scholarly journals Field Survey Measures of Olfaction

Field Methods ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 421-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W. Kern ◽  
Kristen E. Wroblewski ◽  
L. Philip Schumm ◽  
Jayant M. Pinto ◽  
Martha K. McClintock
Keyword(s):  
Field Research ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Olfactory Function ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Odor Identification ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Odor Detection ◽  
Health Studies ◽  
The Impact

Population-based field research on human olfaction has been limited by a lack of feasible assessment tools. Previous olfactory survey research has measured only odor identification, with no research being done on odor detection (i.e., a person’s sensitivity to detect a particular odor). Laboratory studies suggest that deficits in both aspects of olfactory function may be related to physical health, mental health and cognition, social function, including overall quality of life, and even mortality. However, field studies are needed to validate and extend these findings in large representative samples. Here we describe the olfactory function field exam, an instrument that can be deployed in field environments by lay interviewers to evaluate both odor identification and odor detection rapidly, practically, and accurately. Use of this new survey tool in future field-based population health studies will elucidate the impact of olfactory function on a myriad of health and social conditions.

scholarly journals Pre-Analytical and Clinical Validation of a Dried Blood Spot Assay for Asymmetric Dimethylarginine and L-Arginine

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 1072 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliane Hannemann ◽  
Thore I. Roskam ◽  
Ina Eilermann ◽  
Patricia Siques ◽  
Julio Brito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Dried Blood Spot ◽  
Clinical Validation ◽  
Factors Analysis ◽  
Reproducible Method ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Adma Concentration ◽  
Blood Spot

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) inhibits nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. It is a risk marker for cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with cardiometabolic diseases and in population-based studies. Plasma or serum analysis of ADMA may be hampered by pre-analytical sample handling. We validated a dried blood spot (DBS) assay for ADMA and L-arginine and show here that this assay has excellent variabilities and reproducibilities. Filter paper is impregnated with the arginase inhibitor nor-NOHA (Nω-hydroxy-nor-Arginine) to avoid L-arginine degradation. Clinical validation of this DBS assay confirms elevated ADMA concentration in hemodialysis patients as compared to healthy controls, higher ADMA concentrations in men versus women, and elevated L-arginine concentration in subjects supplemented with L-arginine. The DBS assay was used in a cohort study involving 100 primarily healthy subjects in the Andean region to assess the impact of chronic intermittent hypoxia on ADMA and L-arginine; ADMA DBS concentration at sea level was prospectively associated with pulmonary hypertension after six months of exposure to 3500 m. In a cohort of 753 individuals, L-arginine/ADMA ratio significantly decreased with increasing number of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Analysis of ADMA and L-arginine in DBS is a reliable and reproducible method for quantitation of these markers in field studies.

scholarly journals Characterizing Olfactory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Children with Sensory Processing Dysfunction

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia R. Sweigert ◽  
Tanya St. John ◽  
Kristin Kawena Begay ◽  
Greg E. Davis ◽  
Jeffrey Munson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Olfactory Function ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Odor Identification ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Autism Symptoms ◽  
Odor Detection ◽  
Children With Asd

Abnormalities in olfactory function have been identified in a number of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia. However, little is known about olfactory function in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The present study aims to assess the olfactory profiles of children with ASD, compared to an age- and sex-matched comparison group of typically developing children and a second clinical control group consisting of non-ASD children with sensory processing dysfunction (SPD). Participants completed a battery of sensory and behavioral assessments including olfactory tasks (Sniffin’ Sticks Threshold Test and self-reported valence ratings for two target odorants (phenylethyl alcohol and vanillin) and the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test), and an autism evaluation (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2). Children with ASD showed intact odor detection with reduced odor identification ability. Poor odor identification was significantly correlated with autism symptom severity. Children with SPD demonstrated reduced odor detection and identification ability. These findings provide evidence for differential patterns of smell processing among ASD and non-ASD neurodevelopmental disorders. Future studies are needed to determine whether the association of impaired olfaction and increased autism symptoms is due to shared etiology.

