bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Domain Highlighting Actually Helpful in Identifying Phishing Web Pages?
Authors: Xiong Aiping , Proctor Robert W. , Yang Weining , Li Ninghui
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of domain highlighting in helping users identify whether Web pages are legitimate or spurious.

Background:

As a component of the URL, a domain name can be overlooked. Consequently, browsers highlight the domain name to help users identify which Web site they are visiting. Nevertheless, few studies have assessed the effectiveness of domain highlighting, and the only formal study confounded highlighting with instructions to look at the address bar.

Method:

We conducted two phishing detection experiments. Experiment 1 was run online: Participants judged the legitimacy of Web pages in two phases. In Phase 1, participants were to judge the legitimacy based on any information on the Web page, whereas in Phase 2, they were to focus on the address bar. Whether the domain was highlighted was also varied. Experiment 2 was conducted similarly but with participants in a laboratory setting, which allowed tracking of fixations.

Results:

Participants differentiated the legitimate and fraudulent Web pages better than chance. There was some benefit of attending to the address bar, but domain highlighting did not provide effective protection against phishing attacks. Analysis of eye-gaze fixation measures was in agreement with the task performance, but heat-map results revealed that participants’ visual attention was attracted by the highlighted domains.

Conclusion:

Failure to detect many fraudulent Web pages even when the domain was highlighted implies that users lacked knowledge of Web page security cues or how to use those cues.

Application:

Potential applications include development of phishing prevention training incorporating domain highlighting with other methods to help users identify phishing Web pages.
Identity regulation, identity work and phronesis
Authors: Bardon Thibaut , Brown Andrew D , Pezé Stéphan
Published: January 2017

How do corporations attempt to regulate the ways middle managers draw on discourses centred on ‘effectiveness’ and ‘ethics’ in their identity work, and how do these individuals respond? We analyse the discursive struggle over what it meant to be a competent manager at Disneyland, where middle managers were encouraged to construe their selves in ways that emphasized ‘being effective’ over ‘being ethical’, and managers responded with identity work that positioned them as searching for the practical wisdom (phronesis) to make decisions that were both effective and moral. The theoretical contribution we make is twofold. First, we analyse processes of identity regulation and identity work at Disneyland, highlighting divergences between corporate injunctions and middle managers’ appropriations of them, regarding what it meant to be a practically wise manager. Second, we discuss a phronetic identity narrative template, contestable both by organizations and managers, in which people are positioned as questing for the practical wisdom to make decisions that are both moral and effective, and phronesis as an image by which scholars may analyse identities and identity work. This leads us to a more nuanced understanding of middle manager identities and the scope they have to constitute their selves as moral agents.
PowSysGUI: A new educational software package for power system stability studies using MATLAB/Simulink
Authors: Ekinci Serdar , Demiroren Aysen , Zeynelgil Hatice Lale
Published: January 2017

Graphical user interfaces have been progressively used in the classrooms to provide users of computer simulations with a friendly and visual approach to specify all input parameters with enhanced configuration flexibility. In this paper, an educational software package called PowSysGUI (Power System GUI), which runs on MATLAB and uses graphical user interfaces, has been developed for analysis and simulation of small to large size electric power systems. PowSysGUI is open-source software and anyone can see the inner structure of the program to figure out how to code a power engineering problem. It is designed as a simulation tool for researchers and educators, as it is simple to use and modify. PowSysGUI has algorithms for solving power flow, small signal stability analysis, and time-domain simulation. In the case studies, IEEE 16-machine 68-bus test system is given to show the features of the developed software tool. Moreover, classroom experience has shown that the developed software package helps in consolidating a better understanding of power system stability phenomena.
India and Nepal
Authors: Baral L.S.
Published: January 2017

A feeling of unprecedented relaxation and deep understanding seems to prevail among the people in the South Asian region in matters of inter-state relationships. This has opened up prospects for a reduction of irritants in mutual relationships among the countries concerned in this region. While following their own foreign-policy objectives the leaders of the various countries are visibly anxious to make efforts, as neighbours should, to improve bilateral relations by dispelling the mist of tension created by misunderstanding, misconception, and mistrust regarding one another in the past. This in its turn has strengthened the hope that the hostility manifested by the leaders of the various countries in dealing with one another in the past would be replaced by a cool and sober stock-taking of the changing national or international situation and that there would be cordiality not only in the conduct of bilateral relations on a reasonable and perfectly reciprocal basis but also in the implementation of joint or multilateral co-operative enterprises in areas of common interest for the all-round development of the region. The policy followed by the Janata Government in India, particularly in regard to its immediate neighbours, since its assumption of power in 1977 is a promising start in that direction.
India and Latin America
Authors: Narayanan R.
Published: January 2017

