bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Stereometric System for Measuring Human Motion
Authors: Ayoub M. A. , Ayoub M. M. , Ramsey J. D.
Published: January 2017

Although several photogrammetric systems are commercially available, their cost limits the application of photogrammetric human factors studies. This paper describes a relatively low cost system developed at Texas Tech University to be used in connection with biomechanics and human performance studies. A detailed description of the basic theoretical and laboratory investigations of the various parameters which influence the design, construction, and use of the system is presented. The adequacy and accuracy of the system were measured by conducting two verification tests under static and dynamic orientations. Typical acceleration and velocity curves for human hand motion, obtained by the system, are presented.
The Role of Sleep Deprivation Research in Human Factors
Authors: Naitoh Paul , Townsend Richard E.
Published: January 2017

Sleep loss is a ubiquitous phenomenon that occurs on many long-term field missions. The effects of sleep loss are, in general, detrimental to efficient functioning of man-machine systems. To illustrate the effect of sleep loss on task performance, data from four independent research institutes are reviewed. Data are presented relating to the prevention of sleep loss, and to the detection and minimization of sleep loss effects when they occur.
Effects of Ancillary Information upon Photointerpreter Performance
Authors: Levine Jerrold M. , Eldredge Donald
Published: January 2017

The effects of ancillary information upon photointerpreter performance were evaluated under four modes of system operation, and an assessment of the influence of a variety of “information” variables upon interpreter performance was carried out. Thirty-two trained surveillance officers identified single annotated targets within controlled and matched sets of imagery. The subjects' task was to provide a vector of probabilities associated with each possible identification of an item in their imagery. The probabilistic estimates represented the likelihood that a particular target name was the correct name for the item in the imagery. The results indicated that the provision of ancillary information enhanced accuracy of identification regardless of whether the information was qualitative or quantitative, and regardless of whether that information was presented simultaneous with or subsequent to the imagery. Furthermore, under the conditions of this study, the integration function proved to be best carried out by the interpreter, not by computer.
The Marriage of Human Factors and Safety in Industry
Authors: Yoder Thomas A. , Lucas Richard L. , Botzum Gerald D.
Published: January 2017

Social concern and governmental legislation have placed great emphasis on the need for safe workplaces and environments in industry. The safety and human factors department at Eli Lilly and Company applies techniques to help achieve this purpose. Areas of application are (1) enhancement of design principles to prevent error-provocative features of systems; (2) work physiology studies for compatible work load specifications and job design; and (3) electromyographical studies for use in studying optimal tool design and evaluation of work methods.
An Electromyographic Methodology for the Evaluation of Industrial Design
Authors: Khalil Tarek M.
Published: January 2017

This paper reports a new technique for evaluating industrial designs, based on electromyographic recordings of the muscles involved in carrying out the intended task. A hybrid computer circuit quantifies total muscular effort expended in performing the industrial task and the design that optimizes this measure is selected. The methodology has been shown to be effective in evaluating effort associated with static as well as dynamic tasks and therefore can be applied in a multitude of situations. Evaluation of the shape and size of a torque-wrench handle illustrates how the technique may be used in selecting an optimal design.
Work Place Design and Posture
Authors: Ayoub M. M.
Published: January 2017

The physical well-being, comfort, and, hence, the ability to perform a given task are influenced by the design of the work place. This paper presents a brief summary of some of the critical dimensions in work place design. The illustrations show the work space design for both the male and female worker. A guideline for working posture is included to assist in avoiding pitfalls in the design of the work and the work place.
Vigilance for Two Kinds of Signal with Unequal Probabilities of Occurrence
Authors: CRAIG ANGUS
Published: January 2017

Seventy-two subjects each performed for one hour on a visual vigilance task incorporating two kinds of signal, A and B, of which A was the easier to recognize. For 36 subjects, signal A occurred with a probability of 0.05, signal B with 0.15; for the remaining subjects these probabilities were reversed. Subjects were instructed either to look for one signal only (A or B), or to look for both. Results indicate that, whereas the additional requirement of looking for a second signal had a differential effect, reducing the discriminability of signal A, but depressing the differential response bias towards signal B, signal probability predictably influenced only the response bias towards signals A and B.
The Sexual History Provisions in the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 — A Violation of the Right to a Fair Trial?
Authors: Young Gudrun
Published: January 2017

In response to the Home Office recommendations contained in Speaking Up for Justice (1998) the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act (YJCEA) 1999 introduced a new regime for the conduct of sexual offence trials. Section 41 of the Act, which came into force on 4 December 2000, brings about dramatic changes to the rules on the admissibility of evidence of complainants' sexual behaviour, severely restricting the discretion of trial judges to introduce such evidence or to allow questioning concerning it. This represents a radical new departure that will fundamentally affect an accused's position at trial. Responses to section 41 have predictably been divided given the extremely sensitive nature of this area of the law of evidence and the complex set of social and political issues which are at stake. Many have greeted it as a long overdue reform of a system premised upon outmoded and sexist beliefs concerning women's sexual behaviour which has routinely functioned to admit prejudicial and irrelevant evidence. Others, predominantly within the legal profession, have expressed serious concerns over whether the new law is workable and the extent to which, by potentially excluding critically relevant evidence, it may infringe upon a defendant's right to a fair trial.

