Large Group Of Persons Research Articles

A Novel Anthropometric Phantom for Rapid Radiological Triage: A Quick Sort Triage Solution.

Rapidly identifying individuals who have received internal radiation exposure above action guidelines is crucial for mitigating health risks and addressing public concerns immediately following a radiological event involving the dispersal of radioactive materials. This study describes a novel triage method using a conventional Geiger-Mueller (GM) detector to select those individuals from the large group of persons who may have received an intake of radioactive material at levels corresponding to one Clinical Decision Guide (CDG). The triage method involves placing a portable GM detector against the lower anterior torso of a sitting person as they bend over to surround the detector with their body. The response of the GM detector is evaluated using a new, specially designed anthropometric phantom that simulates combined tissues of the lower thorax and gastrointestinal (GI) tract and is fabricated with a tissue substitute material that matches the overall radiological properties of human tissue present in this body region. The phantom has four separate layers of tissue substitute material with ports to accommodate a single GM detector at the center and one or more sealed radioactive sources that can be arranged to characterize the detector response for a variety of source distributions, including a "hot spot." In this study, the response of a Ludlum Model 133-4 GM detector was evaluated using sealed sources of 232Th and 137Cs to determine the measurement efficiency for a quantity of activity present in the abdomen within a few hours post-intake equivalent to 1 CDG. Results demonstrate that the Quick Sort triage procedure using a single GM detector placed against the abdomen of a person can reliably detect internal deposition resulting from an intake equivalent to 1 CDG for 232Th or a significantly lower activity of 137Cs within a few hours following a radiological incident. The evaluation was performed over a wide range of photon energies, so the Quick Sort triage procedure is expected to be suitable for most fission products distributed uniformly within the abdomen or as a single "hot spot."

Numbers without aggregation

AbstractSuppose we can save either a larger group of persons or a distinct, smaller group from some harm. Many people think that, all else equal, we ought to save the greater number. This article defends this view (with qualifications). But unlike earlier theories, it does not rely on the idea that several people's interests or claims receive greater aggregate weight. The argument starts from the idea that due to their stakes, the affected people have claims to have a say in the rescue decision. As rescuers, our primary duty is to respect these procedural claims, which we must do by doing what these people would decide, in a process where each is given an equal vote on the matter. So in cases where each votes in their own self‐interest, respect for their equal right to decide, or their autonomy, will lead us to save the greater number. The argument is explained in detail, with special attention to the questions of how, exactly, it avoids aggregation, and of why majority rule is superior to lottery procedures. The view has further advantages. Especially, it explains the “partial” relevance of numbers in cases involving unequal harms, and it does so in a way that dissolves the appearance of paradox that besets theories of “partial aggregation.”

Broadening the Collective Turn in Marketing: From Consumer Collectives to Consumption Agencements

Broadening the Collective Turn in Marketing: From Consumer Collectives to Consumption Agencements

ЗАКЛЮЧЕНИЕ МИРОВОГО СОГЛАШЕНИЯ В ГРУППОВОМ ПРОИЗВОДСТВЕ

Within the framework of this study the author analyzes the procedural order for concluding a settlement agreement in group proceedings. Procedural features of concluding a settlement agreement considering disputes involving a large group of persons are highlighted. Particular attention is paid to the research of the legal nature of the application to join the group’s claim. It has been established that according to the procedural legislation in force, the issue of concluding a settlement agreement in cases aimed at protecting the rights and legitimate interests of a group of persons is decided independently by the person conducting the case. It has been revealed that as a result of law imperfection, the scope of a joint action agreement invocation in group proceedings tends to be unreasonably limited. The essentiality to expand this scope by extending it to the procedural order of concluding a settlement agreement is reasoned. It is substantiated that the legal regulation of the procedural order for concluding a settlement agreement in group proceedings in force needs further improvement. The author offers their own view of the procedural model of concluding a settlement agreement in group proceedings. In conclusion of the study, the author dwells on problematic aspects of concluding a settlement agreement, considering issues related to the possibility of concluding a settlement agreement by individual subgroups, individually interested members of the group, as well as issues related to the admissibility of concluding a settlement agreement with respect to future claims.

