bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Relative Humidity on Temperature and Current Distributions within a Segmented H2/Air PEM Fuel Cell
Authors: Abdullah Aboubakr M. , Mohammad Ahmad M. , Okajima Takeyoshi , Kitamura Fusao , Ohsaka Takeo
Published: October 2011

The effect of the operating relative humidity (RH) values on the temperature and current distributions within a 5-5 segmented H2/air polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell was studied. Different relative humidity values were applied ranging from 0 to 100%. All the measurements were done at a constant potential mode rather than a constant current mode. While the temperature distributions in front of the 5 subcells at different RH values were measured using thermocouples inserted at the back of the graphite current collectors, and the current distributions within these 5 subcells were measured using 5 potentiostats that have been used as zero resistance ammeters. The results show significant temperature gradients at the different loads as a function of the operating RH values. In addition, the fraction of current (α) passed through every subcell revealed interesting behaviors at the corresponding RH values.
Carbon Nanofoam-Based Cathodes for Li-O2 Batteries: Correlation of Pore-Solid Architecture and Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Chervin Christopher N. , Long Jeffrey W. , Brandell Natalie L. , Rolison Debra R.
Published: October 2011

We investigated the effect of cathode pore-size distribution on the specific capacity of Li-O2 cells using binder-free, catalyst-free carbon nanofoam architectures prepared by infiltrating carbon fiber papers with a resorcinol-formaldehyde sol. Four sets of carbon nanofoam papers were synthesized with pore-size distributions ranging from mesopores (5-50 nm) to small macropores (50-200 nm). The specific capacity of Li-O2 cells tracked the average pore size of the pore network in the carbon nanofoam of the air cathode, rather than the specific surface area of the nanoscale carbon network. The macroporous nanofoams yield cell capacities of 400-500 mAhg-1, ~ 2x that of the mesoporous nanofoams (~200 mAhg-1), even though the macroporous foams had lower specific surface areas (~350-450 vs. ~500 m2g-1). For the four nanofoam architectures studied, the capacity is limited by pore occlusion arising from solid product electrogenerated near the O2-facing boundary and not the respective total pore volumes.
Morphological Instabilities and the Dynamics of Carbon Nanotube Forest Growth
Authors: Finnie Paul , Vinten Phillip , Marshall Paul , Lefebvre Jacques
Published: October 2011

Vertically aligned carbon nanotube forests show various morphologies on both macro- and micro-scales. These morphologies are a result of growth mechanisms and interactions between nanotubes. By investigating these morphologies, we study both the growth mechanisms and the interactions. We examine forest morphologies in situ, dynamically during chemical vapor deposition growth and ex situ, post growth. In situ observations allow the separate characterization of nucleation, growth and termination phases, and the exploration of connections between morphology and growth. Forests systematically show different morphologies, ranging from uniform to cracked, delaminated, and periodically rippled. These are discussed in terms of the balance of forces within the forests including cohesion, adhesion, and stiffness. We propose a simplified model that predicts termination as a result of an imbalance in the forces present. We show that growth rate differences drive many morphological effects, and these differences originate in the nucleation phase due to gas diffusion.
High-Performance N2O Plasma Treated Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes Grown by Thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Fan Ching-Lin , Lai Hui-Lung , Huang Tzu-Chien , Wu Wen-Fa
Published: October 2011

A N2O plasma post-treatment process was performed to etch the surface of MWCNTs and modify the density of MWCNTs and dope nitrogen atoms into MWCNTs in high density plasma chemical vapor deposition (HDPCVD) system. The experimental results show improved field emission properties under proper plasma conditions. The turn-on electric field decreased from 2.5 to 1.7 V/μm, and the emission current density increased from 200 to 889 μA/cm2 at an applied field of 4.8 V/μm.
Synthesis, Characterization and Electrochemical Studies of Active Materials for Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Trinh Ngoc Duc , Crosnier Olivier , Schougaard Steen B. , Brousse Thierry
Published: October 2011

Sodium ion batteries represent an interesting alternative to lithium ion batteries for large scale energy storage, due to the inexpensive and massive sources of sodium. Moreover, the incertitude related to lithium resources and their suppliers could become a major problem in the coming years. In this study, synthesis and electrochemical analyses were performed to examine TiO2 (B) and Na2Ti6O13's potential as negative electrode materials in sodium ion batteries. These materials were selected due to their well-known small cation insertion redox reactions.
An Investigation of Inorganic/Ionomer Composite Electrolyte Membranes by Dynamic Vapor Sorption
Authors: Mecheri Barbara , Felice Valeria , D'Epifanio Alessandra , Tavares Ana , Licoccia Silvia
Published: October 2011