For too long, indeed throughout the period since its Independence, India's relations with Latin America have been rather remote politically and economically as well as culturally. That there are large Indian communities in the Caribbean has not had any significant influence over India's policy. Although a good many countries of Latin America are enthusiastic about contemporary Indian developments, both domestic and international, as well as about India's art, culture, and philosophy, India's interest in Latin America still amounts to little more than curiosity. Political relations between India and the countries of Latin America have never reached a stage where serious and sustained discussions or careful diplomacy would have been necessary to ensure their friendliness. Occasionally some diplomats and business men have undoubtedly emphasized the complementary nature of India and a number of countries in Latin America, but India's economic interests in and trade ties with those countries have been woefully limited.
The significance of magical realism in the novels of Elechi Amadi
Authors: Usongo Kenneth
Published: January 2017

In the novels The Concubine and The Great Ponds, Elechi Amadi, through the magical realist tradition, revisits the precolonial past of the Ikwerre (Nigeria) to showcase the cultural and intellectual sophistication of this society. As represented in Amadi’s writing, this was a well-structured society with its own credible social and cultural values that defined and explained their worldview, with nothing to envy in the West. In The Concubine, for example, the fates of the men (Emenike, Madume, and Ekwueme) who intend to marry Ihuoma can be explained naturally as well as supernaturally. In The Great Ponds, the novelist employs African mythology to critique the Western arrogance and egocentricity that plunged the world in the purposeless and wasteful war of 1914–18, as well as complicating character and meaning in this novel through the supernatural. Through the war over fishing rights in the Wagaba pond between Chiolu and Aliakoro, Amadi transposes some of the consequences of the First World War, such as the death and suffering that involved the Central and Allied Powers, into his narrative. Amadi’s magical realist fiction is a celebration of indigenous beliefs and culture, as well as a tool to explore character and history.
Internal structure and fatigue performance of quasi-unidirectional non-crimp fabric reinforced laminates
Authors: Korkiakoski Samuli , Sarlin Essi , Suihkonen Reija , Saarela Olli
Published: January 2017

The aim of this work was to study the effect of stitch pattern and stitch tension on tension-tension fatigue performance of quasi-unidirectional non-crimp fabric reinforced glass-fibre/epoxy laminates. Internal structure variations of the laminates were characterised using cross-sectional microscopy imaging for the evaluation of fatigue test results. Reinforcements for the study were manufactured with three different stitch patterns and two different stitch tensions. Based on the results, the stitch pattern contributes to in-plane and out-of-plane waviness of fibres, as well as on the size and shape of the axial fibre bundles. The fatigue life and slope parameter of the fitted S-N curve were significantly dependent on the stitch pattern, while they were not dependent on the applied stitch tension.
Influence of the drying conditions on the particle distribution in particle-filled polymer films: Predictive simulation of the particle distribution during drying
Authors: Baesch Susanna , Scharfer Philip , Schabel Wilhelm , Francis Lorraine
Published: January 2017

For coating applications, particles are frequently added to a polymer solution, and then the dispersion is deposited onto a substrate and dried to make the composite coating. To engineer its microstructure, it is essential to understand how drying conditions and dispersion composition influence the distribution of components. In this work a 1D-simulation model is proposed to predict the component distribution during drying of a particle–polymer–solvent mixture not undergoing a phase change. It uses a quasi-binary approach to describe diffusion in the multicomponent system. Only binary and pure component data for solvent–polymer and particle dispersion systems are needed. Comparison of the model to others in the literature shows good agreement. The model was used to explore particle distribution during drying of a base case dispersion with an initial solvent, polymer, and particle contents of 95, 3.5, and 1.5 vol%, respectively. Under the conditions explored, the polymer remains uniformly distributed in the solvent phase during drying, but the particle distribution varies. Depending on the dominance of evaporation, particle sedimentation or diffusion, three different component distributions through the thickness occur: a particle-rich sediment at the bottom and polymer enriched layer on the top, a particle-rich layer on the top and polymer accumulation at the top or uniform distributions of particles and polymer. The different regimes are mapped as function of relevant dimensionless numbers. The effect of changing the solvent concentration and relative amounts of polymer and particles are explored.
Evaluation of the effect of processing conditions on the impact properties of polypropylene-nano-CaCO3 composites
Authors: Rocha Marisa Cristina Guimarães , Moreira Gisele Fonseca , Thomé da Silva Antonio Henrique Monteiro Fonseca
Published: January 2017