The quality of the legislation is soon to be tested. On 26 and 27 March 2001 the House of Lords heard an interlocutory appeal in the case of R v. A and were asked to decide if the new provisions, by excluding previous sexual history evidence between the complainant and the defendant, contravened Article 6 of the European Convention of Human Rights. Their Lordships are, at the time of writing, yet to give judgment and the fate of the defendant in question, and several others whose trials have been postponed pending their decision, hangs in the balance. This article seeks to show that the new Act, despite being well-intentioned, does not adopt a coherent or sustainable approach to the relevance of previous sexual history evidence and the restrictive nature of its provisions are such that genuinely relevant material will be rendered inadmissible. This creates the risk of disembodying the case before the jury and raises the significant possibility that miscarriages of justice will occur. As a consequence, unless the legislation can be read down in such a way as to reintroduce a measure of judicial discretion to admit such evidence, a declaration of incompatibility may be called for.
Passive Euthanasia in Dementia: Killing … or Letting Die?
Authors: Salib Emad , Tadros George
Published: January 2017

A sample of carers was asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire designed to collect information about carers' characteristics and obtain their views on passive euthanasia. Each carer was given an information sheet about the study, which included a detailed and clear account for the different types of euthanasia.

The study showed a strong support for passive euthanasia from the non-professional carers of dementia patients. The strongest support was for the idea of a ‘Living Will’. Having previous experience in looking after other people with dementia would appear to influence carers' perception of passive euthanasia.

The subject of passive euthanasia and its ramifications for sufferers, carers and professionals warrants further exploration.
Evidential Breath Testing of Drivers—Day Surgery and Halothane Anaesthesia
Authors: Dunbar J. A. , Macrae W. A. , Murphie J. H. , Whittet D. , Mather A. M.
Published: January 2017

Recent criticisms of breath analysis for alcohol make the following case of interest. In this instance, the driver claimed that he could not possibly have consumed enough alcohol to be over the legal limit and that the reading must have been due to halothane administered for surgery earlier that day. The case highlights the problem of substances which absorb at the same operational wavelength as alcohol. Halothane is one such substance, but experimental testing demonstrated that clinical concentrations are too low to affect the Camic breath analyser and there is no interaction between ethanol and halothane in breath analysis.
Ancillary Autopsy — Forensic Histopathology and Toxicology
Authors: Patel F
Published: January 2017

Under the Coroners Act 1988 and the Coroners Rules 1984, the removal of parts or contents of the body which does not bear directly upon the cause of death is restricted. However, it may not be possible in every forensic necropsy to foretell whether the post-mortem removal of body tissue will fulfil a statutory proviso. To emphasize this medico-legal predicament, some examples in which ancillary histopathological examination or toxicological analysis assisted in ascertaining an accurate cause and manner of death are presented as short cases.
Psychiatric In-Patient Violence: Issues of English Law and Discipline within Hospitals
Authors: Crichton J H M
Published: January 2017

There has been a considerable increase in the number of publications about psychiatric patient violence, perhaps indicating an increase in violence or an increase in staff anxiety about assault. Missing from the debate are issues of law and ward discipline and these are discussed here.
1. Laryngeal Cyst and Sudden Death
Authors: Dada M A
Published: January 2017

Laryngeal cysts are relatively uncommon and account for about five per cent of benign laryngeal lesions. The commonest location is the epiglottis. Pathologically these lesions may be divided into epithelial, tonsillar or oncocytic types. The patients may be asymptomatic or present with hoarseness, dysphagia, cough or airway obstruction.

Epithelial cysts of the larynx, although histologically benign, may produce sudden and unexpected death from asphyxia. A case is presented of a 32-year-old female who was sexually assaulted and later found dead. Death was most likely due to laryngeal obstruction caused by an epiglottic cyst. Alcohol intoxication (BAC = 0.25g%) is likely to have been a contributory factor. In this case the results of the autopsy helped to exonerate the accused from being charged with murder. Other medico-legal problems that may be encountered with laryngeal cysts are difficulty in intubation and accidental rupture of a cyst during intubation or otolaryngeal examination.
2. Sleeping Foetus? — Medicolegal Consideration of an Incredibly Prolonged Gestational Period
Authors: Benomran F A
Published: January 2017