Nafion-Faujasite zeolite composite membranes were prepared by solution casting at different zeolite content, ranging from 2 to 40 wt.% nominal content. A dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) apparatus was used to investigate the thermodynamics of water sorption of the composite electrolytes. The water diffusivity was estimated from the kinetics of the water adsorption process. Fitting the sorption isotherms by a multi-mode model allowed to discriminate the water states in the composites and analyze the effect of the additives on the interaction of water with the ionomer matrix. The addition of zeolites causes an increase of the mobile water population within the membrane.
Evaluation of ORR Activity of Solid Surfaces Using a New Rotating Disk Electrode
Authors: Matsuda Motofumi , Takeguchi Tatsuya , Yamanaka Toshiro , Takahashi Hiroki , Ueda Wataru
Published: October 2011

The ORR activity of the solid surface of NaCo2O4 could be evaluated by using pellet sample that retains electronic conduction.
Effect of Potential on SO2 Adsorption onto Pt/C Catalyst for PEMFCs
Authors: Zhai Yunfeng , Bethune Keith , St-Pierre Jean , Rocheleau Richard
Published: October 2011

The potential dependence of SO2 adsorption on Pt catalyst in MEA was investigated by the CV scanning under typical PEMFCs operating conditions. Results indicated that the potential dependence was different between the Pt crystal surface and edge sites and the chemical state of adsorbate was independent of Pt surface coverage. The saturation coverage of sulfur adsorbates on Pt surface decreased with increasing adsorption potential in the range of 0.35V - 0.95V. Pt(111)2-S might be formed during the backward potential scanning of the CV scans. More details on the dependence of adsorbates on the adsorption potential will be reported in the future analysis.
Heat Treatment Structure Design for Air-Cooled PEMFC Operating at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Yang Daijun , Zheng Xiaoliang , Li Bing , Zhang Hao , Ma Jianxin
Published: October 2011

Elevating operating temperature of PEMFC up to 90~100 oC is of many benefits, which has become a research hotspot. Due to the enlarged temperature discrepancy between the active area of membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and ambient environmental, air is chosen as a candidate for cooling media in this paper. Five cooling modes, which are classified in terms of the finned bipolar plate (BPP) structure and air flow direction, were designed. Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method was employed to investigate the temperature distributions on a 250 cm2 MEA under each cooling mode. Modeling results show that a metal plate has to be used inside the BPPs for satisfied cooling performance.
Performance of Ion Track-Etched Polyimide as Ion Exchange Membranes for Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Sonck Samuel , Beuls Elise , Mahillon Jacques , Francis Laurent A.
Published: October 2011

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and I-V curves have been used to compare performances of ion track-etched polyimide membranes with perfluorosulfonic membranes for a microbial fuel cell, a kind of device converting chemical energy to electricity and vice-versa thanks to the catalytic action of bacteria. For a lower cost, polyimide membranes exhibit similar results, which can even be improved if electrodes are directly coated on them.
Proteomics in Melanoma Biomarker Discovery: Great Potential, Many Obstacles
Authors: Sabel Michael S. , Liu Yashu , Lubman David M.
Published: October 2011

The present clinical staging of melanoma stratifies patients into heterogeneous groups, resulting in the application of aggressive therapies to large populations, diluting impact and increasing toxicity. To move to a new era of therapeutic decisions based on highly specific tumor profiling, the discovery and validation of new prognostic and predictive biomarkers in melanoma is critical. Genomic profiling, which is showing promise in other solid tumors, requires fresh tissue from a large number of primary tumors, and thus faces a unique challenge in melanoma. For this and other reasons, proteomics appears to be an ideal choice for the discovery of new melanoma biomarkers. Several approaches to proteomics have been utilized in the search for clinically relevant biomarkers, but to date the results have been relatively limited. This article will review the present work using both tissue and serum proteomics in the search for melanoma biomarkers, highlighting both the relative advantages and disadvantages of each approach. In addition, we review several of the major obstacles that need to be overcome in order to advance the field.
Kounis Syndrome together with Myocardial Bridging Leading to Acute Myocardial Infarction at Young Age
Authors: Caglar Ilker Murat , Vural Alper , Turhan Caglar Fatma Nihan , Ugurlucan Murat , Karakaya Osman
Published: October 2011

Kounis syndrome, also named as “allergic angina syndrome,” is a diagnosis in which exposure to an allergen causes mostly coronary spasm and rarely plaque rupture, resulting in ischemic myocardial events. Myocardial bridging is defined as an intramural segment of a coronary artery and its systolic compression by overlying fibers. Myocardial bridging generally has a benign prognosis and mostly affects the mid portion of left anterior descending coronary artery. However, some cases with myocardial ischemia, infarction, and sudden death have also been reported. A 17-year-old boy presented to the clinic with acute anterolateral myocardial infarction after having first dose of clindamycin and diagnosed as Kounis syndrome. Further diagnostic workup of the patient showed myocardial bridging at the mid left anterior descending artery. In this report, we present the combination of Kounis syndrome and myocardial bridging leading to myocardial infarction at young age.
Pain Scores Are Not Predictive of Pain Medication Utilization
Authors: Galloway Suzanne , Chimhanda Maryann , Sloan Jayme , Anderson Charles , Sinacore James , Brubaker Linda
Published: October 2011