Processing variables are known to have a decisive influence on the impact properties of polypopylene-nano-CaCO3 composites. Therefore, it becomes mandatory to evaluate the effect of extrusion conditions on composite impact resistance. In the present work, a response surface methodology was used to evaluate the effects of screw rotation speed, screw configuration, and nanoparticles content on the polypropylene impact properties. The concentration of the nano-CaCO3 particles, the screw rotation speed, and the interaction between these entrance factors were the processing variables of greater influence on the impact properties of nano-CaCO3/polypropylene composites. The increase of screw rotation speed led to a decrease in the impact resistance, while the increase of filler content promoted an increase of such property. However, the increase of nanoparticles content led to obtaining poor tensile properties. Therefore, the filler content has to be adjusted in order to improve the impact properties without significant loss of mechanical strength.
Aspirin Blocks Orthodontic Relapse via Inhibition of CD4+ T Lymphocytes
Authors: Liu Y. , Zhang T. , Zhang C. , Jin S.S. , Yang R.L. , Wang X.D. , Jiang N. , Gan Y.H. , Kou X.X. , Zhou Y.H.
Published: January 2017

Immunologic response plays an important role in orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and relapse. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, affect immune cells and clinical orthodontic treatment. However, the mechanisms by which nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs regulate immune cells to affect orthodontic relapse are unclear. In this study, male Sprague-Dawley rats were grouped as relapse and relapse + aspirin for 10 d after 14 d of OTM. Silicone impressions of the rats’ maxillary dentitions were obtained to record the distance of OTM at the indicated time point. CD4+ T lymphocytes in spleen were examined by flow cytometry. Serum levels of type 1 T-helper (Th1) cell–associated cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interferon γ (IFN-γ) were determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The effects of aspirin on CD4+ T and Th1 cells were also analyzed in vitro. Aspirin treatment significantly reduced the relapse rate. More interestingly, injection of CD25 neutralizing antibody basiliximab or TNF-α inhibitor etanercept can significantly reduce the relapse rate as well. Correspondingly, aspirin treatment significantly accelerated the decrease of orthodontic force–induced secretion of TNF-α and IFN-γ in serum and the expression of TNF-α and IFN-γ in periodontal ligament during relapse. Furthermore, aspirin treatment in vitro significantly repressed the differentiation of CD4+ T and Th1 cells. Overall, results indicated that aspirin treatment can block orthodontic relapse by regulating Th1 cells.
Self-Perceived Strengths Among Adolescents With and Without Substance Abuse Problems
Authors: Harris Nicholas , Brazeau James N. , Rawana Edward P. , Brownlee Keith , Klein Rupert
Published: January 2017

The importance of examining positive aspects of youth development has been emphasized across disciplines involved in the care of youth with substance abuse problems. However, little is known about the strengths of adolescents with substance abuse problems, especially youth entering residential treatment. Utilizing the Strengths Assessment Inventory, a measure assessing psychological and social strengths, we examined patterns of strengths across groups of age- and gender-matched youth who reported no substance use, frequent substance use, and those entering treatment for severe substance use. Each group consisted of 43 participants ranging in age from 14 to 18 years. Results indicated that, on average, individuals entering treatment scored lower on personal strengths. However, through the use of more sophisticated statistical approaches, it was found that certain strengths were predictive of individuals belonging to the treatment group. Results are discussed in terms of their relevance to the treatment of adolescent substance abuse problems.
The Association between Education and Mortality for Adults with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Landes Scott D.
Published: January 2017

Although the relationship between education and mortality is well documented in the general population, it has not been examined for adults with intellectual disability. Informed by fundamental cause theory, I explore the association between education and mortality in a sample of 4,241 adults with intellectual disability from the 1986–2009 National Health Interview Survey with Linked Mortality Files through 2011. Cox regression models were utilized to analyze the predictive effect of education on mortality risk while taking into account birth cohort differences. Increased education was associated with lower mortality risk for adults with intellectual disability, and this relationship strengthened in later birth cohorts who had greater access to the public education system. Comparison with a sample of 21,205 adults without intellectual disability demonstrates that the association between education and mortality risk was not as robust for adults with intellectual disability and highlights the ongoing socioeconomic challenges faced by this population.
A Review of Psychometrically Tested Instruments Assessing Suicide Risk in Adults
Authors: Kreuze Elizabeth , Lamis Dorian A.
Published: January 2017

