bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensor-based ambient intelligence for optimal energy efficiency
Authors: Robinson David , Sanders David Adrian , Mazharsolook Ebrahim 
Published: March 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to describe research work to create an innovative, and intelligent solution for energy efficiency optimisation.

Design/methodology/approach
– A novel approach is taken to energy consumption monitoring by using ambient intelligence (AmI), extended data sets and knowledge management (KM) technologies. These are combined to create a decision support system as an innovative add-on to currently used energy management systems. Standard energy consumption data are complemented by information from AmI systems from both environment-ambient and process ambient sources and processed within a service-oriented-architecture-based platform. The new platform allows for building of different energy efficiency software services using measured and processed data. Four were selected for the system prototypes: condition-based energy consumption warning, online diagnostics of energy-related problems, support to manufacturing process lines installation and ramp-up phase, and continuous improvement/optimisation of energy efficiency.

Findings
– An innovative and intelligent solution for energy efficiency optimisation is demonstrated in two typical manufacturing companies, within one case study. Energy efficiency is improved and the novel approach using AmI with KM technologies is shown to work well as an add-on to currently used energy management systems.

Research limitations/implications
– The decision support systems are only at the prototype stage. These systems improved on existing energy management systems. The system functionalities have only been trialled in two manufacturing companies (the one case study is described).

Practical implications
– A decision support system has been created as an innovative add-on to currently used energy management systems and energy efficiency software services are developed as the front end of the system. Energy efficiency is improved.

Originality/value
– For the first time, research work has moved into industry to optimise energy efficiency using AmI, extended data sets and KM technologies. An AmI monitoring system for energy consumption is presented that is intended for use in manufacturing companies to provide comprehensive information about energy use, and knowledge-based support for improvements in energy efficiency. The services interactively provide suggestions for appropriate actions for energy problem elimination and energy efficiency increase. The system functionalities were trialled in two typical manufacturing companies, within one case study described in the paper.
Towards the trillion sensors market
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: March 2014

Purpose
– This article aims to provide an insight into recent deliberations on the possibility of a global sensor market reaching one trillion units per annum within the next decade.

Design/methodology/approach
– Following an introduction, which includes details of the TSensors Summit, this article discusses existing high volume sensor applications with multi-billion unit growth prospects. It then considers certain new and emerging applications, including the Internet of Things. This is followed by technological considerations and a brief discussion.

Findings
– The possibility of a global sensor market reaching one trillion units per annum within the next decade is the topic of serious debate. Several applications representing multi-billion levels have been identified and the ongoing TSensors Summit activities seek to identify further high volume, high growth uses and the factors that will stimulate them. While MEMS will play a central role, other, often new sensor technologies will be vital to achieving the trillion unit level.