Objective. To compare Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores with overall postoperative pain medication requirements including cumulative dose and patterns of medication utilization and to determine whether VAS scores predict pain medication utilization. Methods. VAS scores and pain medication data were collected from participants in a randomized trial of the utility of phenazopyridine for improved pain control following gynecologic surgery. Results. The mean age of the 219 participants was 54 (range19 to 94). We did not detect any association between VAS and pain medication utilization for patient-controlled anesthesia (PCA) or RN administered (intravenous or oral) medications. We also did not detect any association between the number of VAS scores recorded and mean pain scores. Conclusion. Postoperative VAS scores do not predict pain medication use in catheterized women inpatients following gynecologic surgery. Increased pain severity, as reflected by higher VAS scores, is not associated with an increase in pain assessment. Our findings suggest that VAS scores are of limited utility for optimal pain control. Alternative or complimentary methods may improve pain management.
IKKβ and NF-κB Transcription Govern Lymphoma Cell Survival through AKT-Induced Plasma Membrane Trafficking of GLUT1
Authors: Sommermann Thomas G. , O'Neill Kathleen , Plas David R. , Cahir-McFarland Ellen
Published: October 2011

All cancer cells require increased nutrient uptake to support proliferation. In this study, we investigated the signals that govern glucose uptake in B-cell lymphomas and determined that the inhibitor of NF-κB-kinase β (IKKβ) induced glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) membrane trafficking in both viral and spontaneous B-cell lymphomas. IKKβ induced AKT activity, whereas IKKβ-driven NF-κB transcription was required for GLUT1 surface localization downstream of AKT. Activated NF-κB promoted AKT-mediated phosphorylation of the GLUT1 regulator, AKT substrate of 160kD (AS160), but was not required for AKT phosphorylation of the mTOR regulator Tuberous Sclerosis 2 (TSC2). In Epstein-Barr virus–transformed B cells, NF-κB inhibition repressed glucose uptake and induced caspase-independent cell death associated with autophagy. After NF-κB inhibition, an alternate carbon source ameliorated both autophagy and cell death, whereas autophagy inhibitors specifically accelerated cell death. Taken together, the results indicate that NF-κB signaling establishes a metabolic program supporting proliferation and apoptosis resistance by driving glucose import. Cancer Res; 71(23); 7291–300. ©2011 AACR.
Early Repolarization in an Ambulatory Clinical Population
Authors: Uberoi Abhimanyu , Jain Nikhil A. , Perez Marco , Weinkopff Anthony , Ashley Euan , Hadley David , Turakhia Mintu P. , Froelicher Victor
Published: October 2011

Background—

The significance of early repolarization, particularly regarding the morphology of the R-wave downslope, has come under question.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated 29 281 resting ambulatory ECGs from the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. With PR interval as the isoelectric line and amplitude criteria ≥0.1 mV, ST-segment elevation is defined at the end of the QRS, J wave as an upward deflection, and slur as a conduction delay on the QRS downstroke. Associations of ST-segment elevation patterns, J waves, and slurs with cardiovascular mortality were analyzed with Cox analysis. With a median follow-up of 7.6 years, there were 1995 cardiac deaths. Of 29 281 subjects, 87% were male (55±14 years) and 13% were female (56±17 years); 13% were black, 6% were Hispanic, and 81% were white or other. Six hundred sixty-four (2.3%) had inferior or lateral ST-segment elevation: 185 (0.6%) in inferior leads and 479 (1.6%) in lateral leads, 163 (0.6%) in both, and 0.4% had global elevation. A total of 4041 ECGs were analyzed with enhanced display, and 583 (14%) had J waves or slurring, which were more prevalent in those with than in those without ST-segment elevation (61% versus 13%;
P
<0.001). ST-segment elevation occurred more in those with than in those without J waves or slurs (12% versus 1.3%;
P
<0.001). Except when involving only inferior leads, all components of early repolarization were more common in young individuals, male subjects, blacks, and those with bradycardia. All patterns and components of early repolarization were associated with decreased cardiovascular mortality, but this was not significant after adjustment for age.

Conclusions—

We found no significant association between any components of early repolarization and cardiac mortality.
Low-Density Lipoproteins Containing Apolipoprotein C-III and the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Mendivil Carlos O. , Rimm Eric B. , Furtado Jeremy , Chiuve Stephanie E. , Sacks Frank M.
Published: October 2011

Background—

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) that contains apolipoprotein (apo) C-III makes up only 10% to 20% of plasma LDL but has a markedly altered metabolism and proatherogenic effects on vascular cells.

Methods and Results—

We examined the association between plasma LDL with apoC-III and coronary heart disease in 320 women and 419 men initially free of cardiovascular disease who developed a fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction during 10 to 14 years of follow-up and matched controls who remained free of coronary heart disease. Concentrations of LDL with apoC-III (measured as apoB in this fraction) were associated with risk of coronary heart disease in multivariable analysis that included the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, apoB, triglycerides, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and other risk factors. In all models, the relative risks for the top versus bottom quintile of LDL with apoC-III were greater than those for LDL without apoC-III. When included in the same multivariable-adjusted model, the risk associated with LDL with apoC-III (relative risk for top versus bottom quintile, 2.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.54–3.68;
P
for trend <0.001) was significantly greater than that associated with LDL without apoC-III (relative risk for top versus bottom quintile, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.76–2.05;
P
for trend=0.97;
P
for interaction <0.001). This divergence in association with coronary heart disease persisted even after adjustment for plasma triglycerides.