In Libya, sexual intercourse between an unmarried couple is unlawful even if it was consensual. The defendant in this case pleaded not guilty to the charge despite the fact that she delivered a baby 29 months after divorce. She imputed paternity of the child to her ex-husband, who denied the allegation on the grounds of the extremely long gestational period. Her claim was that the baby was conceived three months prior to divorce, but had ceased to grow for some time. Her plea was based on the widely accepted notion amongst lay people, the so-called ‘sleeping foetus’. Following the medical opinion, the court dismissed the plea and the woman was convicted of unlawful sexual intercourse.
3. Successful Suicide by Insulin Injection in a Non-Diabetic
Authors: Beastall G H , Gibson I H , Martin J
Published: January 2017

We report the death of a young female non-diabetic after self-administration of insulin which led to the trial and conviction of her partner, who was himself an insulin-dependent diabetic. This brings out particular lessons for the pathologist in view of the rarity of such deaths, emphasizes the importance of careful laboratory analysis and illustrates a number of interesting legal points.
4. Decapitation Death
Authors: Sharma G K , Sarangi M P , Tyagi A K
Published: January 2017

An unusual decapitation death of a young man from a road traffic accident involving a two-wheel scooter is reported.
AIDS and Professional Secrecy in the United States
Authors: Jayawardena Hemamal
Published: January 2017

Objective: To create a legal awareness of AIDS patients' right to privacy among the medical profession.

Discussion and recommendations: Doctors should recognize confidentiality as a patient's right, since in most countries the AIDS patient is practically considered a person who is going through a punishment, having no legal rights, rather than a patient suffering from a grave illness.

Originally the common law did not recognize the concept of professional secrecy as a right of the patient. It was only regarded as an ethical duty not actionable in court. But with the eruption of diseases such as AIDS, statutes requiring written authorization for the release of confidential information were enacted.

A problem with our hospital records is that they are freely available to almost all the staff in the hospitals and sometimes even to outsiders. In the case of AIDS at least, strict measures should be taken to enforce secrecy in relation to all disease-related information such as sexual history, HIV status and CD4 cell counts.

The duty to keep medical information confidential is not absolute. An overriding duty towards society, occurs when the benefits of disclosure outweigh its harm. This Utopian argument is even more convincing when an HIV-positive person is acting irresponsibly, engaging in risky behaviour without warning the partner. All persons who have a compelling interest, such as sexual partners, needle sharers, medical and nursing personnel, should be provided with this information. It should also extend to mortuary attendants when the patient dies.

A person having a STD has a legal duty to take precautions against transmission. In Berner v. Caldwell (543 So. 2d. 686), the US court held that one who knows or should reasonably know that he has genital herpes is under a duty to abstain from sex or warn others before risky contact.

As doctors we should familiarize ourselves now with the concepts and laws regarding patients' rights, without waiting until a malpractice crisis develops to correct ourselves.
The Laboratory Efficiencies Initiative: Partnership for Building a Sustainable National Public Health Laboratory System
Authors: Ridderhof John C. , Moulton Anthony D. , Ned Renée M. , Nicholson Janet K.A. , Chu May C. , Becker Scott J. , Blank Eric C. , Breckenridge Karen J. , Waddell Victor , Brokopp Charles
Published: January 2017

Beginning in early 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Association of Public Health Laboratories launched the Laboratory Efficiencies Initiative (LEI) to help public health laboratories (PHLs) and the nation's entire PHL system achieve and maintain sustainability to continue to conduct vital services in the face of unprecedented financial and other pressures.

The LEI focuses on stimulating substantial gains in laboratories' operating efficiency and cost efficiency through the adoption of proven and promising management practices. In its first year, the LEI generated a strategic plan and a number of resources that PHL directors can use toward achieving LEI goals. Additionally, the first year saw the formation of a dynamic community of practitioners committed to implementing the LEI strategic plan in coordination with state and local public health executives, program officials, foundations, and other key partners.
Laboratory System Improvement Program: First in the Nation—New Hampshire Reassessment
Authors: Power Jill J. , Bean Christine L. , Cosser Amanda , Vazquez Alma
Published: January 2017

The New Hampshire Public Health Laboratories (NH PHL) conducted an initial Laboratory System Improvement Program (L-SIP) assessment in March 2007 and a reassessment in May 2011. New Hampshire was a pilot state for the initial L-SIP assessment in 2007 and was the first laboratory system in the United States to conduct an L-SIP reassessment. The New Hampshire reassessment was also used as a pilot for revising the assessment tool. The NH PHL performed a high-level comparison benchmarking the work done between the two assessments. This comparison revealed areas of improvement and other areas that needed continued focus to align with model standards of the 10 Essential Public Health Services. This article outlines achievements, improvements, and outcomes made since 2007, as well as participants, activities, plans, resources, and other factors that contributed to the change in scores between assessments.
Measuring Accreditation Activity and Progress: Findings from a Survey of Indiana Local Health Departments, 2013
Authors: Meyerson Beth E. , Barnes Priscilla R. , King Jerry , Degi Lindsey S. , Halverson Paul K. , Polmanski Haley F.
Published: January 2017