Originality/value
– This article provides a timely review of recent deliberations surrounding the feasibility of achieving a global, trillion sensor market.
Tracking Movement and Temperature Selection of Larvae of Two Forensically Important Blow Fly Species Within a “Maggot Mass”
Authors: Johnson Aidan P. , Wighton Samuel J. , Wallman James F. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe current study responds to the lack of understanding about the temperatures experienced by individual blow fly larvae within “maggot masses.” The temperature selection of both aggregating (in a mass) and nonaggregating larvae was compared and their pattern of movement assessed. Infrared imaging determined the temperatures within a mass and in the vicinity of the constituent individual larvae, whose movements were tracked by dyeing their tissues red. Individual Chrysomya rufifacies larvae selected temperatures above 27°C, significantly higher than the temperature selected by Calliphora vicina larvae (24.5°C). However, this same difference was not seen within a mass, with both species selecting temperatures around 28°C. Larval movement in a mass was nonrandom, indicating that larvae actively select their position in a mass. Furthermore, larvae have a strong tendency to select the hottest part of a mass; therefore, maximum mass temperatures might provide a reliable proxy for the actual temperatures experienced by larvae.
Diagnosis of functional constipation: Agreement between Rome III and Rome II criteria and evaluation for the practicality
Authors: Xin Hai Wei , Fang Xiu Cai , Zhu Li Ming , Xu Tao , Fei Gui Jun , Wang Zhi Feng , Chang Min , Wang Li Ying , Sun Xiao Hong , Ke Mei Yun 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo investigate the agreement between Rome III and Rome II criteria for diagnosing functional constipation (FC) and to evaluate the accuracy of each constipation symptom for FC diagnosis.MethodsPatients with chronic constipation underwent rigorous biochemical and endoscopic/imaging tests to exclude organic and metabolic diseases. The questionnaires including general information, constipation symptoms, and the most troublesome constipation symptoms were completed in a face‐to‐face survey. The accuracy of constipation symptoms for FC diagnosis was examined using the likelihood ratio.ResultsAmong 184 patients (43 males and 141 females) with chronic constipation, 166 (90.2%) met Rome II criteria and 174 (94.6%) met Rome III criteria for FC, while 166 met both criteria. There was a good diagnostic agreement between the two sets of criteria, with a kappa value of 0.69 and the overall agreement rate was 95.7% (P < 0.001). Based on Rome III criteria, the most accurate symptom for FC diagnosis was sensation of anorectal blockage, followed by straining during defecation and infrequent bowel movements. The most troublesome symptoms reported by patients were lumpy or hard stools, straining during defecation, sensation of incomplete evacuation. More patients indicated that ‘the symptoms in the past 3 months’ was better than ‘those within the past one year’ to reflect their constipation (36.7% vs 6.0%, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThere is good agreement between Rome III and Rome II criteria for FC diagnosis. Rome III criteria are more practical than Rome II criteria for Chinese patients.
Reduction of Admit Wait Times: The Effect of a Leadership‐based Program
Authors: Patel Pankaj B. , Combs Mary A. , Vinson David R. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectivesProlonged admit wait times in the emergency department (ED) for patients who require hospitalization lead to increased boarding time in the ED, a significant cause of ED congestion. This is associated with decreased quality of care, higher morbidity and mortality, decreased patient satisfaction, increased costs for care, ambulance diversion, higher numbers of patients who leave without being seen (LWBS), and delayed care with longer lengths of stay (LOS) for other ED patients. The objective was to assess the effect of a leadership‐based program to expedite hospital admissions from the ED.MethodsThis before‐and‐after observational study was undertaken from 2006 through 2011 at one community hospital ED. A team of ED and hospital leaders implemented a program to reduce admit wait times, using a computerized hospital‐wide tracking system to monitor inpatient and ED bed status. The team collaboratively and consistently moved ED patients to their inpatient beds within an established goal of 60 minutes after an admission decision was reached. Top leadership actively intervened in real time by contacting staff whenever delays occurred to expedite immediate solutions to achieve the 60‐minute goal. The primary outcome measures were the percentage of ED patients who were admitted to inpatient beds within 60 minutes from the time the beds were requested and ED boarding time. LOS, patient satisfaction, LWBS rate, and ambulance diversion hours were also measured.ResultsAfter ED census, hospital admission rates, and ED bed capacity were controlled for using a multivariable linear regression analysis, the admit wait time reduction program contributed to an increase in patients being admitted to the hospital within 60 minutes by 16 percentage points (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 10 to 22 points; p < 0.0001) and a decrease in boarding time per admission of 46 minutes (95% CI = 63 to 82 