Conclusions—

The risk of coronary heart disease contributed by LDL appeared to result to a large extent from LDL that contains apoC-III.
ENSO and Pacific Decadal Variability in the Community Climate System Model Version 4
Authors: Deser Clara , Phillips Adam S. , Tomas Robert A. , Okumura Yuko M. , Alexander Michael A. , Capotondi Antonietta , Scott James D. , Kwon Young-Oh , Ohba Masamichi
Published: October 2011

This study presents an overview of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon and Pacific decadal variability (PDV) simulated in a multicentury preindustrial control integration of the NCAR Community Climate System Model version 4 (CCSM4) at nominal 1° latitude–longitude resolution. Several aspects of ENSO are improved in CCSM4 compared to its predecessor CCSM3, including the lengthened period (3–6 yr), the larger range of amplitude and frequency of events, and the longer duration of La Niña compared to El Niño. However, the overall magnitude of ENSO in CCSM4 is overestimated by ~30%. The simulated ENSO exhibits characteristics consistent with the delayed/recharge oscillator paradigm, including correspondence between the lengthened period and increased latitudinal width of the anomalous equatorial zonal wind stress. Global seasonal atmospheric teleconnections with accompanying impacts on precipitation and temperature are generally well simulated, although the wintertime deepening of the Aleutian low erroneously persists into spring. The vertical structure of the upper-ocean temperature response to ENSO in the north and south Pacific displays a realistic seasonal evolution, with notable asymmetries between warm and cold events. The model shows evidence of atmospheric circulation precursors over the North Pacific associated with the “seasonal footprinting mechanism,” similar to observations. Simulated PDV exhibits a significant spectral peak around 15 yr, with generally realistic spatial pattern and magnitude. However, PDV linkages between the tropics and extratropics are weaker than observed.
Applications of Full Spatial Resolution Space-Based Advanced Infrared Soundings in the Preconvection Environment
Authors: Li Jun , Liu Chian-Yi , Zhang Peng , Schmit Timothy J.
Published: October 2011

Advanced infrared (IR) sounders such as the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) provide atmospheric temperature and moisture profiles with high vertical resolution and high accuracy in preconvection environments. The derived atmospheric stability indices such as convective available potential energy (CAPE) and lifted index (LI) from advanced IR soundings can provide critical information 1 ~ 6 h before the development of severe convective storms. Three convective storms are selected for the evaluation of applying AIRS full spatial resolution soundings and the derived products on providing warning information in the preconvection environments. In the first case, the AIRS full spatial resolution soundings revealed local extremely high atmospheric instability 3 h ahead of the convection on the leading edge of a frontal system, while the second case demonstrates that the extremely high atmospheric instability is associated with the local development of severe thunderstorm in the following hours. The third case is a local severe storm that occurred on 7–8 August 2010 in Zhou Qu, China, which caused more than 1400 deaths and left another 300 or more people missing. The AIRS full spatial resolution LI product shows the atmospheric instability 3.5 h before the storm genesis. The CAPE and LI from AIRS full spatial resolution and operational AIRS/AMSU soundings along with Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) Sounder derived product image (DPI) products were analyzed and compared. Case studies show that full spatial resolution AIRS retrievals provide more useful warning information in the preconvection environments for determining favorable locations for convective initiation (CI) than do the coarser spatial resolution operational soundings and lower spectral resolution GOES Sounder retrievals.
The Hybrid and Dualistic Identity of Full-Time Non-Tenure-Track Faculty
Authors: Levin John S. , Shaker Genevieve G.
Published: October 2011

Colleges and universities rely on full-time non-tenure-track (FTNT) faculty to achieve their teaching, research, and service missions. These faculty are deemed both symptomatic of and partly responsible for academe’s shortcomings. The ascriptions, however, are made with little attention to the faculty themselves or to their consequences for FTNT faculty. Through analysis of interview data of university faculty, the authors present and explain FTNT faculty self-representations of professional and occupational identity. Assumptions drawn from institutional and professional theory contextualize the research, and narrative analysis infuses the application of the framework of cultural identity theory. These FTNT faculty are found to possess hybrid and dualistic identities. Their work and roles are a hybrid and contain some elements of a profession and some of a “job.” Their identity is dualistic because as teachers, they express satisfaction, whereas as members of the professoriate, they articulate restricted self-determination and self-esteem. This troubled and indistinct view of self-as-professional is problematic both for FTNT faculty as they go about their daily work and for their institutions, which are in no small part responsible for the uncertain conditions and identities of FTNT faculty.
Navigating the Transfer Process
Authors: Jaeger Audrey J. , Eagan M. Kevin
Published: October 2011

