and attention.
Road-Traffic Accidents - A Demographic and Topographic Analysis
Authors: Sharma B R , Harish Dasari , Sharma Vivek , Vij Krishan 
Published: January 2017

Injuries and fatalities occur in all forms of transportation, but numerically, road-traffic accidents account for the great majority worldwide. There is little that the autopsy surgeon can contribute to the elucidation of factors leading to the accident as it is largely the circumstantial and forensic laboratory evidence which is likely to reveal a non-accidental cause. However, the doctor's role in detecting the compatibility/incompatibility of the injuries with those usually sustained in traffic accidents (to detect any which are ‘atypical’, e.g. focal depressed fracture of the skull), distinguishing antemortem from postmortem injuries, demonstrating the presence of any disease capable of creating sudden incapacity and analysing samples for alcohol/drugs, etc., can go a long way in assigning roles to the human and to some extent vehicular and environmental factors. This warrants that a meticulous autopsy be conducted and not merely a catalogue of injuries. It must be appreciated that a fatal accident is likely to result in litigation and the extent of litigation cannot be anticipated at the time of the autopsy. One must, therefore, aim at the close study of any accident victim and a careful assessment of the case is always rewarding. The present study was undertaken in the Department of Forensic Medicine at (a) Government Medical College, Jammu (1991–93), (b) Mulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi (1993–95) and (c) Government Medical College, Chandigarh (1994–June 2000), with the object of doing a comparative analysis of the various aspects of the road-traffic accidents and accidental deaths in three topographically and demographically different cities in India and to suggest remedial measures to bring down the accident rate.
Homosexual Offences as Reported by the Press
Authors: Meldrum J. , West D. J. 
Published: January 2017

An analysis of newspaper reports of prosecutions for male homosexual offences was carried out utilizing a collection supplied by a press cutting agency. Less than half the reports concerned prosecutions for activities with boys under 16. The majority were incidents of public indecency or importuning, usually in or around public conveniences. Non-consensual molestation of males over 16 was hardly ever reported. Many of the offences with the under 16s involved boys who participated willingly. The use of force was rarely reported. The validity of findings based on press reports is discussed. The implications of the results for the understanding of homosexual misconduct are explored and possible applications in control policies are considered.
Medical Requirements and Consequences of Sex Reassignment Surgery
Authors: Hage J J 
Published: January 2017

Prior to considering surgical reassignment, the key issue for the surgeon is to establish beyond reasonable doubt that the gender dysphoria or transsexual feeling is genuine and that surgical reassignment will be beneficial. For this he will need the expertise of a reputable behavioural scientist. To determine whether the patient is physically fit for surgery, the surgeon may lean on the expertise of an endocrinologist with substantial personal experience in the field of hormonal treatment of transsexuals. Sex reassignment for M→F transsexuals may be completed in one operation, leading to acceptable cosmetic and functional results, provided the surgery and postoperative treatment are performed with a high degree of expertise. Present generation operative techniques for phalloplasty in F→M transsexuals still do not meet all requirements. The term ‘one-stage phalloplasty’ is deceiving. Genital reassignment surgery in F→M transsexuals can seldom be achieved in one stage. Prior to any form of this kind of surgery, this should be made clear to the patient. F→M and M→F transsexuals will become irreversibly infertile by the orchiectomy and the oöphoro-hysterectomy usually performed on them. Diagnosis of, and counselling and treatment for, gender dysphoria should be restricted to reputable gender teams. These teams should exchange information.
Incidence of Persons with a Learning Disability Detained in Police Custody. A Needs Assessment for Service Development
Authors: Lyall I , Holland A J , Collins S , Styles P 
Published: January 2017

