bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of and factors associated with adopting bone health promoting behaviours among people with osteoporosis in Taiwan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Po-Han , Lin Ming-Shyan , Huang Tung-Jung , Chen Mei-Yen 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesTo detect osteopenia, osteoporosis, treatments received and bone health promoting behaviours early among postmenopausal women and elderly men, and to explore the associated factors.DesignA community-based cross-sectional study.SettingsTwo rural townships in Yunlin County, Taiwan.ParticipantsA total of 941 adults including 651 postmenopausal women and 290 elderly men aged >65 years.Outcome measuresBone mineral density was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Adults with a T-score <−1.0 for bone mineral density were classified as having osteopenia, and those with a T-score <−2.5 as having osteoporosis. The main outcome measures were prevalence of osteopenia, osteoporosis, receiving medication and bone health promoting behaviours. A logistic regression model was used to analyse the factors associated with adopting bone health promoting behaviours.ResultsAcross both genders, 63.7% of participants were identified as having osteopenia (46.9%) or osteoporosis (16.8%). A high proportion of participants reported never or seldom performing regular exercise, or having sunlight exposure, a diet containing calcium/vitamin D or taking medications/supplements for bone health. Although 34.8% reported taking supplements, 92.4% were inadequate. The logistic regression model indicated that older age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.05, p=0.006) and a high education level (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.11, p<0.001) were significant factors associated with bone health promoting behaviours.ConclusionThe prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis among postmenopausal women and elderly men is worryingly high and most of them receive inadequate treatment and perform few bone health promoting behaviours. Interventions are therefore urgently required to address the right methods for delaying osteoporosis among postmenopausal women and elderly men in rural areas.
Factors associated with the uptake of seasonal influenza vaccination in older and younger adults: a large, population-based survey in Beijing, China
Authors: Wu Shuangsheng , Su Jianting , Yang Peng , Zhang Haiyan , Li Hongjun , Chu Yanhui , Hua Weiyu , Li Chao , Tang Yaqing , Wang Quanyi 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesThe present study aimed to estimate the influenza vaccination coverage rate in Beijing, China, and identify its determinants in older and younger adults.MethodsA survey was conducted among Chinese adults using a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire in May–June 2015. The main outcome was seasonal influenza vaccination uptake. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to identify factors associated with uptake.ResultsA total of 7106 participants completed the questionnaire. The overall coverage rate was 20.6% (95% CI 19.7% to 21.5%) in the 2014/2015 influenza season. Lower education (older adults: OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.1; younger adults: OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.4 to 2.6), having a chronic illness (older adults: OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.5 to 2.4; younger adults: OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.2 to 1.7) and recommendations from healthcare workers (older adults: OR 5.4; 95% CI 3.9 to 7.4; younger adults: OR 4.5; 95% CI 3.7 to 5.4) were positively associated with uptake; perceived side effects of vaccination had a negative impact (older adults: OR 0.6; 95% CI 0.4 to 0.7; younger adults: OR 0.8; 95% CI 0.7 to 1.0). Perceived susceptibility to influenza (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.0) and awareness of the free influenza vaccine policy (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.9) were only associated with vaccine uptake in older adults, while perceived effectiveness of vaccination (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.7 to 2.8) was only a predictor for younger adults. Older adults were more likely to receive recommendations from healthcare professionals and perceive the severity of seasonal influenza, and less likely to worry about side effects of vaccination.ConclusionThe influenza vaccination coverage rate was relatively low in Beijing. Apart from free vaccinations for older adults, age disparity in the rate between older and younger adults (48.7% vs 16.0%) may be explained by differing professional recommendations and public perceptions. Vaccination campaigns targeting increasing professional recommendations and public perceptions should be implemented in the coming years.
Qualitative interviews with healthcare staff in four European countries to inform adaptation of an intervention to increase chlamydia testing
Authors: McNulty Cliodna , Ricketts Ellie J , Fredlund Hans , Uusküla Anneli , Town Katy , Rugman Claire , Tisler-Sala Anna , Mani Alix , Dunais Brigitte , Folkard Kate , Allison Rosalie , Touboul Pia 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveTo determine the needs of primary healthcare general practice (GP) staff, stakeholders and trainers to inform the adaptation of a locally successful complex intervention (Chlamydia Intervention Randomised Trial (CIRT)) aimed at increasing chlamydia testing within primary healthcare within South West England to three EU countries (Estonia, France and Sweden) and throughout England.DesignQualitative interviews.SettingEuropean primary healthcare in England, France, Sweden and Estonia with a range of chlamydia screening provision in 2013.Participants45 GP staff, 13 trainers and 18 stakeholders.InterviewsThe iterative interview schedule explored participants’ personal attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural controls around provision of chlamydia testing, sexual health services and training in general practice. Researchers used a common thematic analysis.ResultsFindings were similar across all countries. Most participants agreed that chlamydia testing and sexual health services should be offered in general practice. There was no culture of GP staff routinely offering opportunistic chlamydia testing or sexual health advice, and due to other priorities, participants reported this would be challenging. All participants indicated that the CIRT workshop covering chlamydia testing and sexual health would be useful if practice based, included all practice staff and action planning, and was adequately resourced. Participants suggested minor adaptations to CIRT to suit their country’s health services.ConclusionsA common complex intervention can be adapted for use across Europe, despite varied sexual health provision. The intervention (ChlamydiA Testing Training in Europe (CATTE)) should comprise: a staff workshop covering sexual health and chlamydia testing rates and procedures, action planning and patient materials and staff reminders via computer prompts, emails or newsletters, with testing feedback through practice champions. CATTE materials are available at: www.STItraining.eu.