Researchers are beginning to understand that there are some differential effects on students in relation to exposure to part-time faculty; one possible explanation may be differences depending on program area. This study explores whether exposure to part-time faculty differentially affects students’ likelihood of transferring across academic program areas. The findings confirm prior research identifying a negative relationship between students’ instructional time with part-time faculty and their probability of transferring from a community college to a 4-year institution; however, the results indicated no differential effects of exposure to part-time faculty depending on program area. As scholars highlight differences among part-time faculty depending on academic discipline, this research suggests that these differences do not translate into differential effects on students’ likelihood of transferring.
Relationships of Parents’ Theories of Intelligence With Children’s Persistence/Learned Helplessness
Authors: Jose Paul E. , Bellamy Marisa A.
Published: October 2011

The present study employed the learned helplessness paradigm to explore the possibility that culturally based parent beliefs influence the way in which young children approach academic tasks. Children, aged between 7 and 8 years, from New Zealand, the United States of America, China, and Japan participated in three different school-related tasks. Each of the tasks contained three levels, varying from easy to hard. Success was prevented for the medium and hard levels, allowing for exploration of child reactions to failure. The results revealed that parental support of the incremental theory of intelligence was indirectly and positively related to high child persistence in the Asian culture. Furthermore, parents’ reports of their own reactions to frustrating events and efforts to encourage their children operated as mediators in both cultures, although in somewhat different ways between the Asian and Western cultures.
Welcome to the Scene
Authors: Hétu David Décary- , Morselli Carlo , Leman-Langlois Stéphane
Published: October 2011

Objectives. This article seeks to describe and understand the social organization as well as the distribution of recognition in the online community (also known as the warez scene) of hackers who illegally distribute intellectual property online. Method. The data were collected from an online index that curates a list of illegal content that was made available between 2003 and 2009. Sutherland’s notion of behavior systems in crime as well as Boase and Wellman’s notion of network individualism are used to theorize the social organization and the distribution of recognition in the warez scene. These were then analyzed using social network theory. Results. There is a strong correlation between the productivity of the hacking groups and the recognition they receive from their peers. These findings are limited by the lack of data on the internal operations of each hacking groups and by the aggregate nature of the network matrix. Conclusions. We find that hacking groups that make this online community generally have a very limited life span as well as low production levels. They work and compete in a very distributed and democratic community where we are unable to identify clear leaders.
A multilevel study of nascent social ventures
Authors: Ruvio Ayalla A. , Shoham Aviv
Published: October 2011

This article develops a multilevel model to explain social ventures’ organizational outcome. The study examines the relationships between entrepreneurs’ motivations and vision, ventures’ strategy and environment, ventures’ performance, and five-year survival of nascent Israeli firms. The findings suggest that an entrepreneur’s motivation is reflected in their vision, which in turn is transformed into their ventures’ strategies. Additionally, the environment is associated with entrepreneur’s motivations and strategies and success. The results show that the latter was the only predictor of a ventures five-year survival.
Housing and hegemony: The US experience
Authors: Ivanova Maria N.
Published: October 2011

This paper examines the historical evolution of housing in the context of US capitalism, highlighting the significance of homeownership as an ideology and social practice for the reproduction of hegemony in the USA. The paper challenges widely held views that identify public policy errors and government regulatory failures as primary causes of the recent housing boom and bust. Its purpose is to show how the subprime solution that triggered the housing collapse organically evolved out of the growth imperative to keep harnessing the socioeconomic benefits of homeownership. The demise of this model signals the failure of the profit-seeking system of privatized housing provision to overcome the limits of production based on capital.
Capitalist care: Will the Coalition government’s ‘reforms’ move the NHS further toward a US-style healthcare market?
Authors: Moody Kim
Published: October 2011

The Coalition government’s plans for reform are meant to transform the NHS into a more privately run, competitive system, raising the question as to whether or not the NHS is likely to resemble the US capitalist healthcare industry. The US system will be examined for comparative purposes, followed by an analysis of how far earlier reforms under Conservative and New Labour governments have moved the NHS in that direction. The implications of the White Paper proposals are analysed to determine the degree to which the NHS is destined to become a commodity-producing industry. The tentative conclusion is that while secondary care will be similar in many ways to the US hospital industry, state funding remains a barrier to complete transformation, and what is likely to emerge is a hybrid system in which competition, consolidation, and pressure on the workforce all increase.
Dual Earners Preparing for Job Loss
Authors: Sweet Stephen , Moen Phyllis
Published: October 2011

We draw on a two-wave panel survey and a third wave of in-depth interviews to study how 78 dual-earner couples prepared for job loss and the implications of preparation for resilience. We find personal and social resources predict preparation: those displaced workers who prepared had higher energy and higher incomes prior to job loss and also worked for employers who provided advance notification. Couples’ egalitarian career strategies are associated with lower levels of preparation as well as limited options in the face of displacement. Less preparation is associated with less favorable career adjustments following job loss as well as more severe health and emotional challenges.
A review of legal framework applicable for the management of healthcare waste and current management practices in Ethiopia
Authors: Haylamicheal Israel Deneke , Desalegne Solomon Akalu
Published: October 2011