The aim of this prospective study was to identify the number of people with a possible learning disability suspected of having committed a criminal offence who were taken into police custody during a defined period of time. Between 18 January 1993 and 18 March 1993 992 people were taken into custody at Parkside Police Station, Cambridge, of whom 251 (25.3%) were screened by the custody officer using a brief questionnaire to ascertain the presence or absence of reading and writing difficulties and to see if they had received extra help at school or if they had attended a special needs school. Information on age, sex, suspected offence, disposal, if a solicitor assisted and incidence of homelessness was gathered from the custody reports. Eleven (4.4%) subjects screened had attended schools for children with moderate learning difficulties, while one (0.4%) suspect reported having attended a school for children with severe learning difficulties. A further 26 (10.4%) had attended schools for children with emotional or behavioural difficulties or a learning support unit within a mainstream school. Those detained who had attended a special needs school for children with learning difficulties were all male. They had a mean age of 23.0 years (SD = 5.0) compared to the mean age of all subjects of 26.5 years (SD = 11.6). They were more likely to have been suspected of having committed acquisitive offences than people who attended mainstream schools. In addition, they were more likely to be remanded in custody, or to be bailed, prior to appearing in court, in contrast with those from mainstream schools who were much more likely to be cautioned. Three (25%) of those who attended schools for children with learning difficulties had the assistance of a solicitor while in police detention. Two (16.7%) of those suspects who had attended a school for children with learning difficulties were homeless compared to 19 (8.0%) homeless suspects who had attended mainstream schools. These findings need to be considered when planning services for offenders. Existing or planned court diversion schemes should consider suspects with learning disabilities as well as those with other mental disorders. Health, probation and social services will be required if people with learning disabilities are to be diverted from the criminal justice system and the prison service should consider how to support a potentially vulnerable group if they are detained prior to trial or receive prison sentences.
Characteristics of Young Offenders Detained under Section 53(2) at a Young Offenders' Institution
Authors: Puri B K , Lambert M T , Cordess C C 
Published: January 2017

The objective of the study was to investigate the medical and psychiatric characteristics and needs of detainees held under s.53(2) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933. A case-note study of all subjects detained under s.53(2) at a young offenders' institution was carried out and their psychologists and medical officer interviewed. The subjects had a high risk of having experienced family disruption, of psychoactive substance abuse, and poor educational progress, and they were more likely than the general population to be Afro-Caribbean or of mixed race. They were psychologically vulnerable and could become suicidal when exposed to risk factors such as bullying and not being visited often by friends and relatives. However, there was a lack of information available about the subjects in many important areas including assessment of needs for special education, of truancy, expulsions, child guidance clinic attendance, and placement on child protection registers. It was not clear whether these young people had been significantly in contact with services as children or whether they had slipped through the net. In conclusion, the most important finding was a worrying lack of information about this group. From the information available they were clearly atypical. More research is needed; more adequate information, for example with respect to physical and sexual abuse, child rearing, education, peer relationships, and contact with specialist health and social services, would assist in the development of services for the treatment of these serious young offenders and for prevention.
Using Fee-for-Service Testing to Generate Revenue for the 21st Century Public Health Laboratory
Authors: Loring Carol , Neil R. Brock , Gillim-Ross Laura , Bashore Matthew , Shah Sandip 
Published: January 2017

Objectives. The decrease in appropriations for state public health laboratories (SPHLs) has become a major concern as tax revenues and, subsequently, state and federal funding, have decreased. These reductions have forced SPHLs to pursue revenue-generating opportunities to support their work. We describe the current state of funding in a sampling of SPHLs and the challenges these laboratories face as they implement or expand fee-for-service testing. Methods. We conducted surveys of SPHLs to collect data concerning laboratory funding sources, test menus, fee-for-service testing, and challenges to implementing fee-for-service testing. Results. Most SPHLs receive funding through three revenue sources: state appropriation, federal funding, and fee-for-service testing (cash funds). Among SPHLs, state appropriations ranged from $0 to more than $6 per capita, federal funding ranged from $0.10 to $5 per capita, and revenue from fee-for-service testing ranged from $0 to $4 per capita. The tests commonly performed on a fee-for-service basis included assays for sexually transmitted diseases, mycobacterial cultures, newborn screening, and water testing. We found that restrictive legislation, staffing shortages, inadequate software for billing fee-for-service testing, and regulations on how SPHLs use their generated revenue are impediments to implementing fee-for-service testing. Conclusions. Some SPHLs are considering implementing or expanding fee-for-service testing as a way to recapture funds lost as a result of state and federal budget cuts. This analysis revealed many of the obstacles to implementing fee-for-service testing in SPHLs and the potential impact on SPHLs of continued decreases in funding.
Core Courses in Public Health Laboratory Science and Practice: Findings from 2006 and 2011 Surveys
Authors: Deboy John M. , Beck Angela J. , Boulton Matthew L. , Kim Deborah H. , Wichman Michael D. , Luedtke Patrick F. 
Published: January 2017