scholarly journals Predictors of Olfactory Decline in Aging: A Longitudinal Population-Based Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (12) ◽  
pp. 2441-2449
Author(s):  
Ingrid Ekström ◽  
Maria Larsson ◽  
Debora Rizzuto ◽  
Johan Fastbom ◽  
Lars Bäckman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Odor Identification ◽  
National Study ◽  
Mixed Effect ◽  
Olfactory Loss ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Olfactory dysfunction is common in aging and associated with dementia and mortality. However, longitudinal studies tracking change in olfactory ability are scarce. We sought to identify predictors of interindividual differences in rate of olfactory identification change in aging. Method Participants were 1780 individuals, without dementia at baseline and with at least 2 olfactory assessments over 12 years of follow-up (mean age = 70.5 years; 61.9% female), from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K). Odor identification was assessed with the Sniffin’ Sticks. We estimated the impact of demographic, health, and genetic factors on rate of olfactory change with linear mixed effect models. Results Advancing age, manufacturing profession, history of cerebrovascular disease, higher cardiovascular disease burden, diabetes, slower walking speed, higher number of medications, and the APOE ε4 allele were associated with accelerated odor identification decline (ps < .014). Multi-adjusted analyses showed unique associations of age, diabetes, and ε4 to olfactory decline (ps < .017). In 1531 participants who remained free of dementia (DSM IV criteria) during follow-up, age, cardiovascular disease burden, and diabetes were associated with accelerated decline (ps < .011). Of these, age and diabetes remained statistically significant in the multi-adjusted model (ps < .001). Conclusion Demographic, vascular, and genetic factors are linked to rate of decline in odor identification in aging. Although some olfactory loss may be an inevitable part of aging, our results highlight the importance of vascular factors for the integrity of the olfactory system, even in the absence of dementia.

Landscape Composition and Fungicide Exposure Influence Host–Pathogen Dynamics in a Solitary Bee

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin Krichilsky ◽  
Mary Centrella ◽  
Brian Eitzer ◽  
Bryan Danforth ◽  
Katja Poveda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Cover ◽  
Pesticide Exposure ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Landscape Composition ◽  
Urban Habitat ◽  
Solitary Bee ◽  
Bee Health ◽  
Health Studies ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Both ecosystem function and agricultural productivity depend on services provided by bees; these services are at risk from bee declines which have been linked to land use change, pesticide exposure, and pathogens. Although these stressors often co-occur in agroecosystems, a majority of pollinator health studies have focused on these factors in isolation, therefore limiting our ability to make informed policy and management decisions. Here, we investigate the combined impact of altered landscape composition and fungicide exposure on the prevalence of chalkbrood disease, caused by fungi in the genus Ascosphaera Olive and Spiltoir 1955 (Ascosphaeraceae: Onygenales), in the introduced solitary bee, Osmia cornifrons (Radoszkowski 1887) (Megachilidae: Hymenoptera). We used both field studies and laboratory assays to evaluate the potential for interactions between altered landscape composition, fungicide exposure, and Ascosphaera on O. cornifrons mortality. Chalkbrood incidence in larval O. cornifrons decreased with high open natural habitat cover, whereas Ascosphaera prevalence in adults decreased with high urban habitat cover. Conversely, high fungicide concentration and high forest cover increased chalkbrood incidence in larval O. cornifrons and decreased Ascosphaera incidence in adults. Our laboratory assay revealed an additive effect of fungicides and fungal pathogen exposure on the mortality of a common solitary bee. Additionally, we utilized phylogenetic methods and identified four species of Ascosphaera with O. cornifrons, both confirming previous reports and shedding light on new associates. Our findings highlight the impact of fungicides on bee health and underscore the importance of studying interactions among factors associated with bee decline.

scholarly journals Cut-Off Scores of an Olfactory Function Test for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 1021-1030 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hye Ri Kim ◽  
Sun Mi Kim ◽  
Wonshik Seong ◽  
Hyun Jin Min ◽  
Kyung Soo Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Detection Threshold ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Olfactory Function ◽  
Odor Identification ◽  
Odor Detection ◽  
Function Tests ◽  
Odor Detection Threshold