The management of healthcare waste (HCW) requires special attention due to the risk posed by the presence of hazardous waste. The first step towards this is the issuance of national legislation complemented by policy documents, regulations and technical guidelines. In Ethiopia there is no specific legislation for healthcare waste management (HCWM). However, there are various legislations which may provide a legal framework for the management of HCW. This review assesses the various legislations that are relevant to HCWM. It also looks into the institutional arrangements put in place and waste management practices that prevail in the country. It was found that, although the existing legislations have provisions that may provide a legal framework for the management of HCW in Ethiopia, they are not comprehensive and lack specificity in terms of defining hazardous HCW and its categories; in indicating legal obligations of healthcare facilities (HCFs) in handling, transporting, treating and disposing HCW, and record keeping and reporting. There is overlapping of mandates and lackof co-ordination among various government institutions that are responsible for HCWM. The HCWM practices also do not conform to the principles of waste management in general and HCWM in particular. Thus, to better manage HCW in Ethiopia, a specific and comprehensive legislation and policy document on HCWM with clear designation of responsibilities to various stakeholders should be issued immediately. Moreover, training and awareness raising activities on proper HCWM should be undertaken targeting medical staffs, HCF administrators, waste handlers, policy and decision makers and the general public.
An Assessment of the Current and Future State of Human Resource Management at the Local Government Level
Authors: French P. Edward , Goodman Doug
Published: October 2011

As academics and practitioners continue to challenge traditional models regarding the nature of the public employee relationship with government, increased emphasis on the contributions of strategic planning, formal workforce planning, and performance measurement to the mission and goals of public organizations have occurred. This study evaluates the opinions of human resource management professionals at the local government level to determine the importance of numerous functions and activities to the practice of human resource management today. Survey respondents are also requested to project the importance of these same concepts in 2019. We find that many of the traditional HR management practices are still considered very essential by human resource professionals at the local level; and the four major principles of reinvented HRM anticipated to emanate over a decade ago have been adopted at a much slower pace than expected.
Nanoencapsulated and microencapsulated enzymes in drug antidotal therapy
Authors: Szilasi Mária , Budai Marianna , Budai Lívia , Petrikovics Ilona
Published: October 2011

A catalytic bioscavenger for the therapeutic and prophylactic defense against recognized chemical threat agents has been a long-standing objective of civilian and military research. Among the toxic agents, organophosphate molecules and cyanide have been widely studied. In order to overcome the limitations of traditional antidotal therapies, isolated, purified, recombinant enzymes with bacterial origin possessing fast catalytic activity were used in in vitro and in vivo experiments. However, the fast degradation, excretion and adverse immunologic reaction against enzymes limit their in vivo use. Development of biodegradable, nontoxic carrier systems, microparticles, and nanoparticles—offering advantageous pharmacokinetic parameters was suggested. Present work deals with the perspectives of carrier systems, such as resealed and annealed erythrocytes and sterically stabilized liposomes. Dendritic polymers and polymer-conjugated enzymes, being in the focus of extensive research efforts nowadays, are also discussed.
The protective role of ascorbic acid on imazalil-induced genetic damage assessed by the cytogenetic tests
Authors: Türkez Hasan , Aydın Elanur
Published: October 2011

Ascorbic acid (AA), known as vitamin C, has important antioxidant and metabolic functions, making its incorporation into the human diet essential. On the other hand, imazalil (IMA), a commonly used fungicide in both agricultural and clinical domains is suspected to produce very serious toxic effects in vertebrates. In this study, the antigenotoxic effects of AA were studied against the genotoxic damage induced by IMA on cultured human lymphocytes using chromosomal aberration (CA) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) as genetic end points. Human peripheral lymphocytes were treated in vitro with varying concentrations of AA (25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/ml), tested in combination with IMA (336 mg/L). AA alone was not genotoxic and when combined with IMA treatment, reduced the frequencies of CAs and SCEs. A clear dose-dependent decrease in the genotoxic damage of IMA was observed, suggesting a genoprotective role of AA. In conclusion, the preventive role of AA in alleviating IMA-induced DNA damage was indicated for the first time in the present study.
Protective effect of vanillin against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced oxidative brain injury in rats
Authors: Makni Mohamed , Chtourou Yassine , Barkallah Mohamed , Fetoui Hamadi
Published: October 2011

This study investigated the protective effects of vanillin against acute brain damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. The study was performed on 32 male rats divided into four groups: a control group, vanillin group ([Va] 150 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally [i.p.]) and CCl4 toxication groups received a single injection of CCl4 (1 ml/kg, i.p.; CCl4 and Va + CCl4 groups). The degree of protection in brain tissue was evaluated by the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase, glutathione transferase, glutathione peroxidase and nitric oxide (NO). Vanillin showed a significant brain-protective effect by decreasing the level of lipid peroxidation and NO2 and elevated the activities of antioxidative enzymes and level of GSH. Consequently vanillin blocked oxidative brain damage induced by CCl4 in rats.
Carless and Special Needs Evacuation Planning
Authors: Renne John L. , Sanchez Thomas W. , Litman Todd
Published: October 2011