Technical Language Processing for Efficient Classification of Failure Events for Safety Critical Equipment

Previous research has investigated how automated annotation and technical language processing of maintenance work orders can support maintenance decisions for different types of equipment, e.g., Sexton et al. (2018) and Brundage et al. (2021). The objective of this paper is to investigate how technical language processing can be utilized for efficient and automated classification of failure events for safety critical equipment on petroleum facilities (e.g., gas detectors and shutdown valves). For such equipment, maintenance decisions are heavily influenced by the consequence of a failure, e.g., if the failure is classified as critical or degraded, or dangerous or safe.
 To explore the possibilities for automated classification of failure events, the paper will first present the fundamental concept hierarchy needed during annotation of safety critical equipment on petroleum facilities. This hierarchy is based on previous work where taxonomies from the ISO 14224:2016 standard (ISO 14224, (2016)) have been operationalised and detailed for safety critical equipment. The concept hierarchy is tested by a group of experts on a set of notifications to ensure that it is fit for purpose. The results from the test group are then used to refine the concept hierarchy before a larger group of persons, having different roles in the petroleum industry, is engaged in the entity typing of notifications. This entity typing will then provide the basis for mapping informal technical language to a computable format. By combining this knowledge with available structured information, such as failure mode and detection method, it is expected that an automated, standardised, and more efficient classification of failure events will be possible. Our database of several thousand manually classified notifications collected during the last decade, will finally enable us to evaluate the performance of the automated classification.

Implementation of the Right of Appeal of Judicial Decisions in Civil Cases

The mechanisms for reviewing judgments in civil cases should include additional guarantees to ensure the implementation of the right of appeal, conditioned by the specificity of the court decision, which will serve as the subject of verification. There is a need to establish implementation peculiarities of the right of appeal, as well as the procedures for revising court decisions made in lawsuits against a large group of persons, an indefinite number of persons that are not defined by the current civil procedural law. It has been substantiated the necessity to fix on a legislative level the two-step procedure for implementation of the right of appeal of judicial decisions on such claims. The exercise of the right to appeal depends on the knowledge of the decision on the case by the court of the first instance, as well as the direct involvement of the participant in the process. Particular significance has got the commission of these actions in relation to potential participants of the case. It has been established that the implementation of the right of appeal against the decision on these types of claims will facilitate the creation of options called «Claims for a large group of people», «Claims for an uncertain circle of persons» on the official web site of the judiciary. It was determined that informing the participants of the case, their representatives about the opening of appeal proceedings is important for the possibility of exercising the right to review court decisions in the court of appellate instance, and the use in this regard of procedural opportunities provided by law. It was established that excluding the representative from the participants of the case, the legislator did not regulate properly all procedural aspects of his participation in the process, the exercise of his procedural rights, and performance of duties. There is no clear timetable for the court of appellate instance to determine the issue whether the court decision of the court of first instance concerns the rights, freedoms, interests and / or duties of a person if it was not examined in the trial by the court of first instance and who filed a complaint, as well as the procedural form of its examination. It is necessary to consolidate the possibility to close the appeal proceedings in a case and the possibility to close proceedings against a specific appeal. Preparation of a case for an appeal on a complaint to a court decision on a suit against a significant group of persons should be marked according to its specifics. For this type of claim, it is necessary to change its procedural form in order to hold the preparatory meeting and foresee the necessity of preparing a panel of three judges. The preparatory meeting will expand the procedural capabilities of the participants and their representatives.