Objective We aimed to find the optimal cut-off scores for screening of odor detection threshold, odor discrimination, and odor identification tests for detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in Korean elderly.Methods A total of 195 elderly people were divided into three groups: the normal cognition (NC), MCI, and dementia groups. All participants underwent neurocognitive and olfactory function tests. We used k-means cluster analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to identify the most appropriate cut-off value.Results To distinguish the MCI from NC groups, odor identification [area under the curve (AUC)=0.670, p<0.007] with a cut-off point of 7 showed greater validity for screening (sensitivity/specificity=0.462/0.837) than did other olfactory function tests. To distinguish the MCI and dementia from NC as well, odor identification (AUC=0.817, p=0.002) with a cut-off point of 7 showed the highest validity for screening (0.785/0.654). To distinguish MCI from AD, an odor detection threshold (AUC=0.722, p=0.001) with a cut-off point of 2 showed the highest validity for screening (0.785/0.654).Conclusion Olfactory function tests may be a useful screening tool for cognitive decline before clinical symptoms of dementia have completely developed. This tool can be used as a supplementary tool to enhance the sensitivity of traditional cognitive tests to screen for dementia.

scholarly journals KINERJA BIROKRASI PEMERINTAH DAERAH (STUDI KASUS: MASALAH PENGETAHUAN DAN KETERAMPILAN APARATUR DI SEKRETARIAT DAERAH KABUPATEN BANTAENG)

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurhidayah Nurhidayah ◽  
Mappamiring Mappamiring ◽  
Burhanuddin Burhanuddin
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Library Research ◽  
The Impact

This study aimed at knowing the impact of the knowledge and skills problem in Secretariat of Bantaeng regency asaform of Bureaucracy Pathology. The findings of this study were expected to provide more information about the condition of bureaucracy in the secretariat of Bantaeng regency and its bureaucratic pathologies that have disturbed the function of the bureaucracy as a tool of society in achieving an ideal goal. Academically, the findings of this study were expected to provide more values which can then be compared with other scientific studies, especially under the problem of bureaucratic pathology. The method used in this study was descriptive qualitative supported by  quantitative data in the form of tables of frequency with library research (library research) and field studies (field research) as the techniques of data collection. Meanwhile, the sampling technique used in this research was the total sampling in which the samples were taken subjectively who considered representative for this study. The results showed how the problem of knowledge and skill under the indicators: 1). Level of education, 2). Training, 3). Experience gave a negative influence on the performance of civil servants. Finally, this influences the incompetence of bureaucratic to run the roles and functions or in term of Bureaucracy Inconsistency.  Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dampak dari masalah pengetahuan dan keterampilan di Sekretariat Kabupaten Bantaeng sebagai salah satu bentuk Patologi Birokrasi. Hasil dari penelitian ini diharapkan mampu memberi informasi lebih tentang kondisi birokrasi di sekretariat daerah kabupaten Bantaeng serta patologi birokrasinya yang selama ini cukup mengganggu fungsi birokrasi sebagai alat masyarakat dalam mencapai tujuan ideal. Dari segi akademik, hasil dari penelitian ini diharapkan member nilai tambah yang selanjutnya dapat dikomparasikan dengan penelitian-penelitian ilmiah lainnya, khususnya yang mengkaji masalah patologi birokrasi. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kualitatif yang didukung dengan data kuantitatif dalam bentuk tabel frekuensi, dengan teknik pengumpulan data studikepustakaan (library research) dan studi lapangan (field research). Sedangkan teknik penarikan sampel yang digunakan adalah sample total yaitu mengambil sampel secara subjektif yang dianggap representatif. Dari hasil penelitian menunjukkan bagaimana masalah pengetahuan dan keterampilan dengan indikator: 1). Tingkat pendidikan, 2). Pelatihan, 3). Pengalaman, memberi pengaruh negatif terhadap kinerja pegawai negeri sipil. Pada akhirnya pengaruh ini mengakibatkan ketidak mampuan birokrasi menjalankan peran dan fungsinya atau yang disebut dengan istilah Inkonsistensi Birokrasi.

“Land fever” and “Bankruptcy”: Social Problems in Hanoi’s Urbanizing Peri-urban Communities

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 550-562
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Urban Communities ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Social Problems ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Credit Market ◽  
Urbanization Process ◽  
Impact Of Urbanization ◽  
The Impact

Drawn upon field research in two peri-urban villages of Hanoi in 2014 and short re-visits recently, the research examines the widespread of gambling and other social issues in Hanoi’s urbanizing peri-urban communities which happened concurrently with the phenomenon of “land fever,” and at the time local villagers received compensation from land appropriation. The article aims to understand the impact of urbanization on these communities and the interface between urbanization and the increase of social problems. It argues that gambling, drug use, and other social problems have been existing in Vietnamese rural communities long before; however, when urbanization came, some people have higher chances to engage in these activities. Those are villagers who want to transform quickly into entrepreneurs or bosses by joining the “black credit” market and gambling. Together with middle-aged and old farmers who greatly relied on agricultural production and face difficulties in transforming their occupation, they formed the group of losers in the urbanization process. Received 6th January 2019; Revised 26th April 2019; Accepted 15th May 2019