For this review, we included a wide range of literature related to emergency preparedness planning and information on the evacuation of carless residents, including minority, low income, elderly, disabled, and residents with limited mobility and health problems. The review includes sources that highlight best practices, and identify areas of weakness within the field of emergency preparedness with respect to the target population of this study. This review discusses different needs for different types of natural and human-induced disasters. It also discusses the role for an integrated, multimodal approach for evacuation planning to assist with evacuating people in the most efficient manner possible. This literature review serves to characterize the current state of thinking and practice on the subject of carless and special needs evacuation planning. The focus of the literature review is on the role of government and public agencies. Overall, the literature related to carless evacuation planning is multidisciplinary and wide ranging. The events surrounding Hurricane Katrina motivated this review of existing research and provided an opportunity to synthesize other earlier related research. The process is important for finding gaps in the contemporary understanding of these issues, especially given more recent evacuations.
Examining the Perceptions of Zimbabwean Women about the Domestic Violence Act
Authors: Makahamadze Tompson , Isacco Anthony , Chireshe Excellent
Published: October 2011

The purpose of this study is to qualitatively examine how Christian women from Zimbabwe perceived the effectiveness of the Domestic Violence Act in preventing and responding to domestic violence. The study also aims to understand the unique social, cultural, and religious context of the participants that affect their attitudes and beliefs about this legislation. The findings of the study are based on an analysis of qualitative interviews. The women were recruited from the Roman Catholic Church (RCC); Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ); Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (MCZ); Zimbabwe Assembly of God Africa (ZAOGA), and Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in the Masvingo urban area. Most of the participants expressed confidence in the Act, saying that it goes a long way in curbing domestic violence. The participants who indicated lack of confidence in the Act argued that it is contrary to the teachings of their Christian denominations. The study also revealed that lack of confidence in the Act is due to lack of knowledge about the legislation. In particular, many were unaware of the fact that physical, psychological, and emotional abuse constitutes justification for a protection order that can remain in force when a protected person is living with the perpetrator. The article discusses these findings in relation to domestic violence in other cultures and countries and recommends raising awareness of the importance of this useful piece of legislation.
The Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on Women’s Condom Negotiation Efficacy
Authors: Swan Holly , O’Connell Daniel J.
Published: October 2011

HIV prevention efforts promote the use of condoms to prevent the spread of HIV and other STDs. Thus, a woman’s agency to practice healthy sexual behaviors necessarily involves negotiation with another person. This poses unique challenges for women who have limited power in relationships. The current study explores how the experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) impacts a woman’s confidence in her ability to negotiate condom use with a sexual partner (i.e., condom use self-efficacy), using data from incarcerated females in three states, who were interviewed just prior to release back into the community. The direct effect of experiencing IPV as an adult, controlling for other risk factors, on condom use self-efficacy has not previously been empirically tested. Results show that IPV experiences among women significantly decreases their confidence in negotiating condom use with a partner, putting them at a higher risk of HIV infection than women who do not report having recently experienced IPV.
Housing Instability Is as Strong a Predictor of Poor Health Outcomes as Level of Danger in an Abusive Relationship
Authors: Rollins Chiquita , Glass Nancy E. , Perrin Nancy A. , Billhardt Kris A. , Clough Amber , Barnes Jamie , Hanson Ginger C. , Bloom Tina L.
Published: October 2011

Advocates, clinicians, policy makers, and survivors frequently cite intimate partner violence (IPV) as an immediate cause of or precursor to housing problems. Research has indicated an association between homelessness and IPV, yet few studies examine IPV and housing instability. Housing instability differs from homelessness, in that someone experiencing housing instability may currently have a place to live but faces difficulties with maintaining the residence. We present baseline findings from a longitudinal cohort study of 278 female IPV survivors with housing as a primary concern. Our analysis indicates the greater the number of housing instability risk factors (e.g., eviction notice, problems with landlord, moving multiple times), the more likely the abused woman reported symptoms consistent with PTSD ( p < .001), depression ( p < .001), reduced quality of life ( p < .001), increased work/school absence ( OR = 1.28, p < .004), and increased hospital/emergency department use ( OR = 1.22, p < .001). These outcomes persist even when controlling for the level of danger in the abusive relationship and for survivors’ drug and alcohol use. Importantly, both housing instability and danger level had stronger associations with negative health outcomes than other factors such as age, alcohol, and drug use; both make unique contributions to negative health outcomes and could contribute in different ways. Housing instability is an important and understudied social determinant of health for IPV survivors. These findings begin to address the literature gap on the relationship between housing instability, IPV, and survivors’ health, employment, and utilization of medical care services.
Past Victimizations and Dating Violence Perpetration in Adolescence
Authors: Boivin Sophie , Lavoie Francine , Hébert Martine , Gagné Marie-Hélène
Published: October 2011