minutes; p < 0.0001). LOS decreased for admitted patients by 79 minutes (95% CI = 55 to 104 minutes; p < 0.0001), for discharged patients by 17 minutes (95% CI = 12 to 23 minutes; p < 0.0001), and for all patients by 34 minutes (95% CI = 25 to 43 minutes; p < 0.0001). Patient satisfaction increased 4.9 percentage points (95% CI = 3.8 to 6.0 points; p < 0.0001). LWBS patients decreased 0.9 percentage points (95% CI = 0.6 to 1.2 points; p < 0.0001) and monthly ambulance diversion decreased 8.2 hours (95% CI = 4.6 to 11.8 hours; p < 0.0001).ConclusionsA leadership‐based program to reduce admit wait times and boarding times was associated with a significant increase in the percentage of patients admitted to the hospital within 60 minutes and a significant decrease in boarding time. Also associated with the program were decreased ED LOS, LWBS rate, and ambulance diversion, as well as increased patient satisfaction.
Rising Opioid Prescribing in Adult U.S. Emergency Department Visits: 2001–2010
Authors: Mazer‐Amirshahi Maryann , Mullins Peter M. , Rasooly Irit , van den Anker John , Pines Jesse M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe objective was to describe trends in opioid and nonopioid analgesia prescribing for adults in U.S. emergency departments (EDs) over the past decade.MethodsData from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) 2001 through 2010 were analyzed. ED visits for adult patients (≥18 years of age) during which an analgesic was prescribed were included. Trends in the use of six commonly prescribed opioids, stratified by Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) schedule, as well as nonopioid analgesics were explored, along with the frequency of pain‐related ED visits. For 2005 through 2010, data were further divided by whether the opioid was administered in the ED versus prescribed at discharge.ResultsBetween 2001 and 2010, the percentage of overall ED visits (pain‐related and non–pain‐related) where any opioid analgesic was prescribed increased from 20.8% to 31.0%, an absolute increase of 10.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.0% to 13.4%) and a relative increase of 49.0%. Use of DEA schedule II analgesics increased from 7.6% in 2001 to 14.5% in 2010, an absolute increase of 6.9% (95% CI = 5.2% to 8.5%) and a relative increase of 90.8%. Use of schedule III through V agents increased from 12.6% in 2001 to 15.6% in 2010, an absolute increase of 3.0% (95% CI = 2.0% to 5.7%) and a relative increase of 23.8%. Prescribing of hydrocodone, hydromorphone, morphine, and oxycodone all increased significantly, while codeine and meperidine use declined. Prescribing of nonopioid analgesics was unchanged, 26.2% in 2001 and 27.3% in 2010 (95% CI = –1.0% to 3.4%). Hydromorphone and oxycodone had the greatest increase in ED administration between 2005 and 2010, while oxycodone and hydrocodone had the greatest increases in discharge prescriptions. There was no difference in discharge prescriptions for nonopioid analgesics. The percentage of visits for painful conditions during the period increased from 47.1% in 2001 to 51.1% in 2010, an absolute increase of 4.0% (95% CI = 2.3% to 5.8%).ConclusionsThere has been a dramatic increase in prescribing of opioid analgesics in U.S. EDs in the past decade, coupled with a modest increase in pain‐related complaints. Prescribing of nonopioid analgesics did not significantly change.
A Profile of Acute Care in an Aging America: Snowball Sample Identification and Characterization of United States Geriatric Emergency Departments in 2013
Authors: Hogan Teresita M. , Olade Tolulope Oyeyemi , Carpenter Christopher R. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aging of America poses a challenge to emergency departments (EDs). Studies show that elderly patients have poor outcomes despite increased testing, prolonged periods of observation, and higher admission rates. In response, emergency medicine (EM) leaders have implemented strategies for improved ED elder care, enhancing expertise, equipment, policies, and protocols. One example is the development of geriatric EDs gaining in popularity nationwide. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research to systematically identify and qualitatively characterize the existence, locations, and features of geriatric EDs across the United States.ObjectivesThe primary objective was to determine the number, distribution, and characteristics of geriatric EDs in the United States in 2013.MethodsThis was a survey with potential respondents identified via a snowball sampling of known geriatric EDs, EM professional organizations’ geriatric interest groups, and a structured search of the Internet using multiple search engines. Sites were contacted by telephone, and those confirming geriatric EDs presence received the survey via e‐mail. Category questions included date of opening, location, volumes, staffing, physical plant changes, screening tools, policies, and protocols. Categories were reported based on general interest to those seeking to understand components of a geriatric ED.ResultsThirty‐six hospitals confirmed geriatric ED existence and received surveys. Thirty (83%) responded to the survey and confirmed presence or plans for geriatric EDs: 24 (80%) had existing geriatric EDs, and six (20%) were planning to open geriatric EDs by 2014. The majority of geriatric EDs are located in the Midwest (46%) and Northeast (30%) regions of the United States. Eighty percent