Keynote

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanne LIEDTKA
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Higher Order ◽  
Lens Design ◽  
Social Sector ◽  
Extensive Field ◽  
Innovative Solutions ◽  
The Impact

The value delivered by design thinking is almost always seen to be improvements in the creativity and usefulness of the solutions produced. This paper takes a broader view of the potential power of design thinking, highlighting its role as a social technology for enhancing the productivity of conversations for change across difference. Examined through this lens, design thinking can be observed to aid diverse sets of stakeholders’ abilities to work together to both produce higher order, more innovative solutions and to implement them more successfully. In this way, it acts as a facilitator of the processes of collectives, by enhancing their ability to learn, align and change together. This paper draws on both the author’s extensive field research on the use of design thinking in social sector organizations, as well as on the literature of complex social systems, to discuss implications for both practitioners and scholars interested in assessing the impact of design thinking on organizational performance.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Through Microfinance - A Case of Rural Bangladesh

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Saida Parvin
Keyword(s):  
Women's Empowerment ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Women’S Empowerment ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Donor Agencies ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Impact

Women’s empowerment has been at the centre of research focus for many decades. Extant literature examined the process, outcome and various challenges. Some claimed substantial success, while others contradicted with evidence of failure. But the success remains a matter of debate due to lack of empirical evidence of actual empowerment of women around the world. The current study aimed to address this gap by taking a case study method. The study critically evaluates 20 cases carefully sampled to include representatives from the entire country of Bangladesh. The study demonstrates popular beliefs about microfinance often misguide even the borrowers and they start living in a fabricated feeling of empowerment, facing real challenges to achieve true empowerment in their lives. The impact of this finding is twofold; firstly there is a theoretical contribution, where the definition of women’s empowerment is proposed to be revisited considering findings from these cases. And lastly, the policy makers at governmental and non-governmental organisations, and multinational donor agencies need to revise their assessment tools for funding.

THE IMPACT OF SERVICE QUALITY ON BRAND LOYALTY OF DTAC SELULER SERVICE USERS

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Debby Arisandi
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Customer Service ◽  
Service Provider ◽  
Brand Loyalty ◽  
Service Industry ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Main Research ◽  
The Impact

<p>Purpose- In the GSM seluler telephony sector, the main condition for protecting the subscriber base is to win customer to be loyalty, a key necessity for the maintenance of a brand loyalty in the long term. To achieve this aim, service quality must be measured and identified. This paper’s aim is to measure the effects of service quality towards brand loyalty on DTAC seluler service provider. This study will explore the relationship between service quality and brand loyalty in the seluler service industry.</p><p>Design/methodology/approach- The main research target sample covered 200 seluler phone users in Prince of Songka University, Hatyai campus. Field research was conducted. The questionnaire was formed by a synthesis of existing constructs in relevant literature. Reliability tests, descriptive statistic, and regressions analyses were performed to both confirm scale reliability and answer the research questions. The data were analysed by moderated regression analysis to test the hypotheses.</p><p>Findings- The findings of this study show that an overall service quality directly affects brand loyalty. Network quality, customer service, pricing structure and billing system are the service quality dimensions that have significant positive influence on brand loyalty, which in turn has a significant positive impact on brand loyalty 43,5%. Therefore, it plays a crucial role in winning customer loyalty.</p><p>Originality/value- It is of great importance for seluler operators in a mature market such as that of Thailand, to understand what the drivers of brand loyalty are. The present study produced useful findings, which can be utilized by seluler service provider managers, in their effort to develop and implement successful brand loyalty strategies. With respect to the findings, pricing structure has the most importance than others dimensions of service quality which provides positive outcomes on brand loyalty, not only in the present but also in the future. So, the effect of pricing structure on brand loyalty becomes greater than the effect of others dimenstions of service quality. Therefore, any GSM operator who wishes to preserve its existing subscriber base should concentrate on winning its subscribers’ loyalty, especially for DTAC.</p>Keywords- Seluler Services, Brand Loyalty, Service Quality

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