AUF DER SUCHE NACH DEM SUBJEKTIVEN ÖFFENTLICHEN RECHT: ZU DEN VORAUSSETZUNGEN DER BETEILIGUNG AM VERWALTUNGSVERFAHREN

Purpose. The article is devoted to the legal figure of subjective public right in the context of legal protection in administrative matters. Methods. Based on the historical development of administrative jurisdiction in Austria and Germany in the 19th century, the function of the subjective public right is discussed in more detail: When the legislator grants citizens subjective public rights (and thus enforceable claims against the administration), the citizen can assert his or her individual interests before the courts by means of a right of defence against the state. At the same time, this results in an external legal control of the administration (compared to a mere internal administrative control by way of disciplinary measures) and thus promotes the rule of law of administrative action, which is in the public interest. Results. By pursuing his subjective public right, the citizen acting in his own interest indirectly contributes to the correct enforcement of the law. In a sense, he acts as an assistant to the public interest. The granting of a subjective public right also limits the group of persons who can take action against an administrative act, since otherwise anyone could challenge an administrative act. If the legislator has not expressly stipulated in the law which persons are entitled to a subjective public right in which respect, the determination of subjective public rights can be difficult in individual cases: When the law provides for a permit subject to certain conditions, the addressee of an administrative act is necessarily entitled to obtain a permit if the conditions required by law are met. The question is more complex in the case of persons who are not the addressee of an administrative act but who are affected by its effects. In this case, it must be determined by way of interpretation whether the legal provisions whose violation the citizen claims to have violated were passed not only to protect public interests but also, at least, in the interests of individual persons. Only then is there also a subjective public right of the individual to compliance with this provision. Conclusions. The legislator can avoid difficulties of interpretation by means of clear rules on the granting of subjective public rights. In particularly important administrative matters (e.g. approval of infrastructure projects), where the granting of subjective public rights is not sufficient to ensure judicial control of administrative acts, a larger group of persons can be granted party status.

Abstract 2821: Joint relationship between iron and retinoids in patients at high-risk for liver cancer

Abstract Approximately 3.2 million Americans are chronically infected with Hepatitis C, forming the largest group of persons at high risk for HCC, with an annual incidence of 3-4%. Increased oxidative stress is regarded as the major mechanism of progression in chronic liver disease (CLD) and subsequent HCC. Hepatic iron overload facilitates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby inducing liver damage and fibrosis. We have previously shown that retinoid and carotenoid depletion occurs early in disease and may represent a major modifiable risk. This study aims to determine, in CLD patients and controls, whether retinoid levels modify the association between serum iron concentrations and: (a) oxidative stress biomarkers in urine (b) tissue changes associated with hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, and (c) CLD progression. Patients with HCV undergoing liver biopsy (n = 69) provided fasting blood, fresh tissue, urine and completed a diet history questionnaire (DHQ). Serum and questionnaire data from healthy volunteers (n = 11), normal liver tissue from public repositories and patients without liver disease (n = 11) were also collected. Urinary isoprostanes, serum and tissue retinoid concentrations were obtained by LC-MS-MS. Serum iron, ferritin and transferrin were quantitated. Immunohistochemistry for αSMA was performed on FFPE sections and subsequently quantified via digital image analysis. Associations between urinary isoprostanes, αSMA levels, serum iron, serum and tissue retinoids were assessed using Spearman correlation coefficients and non-parametric tests were utilized to test differences among disease severity groups. There was a significant increasing trend for serum transferrin levels with progressive fibrosis, but not for serum iron and ferritin concentrations. All subjects had transferrin saturation within the normal range. Serum β-carotene and lycopene were inversely associated with serum ferritin concentrations (r = -0.29, P < 0.01; r = -0.29, P < 0.01) however, this relationship was not observed for other serum iron measurements. Serum iron measurements were not associated with hepatic retinoids/carotenoids, αSMA expression or urinary isoprostanes. Tissue retinyl palmitate was inversely and significantly correlated with hepatic αSMA expression (r = -0.3, P < 0.02). Serum iron overload was not evident in this population even though a depletion of serum retinoids/carotenoids is observed. The inverse correlation observed between serum ferritin and retinoids/carotenoids suggests a possible joint effect in CLD patients. Our data provide confirmation that hepatic retinoid loss is accompanied by HSC activation, a key player in fibrosis. Further evaluation of hepatic iron status is warranted to assess the relationships between iron and retinoids in HCV. Citation Format: Yachana Kataria, Ryan Deaton, Erika Enk, Milita Petrauskaite, Scott Cotler, Donald Jensen, Peter Gann. Joint relationship between iron and retinoids in patients at high-risk for liver cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2821. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2821