serve from 5,000 to 20,000 elder patients annually. Seventy percent of geriatric EDs are attached to the main ED, and 66% have from one to 10 geriatric beds. Physical plant changes include modifications to beds (96%), lighting (90%), flooring (83%), visual aids (73%), and sound level (70%). Seventy‐seven percent have staff overlapping with the nongeriatric portion of their ED, and 80% require geriatric staff didactics. Sixty‐seven percent of geriatric EDs report discharge planning for geriatric ED patients, and 90% of geriatric EDs had direct follow‐up through patient callbacks.ConclusionsThe snowball sample identification of U.S. geriatric EDs resulted in 30 confirmed respondents. There is significant variation in the components constituting a geriatric ED. The United States should consider external validation of self‐identified geriatric EDs to standardize the quality and type of care patients can expect from an institution with an identified geriatric ED.
Combination of Intravenous Ascorbic Acid Administration and Hypothermia After Resuscitation Improves Myocardial Function and Survival in a Ventricular Fibrillation Cardiac Arrest Model in the Rat
Authors: Tsai Min‐Shan , Huang Chien‐Hua , Tsai Chia‐Ying , Chen Huei‐Wen , Cheng Hsaio‐Ju , Hsu Chiung‐Yuan , Chang Wei‐Tien , Chen Wen‐Jone 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectivesIntravenous (IV) administration of ascorbic acid during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was reported to facilitate defibrillation and improves survival in ventricular fibrillation (VF) cardiac arrest. We investigated whether IV administration of ascorbic acid after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) can improve outcomes in VF cardiac arrest in a rat model and its interaction with therapeutic hypothermia.MethodsVentricular fibrillation–induced cardiac arrest followed by CPR and defibrillation was performed in male Wistar rats. After ROSC, the animals were equally randomized to the normothermia (NormoT), hypothermia (HypoT), ascorbic acid (AA+NormoT), and ascorbic acid plus hypothermia (AA+HypoT) groups. The AA+NormoT and AA+HypoT groups received IV ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg). In the HypoT and AA+HypoT groups, therapeutic hypothermia was maintained at 32°C for 2 hours.ResultsThere were 12 rats in each group. Within 4 hours after ROSC, the HypoT, AA+NormoT, and AA+HypoT groups had significantly lower myocardial lipid peroxidation than the NormoT group. Within 4 hours following ROSC, the AA+NormoT group had a significantly better systolic function (dp/dt40) than the NormoT group (6887.9 mm Hg/sec, SD ± 1049.7 mm Hg/sec vs. 5953.6 mm Hg/sec, SD ± 1161.9 mm Hg/sec; p < 0.05). The AA+HypoT group also showed a significantly better diastolic function (–dp/dtmax) than the HypoT group (dp/dt40: 8524.8, SD ± 1166.7 mm Hg/sec vs. 7399.8 mm Hg/sec, SD ± 1114.5 mmHg/sec; dp/dtmax: –8183.4 mm Hg/sec, SD ± 1359.0 mm Hg/sec vs. –6573.7 mm Hg/sec, SD ± 1110.9 mm Hg/sec; p < 0.05) at the fourth hour following ROSC. Also at 4 hours, there was less myocytolysis in the HypoT, AA+NormoT, and AA+HypoT groups than the NormoT group. The HypoT, AA+NormoT, and AA+HypoT groups had significantly better survival rates and neurologic outcomes than the NormoT group. Compared with only five surviving animals in the NormoT group, there were nine, eight, and 10 in the HypoT, AA+NormoT, and AA+HypoT groups, respectively, with good neurologic outcomes at 72 hours.ConclusionsIntravenous ascorbic acid administration after ROSC in normothermia may mitigate myocardial damage and improve systolic function, survival rate, and neurologic outcomes in VF cardiac arrest of rat. Combination of ascorbic acid and hypothermia showed an additive effect in improving both systolic and diastolic functions after ROSC.
Dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) circuitry in rodent models of cocaine use: implications for drug addiction therapies
Authors: Jasinska Agnes J. , Chen Billy T. , Bonci Antonello , Stein Elliot A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAlthough the importance of the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) in cocaine addiction is well established, its precise contribution to cocaine seeking, taking and relapse remains incompletely understood. In particular, across two different models of cocaine self‐administration, pharmacological or optogenetic activation of the dorsal MPFC has been reported to sometimes promote and sometimes inhibit cocaine seeking. We highlight important methodological differences between the two experimental paradigms and propose a framework to potentially reconcile the apparent discrepancy. We also draw parallels between these pre‐clinical models of cocaine self‐administration and human neuro‐imaging studies in cocaine users, and argue that both lines of evidence point to dynamic interactions between cue‐reactivity processes and control processes within the dorsal MPFC circuitry. From a translational perspective, these findings underscore the importance of interventions and therapeutics targeting not just a brain region, but a specific computational process within that brain region, and may have implications for the design and implementation of more effective treatments for human cocaine addiction.
Modeling and testing for joint association using a genetic random field model
Authors: He Zihuai , Zhang Min , Zhan Xiaowei , Lu Qing 
Published: March 2014