A 2013 survey of Indiana local health departments (LHDs) measured accreditation activity and progress. Reported activities were categorized using the Public Health Accreditation Board's (PHAB's) accreditation steps as a guiding framework and matched with selected sociodemographic, organizational, and technical assistance variables. Findings indicated that 42 (59.2%) of responding Indiana LHDs reported pursuing accreditation. Of LHDs pursuing accreditation, 21 were at the initial introductory step, 18 were at the prerequisite step, one reported submitting an application to PHAB, and two reported no activity, yet intent to pursue accreditation. Reported receipt of technical assistance was associated with accreditation progress ( p=0.01) and, specifically, with being at the prerequisite step. Facilitating the pursuit of LHD accreditation in states with low public health investment is possible with targeted accreditation resources. Finding meaningful measures of accreditation progress will help advance the study of factors associated with LHD accreditation on a broad scale and for the long term.
Impact of the National School Lunch Program on Fruit and Vegetable Selection in Northeastern Elementary Schoolchildren, 2012–2013
Authors: Amin Sarah A. , Yon Bethany A. , Taylor Jennifer C. , Johnson Rachel K.
Published: January 2017

Increasing children's fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption is an important goal of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) National School Lunch Program. Since 2012, the USDA's requirement that children select FVs at lunch as part of the reimbursable school meal has been met with concern and evidence of food waste. We compared elementary schoolchildren's FV selection, consumption, and waste before (10 school visits, 498 tray observations) and after (11 school visits, 944 tray observations) implementation of this requirement using validated dietary assessment measures. More children selected FVs in higher amounts when FVs were required compared with when they were optional (0.69 cups vs. 0.89 cups, p<0.001); however, consumption decreased slightly (0.51 cups vs. 0.45 cups, p=0.01) and waste increased (0.25 cups vs. 0.39 cups, p<0.001) when FVs were required compared with when they were optional. More exposure to FVs in schools through programmatic efforts and in the home environment may help familiarize children with FV offerings and encourage consumption.
Children and Adolescents Unvaccinated against Measles: Geographic Clustering, Parents' Beliefs, and Missed Opportunities
Authors: Smith Philip J. , Marcuse Edgar K. , Seward Jane F. , Zhao Zhen , Orenstein Walter A.
Published: January 2017

Objective.

We evaluated the extent to which children and adolescents were not vaccinated against measles (“unvaccinated”), clustering within U.S. counties, and factors associated with unvaccination, including parents' vaccine-related beliefs and missed opportunities.

Methods.

We analyzed data from the 2010–2013 National Immunization Survey (NIS) and NIS-Teen Survey of households with 19- to 35-month-old children and 13- to 17-year-old adolescents, respectively. We used provider-reported vaccination histories to assess measles vaccination status.

Results.

In 2013, 7.5% of children and 4.5% of adolescents were unvaccinated against measles. Four-fifths (80.0%) of unvaccinated children lived in counties containing 41.9% of the nation's children, and 80.0% of unvaccinated adolescents lived in counties containing 30.4% of the nation's adolescents. Multivariable statistical analyses found that 74.6% of children who were unvaccinated against measles missed being vaccinated for reasons other than parents' negative vaccine-related beliefs, and 89.6% could be deemed as having at least one missed opportunity for being vaccinated against measles because they were administered at least one dose of other recommended vaccines after 12 months of age. Among adolescents, multivariable analyses found that only demographic factors, not vaccine-related parental beliefs, were independently associated with being unvaccinated.

Conclusions.

Reasons other than negative vaccine-related beliefs, including missed opportunities, accounted for the vast majority of unvaccinated children and adolescents.
Trends in HIV Testing among U.S. Older Adults Prior to and since Release of CDC's Routine HIV Testing Recommendations: National Findings from the BRFSS
Authors: Ford Chandra L. , Mulatu Mesfin S. , Godette Dionne C. , Gaines Tommi L.
Published: January 2017

Objective.

This study examined temporal trends in HIV testing among U.S. older adults (50–64 years of age) before and after the release of CDC's routine HIV testing recommendations in 2006.

Methods.

The sample ( n=872,797; 51.4% female) comprised 2003–2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System respondents in the oldest categories to which the recommendations apply: 50–54 years (34.5%, n=301,519), 55–59 years (34.1%, n=297,865), and 60–64 years (31.3%, n=273,413). We calculated (1) four-year pooled prevalences of past-year HIV testing before and after 2006, when the recommendations were released; and (2) annual prevalences of HIV testing overall and by age category from 2003–2010. Using weighted, multivariable logistic regression analyses, we examined binary (pre- vs. post-recommendations) and annual changes in testing, controlling for covariates. We stratified the data by recent doctor visits, examined racial/ethnic differences, and tested for linear and quadratic temporal trends.

Results.