Quantification of large and middle proteins of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) as a novel tool for the identification of inactive HBV carriers
Authors: Pfefferkorn Maria , Böhm Stephan , Schott Tina , Deichsel Danilo , Bremer Corinna M , Schröder Kathrin , Gerlich Wolfram H , Glebe Dieter , Berg Thomas , van Bömmel Florian 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveAmong individuals with chronic hepatitis B, those with hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis (CHB) can be difficult to distinguish from those with HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection, also referred to as inactive HBV carriers (ICs), but both require different medical management. The level of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) has been proposed as a marker to discriminate between chronic infection and hepatitis stages. HBsAg consists of large, middle and small HBs. The aim of this study was to determine whether the composition of HBsAg improved the identification of ICs among HBsAg-positive subjects with different phases of HBV infections.DesignHBV large surface proteins (LHBs) and HBV middle surface proteins (MHBs) were quantified in serum samples from 183 clinically well-characterised untreated patients with acute (n=14) HBV infection, ICs (n=44), CHBs (n=46), chronic HBeAg-positive phase (n=68) and hepatitis delta coinfection (n=11) using an ELISA, with well-defined monoclonal antibodies against the preS1 domain (LHBs) and the preS2-domain (MHBs). A Western blot analysis was used to verify the quantitation of the components of HBsAg. Total HBsAg was quantified using a modified commercially available assay (HBsAg V.6.0, Enzygnost, Siemens, Erlangen).ResultsThe composition of HBsAg showed specific patterns across different phases of hepatitis B. Individuals in the IC phase had significantly lower proportions of LHBs and MHBs than patients in acute or chronic phases irrespective of their HBV e-antigen status (p<0.0001) or HBsAg level. Both LHBs and MHBs ratios better predicted the IC phase than total HBsAg levels.ConclusionQuantification of MHBs, particularly LHBs represents a novel tool for the identification of the IC stage.
Effects of dopaminergic depletion and brain atrophy on neuropsychiatric symptoms in de novo Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Ye Byoung Seok , Jeon Seun , Yoon Sohoon , Kang Seong Woo , Baik KyoungWon , Lee Yoonju , Chung Su Jin , Oh Jungsu S , Moon Hyojeong , Kim Jae Seung , Lee Phil Hyu , Sohn Young Ho 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundNeuropsychiatric symptoms impact the patients’ quality of life and caregivers’ burdens in Parkinson’s disease (PD). We aimed to investigate the effects of striatal dopaminergic depletion and brain atrophy on the neuropsychiatric symptoms of patients with PD.MethodsTwo hundred and seven patients with de novo drug-naïve PD underwent dopamine transporter (DAT) positron emission tomography and brain MRI scanning. In addition, the patients were assessed with caregiver-administered neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI) questionnaires. To evaluate the effects of DAT uptake, subcortical volume and cortical thinning on the patients’ neuropsychiatric symptoms, we performed logistic regression and negative binomial regression analyses on the NPI data after controlling for possible confounders.ResultsFrontal cortical thinning was associated with the presence of nighttime behaviour and irritability, and the thinning correlated with the severity of the nighttime behaviour. Temporal cortical thinning was associated with the presence of aggression/agitation, and it correlated with the severity of the aggression/agitation. Subcortical atrophy in the accumbens was associated with the presence of disinhibition and correlated with the severity of the disinhibition. Putamen atrophy and insular thinning were independently associated with the presence of apathy, but only insular thinning correlated with the severity of the apathy. Of the predictors, only frontal cortical thinning correlated with the total NPI score.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggested that accumbens atrophy and frontotemporal cortical thinning, especially frontal cortical thinning, independently contributed to neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with PD, while DAT uptake did not affect the neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Effects of internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy and physical exercise on sick leave and employment in primary care patients with depression: two subgroup analyses