A Commentary on Statistical Assessment of Violence Recidivism Risk

Increasing integration and availability of data on large groups of persons has been accompanied by proliferation of statistical and other algorithmic prediction tools in banking, insurance, marketing, medicine, and other fields (see, e.g., Steyerberg 2009a, b). Controversy may ensue when such tools are introduced to fields traditionally reliant on individual clinical evaluations. Such controversy has arisen about “actuarial” assessments of violence recidivism risk, that is, the probability that someone found to have committed a violent act will commit another during a specified period. Recently, Hart, Michie, and Cooke (2007a) and subsequent papers from these authors in several reputable journals have claimed to demonstrate that statistical assessments of such risks are inherently too imprecise to be useful, using arguments that would seem to apply to statistical risk prediction quite broadly. This commentary examines these arguments from a technical statistical perspective, and finds them seriously mistaken in many particulars. They should play no role in reasoned discussions of violence recidivism risk assessment.

Vymezení pojmu kurz elektronického vzdělávání a jeho formální popis

Problem of a formal description of a notion electronic education course (e-course) is one of pretty important partial tasks within an implementation of eLearning education, especially in a case if the formalism should be a tool of communication in large group of persons, or a guidance of activities during implementation. For example during development of eLearning author tools (LCMS), which are dependent on a strict demarking conception e-course. At limitation of the notion e-course and its follow-up formalization a set of relevant pieces of knowing must be considered. These ones are able to keep the whole process in limits. The set consists of common rules of using eLearning including methods of creating e-courses and standardization.The paper is focused on the discussion of understanding the notion of electronic education course and its formal description in context of pedagogic and didactic needs and standardization. The result is a basic model of eLearning course and its formalization.

A Commentary on Statistical Assessment of Violence Recidivism Risk

Increasing integration and availability of data on large groups of persons has been accompanied by proliferation of statistical and other algorithmic prediction tools in banking, insurance, marketing, medicine, and other fields (see e.g., Steyerberg (2009a;b)). Controversy may ensue when such tools are introduced to fields traditionally reliant on individual clinical evaluations. Such controversy has arisen about actuarial assessments of violence recidivism risk, i.e., the probability that someone found to have committed a violent act will commit another during a specified period. Recently Hart et al. (2007a) and subsequent papers from these authors in several reputable journals have claimed to demonstrate that statistical assessments of such risks are inherently too imprecise to be useful, using arguments that would seem to apply to statistical risk prediction quite broadly. This commentary examines these arguments from a technical statistical perspective, and finds them seriously mistaken in many particulars. They should play no role in reasoned discussions of violence recidivism risk assessment.

Validation of the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals With Physical Disabilities

van den Berg-Emons RJ, L'Ortye AA, Buffart LM, Nieuwenhuijsen C, Nooijen CF, Bergen MP, Stam HJ, Bussmann JB. Validation of the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals With Physical Disabilities. Objective To determine the criterion validity of the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals With Physical Disabilities (PASIPD) by means of daily physical activity levels measured by using a validated accelerometry-based activity monitor in a large group of persons with a physical disability. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Participants' home environment. Participants Ambulatory and nonambulatory persons with cerebral palsy, meningomyelocele, or spinal cord injury (N=124). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Self-reported physical activity level measured by using the PASIPD, a 2-day recall questionnaire, was correlated to objectively measured physical activity level measured by using a validated accelerometry-based activity monitor. Results Significant Spearman correlation coefficients between the PASIPD and activity monitor outcome measures ranged from .22 to .37. The PASIPD overestimated the duration of physical activity measured by using the activity monitor (mean ± SD, 3.9±2.9 vs 1.5±0.9h/d; P<.01). Significant correlation (ρ=−.74; P<.01) was found between average number of hours of physical activity per day measured by using the 2 methods and difference in hours between methods. This indicates larger overestimation for persons with higher activity levels. Conclusions The PASIPD correlated poorly with objective measurements using an accelerometry-based activity monitor in people with a physical disability. However, similar low correlations between objective and subjective activity measurements have been found in the general population. Users of the PASIPD should be cautious about overestimating physical activity levels.

