scholarly journals A Simulation Analyzing Approach to Estimating the Probability of Airborne Infection Risks in Railway Station Platform Coupling with the Wells-Riley Model and Pathfinder Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Yi-Zheng Dai ◽  
Yan-Jiao Chen ◽  
Chen-Yang Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Infection Risk ◽  
Parameter Setting ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Railway Station ◽  
Airborne Infection ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
The Standard Model ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Potential Conditions

Railway station platforms present a particular challenge, especially during a train departure or arrival where some passengers may have potential conditions that make them vulnerable to airborne infections due to the high density and close proximity of passengers. This study presented a simulation analyzing approach to estimating the probability of airborne infection risks in station platform spaces coupling with the Wells-Riley model and Pathfinder model. We examine the impact of overcrowded area of the station platform on infection rates under various traces of evacuation. The result of the potential risk for three modes is discussed, and the results of the standard model under the same parameter setting are optimised. Next, the impact of the ventilated volume based on uneven distribution of individuals and the exposure time based on evacuation on the infection risk in platform spaces are studied. The relationship between platform spaces overcrowding and the infection risk provided further insights to observe the supporting information.

scholarly journals From Zoo to Social Media: The Evolution of Human-Captive Wildlife Relations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Lenzi ◽  
Siobhan Speiran ◽  
Chiara Grasso
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
First Century ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Economic Profit ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Tourism Activity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

In the twenty-first century– an era of increasing domestic and international tourism- there are boundless opportunities to encounter wild animals both in their home countries and ex situ in zoological facilities around the world. Tourism activity– especially at accredited zoos and sanctuaries –plays a crucial role in the conservation of wild animal populations, and influences the welfare of individuals within involved species. Unfortunately, not all zoos and sanctuaries prioritize the conservation and welfare of their animals, such as those who promote irresponsible and mutually-harmful visitor-animal encounters for economic profit. While the relationship between visitors and animals at zoological facilities has shifted over time to match evolving morals and sentiments towards animals, there is still a storied tendency of visitors preferring close encounters with charismatic wild species. Since the 1970s, researchers’ attention has increasingly focused on assessing the influence of the visitor effect, which refers to the impact that viewing, touching, feeding, holding, and riding captive wildlife has on the animals. Many wildlife attractions promote such encounters, despite research suggesting that close interactions with visitors can cause stress and harm to involved species. Such activities are further promoted through the “selfie tourism” phenomenon, in which visitors capture images of themselves in too-close proximity to wild animals to be shared on social media. In this commentary, we consider the challenge of “selfie tourism”, and how it can promote unethical relationships between humans and wildlife and lead to deleterious implications for the animals’ conservation and welfare.

scholarly journals Intracranial approach for sub-second monitoring of neurotransmitters during DBS electrode implantation does not increase infection rate

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittany Nicole Liebenow ◽  
Michelle Marie Williams ◽  
Thomas Wilson ◽  
Ihtsham ul Haq ◽  
Mustafa S Siddiqui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Rate ◽  
Neurotransmitter Release ◽  
Time Window ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Research Protocol ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Electrode Implantation ◽  
Research Procedure ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Currently, sub-second monitoring of neurotransmitter release in humans can only be performed during standard of care invasive procedures like DBS electrode implantation. The procedure requires acute insertion of a research probe and additional time in surgery, which may increase infection risk. We sought to determine the impact of our research procedure, particularly the extended time in surgery, on infection risk. Methods: We screened 607 DBS electrode implantation procedures performed at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center between January 2011 through October 2020 using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes for infection. During this period, 116 cases included an IRB approved 30-minute research protocol, during the DBS electrode implantation surgery, to monitor sub-second neurotransmitter release. We used Fisher's Exact test (FET) to determine if there was a significant change in the infection rate following DBS electrode implantation procedures that included, versus those that did not include, the neurotransmitter monitoring research protocol. Results: Within 30-days following DBS electrode implantation, infection was observed in 7 (1.43%) out of 491 procedures that did not include the research procedure and 2 (1.72%) of the 116 procedures that did include the research procedure. Total infection rates (i.e., not constrained by 30-day time window) for all non-research cases was 28/491 (5.70%) and only 4/116 (3.45%) for research inclusive cases. Notably, all types of infection observed were typical of those expected for DBS electrode implantation. Conclusion: Total infection rates are not statistically different in patients who performed the research procedure (3.45% vs. 5.70%; p = 0.4872, FET) and not statistically different across research and non-research groups within 30-days following the research procedure (1.72% vs. 1.43%; p = 0.684, FET). Our results demonstrate that the research procedures used for sub-second monitoring of neurotransmitter release in humans can be performed without increasing the rate of infection.

scholarly journals An AI-based Analysis of the effect of COVID-19 Stringency Index on Infection rates: A case of India