Objective: Identify suicidal ideation and behavior screening instruments with the strongest psychometric properties, using the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicidal Behavior. Methods: Information databases PsycINFO and PubMed were systematically searched, and articles evaluating the psychometric properties of instruments assessing suicidal ideation and behavior ( n = 2,238) were reviewed. International populations and articles with diverse methodologies were integrated. Results: Review of records resulted in the inclusion of 51 articles that assessed 16 instruments. The majority of studies used the English language version (68.6%) and included U.S. populations (65.7%). However, global populations and non-English language versions were also represented. Conclusion: More diverse population representation, and non-English versions of instruments, is required to improve generalizability of assessment measures. Including underrepresented groups and non-English instruments will promote culturally and linguistically sensitive instruments that may better assess suicide risk in diverse populations.
Personality, Motivation, and Math Achievement Among Turkish Students
Authors: Akben-Selcuk Elif
Published: January 2017

Using the Turkish portion of the Programme for International Student Assessment dataset ( N = 4,848; 51% boys, 49% girls; age, M = 15.81 years, SD = 0.28), this study investigated factors associated with mathematics achievement among Turkish students. Three different models were estimated using the method of balanced repeated replication with Fay’s method and taking into account the presence of five plausible values of the dependent variable. Results showed that male students and older students had better mathematics proficiency. Socio-economic status and school resources also played a significant role in explaining student achievement in mathematics. Finally, students who were more open to problem solving, who attributed their failure to external factors, and who were intrinsically motivated to learn mathematics achieved higher scores. Policy implications are provided.
Equivalence and Bias in the South African Substance Use Contextual Risk Instrument
Authors: Rawoot Ishreen , Florence Maria Ann
Published: January 2017

This article forms part of a larger study that sought to develop and validate a scale to measure individual and contextual factors associated with adolescent substance use in low-socio-economic status South African communities. The scale was developed to inform the process of designing preventative interventions in these communities. This study assessed the construct equivalence and item bias across different language versions of the scale. Exploratory factor analysis, equality of reliabilities, and the Tucker’s phi coefficient of congruence were employed to assess whether the two language versions were equivalent at a scale level. Differential item functioning analysis was conducted using ordinal logistic regression and the Mantel-Haenszel method at an item level. The findings revealed that there are significant differences between the two groups at a scale level. Items were flagged as presenting with moderate to large differential item functioning. The biased items have to be closely examined in order to decide how to address the bias.
Mindfulness and Loving-Kindness Meditation
Authors: Adventure-Heart Denholm J. , Proeve Michael
Published: January 2017

An experiment involving 115 undergraduate students (74.8% females; mean age = 20.5 years, SD = 4.3) was conducted to explore effects of meditation on social connectedness, nature connectedness, and affect. Participants listened to one of three brief guided meditation Mp3 recordings via the internet, which involved mindfulness meditation (MM), loving-kindness meditation (LKM), or progressive muscle relaxation (active control group). Participants in the MM and LKM groups reported greater social and nature connectedness at post-test than those in the control group. There were no significant differences in connectedness between the MM and LKM groups, suggesting they are both effective for enhancing connectedness. There were no significant changes in negative or positive affect at post-test due to the interventions. Recommendations for future research are provided.
Using Logic Models in a Community-Based Agricultural Injury Prevention Project
Authors: Helitzer Deborah , Willging Cathleen , Hathorn Gary , Benally Jeannie
Published: January 2017

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has long promoted the logic model as a useful tool in an evaluator's portfolio. Because a logic model supports a systematic approach to designing interventions, it is equally useful for program planners. Undertaken with community stakeholders, a logic model process articulates the underlying foundations of a particular programmatic effort and enhances program design and evaluation. Most often presented as sequenced diagrams or flow charts, logic models demonstrate relationships among the following components: statement of a problem, various causal and mitigating factors related to that problem, available resources to address the problem, theoretical foundations of the selected intervention, intervention goals and planned activities, and anticipated short- and long-term outcomes. This article describes a case example of how a logic model process was used to help community stakeholders on the Navajo Nation conceive, design, implement, and evaluate agricultural injury prevention projects.
Formative Research in Occupational Health and Safety Intervention for Diverse, Underserved Worker Populations: A Homecare Worker Intervention Project
Authors: Gong Fang , Baron Sherry , Stock Laura , Ayala Linda
Published: January 2017

Objective.