Overall and within age categories, the pooled prevalence of past-year HIV testing decreased following release of the recommendations ( p<0.001). The annual prevalence decreased monotonically from 2003 (5.5%) to 2006 (3.6%) (β=–0.16, p<0.001) and then increased immediately after release of the recommendations, but decreased to 3.7% after 2009 (β=0.01, p<0.001). By race/ethnicity, testing increased over time among non-Hispanic black people only. Annual prevalence also increased among respondents with recent doctor visits.

Conclusion.

CDC's HIV testing recommendations were associated with a reversal in the downward trend in past-year HIV testing among older adults; however, the gains were neither universal nor sustained over time.
Attention-aware color theme extraction for fabric images
Authors: Liu Shiguang , Jiang Yaxi , Luo Huarong
Published: January 2017

Color configuration plays an important role in art, design, and communication, which can influence the user’s experiences, feelings, and psychological well-being. It is laborious to manually select a color theme from scratch for handling large batches of images. Alternatively, it can inspire designers’ creations and save their time as well by leveraging the color themes in existing art works (e.g. fabric, paintings). However, it is challenging to automatically extract perceptually plausible color themes from fabric images. This paper presents a new automatic framework for extracting color themes from fabric images. A saliency map is built to help recognize the visual attention regions of the input image. Since the saliency map separates the image into visual attention regions (foreground) and non-visual attention regions (background), we respectively compute the dominant colors of these two regions, and merge them to form the initial target color theme based on certain rules. The dominant colors are extracted, accounting for the characteristics of the fabric and hue distributions of fabric images so as to acquire visually plausible results. Our method can be used to transfer colors between two fabric images for fabric color design. We tested our method thoroughly with various fabric images (e.g. cotton, silk, and linen) with different texture patterns (e.g. plain and twill). Experiments show that our method is more efficient and can generate more visually plausible results than state-of-the-art algorithms.
Research on planar frequency selective fabrics with Jerusalem-shaped units
Authors: Guan Fuwang , Xiao Hong , Shi Meiwu , Wang Qun , Yu Weidong , Wang Fumei
Published: January 2017

Planar frequency selective fabrics (FSFs) with Jerusalem-shaped units were proposed in this paper. In accordance with the previous work, the design process was specifically for 10 GHz. Through simulation and optimization procedures, the ideal structure parameters were obtained, and the proposed FSFs with optimized parameters showed good stability to differential and integral algorithms, transmission modes and incidence angles of electromagnetic (EM) waves. To further explore the internal EM transmission mechanism of FSFs, the surface currents at 4, 10 and 14 GHz were analyzed comparatively. Based on the simulated results, 10 samples with the polyester fabric substrate were fabricated through the computer-based carving method and the transmission characteristics were tested using the Shielding Room Method. The fabricated FSFs indeed showed good frequency response characteristics, as expected, and the comparison of measured and simulated results verified the validity of the design procedures. The influence rules of structure parameters ( p, a, b, c) were further studied in detail by changing their values properly, and the simplified equivalent circuit model was proposed to explore the corresponding physical mechanism, which could provide physical insight into the performance of the FSFs.
Deodorant activity of phthalocyanine complex nanofiber
Authors: Lee Hoik , Jatoi Abdul Wahab , Kyohei Yamaguchi , Kim Kyu-Oh , Song Kyung Hun , Lee Jungsoon , Zhu Chunhong , Tsuiki Hisanaga , Kim Ick Soo
Published: January 2017

Unpleasant odor is a problem in the modern lifestyle. In order to prevent malodor, we fabricated phthalocyanine combined with nanofibers to prevent unpleasant odor for the first time. Cu-coordinated phthalocyanine was used as an odor preventing agent and methyl mercaptan gas was selected as a model malodorant. This study was conducted with two different polymers, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and silk. A total of 4 wt% of phthalocyanine was incorporated in the solutions of both polymers, resulting in the successful fabrication of nanofibers. It is notable that the deodorant activity test clearly showed a reduction of methyl mercaptan gas in both phthalocyanine incorporated PVA and silk nanofibers. In addition, the phthalocyanine/silk nanofibers exhibited better deodorant performance in comparison to the phthalocyanine/PVA nanofiber.
Never-Dried Cotton Fibers
Authors: Eckberg R. , Ingram P. , Williams J. L.
Published: January 2017

The density ( ρc) of never-dried cotton has been measured in its wet state. It is found to be 1.536 ± 0.006 g cm−3. This quantity is essential when it is necessary to determine add-ons in grafting experiments, and the present method avoids the need of having to know the initial weight of never-dried cotton in such experiments.
The Effect of Light at Different Wavelengths on Electron Spin Resonances in Wool
Authors: Smith G. J.
Published: January 2017