2021 ◽  
pp. 87-102
Author(s):  
Krishna Prasad K. ◽  
P. S. Aithal ◽  
Geetha Poornima K. ◽  
Vinayachandra
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Models ◽  
Data Analytics ◽  
Health Index ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Response Index ◽  
Government Response ◽  
Original Dataset ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Near Future ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has already been felt worldwide, disrupting the unremarkable life of individuals. Social consequences and viral transmission are challenges that must be resolved to effectively overcome the problems that occur throughout this pandemic. The COVID-19 infection data about India were represented using different statistical models. In this paper, the authors focus on the data collected between 1st January 2020 and 12th April 2021, try analyzing the different indexes related to India, and predict the number of infected people in the near future. Based on the infection rate, it is possible to classify a country as “fixed,” “evolving” and “exponential.” Based on the prediction, some recommendations are proposed to contain the outbreak of the disease. This will also help the government and policymakers to identify and analyze various risks associated with 'opening up' and 'shutting down' in response to the outbreak of the disease. With the help of these models, it is possible to predict the number of cases in the near future. Methodology: COVID-19 Stringency Index, Government Response Index, and Containment Health Index calculated, published, and updated real-time by a research group from Oxford University (https://www.bsg.ox.ac.uk/research/research-projects/covid-19-government-response-tracker) on 21 mitigation and suppression measures employed by different countries were analyzed using a few mathematical models to find the relationship between Stringency Index and infection rates and forecast trends. A new model was proposed after analyzing a few mathematical models proposed by the researchers. Data analytics was also conducted using AI-based data analytics tools available online. The dataset was kept updated until the date April 20, 2021, was downloaded for this purpose. The appropriate values were extracted from the original dataset and used to construct a sub-dataset, which was then used for the analytics. An AI-based online Data Analytics tool provided by datapine was used to forecast trends. Findings/Result: It was observed that in India, as in other countries, there is a close association between Stringency Level and COVID-19 cases. The higher the degree of stringency, the lower the cases, and vice versa. The same can be said about the government's role and degree of containment & health. Originality: In this paper, we analyzed various mathematical models for predicting the total number of COVID-19 cases and deaths due to COVID-19 in India. We also examined the relationship between total cases and the Government's Response Index, Containment & Health Index, and Stringency Index indicators. The model we proposed to predict COVID-19 cases on a day-by-day basis had a 98 percent accuracy rate and a 2% error rate. Paper Type: Analytical. With prerecorded datasets obtained from online resources, and data analysis was conducted using mathematical models and AI-based analytical tools.

Analysis of the role of copper impregnated composite hard surfaces, bed linens and patient gowns in reducing healthcare-associated infection rates

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gene H Burke ◽  
Jacqueline P Butler
Keyword(s):  
Infection Risk ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infection ◽  
Before And After ◽  
New Construction ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of copper-impregnated composite hard surfaces, bed linens and patient gowns on healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). We took in account potentially confounding factors of new construction and Det Norse Veritas Managing Infection Risk (DNV MIR) certification to mitigate risk of HAIs, multi drug resistant organisms (MDRO) and Clostridium difficile HAIs. The study was conducted in the acute care units from three hospitals within a regional healthcare system and these were assessed retrospectively. Facility 1 and Facility 2 shared the circumstance of new construction. Facility 1 and Facility 3 shared the processes of DNV-MIR. Only Facility 1 undertook the intervention of copper-impregnated hard surfaces, bed linens and patient gowns. We compared infection rates (IR) following their normalization per 10,000 patient hospitalization days before and after complete implementation of copper-impregnated composite hard surfaces, bed linens and patient gowns. Facility 1 had a 28% reduction in total C. difficile and MDRO IR, while Facilities 2 and 3 had 103% and 48% increases in total IR respectively. Although the rate changes per facility were not statistically significantly changed from baseline (p>0.05), there was consistent divergence between the IR at the copper enabled facility and the others. As this divergence occurred when other pertinent factors were constant between them, including new construction and new processes for mitigation of infection risks, these outcomes support the contention that copper-impregnated linens and composite hard surfaces were shown to reduce HAI rates.

Accent Policy and Accent Modification Enterprises as Potential Indicators of Intercultural Power Relations: A Call for an Updated Research Agenda

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brynne D. Ovalle ◽  
Rahul Chakraborty
Keyword(s):  
International Relations ◽  
Identity Construction ◽  
Social Theory ◽  
Power Relations ◽  
Linguistic Diversity ◽  
Cultural Organization ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

This article has two purposes: (a) to examine the relationship between intercultural power relations and the widespread practice of accent discrimination and (b) to underscore the ramifications of accent discrimination both for the individual and for global society as a whole. First, authors review social theory regarding language and group identity construction, and then go on to integrate more current studies linking accent bias to sociocultural variables. Authors discuss three examples of intercultural accent discrimination in order to illustrate how this link manifests itself in the broader context of international relations (i.e., how accent discrimination is generated in situations of unequal power) and, using a review of current research, assess the consequences of accent discrimination for the individual. Finally, the article highlights the impact that linguistic discrimination is having on linguistic diversity globally, partially using data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and partially by offering a potential context for interpreting the emergence of practices that seek to reduce or modify speaker accents.