The increasing numbers of minority, low-income, and contingent workers in the U.S. labor force present new challenges to occupational safety and health interventions. Formative research can be used to help researchers better understand target populations and identify unanticipated barriers to safety changes. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health initiated an intervention project to improve health and safety among homecare workers in Alameda County, California. Investigators conducted systematic formative research to gather information to guide intervention development.

Methods.

Various qualitative methods were used including 11 focus groups (conducted in English, Spanish, and Chinese) and 10 key informant interviews. This article focuses on two picture-based focus group activities that explored workers' views on their relationships with consumers and their perceived barriers to interventions.

Results.

Findings indicated cultural differences regarding workers' perceptions of their relationships with consumers. Chinese homecare workers mostly focused on respecting elders rather than initiating changes. Some English- and Spanish-speaking workers described efforts to negotiate with consumers. Results also identified workers' perceived barriers to interventions, such as consumers' resistance to changes and lack of resources. These findings played important roles in shaping the intervention materials. For example, given the lack of resources among consumers, the project tried to tap into community-level resources by collaborating with local stakeholders and developing community resource guides.

Conclusion.

Formative research can be a valuable step to inform the development of occupational health and safety interventions for diverse, underserved worker populations.
Intervention to Increase Adoption of Safer Dairy Farming Production Practices
Authors: Chapman Larry J. , Karsh Ben-Tzion , Taveira Alvaro D. , Josefsson K. Gunnar , Brunette Christopher M. , Pereira Kathryn M.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

We conducted an intervention to increase adoption of three dairy farming practices shown to reduce certain traumatic and musculoskeletal injury hazards.

Methods.

The intervention disseminated information to 4,300 Wisconsin dairy farm managers about three safer, more profitable production practices (barn lights, bag silos, and calf feed mixing sites) using information channels upon which these managers were known to rely. We evaluated rolling, independent, community-based samples at baseline and after each of two intervention years. We also evaluated a single sample after the intervention's second year from 1,200 Maryland dairy farm managers who were exposed only to the intervention's nationally distributed print publications, as a “partially exposed” comparison group.

Results.

In before/after comparisons, Wisconsin managers reported getting more information from print media, public events, and resource people for barn lights and bag silos. Also, Wisconsin managers, in comparison with Maryland managers after the intervention's second year, reported getting more barn lights and bag silo information from public events and resource people, but not from print media. Analyses that adjusted for farm manager, farm operation, and herd variables associated the intervention with increased Wisconsin manager adoption of all three practices after the second intervention year: barn lights (odds ratio [OR] = 2.268, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.476, 3.485), bag silos (OR=3.561, 95% CI 2.684, 4.728), and calf feeding sites (OR=2.433, 95% CI 1.059, 5.591). There were also increases in awareness of barn lights and calf feeding sites.

Conclusion.

Disseminating information to managers through well-known information channels was associated with increased reports of information gathering, adoption, and awareness of safer, profit-enhancing work practices in a high-hazard industry.
Evaluation of the Immediate Impact of the Washington, D.C., Smoke-Free Indoor Air Policy on Bar Employee Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure
Authors: Pearson Jennifer , Windsor Richard , El-Mohandes Ayman , Perry David C.
Published: January 2017

Objective.

On January 2, 2007, the Washington, D.C., City Council banned smoking in restaurants and bars. We sought to determine the immediate impact of the ban on cotinine-confirmed environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) levels and respiratory symptom reports of a random sample of bar employees.

Methods.

We conducted an assessment of 66 employees from 41 randomly selected bars in December 2006, a month before the ban went into effect. After analyses of baseline data, 52 employees were eligible and 49 of them (94%) had a post-ban assessment in February 2007. Three participants were excluded due to high cotinine levels at the post-ban assessment, yielding a final sample size of 46 bar employees. ETS exposure levels were documented using saliva cotinine analyses by tandem liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Employee respiratory and sensory symptoms reports were assessed by a standardized, validated form: the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Bronchial Symptoms Questionnaire. Employee ETS exposure reports at work were eliminated after the ban.

Results.

Sensory symptoms reports (at ≤4 weeks) declined significantly by 70% to 100% ( p=0.0016); respiratory symptoms results were inconclusive due to a lack of data. Saliva cotinine medians declined significantly by 70% ( p<0.0001), from a pre-ban mean of 2.11 nanograms per millileter (ng/mL) to a post-ban mean of 0.29 ng/mL, confirming reports of no ETS exposure at work.