Authors: Kaldo Viktor , Lundin Andreas , Hallgren Mats , Kraepelien Martin , Strid Catharina , Ekblom Örjan , Lavebratt Catharina , Lindefors Nils , Öjehagen Agneta , Forsell Yvonne 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesDepression can negatively impact work capacity, but treatment effects on sick leave and employment are unclear. This study evaluates if internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) or physical exercise (PE), with already reported positive effects on clinical outcome and short-term work ability, has better effects on employment, sick leave and long-term work ability compared with treatment as usual (TAU) for depressed primary care patients (German clinical trials: DRKS00008745).MethodsAfter randomisation and exclusion of patients not relevant for work-related analysis, patients were divided into two subgroups: initially unemployed (total n=118) evaluated on employment, and employed (total n=703) evaluated on long-term sick leave. Secondary outcomes were self-rated work ability and average number of sick days per month evaluated for both subgroups. Assessments (self-reports) were made at baseline and follow-up at 3 and 12 months.ResultsFor the initially unemployed subgroup, 52.6% were employed after 1 year (response rate 82%). Both PE (risk ratio (RR)=0.44; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.87) and ICBT (RR=0.37; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.84) showed lower rates compared with TAU after 3 months, but no difference was found after 1 year (PE: RR=0.97; 95% CI 0.69 to 1.57; ICBT: RR=1.23; 95% CI 0.72 to 2.13). For those with initial employment, long-term sick leave (response rate 75%) decreased from 7.8% to 6.5%, but neither PE (RR=1.4; 95% CI 0.52 to 3.74) nor ICBT (RR=0.99; 95% CI 0.39 to 2.46) decreased more than TAU, although a temporary positive effect for PE was found. All groups increased self-rated work ability with no differences found.ConclusionsNo long-term effects were found for the initially unemployed on employment status or for the initially employed on sick leave. New types of interventions need to be explored.
Multi-objective parametric query optimization
Authors: Trummer Immanuel , Koch Christoph 
Published: September 2017

We propose a generalization of the classical database query optimization problem: multi-objective parametric query (MPQ) optimization. MPQ compares alternative processing plans according to multiple execution cost metrics. It also models missing pieces of information on which plan costs depend upon as parameters. Both features are crucial to model query processing on modern data processing platforms.
MPQ generalizes previously proposed query optimization variants, such as multi-objective query optimization, parametric query optimization, and traditional query optimization. We show, however, that the MPQ problem has different properties than prior variants and solving it requires novel methods. We present an algorithm that solves the MPQ problem and finds, for a given query, the set of all relevant query plans. This set contains all plans that realize optimal execution cost tradeoffs for any combination of parameter values. Our algorithm is based on dynamic programming and recursively constructs relevant query plans by combining relevant plans for query parts. We assume that all plan execution cost functions are piecewise-linear in the parameters. We use linear programming to compare alternative plans and to identify plans that are not relevant. We present a complexity analysis of our algorithm and experimentally evaluate its performance.
BenchPrime
Authors: Liu Qingrui , Wu Xiaolong , Kittinger Larry , Levy Markus , Jung Changhee 
Published: September 2017

This paper presents BenchPrime, an automated benchmark analysis toolset that is systematic and extensible to analyze the similarity and diversity of benchmark suites. BenchPrime takes multiple benchmark suites and their evaluation metrics as inputs and generates a hybrid benchmark suite comprising only essential applications. Unlike prior work, BenchPrime uses linear discriminant analysis rather than principal component analysis, as well as selects the best clustering algorithm and the optimized number of clusters in an automated and metric-tailored way, thereby achieving high accuracy. In addition, BenchPrime ranks the benchmark suites in terms of their application set diversity and estimates how unique each benchmark suite is compared to other suites.
As a case study, this work for the first time compares the DenBench with the MediaBench and MiBench using four different metrics to provide a multi-dimensional understanding of the benchmark suites. For each metric, BenchPrime measures to what degree DenBench applications are irreplaceable with those in MediaBench and MiBench. This provides means for identifying an essential subset from the three benchmark suites without compromising the application balance of the full set. The experimental results show that the necessity of including DenBench applications varies across the target metrics and that significant redundancy exists among the three benchmark suites.
Antlab
Authors: Gavran Ivan , Majumdar Rupak , Saha Indranil 
Published: September 2017

We present Antlab, an end-to-end system that takes streams of user task requests and executes them using collections of robots. In Antlab, each request is specified declaratively in linear temporal logic extended with quantifiers over robots. The user does not program robots individually, nor know how many robots are available at any time or the precise state of the robots. The Antlab runtime system manages the set of robots, schedules robots to perform tasks, automatically synthesizes robot motion plans from the task specification, and manages the co-ordinated execution of the plan.