Objectives. We identified academic training courses or topics most important to the careers of U.S. public health, environmental, and agricultural laboratory (PHEAL) scientist-managers and directors, and determined what portions of the national PHEAL workforce completed these courses. Methods. We conducted electronic national surveys in 2006 and 2011, and analyzed data using numerical ranking, Chi-square tests comparing rates, and Spearman's formula measuring rank correlation. Results. In 2006, 40 of 50 PHEAL directors identified 56 course topics as either important, useful, or not needed for someone in their position. These course topics were then ranked to provide a list of 31 core courses. In 2011, 1,659 of approximately 5,555 PHEAL scientific and technical staff, using a subset of 25 core courses, evidenced higher core course completion rates associated with higher-level job classification, advanced academic degree, and age. The 2011 survey showed that 287 PHEAL scientist-managers and directors, on average, completed 37.7% ( n=5/13) of leadership/managerial core courses and 51.7% ( n=6/12) of scientific core courses. For 1,659 laboratorians in all scientific and technical classifications, core-subject completion rates were higher in local laboratories (42.8%, n=11/25) than in state (36.0%, n=9/25), federal (34.4%, n=9/25), and university (31.2%, n=8/25) laboratories. Conclusions. There is a definable range of scientific, leadership, and managerial core courses needed by PHEAL scientist-managers and directors to function effectively in their positions. Potential PHEAL scientist-managers and directors need greater and continuing access to these courses, and academic and practice entities supporting development of this workforce should adopt curricula and core competencies aligned with these course topics.
Evaluation of a Community Health Worker Intervention to Reduce HIV/AIDS Stigma and Increase HIV Testing among Underserved Latinos in the Southwestern U.S.
Authors: Rios-Ellis Britt , Becker Davida , Espinoza Lilia , Nguyen-Rodriguez Selena , Diaz Gaby , Carricchi Ana , Galvez Gino , Garcia Melawhy 
Published: January 2017

Objectives. Latinos are at an elevated risk for HIV infection. Continued HIV/AIDS stigma presents barriers to HIV testing and affects the quality of life of HIV-positive individuals, yet few interventions addressing HIV/AIDS stigma have been developed for Latinos. Methods. An intervention led by community health workers ( promotores de salud, or promotores) targeting underserved Latinos in three southwestern U.S. communities was developed to decrease HIV/AIDS stigma and increase HIV knowledge and perception of risk. The intervention was led by HIV-positive and HIV-affected (i.e., those who have, or have had, a close family member or friend with HIV/AIDS) promotores, who delivered interactive group-based educational sessions to groups of Latinos in Spanish and English. To decrease stigma and motivate behavioral and attitudinal change, the educational sessions emphasized positive Latino cultural values and community assets. The participant pool comprised 579 Latino adults recruited in El Paso, Texas ( n=204); San Ysidro, California ( n=175); and Los Angeles, California ( n=200). Results. From pretest to posttest, HIV/AIDS stigma scores decreased significantly ( p<0.001). Significant increases were observed in HIV/AIDS knowledge ( p<0.001), willingness to discuss HIV/AIDS with one's sexual partner ( p<0.001), and HIV risk perception ( p=0.006). Willingness to test for HIV in the three months following the intervention did not increase. Women demonstrated a greater reduction in HIV/AIDS stigma scores when compared with their male counterparts, which may have been related to a greater increase in HIV/AIDS knowledge scores ( p=0.016 and p=0.007, respectively). Conclusion. Promotores interventions to reduce HIV/AIDS stigma and increase HIV-related knowledge, perception of risk, and willingness to discuss sexual risk with partners show promise in reaching underserved Latino communities.
Do Sexually Oriented Massage Parlors Cluster in Specific Neighborhoods? A Spatial Analysis of Indoor Sex Work in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, California
Authors: Chin John J. , Kim Anna J. , Takahashi Lois , Wiebe Douglas J. 
Published: January 2017