An action spectrum from 280 nm to 390 nm for the formation of a non-sulphur-free radical in wool at room temperature and in the absence of air has been determined. This spectrum shows a peak at 285 nm, indicating that the aromatic amino acid components of keratin are important chromophores in the formation of these radicals. A low-temperature ESR signal in wool at g ~ 4.25 decreases on irradiation with light from a mercury arc through a Wratten 35 filter (320–470 nm). This signal arises from a ferric ion—keratin complex, and the photodegradation of this complex is accompanied by the formation of non-sulphur type radicals at room temperature.
Solvent Finishing of Cotton and Cotton-Polyester Blends Part II: Emulsions for Durable-Press Treatments
Authors: Berni R. J. , Benerito R. R. , Pilkington M. W.
Published: January 2017

Cotton and cotton-polyester blend fabrics were treated with dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst from perchloroethylene-water emulsions. Commercially available emulsifiers, crosslinking reagents. softeners, and catalysts were used in emulsions applied by pad-dry-cure and pad-steam-cure techniques. Final fabric properties were comparable to those obtained from all-aqueous formulations.
Disperse Dyes: Dyeing Properties and Fastness of Azo Dyes
Authors: Sunthankar S. V. , Thanumoorthy V.
Published: January 2017

The dyeing properties and fastness of several disperse azo dyes, prepared from the o- and m-substituted p-nitroani-lines as diazo components and N-ethyl-N-cyanocthylanilinc and - o-anisidine as coupling components, have been studied in order to get an idea of the substitutional effect on dyeing properties.
Combined Application of Reactive Compounds in Nonaqueous Swelling Solvents for Flame- and Shrink-Resistant Wool
Authors: Koenig N. H. , Friedman Mendel
Published: January 2017

A new way to produce wool that is both flame resistant and machine washable is by simultaneous treatment with tetrabromophthalic anhydride and tolylene diisocyanate in hot cresol. The treatment illustrates the combined application of wool-reactive compounds in nonaqueous swelling solvents for multiple benefits.
Political culture in Bangladesh: Does leadership matter ?
Authors: Pandey Pranab Kumar
Published: January 2017

Ever since it emerged as a sovereign State, Bangladesh has been in the grip of power politics. Coups have been common, the military has infiltrated the political process, and the political scene is marked by a patron-client culture, one in which black money plays a major role in elections and mastans (goondas) are extensively relied upon to do the bidding of their political masters. Political leaders draw their strength by donning the mantles of the slain charismatic leaders-Sheik Mujibur Rahman and Ziaur Rahman; they care little for inner-party democracy, are distanced from the people, and are caught up in an ‘enemy discourse”, in which each political party reviles the other. Bangladesh's political leaders must work for a genuine democratic culture in the country.
The slums of Panchkula
Authors: Duggal Bindu
Published: January 2017

Four slum colonies in the satellite township of Panchkula, on the periphery of Chandigarh, are profiled. In some of the colonies, hardly one fourth of the children were attending school. Health Services were poor and water was scarce. Lack of sewerage facilities, due to which slum dwellers had to defecate in the open, added to the squalor. In contrast to this dismal picture, in Azad Colony, most of the children were encouraged to go to school; and in one of the slum settlements-Indira Colony, due to the efforts of the pradhan, groups of children were being educated in the juggis itself. Residents of Azad colony had also collected money and harnessed skilled and unskilled labour available locally to provide better drainage and sanitation. The general tendency in the other colonies was to depend on succor provided by the State machinery, which only results in a complete denial of basic infrastructure.
Socio-economic factors influencing utilisation of maternal health care in Uttar Pradesh: An analysis of NFHS-2 data
Authors: Ghosh Saswata
Published: January 2017

Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-2), 1998-99, analysed in this paper with multivariate logistic regressions, indicate that educational attainment of women is the most important factor in determining utilisation of maternal health care in rural, and, more pronouncedly, in urban areas, after controlling for all other socioeconomic factors. Standard of living (proxy for household economic status) too was found to be a significant determinant of accessing health services, in both rural and urban areas. Media exposure was important in use of antenatal care, which in turn was significantly associated with accessing delivery care.

There are indications also that as the rural population does not have the benefit of access and a woman must go to the nearest city or town for institutional delivery care, household economic condition does matter in this case. Unless transport and communication become easily accessible to villages and to health professionals and centres, many rural women, especially the poor and the illiterate, may not be able to afford appropriate health care at delivery.
Indian diaspora, 1974-2004-A select bibliography
Authors: Sahoo Sadananda , Sahoo Ajaya Kumar , Pradhan Fakir Mohan
Published: January 2017

Over the last one decade, the study of the Indian Diaspora has emerged as a rich area of multidisciplinary research interest. In this bibliographical compilation, we list the major works in the last 25 years. Since the sources and disciplines are varied, we could not access all the published materials. We hope the compilations will fulfill its objective of providing background knowledge to new scholars as well as academicians pursuing research on Indian Diaspora.
Socio-economic conditions of Gaddi tribals: Findings from a survey in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Pattanaik B. K. , Singh Kulwinder
Published: January 2017