We provide a constraint-based formulation for simultaneous task assignment and plan generation for multiple robots working together to satisfy a task specification. In order to scalably handle multiple concurrent tasks, we take a separation of concerns view to plan generation. First, we solve each planning problem in isolation, with an “ideal world” hypothesis that says there are no unspecified dynamic obstacles or adversarial environment actions. Second, to deal with imprecisions of the real world, we implement the plans in receding horizon fashion on top of a standard robot navigation stack. The motion planner dynamically detects environment actions or dynamic obstacles from the environment or from other robots and locally corrects the ideal planned path. It triggers a re-planning step dynamically if the current path deviates from the planned path or if planner assumptions are violated.
We have implemented Antlab as a C++ and Python library on top of robots running on ROS, using SMT-based and AI planning-based implementations for task and path planning. We evaluated Antlab both in simulation as well as on a set of TurtleBot robots. We demonstrate that it can provide a scalable and robust infrastructure for declarative multi-robot programming.
Manipulating word representations, and preparing students for coding jobs?
Authors: Hill Robin K. , Guzdial Mark 
Published: September 2017

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Robin K. Hill mulls an aspect of natural language processing research, while Mark Guzdial ponders why coding is taught in public schools.
Writing/Reading the Bible in Postcolonial Perspective
Authors: Davidson Steed Vernyl 
Published: September 2017

AbstractExamining the legacies of European imperialism, this essay traces how the Bible reflects strong affinities with empire and provides ongoing justifications for empire and concentrations of power, including the evolution of the Bible from its production in empires of antiquity and the Bible’s supportive role in the development of modern imperialism. The essay also engages the ambiguities of the Bible as anti-imperial tool. Set within an examination of postcolonial studies as a revolutionary and revisionary discourse, this essay presses for a more vigorous postcolonializing of the Bible in biblical studies. A description of the contemporary features and manifestation of empire forms the context within which further exploration of postcolonial biblical critical work can take place. Following an assessment of previous work in the field, the challenges of intersectional work with queer studies, terrorism studies, technology, and ecological studies are laid out as future tasks.
A new species of tick (Acari: Ixodidae) from seabirds in New Zealand and Australia, previously misidentified as Ixodes eudyptidis
Authors: HEATH ALLEN C.G. , PALMA RICARDO L. 
Published: September 2017

The tick Ixodes eudyptidis Maskell, 1885 has long been recognised as a parasite of penguins and a number of other seabird hosts and, despite a convoluted taxonomic history, there has been no disagreement as to its validity. The opportunity to examine a larger series of ticks from a wider range of hosts than previously available has led to the finding of a morphologically close and hitherto undescribed species, which is herewith described and named as Ixodes laridis sp.nov. The new species has a superficial similarity to its sibling, I. eudyptidis, but on close examination it displays a number of morphological differences that justify its taxonomic separation. Also, the hosts of the new species are principally gulls, gannets and cormorants, while I. eudyptidis is restricted to penguins. The recognition of this new species has implications for faunal lists in both New Zealand and Australia, as well for seabird health, as it appears that I. eudyptidis does not cause paresis as originally thought, but it is I. laridis that causes potentially fatal paralysis in its hosts. A taxonomic history and review of I. eudyptidis and keys to all stages of the species of Ixodes recorded from New Zealand, and from Australian seabirds are given. Reference to Ixodes kohlsi Arthur, 1955, a species currently restricted to Australia, is made for comparative purposes because of the similarity of both its morphology and host associations with the other species under consideration. Aspects of the distribution, zoogeography, hosts and ecology of all three species of ticks are discussed.
A Unified Formulation of Radiative Transfer in Plane-Parallel Atmospheres Based on General Decomposition of Radiance. Part I: The Theory
Authors: Wang Biao 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
A unified formulation of the general decomposition of radiance and the radiative transfer equation (RTE) of plane-parallel atmospheres and the general solutions of the generally decomposed RTE system (GD-RTES) are presented. It is shown that the eigenvalues of the coefficient matrix of the GD-RTES are real and the eigenvectors are independent of each other when the single-scattering albedo is less than unity; the general solution of the GD-RTES for a homogeneous layer can then be expressed in combinations of the exponential functions of the optical depth. The solution for nonhomogeneous atmosphere–surface systems can be obtained through either the matrix operator method or the linear system method. An outline of the general procedure is given, and a detailed example will be provided in Part II of this work. The formulation can serve as a meta-algorithm from which the prototypes of new algorithms can be developed and tested. Some of the conventional methods such as the discrete ordinate method and the spherical harmonic method can be considered as instances of the unified formulation. With the unified formulation, some interesting topics about the RTE and its solution can be discussed more generally, such as those about correction for energy conservation, treatment of boundary conditions, and transformation for numerical stability; some of the methods that have already proved useful to these issues in the well-established algorithms can be generalized to be available to the other methods that can be derived from the unified formulation.