SummarySubstantial progress has been made in identifying single genetic variants predisposing to common complex diseases. Nonetheless, the genetic etiology of human diseases remains largely unknown. Human complex diseases are likely influenced by the joint effect of a large number of genetic variants instead of a single variant. The joint analysis of multiple genetic variants considering linkage disequilibrium (LD) and potential interactions can further enhance the discovery process, leading to the identification of new disease‐susceptibility genetic variants. Motivated by development in spatial statistics, we propose a new statistical model based on the random field theory, referred to as a genetic random field model (GenRF), for joint association analysis with the consideration of possible gene–gene interactions and LD. Using a pseudo‐likelihood approach, a GenRF test for the joint association of multiple genetic variants is developed, which has the following advantages: (1) accommodating complex interactions for improved performance; (2) natural dimension reduction; (3) boosting power in the presence of LD; and (4) computationally efficient. Simulation studies are conducted under various scenarios. The development has been focused on quantitative traits and robustness of the GenRF test to other traits, for example, binary traits, is also discussed. Compared with a commonly adopted kernel machine approach, SKAT, as well as other more standard methods, GenRF shows overall comparable performance and better performance in the presence of complex interactions. The method is further illustrated by an application to the Dallas Heart Study.
Responding to the “NewPublic”: The arrival of strategic communications and managed participation inAlberta
Authors: Kiss Simon J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis article examines the rise of more strategic, professional and politically sensitive communications in the Government of Alberta and argues that citizen demands for transparency and participation are also reasons for the increased importance of strategic government communications. Accommodating these demands in the context of traditional representative democracy requires politically sensitive staff who can manage processes without jeopardizing the government's re‐election or policy agenda. This article draws on analyses of government documents, interviews and the archives of premiers Getty and Klein.SommaireCet article examine l'essor de communications plus stratégiques, plus professionnelles et plus sensibles à la réalité politique au sein du gouvernement de l'Alberta et fait valoir que les exigences des citoyens en matière de transparence et de participation expliquent également l'importance accrue de la communication gouvernementale stratégique. Pour tenir compte de ces exigences dans le contexte de la démocratie représentative traditionnelle, le personnel doit être sensible aux questions politiques et être en mesure de gérer les processus sans nuire à la réélection du gouvernement ou à son programme politique. Cet article se fonde sur des analyses de documents du budget, des interviews et des archives des Premiers ministres Getty et Klein.