The pastoral Gaddi tribes of Himachal Pradesh were studied in four blocks of Kangara district. As many as 93% of the households in the sample had access to piped drinking water, 92% had electricity, and more than 90% were connected by roads. TV sets, newspapers and telephones were largely found in well to do families. The male literacy rate was found to be 80% and the female literacy rate, 63%. Women of this community are highly empowered; they express themselves freely, and 90% spend money or go to receive health services without the permission of their men folk. Only 9% of the households were landless. 63.5% were marginal holders. Though size of holdings is small, it was found to promote food security. It was also found that sub tribes like the Gaddi Rajputs, Gaddi Kapoors and Gaddi Bhatts had larger holdings than other sub tribes, notably Gaddi SCs. Likewise poverty was found to be higher among the SC Gaddis as compared to the non SC Gaddis.
Processes of child trafficking in West Bengal: A qualitative study
Authors: Deb Sibnath , Srivastava Neerajakshi , Chatterjee Pooja , Chakraborty Tanusree
Published: January 2017

A study of 35 trafficked children and young women found that trafficking is usually conducted through offers of false marriages and jobs, or through outright abduction and sale. In almost all districts and even some villages, the traffickers, who have a strong network, engage agents, who include: another person who herself is a victim of trafficking, unemployed persons, drug addicts/alcoholics or aged women with no income. Sometimes, these agents work under compulsion and/or are blackmailed into abetment.

Since poverty and illiteracy are the prime factors contributing to trafficking, income-generating and literacy programmes should be arranged for needy families. Local NGOs also need to take the initiative to raise awareness levels in panchayats in order to check trafficking. Training programmes and workshops need to be organised too, for the local administration, panchayats members and police officers.
Women's Self Help Groups: Findings from a study in four Indian States
Authors: Srivastava Alka
Published: January 2017

Data collected from a micro sample of women members of SHGs (Self Help Groups) in four Indian States-Bihar, Chattisgarh, M.P. and U.P., shows that through micro-finance based entrepreneurship, these women have been able to contribute to household finances, which led to some (though limited) decision making role for them in the household. While there is a need to study the issue in a longer time frame, overall, we see that the picture is not devoid of optimism. The case studies (qualitative data) too provide grounds for hope, for instance, with respect to the role of women SHGs in the rescue of bonded labourers, assertion of dalit rights, and in tackling issues of domestic violence and alcoholism.
Social Movements in India: A Select Bibliography
Authors: Sahoo Ajaya Kumar
Published: January 2017

This bibliographic compilation lists the major works on social movements published in the last few years. All published materials could not be accessed, but it is hoped that the compilation will fulfill its objective of providing background knowledge to scholars and academics.
Health care services in Punjab: Findings of a patient satisfaction survey
Authors: Sharma Pawan Kumar , Ahmed Shaik Iftikhar , Bhatia Manisha
Published: January 2017

Based on the primary data for 499 patients, 135 IPD and 364 OPD, in 62 hospitals across all the 20 districts in Punjab, the study discovered that contrary to the popular notion, the satisfaction level of the patients with the services delivered at hospitals managed by Punjab Health Systems Corporation (PHSC) was significantly high on most of the parameters. Both outdoor patients and indoor patients found the location of the hospitals accessible, diagnostic facilities in order, and quality of medical care satisfactory. There were, of course, some difficulties faced in respect of availability of medicines from within the hospitals, delay in obtaining the reports of diagnostic tests, and laxity in emergency cases. Many of the identified areas for quality improvement are related to the time factor and non-availability of medicines at the hospitals. The escalating costs involved in the purchase of medicines from the market emerged as a cause of worry for every patient. Indications are that the institutions like PHSC can be more effective than the conventional Health Departments in the delivery of health services especially to the patients belonging to the poor strata of society. This is endorsed by nine out of every ten patients who felt that the services offered at the private hospitals were unaffordable and beyond their reach. Moreover, a mismatch between the huge amount of money spent and the quality of services received impelled many of them to seek the services of a government hospital. The indispensability of the role of the public sector in health care in the Indian context cannot be missed.
Postoperative Small Bowel Fistula: Back to Basics
Authors: Bissett Ian P
Published: January 2017

Twenty-one patients presenting between January 1992 and January 1998 with postoperative small bowel fistula were reviewed and their management and outcome were recorded. There were six jejunal and 15 ileal fistulae. Seven fistulae were low output and 14 high output. The management principles included: (i) initial resuscitation and skin care; (ii) early surgery for sepsis, or for a high-output fistula which showed no signs of decrease by 10 days, or total wound breakdown. Surgery involved, where possible, fistula resection with double enterostomy, a feeding gastrostomy and abdominal drainage; and (iii) enteral feeding with refeeding of enterostomy output into the distal stoma if required to correct fluid and electrolyte imbalance and malnutrition. Five patients died and in the other 16 their fistulae closed and they are alive and well.
The Prevalence of Onchocerciasis and other Parasitic Infestations on an Oil Palm Plantation in Ghana
Authors: Krah Cyril K
Published: January 2017

This study was carried out amongst workers of Twifo Oil Palm Plantations (TOPP), a large agro-based industry located in the tropical rain forest belt of the Central Region of Ghana in West Africa. The district abounds in streams and rivers, the biggest being the rapidly flowing River Pra which bisects the district. Simulium flies abound in the area and are commonly seen biting voraciously especially during the period of the year when farm lands are being prepared for cropping.