Business: Making Cents of Coding Systems: Billing for Professional Services

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-8
Author(s):  
Dee Adams Nikjeh
Keyword(s):  
Professional Services ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Coding Systems ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Program Funding ◽  
Fee Schedule ◽  
Procedure Codes ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Administrators and supervisors face daily challenges over issues such as program funding, service fees, correct coding procedures, and the ever-changing healthcare regulations. Receiving equitable reimbursement for speech-language pathology and audiology services necessitates an understanding of federal coding and reimbursement systems. This tutorial provides information pertaining to two major healthcare coding systems and explains the relationship of these systems to clinical documentation, the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and equitable reimbursement. An explanation of coding edits and coding modifiers is provided for use in those occasional atypical situations when the standard use of procedural coding may not be appropriate. Also included in this tutorial is a brief discussion of the impact that the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (HR 6331 Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act [MIPPA], 2008) has had on the valuation of speech-language pathology procedure codes.

The Need to Belong and the Relationship Between Loneliness and Health

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 194-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Freda-Marie Hartung ◽  
Britta Renner
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Situation ◽  
First Year ◽  
Health State ◽  
Need To Belong ◽  
First Year University ◽  
Perceived Social Isolation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Humans are social animals; consequently, a lack of social ties affects individuals’ health negatively. However, the desire to belong differs between individuals, raising the question of whether individual differences in the need to belong moderate the impact of perceived social isolation on health. In the present study, 77 first-year university students rated their loneliness and health every 6 weeks for 18 weeks. Individual differences in the need to belong were found to moderate the relationship between loneliness and current health state. Specifically, lonely students with a high need to belong reported more days of illness than those with a low need to belong. In contrast, the strength of the need to belong had no effect on students who did not feel lonely. Thus, people who have a strong need to belong appear to suffer from loneliness and become ill more often, whereas people with a weak need to belong appear to stand loneliness better and are comparatively healthy. The study implies that social isolation does not impact all individuals identically; instead, the fit between the social situation and an individual’s need appears to be crucial for an individual’s functioning.

Investigating the Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Stigma Among Young Adults With History of Suicide Attempts

Crisis ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 265-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meshan Lehmann ◽  
Matthew R. Hilimire ◽  
Lawrence H. Yang ◽  
Bruce G. Link ◽  
Jordan E. DeVylder
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
High Functioning ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract. Background: Self-esteem is a major contributor to risk for repeated suicide attempts. Prior research has shown that awareness of stigma is associated with reduced self-esteem among people with mental illness. No prior studies have examined the association between self-esteem and stereotype awareness among individuals with past suicide attempts. Aims: To understand the relationship between stereotype awareness and self-esteem among young adults who have and have not attempted suicide. Method: Computerized surveys were administered to college students (N = 637). Linear regression analyses were used to test associations between self-esteem and stereotype awareness, attempt history, and their interaction. Results: There was a significant stereotype awareness by attempt interaction (β = –.74, p = .006) in the regression analysis. The interaction was explained by a stronger negative association between stereotype awareness and self-esteem among individuals with past suicide attempts (β = –.50, p = .013) compared with those without attempts (β = –.09, p = .037). Conclusion: Stigma is associated with lower self-esteem within this high-functioning sample of young adults with histories of suicide attempts. Alleviating the impact of stigma at the individual (clinical) or community (public health) levels may improve self-esteem among this high-risk population, which could potentially influence subsequent suicide risk.

Assessing the Impact of Suicide Exclusion Periods on Life Insurance

Crisis ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 217-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Yip ◽  
David Pitt ◽  
Yan Wang ◽  
Xueyuan Wu ◽  
Ray Watson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Insurance ◽  
Accidental Death ◽  
Insurance Policy ◽  
Death Rates ◽  
Insurance Policies ◽  
Suicidal Death ◽  
Insured Individual ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insurance Data ◽  
The Relationship

Background: We study the impact of suicide-exclusion periods, common in life insurance policies in Australia, on suicide and accidental death rates for life-insured individuals. If a life-insured individual dies by suicide during the period of suicide exclusion, commonly 13 months, the sum insured is not paid. Aims: We examine whether a suicide-exclusion period affects the timing of suicides. We also analyze whether accidental deaths are more prevalent during the suicide-exclusion period as life-insured individuals disguise their death by suicide. We assess the relationship between the insured sum and suicidal death rates. Methods: Crude and age-standardized rates of suicide, accidental death, and overall death, split by duration since the insured first bought their insurance policy, were computed. Results: There were significantly fewer suicides and no significant spike in the number of accidental deaths in the exclusion period for Australian life insurance data. More suicides, however, were detected for the first 2 years after the exclusion period. Higher insured sums are associated with higher rates of suicide. Conclusions: Adverse selection in Australian life insurance is exacerbated by including a suicide-exclusion period. Extension of the suicide-exclusion period to 3 years may prevent some “insurance-induced” suicides – a rationale for this conclusion is given.

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