Mental Rotation of Hands in HIV Infection: Neuropsychological Evidence of Dysfunction in Fronto-Striato-Parietal Networks

Mental Rotation of Hands in HIV Infection: Neuropsychological Evidence of Dysfunction in Fronto-Striato-Parietal Networks

Corporate Class Actions - A Primer

A class action, also known in Australia as ‘representative proceedings’ or a ‘representative action’, ‘provides a means by which, where a large group of persons are interested in a matter, one or more may sue or be sued as representatives of the class without needing to join every member of the class.’ Class actions usually entail an aggregation of claims arising out of common circumstances, based on a common legal theory or theories, asserted by numerous plaintiffs against one or more defendants in a single action. In other words, instead of hundreds or potentially thousands of plaintiffs bringing separate claims against a defendant for a similar wrong (or perhaps not bringing claims, if the individual loss to each plaintiff is too small to merit the bother and expense of filing suit), in a class action those claims are all brought in a single suit.

Injection Drug Users: The Overlooked Core of the Hepatitis C Epidemic

Injection drug users (IDUs) constitute the core of the hepatitis C epidemic in the developed world. Four times more prevalent than HIV infection, hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been acquired by at least 5 million Americans and an estimated 170 million people worldwide. In developed countries, people who use illegal drugs by injection are the largest group of persons with HCV infection and the group among whom most new infections occur. Viral transmission is uncontrolled among IDUs, with incidence rates ranging from 16%–42% per year [1–4], and yet, our efforts to control this pandemic have largely ignored the population in whom its biology and epidemiology are being played out with the most devastating effects.

Caring for the Whole Person: Integrated Health Care for Older Adults with Severe Mental Illness and Medical Comorbidity

Schizophrenia is associated with a 20% shorter life span than for the general population 1 and high rates of chronic medical illnesses, including diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, heart disease, and emphysema. 2 Recent research suggests that premature mortality and excess physical disability in schizophrenia is associated with a variety of extrinsic risk factors that are potentially preventable, including unhealthy lifestyles, metabolic and neurological side effects of psychiatric medications, and poor health care. The aging of the population of persons with severe mental illness (SMI) further contributes to growing rates of medical comorbidity. The number of older adults with major psychiatric illness is predicted to more than double by 2030. 3 This paper provides an overview of selected research findings on the prevalence and causes of medical comorbidity in schizophrenia and other SMIs, current challenges to providing quality health care, and suggested directions for integrated models of care for the older person with a SMI. EARLY MORTALITY AND RESEARCH ON MEDICAL COMORBIDITY IN SMI Approximately 3% of American adults have SMI, including 1% with schizophrenia and 2% with depression or bipolar disorder that is refractory to treatment. 4 In older adults, the prevalence of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder decreases to approximately 0.5% and 0.2%, respectively, whereas the prevalence of major depression ranges from less than 1% to 5%. 5,6 The lower prevalence of schizophrenia in older persons is most likely due to remission of psychotic symptoms 7,8 for some individuals and premature mortality. Schizophrenia is associated with a 20% shorter life expectancy than for the general population. 1 The lives of men with schizophrenia are 10 years shorter than those of men without schizophrenia, whereas the lives of women with schizophrenia are about 9 years shorter than those of women without schizophrenia. 9‐12 Factors that contribute to premature death and poor outcomes for persons with schizophrenia and other SMIs include high prevalence of comorbid medical disorders, poor health behaviors, and inadequate health care. 10‐17 The research literature on medical comorbidity and health care for persons with SMI consists of studies specific to schizophrenia and studies that also include individuals with other psychotic-spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, and treatment-refractory severe depression, collectively referred to as SMI. Throughout the following overview of medical comorbidity and health care, studies on the subgroup of persons with the diagnosis of schizophrenia and on the larger group of persons with SMI are included. Much of what is known about medical comorbidity and health care in persons with SMI has been derived from samples of young and middle-aged mentally ill persons. Hence, in the following overview of this topic, data on comorbidity and health care for the larger population, which includes younger and middle-aged persons, are included, in addition to the few studies specific to the older adult population (� 65), where available.

Perception of risk by administrators and home health aides.