The author assumed the responsibility of providing health care for about 1700 employees of the plantation and their dependants in 1988. The majority of employees had been engaged without any pre-employment medical examination. Available medical information on most workers was inadequate and limited to those reporting to the small company clinic. There was no hospital in the district and the deplorable roads turned the district into an inaccessible island.

Meaningful planning for healthcare delivery in the area was difficult. This study was conceived as an initial step in identifying the common health problems particularly amongst the plantation workers in order to plan necessary interventions.
Neonatal Resuscitation: A Report from Oman
Authors: Manzar Shabih
Published: January 2017

There has been a considerable increase in the educational level and awareness of neonatal care in developing countries over last decade. The importance of neonatal resuscitation, however, has been ignored. This report discusses the importance of structured neonatal courses with emphasis on the need for more such courses at regional levels, especially in developing countries. The concept of basic and advanced life support of the newborn is also presented.
Tuberculosis Control in Less Developed Countries: Can Culture Explain the Whole Picture?
Authors: Jaramillo Ernesto
Published: January 2017

Healthcare practices, adherence to treatment, and organizational behaviour of healthcare workers are the main issues concerning tuberculosis (TB) control influenced by culture. A review of research findings published in the English language literature concerning these issues, and the way in which they are affected by cultural and structural factors is presented and discussed. These findings suggest that structural rather than cultural factors may be the main explanation for the questionable behaviour of healthcare workers and patients suffering from TB in less developed countries.
Anaesthetic and Intensive Care Management of Rupture of the Gravid Uterus: A Review of 50 Cases
Authors: Amata A O
Published: January 2017

Fifty emergency laparotomies were performed over a period of 5 years for rupture of the gravid uterus at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. The associated morbidity and mortality rates were very high. Contributory factors were lack of antenatal care, high parity, late presentation, inadequate resuscitation, delayed surgery and poor perioperative monitoring and anaesthetic management. More widespread and efficient antenatal care and better referral centre services will improve patient outcome.
Expert Witness Testimony in the Criminal Trial of Eugene de Kock: A Critique of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Defence
Authors: Nicholas L J , Coleridge L
Published: January 2017

The Diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was presented as the core testimony in mitigation of sentence in the Eugene de Kock criminal trial. Several hundred pages of expert witness testimony were assessed and the difficulties of diagnosing PTSD for forensic determination, especially when the client is familiar with the usually well-publicised symptoms, are presented. The obligation of expert witnesses to remain objective, testify within their areas of expertise, not assume the role of lie detectors and write accurate reports were emphasised.
An Evaluation of Psychological Reports Considered in the Amnesty Process of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Authors: Nicholas Lionel
Published: January 2017

An evaluation of the summary and individual psychological reports on five perpetrators of human rights violations were made. The reports overwhelmingly focused on postraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) even where the diagnosis was clearly not warranted and tried to dissuade the court from trying to elicit full disclosure of human rights violations, arguing that it would have detrimental effects on the perpetrators. In this most public work of psychologists greater oversight over expert consultations was urged.
Primary Energy Sources of Electric Power in China
Authors: Denny David
Published: January 2017

Electrical generation, 938 Mw, now predominantly (62%) from coal with hydro- at 29% and oil and natural gas at 9%, is expected to grow to 255,000 Mw by the year 2000. Coal will contribute 67%, oil and gas 4%, hydro- 27% and nuclear 2%. There are small, local sources of energy for power generation: geothermal, tidal and wind.

Development will be affected by the availability of resources and the extent to which foreign participation is sought.
The Changing Atmosphere and the Role of Hydrogen
Authors: Solem Erik , Whitehead J. Rennie
Published: January 2017

“Changing Atmosphere – Implications for Global Security”, Toronto 1988, attracted international attention to the dangers of the greenhouse effect. It focused attention on the need for cleaner primary energy sources and energy carriers. This implies not only greater efficiency and conservation but also a move away from high carbon content fuels. There will be increasing pressure on decision makers to take appropriate action in complex and difficult matters that will have profound political, social and economic implications.

Hydrogen has an important role as an energy source in the short, medium and long term. Early applications of hydrogen include the enrichment of hydrogen-deficient oils and solid fuels, its role in the replacement of gasoline in urban vehicles, its use as an energy-storage medium for load-levelling, and for the transportation of large quantities of energy when other means are not available. In the long term it could become a principal world energy currency. In this role it is compatible with and complementary to electricity.