This study aimed to understand the nature of the relationships between three forms of past victimizations (exposure to interparental violence in childhood, sexual harassment by peers since beginning high school, prior experience of dating violence), physical dating violence perpetration by adolescents, and anger-hostility and emotional distress. The sample was composed of 1,259 high school students aged between 14 and 19 years who answered self-report questionnaires. Mediation analyses were conducted according to Baron and Kenny’s approach. Logistic and linear regression analyses reveal that being victim of sexual harassment by peers and of dating violence are associated to physical dating violence perpetration via a partial mediating effect of hostility in girls. Contrary to results with girls, there is a complete mediating effect of emotional distress for boys. Results suggest that dating violence prevention and intervention strategies could be adapted according to gender and that sexual harassment should be addressed.
Screening for Intimate Partner Violence in Orthopedic Patients
Authors: Sprague Sheila , Madden Kim , Dosanjh Sonia , Petrisor Brad , Schemitsch Emil H. , Bhandari Mohit
Published: October 2011

Accurately identifying victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) can be a challenge for clinicians and clinical researchers. Multiple instruments have been developed and validated to identify IPV in patients presenting to health care practitioners, including the Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST) and the Partner Violence Screen (PVS). The purpose of the current study is to determine if female patients attending an outpatient orthopaedic fracture clinic who screen positive for IPV using three direct questions (direct questioning) also screen positive on the WAST and PVS.

We conducted a prevalence study at two Level I trauma centres to determine the prevalence of IPV in female patients presenting to orthopaedic fracture clinics for treatment of injuries. We used three methods to determine the prevalence of IPV; 1) direct questioning, 2) WAST, and 3) PVS. We compared the prevalence rates across the three screening tools.

Ninety-four women screened positive for IPV using any method. The prevalence of IPV was 30.5% when a direct questioning approach was utilized, 12.4% using the WAST, and 9.2% using the PVS. The WAST identified 37.2% (35/94) of the IPV victims detected and the PVS identified 27.7% (53/94) of the IPV victims detected, whereas direct questioning identified 89.4% of the IPV victims.

Identification of IPV may be under-estimated by the WAST and PVS screening tools. Our findings suggest direct questioning may increase the frequency of disclosure of IPV among women attending outpatient orthopaedic clinics.
Adverse Mental Health Outcomes Associated With Emotional Abuse in Young Rural South African Women
Authors: Jina Ruxana , Jewkes Rachel , Hoffman Susie , Dunkle Kristen L. , Nduna Mzikazi , Shai Nwabisa J.
Published: October 2011

There is a lack of data on the prevalence of emotional abuse in youth. The aim of this study was thus to estimate the prevalence of emotional abuse in intimate partnerships among young women in rural South Africa and to measure the association between lifetime experience of emotional abuse (with and without the combined experience of physical and/or sexual abuse) and adverse health outcomes. Between 2002 and 2003, young women from 70 villages were recruited to participate in the cluster randomized controlled trial of an HIV behavioral intervention, Stepping Stones. Data was obtained through the administration of a questionnaire at baseline. Of the 1,293 women who had ever been partnered, 189 (14.6%) had experienced only emotional abuse in their lifetimes. Three hundred sixty-six women (28.3%) experienced emotional abuse with physical and/or sexual abuse in their lifetimes, and one hundred forty-four women (11.1%) experienced physical and/or sexual abuse without emotional abuse. Hazardous drinking was associated with the experience of physical and/or sexual abuse, with (OR 6.0, 95% CI [1.0, 36.6]) and without emotional abuse (OR 5.8, 95% CI [1.1, 29.4]). Illicit drug use (OR 5.6, 95% CI [2.4, 12.6]), having depressive symptoms (OR 2.9, 95% CI [1.2, 4.2]), having psychological distress (OR 1.9, 95% CI [1.4, 2.6]), and suicidality (OR 79.0, 95% CI [17.3, 359.6]) was associated with the experience of emotional abuse with physical and/or sexual abuse. Suicidality was also strongly associated with having experienced emotional abuse alone (OR 79.5, 95% CI [16.7, 377.4]). This study showed that emotionally abused young women had a greater risk of suicidality than those experiencing no abuse and that the combined experience of emotional with physical and/or sexual abuse was strongly associated with poor mental health outcomes.
Evaluating the Risk of Child Abuse
Authors: Chan Ko Ling
Published: October 2011

The present study developed the Child Abuse Risk Assessment Scale (CARAS), an actuarial instrument for the assessment of the risk of physical child abuse. Data of 2,363 Chinese parents (47.7% male) living in Hong Kong were used in the analyses. Participants were individually interviewed with a questionnaire assessing their perpetration of child abuse and some theoretically or empirically tested factors associated with child abuse. Using the split-half validation procedure, the 5-factor, 64-item CARAS was created and validated. When applying to the second half of the split sample, the CARAS had a sensitivity of 81.9%, a specificity of 77.8%, and an overall accuracy of 78.1%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was .91. Overall, our findings showed that the CARAS is a simple, systematic and validated instrument identifying at-risk population of child maltreatment in Chinese societies.