Objective. Social determinants of health may be substantially affected by spatial factors, which together may explain the persistence of health inequities. Clustering of possible sources of negative health and social outcomes points to a spatial focus for future interventions. We analyzed the spatial clustering of sex work businesses in Southern California to examine where and why they cluster. We explored economic and legal factors as possible explanations of clustering. Methods. We manually coded data from a website used by paying members to post reviews of female massage parlor workers. We identified clusters of sexually oriented massage parlor businesses using spatial autocorrelation tests. We conducted spatial regression using census tract data to identify predictors of clustering. Results. A total of 889 venues were identified. Clusters of tracts having higher-than-expected numbers of sexually oriented massage parlors (“hot spots”) were located outside downtowns. These hot spots were characterized by a higher proportion of adult males, a higher proportion of households below the federal poverty level, and a smaller average household size. Conclusion. Sexually oriented massage parlors in Los Angeles and Orange counties cluster in particular neighborhoods. More research is needed to ascertain the causal factors of such clusters and how interventions can be designed to leverage these spatial factors.
The Force-Elongation Behavior of Web Fibers and Silks Forcibly Obtained from Orb-Web-Spinning Spiders
Authors: Work Robert W. 
Published: January 2017

The force-elongation properties of web fibers produced by the major ampullate gland systems of four species of orb-web-spinning spiders have been determined and compared with the corresponding properties of fibers obtained from the same gland systems by forcible silking. Although all such fibers are highly variable in characteristics, on the average the former are possessed of rupture tenacities of the order of 80 g/tex and rupture elongations of 35%, a combination that gives them an extremely great resistance to failure in extension. There is some indication that fibers obtained by forcible silking without carbon dioxide-induced anesthesia are possessed of similar properties. But forcible silking under complete anesthesia results in the formation of fibers of lower tenacity and tends to produce an even greater variability in morphology and physical properties than is found among web mooring-line fibers from the same species. Techniques are described for the preparation of samples of these very small (3 to 5-micron diameters) and therefore very fragile fibers and for making measurements on them.
Effects of Anti-Oxidants on Size Distribution of Polycaprolactam during Melting and Melt-Spinning
Authors: Bhattacharya T. K. , Abubakkar MD. , Mukherjee A. K. 
Published: January 2017

The changes in the size distribution of polycaprolactam that take place during melting and melt-spinning have been studied. During melting under a nitrogen atmosphere, thermal degradation as well as post polymerization takes place. Spinning the polymer under atmospheric conditions, thermal, thermo-oxidative, and mechanical degradations come into play. Post polymerization is also operative in this case. The net change that is being encountered in these processes is a broader size distribution of the polymer as compared to that of the parent one. The effects of three different anti-oxidants, which are paraphenylene diamine derivatives, on the size distribution of polycaprolactam during melting and melt-spinning have been studied. Anti-oxidants are found to check the broadening of the size-distribution curve and retain the mechanical properties of the material to an appreciable extent, even after heat treatment at a temperature of 160°C for 8 hours under atmospheric condition.
Home-Based Mother's Record: Operational Feasibility, Understanding and Usage in a Rural Community in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mahomed K , Mason E , Warndorf T 
Published: January 2017

Utilization of health services is variable but may contribute to the well being of women during pregnancy. If people understand when there is a risk of illness or death, they are likely to cooperate in reducing those risks and participate in their own care. In rural communities people need to be provided with simple but scientifically-sound technology adapted to their understanding and needs. One such technology is the home-based maternal record (HBMR). We assess the feasibility, understanding and usage of a locally adapted HBMR of the World Health Organization prototype in a rural community in Binga district, Zimbabwe.
The Greenhouse Effect and Its Connection with the Use of Fossil Fuels: the Concept of CO2 Emission Intensity
Authors: Balacéanu J.C. , Bertrand A. , Lacour J.J. 
Published: January 2017

Measurement of the CO2 content of the atmosphere shows a constant increase over the last century connected to the increasing use of fossil fuels. In the light of the energy outlook of the World Energy Conference, we have tried to assess the evolution of CO2 emissions due to the use of fossil fuels, which in itself is the consequence of world economic development. We have thus defined the concept of CO2 emission intensity as the amount of CO2 involved in a one percent growth in world industrial production. Our estimate shows that in the middle of the next century CO2 emissions will reach a volume of several percent of the emissions of the CO2 flows caused by the leading atmosphere/ocean and atmosphere/ground physicochemical and biological balances. The reduction of these flows would require the replacement of fossil fuels and especially coal by nuclear energy or energy conservation of such an amplitude that it seems inaccessible. It thus seems indispensable to refine models capable of defining, with sufficient accuracy, the CO2 content of the atmosphere and to compare the basis of theories concerning the possible impact of this content on the temperature of the Earth.