Increasing numbers of persons over 65, decreased length of hospital stay, and need for chronic (custodial) health care have placed a strain on home health care agencies. The second largest group of persons providing care is home health aides (HHAs), who perform in-home, nonskilled, technical procedures with little or no on-site supervision. They are generally high school graduates or hold GEDs. The purpose of this study was to compare home health care administrators' (HHCAs) and HHAs' perceptions of risk involved in home visiting. Given HHAs' educational preparation and limited supervision, they are basically on their own for work performed. Although agencies provide orientation sessions for new workers, periodic in-services often relate to tasks and competency testing and little attention directed toward protecting the self-specifically, strategies to decrease personal risk. In order to determine to what extent HHCAs and HHAs perceive risk, the Home Health Care Perception of Risk Questionnaire, a self-report measure, was administered to a national random sample of 93 HHCAs and 227 HHAs. Findings suggest that these groups differ in perception of risk and level of agency support in making home visits. Suggestions for meeting the needs of this HHA provider group are offered.

A psychiatric primary care clinic for chronically ill veterans.

A psychiatric primary care clinic for chronically ill veterans.

Protections in Federal Rehabilitation Legislation for Persons with Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Disabilities

Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) may present special challenges for rehabilitation counselors whether they are dealing with this problem as a primary or secondary disability. While rehabilitation counselors may be familiar with the legislative implications for other disability groups, alcohol and other drug abuse is a “special case” among the larger group of persons with disabilities due to the complexities surrounding interpretation of rehabilitation legislation. This paper reviews AODA as a disability, discusses the need for legislative protection of this population, and isolates specific issues which exist when interpreting and applying rehabilitation legislation in the case of persons with AODA disabilities.

Wassergeburt - eine mögliche Entbindungsform?

Anhand der Ergebnisse unserer 1000 retrospektiv untersuchten Wassergeburten, verglichen mit 1000 Spontangeburten außerhalb des Wassers, stellten wir fest, daß keine erhöhte kindliche und mütterliche Morbidität und Mortalität nachgewiesen werden konnte. Im Wasser war der Medikamentenverbrauch deutlich niedriger (1,1% zu 20,1%) und die Rate an Episiotomien um die Hälfte geringer. Bezüglich der übrigen untersuchten Parameter ergaben sich keine signifikanten Unterschiede. Die bisweilen geäußerte Kritik an der Durchführung von Wassergeburten beruht offensichtlich auf Annahmen, die dem heutigen Erkenntnisstand der fetalen Physiologie und der respiratorischen Adaptation des Neugeborenen nicht mehr entsprechen. Hierzu gehört insbesondere die Annahme, daß es bei der Thoraxkompression bzw. -dekompression zu einer Aspiration des Kindes bei einer Wassergeburt komme. Dieses ist eine falsche Annahme, was uns von den vaginalen Bekkenendlagengeburten her bekannt ist, wo der Kopf des Kindes bei der Thoraxdekompression noch nicht geboren ist und es sonst auch hier zu Aspirationen entsprechend dieser fälschlichen Theorie kommen müßte. Bei einer Asphyxie sind allerdings alle Schutzfunktionen verändert bzw. außer Funktion, und es kann dann zu einer kindlichen Asphyxie kommen. Jedes geburtshilfliche Management muß aber zum Ziel haben, eine Asphyxie zu vermeiden, so auch bei einer Wassergeburt. Bezieht man die Ergebnisse der Grundlagenforschung mit in die Beurteilung der klinischen Situation ein, so erklären sich manche bisher unverstandene Phänomene. Andere, insbesondere die verschiedenen biochemischen und pharmakologischen Einflüsse auf die neonatale Atemregulation und -adaptation bleiben weiterer Forschung vorbehalten. Sehr seltene fetale und maternale Risiken (Promillebereich) bleiben einer Analyse noch größeren Zahlenkollektivs vorbehalten. Hier erwarten wir, daß durch Zahlen anderer Zentren, die Wassergeburten durchführen, eine Metaanalyse entsteht, um eine exakte Quantifizierung der seltensten Ereignisse zu bekommen. Die Perinatalerhebung in Deutschland kann dazu gute Dienste leisten, in der die Wassergeburt zukünftig miterfaßt wird.