Conclusion.

We concluded that the indoor air law was effective, eliminating employee ETS exposure reports, dramatically reducing their cotinine levels, and almost eliminating reports of sensory symptoms.
Farmworkers at the Border: A Bilingual Initiative for Occupational Health and Safety
Authors: Acosta Martha Soledad Vela , Sechrest Lee , Chen Mei-Kuang
Published: January 2017

Objective.

Bilingual and bicultural occupational health and safety interventions for Hispanic farmworkers are extremely rare and, because of language barriers and cultural differences, issues important to their health and safety on the job remain unaddressed. We designed, conducted, and assessed the first bilingual occupational health and safety education program for farmworkers attending High School Equivalency Programs (HEPs).

Methods.

We took an interdisciplinary participatory approach by integrating educators and researchers with a community advisory board to guide development, evaluation, and implementation of Work Safely–Trabaje con Cuidado Curriculum (Curriculum), a bilingual occupational health and safety curriculum. We created a quasi-experimental design using mixed-method evaluation (quantitative and qualitative elements) via pre- and posttest comparisons, follow-up surveys, and focus groups assessing the Curriculum effect on knowledge, safety risk perception (SRP), and safety behavior. Focus groups and follow-up surveys reflected success and acceptance of the Curriculum among participating farmworkers under the study's logic model.

Results.

Completion of the Curriculum resulted in statistically significant improvements in the combined score of knowledge and SRP at the posttest ( p=0.001) and follow-up survey ( p=0.02) in the intervention group. After completing this study, the Curriculum was permanently adopted by the two high school equivalency sites involved.

Conclusion.

The participatory approach resulted in integration of community and applied research partnership. The potential to expand use of this Curriculum by other HEP sites can further assess effectiveness and external validity among underserved minority groups.
An Intervention Effectiveness Study of Hazard Awareness Training in the Construction Building Trades
Authors: Sokas Rosemary K. , Jorgensen Emile , Nickels Leslie , Gao Weihua , Gittleman Janie L.
Published: January 2017

Objective.

We evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported work practices among apprentice and journeyman trainees in two construction trades at baseline and three months after participation in two training sessions as part of a 10-hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration hazard awareness training program. We developed preliminary assessment of prior and current training impact, accounting for demographics, trade, and construction site safety climate.

Methods.

Participants were recruited prior to union-delivered safety training, self-completed a baseline survey prior to class, and completed a follow-up interviewer-administered telephone survey three months later. Discrimination (D) testing evaluated knowledge questions, paired t-tests examined differences in pre- and post-intervention knowledge, and attitude responses were tested with the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Linear regression analysis and logistic regression were used to assess the contribution of different categorical responses to specific sub-questions.

Results.

Of 175 workers completing the baseline survey, 127 were born in the U.S. and 41 were born in Mexico; 40% of those who reported ethnicity were Hispanic. Follow-up surveys were completed by 92 (53%) respondents and documented significant increases in both fall safety and electrical safety knowledge. The most recent safety climate was associated with improvement in fall safety attitudes (slope = 0.49, p<0.005) when adjusted by country of birth (slope = 0.51, p<0.001). Workers born in Mexico had less formal education than U.S.-born workers and lower baseline knowledge scores, but more positive attitude scores at baseline and greater improvements in attitude at follow-up.

Conclusion.

Knowledge and attitude improvement following a one-hour safety class was measurable at three months in both U.S.-born and Mexican-born construction workers.
Hands-Free Technique in the Operating Room: Reduction in Body Fluid Exposure and the Value of a Training Video
Authors: Stringer Bernadette , Haines Ted , Goldsmith Charles H. , Blythe Jennifer , Berguer Ramon , Andersen Joel , de Gara Christopher J.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

This study sought to determine if ( 1) using a hands-free technique (HFT)—whereby no two surgical team members touch the same sharp item simultaneously—≥75% of the time reduced the rate of percutaneous injury, glove tear, and contamination (incidents); and ( 2) if a video-based intervention increased HFT use to ≥75%, immediately and over time.

Methods.

During three and four periods, in three intervention and three control hospitals, respectively, nurses recorded incidents, percentage of HFT use, and other information in 10,596 surgeries. The video was shown in intervention hospitals between Periods 1 and 2, and in control hospitals between Periods 3 and 4. HFT, considered used when ≥75% passes were done hands-free, was practiced in 35% of all surgeries. We applied logistic regression to ( 1) estimate the rate reduction for incidents in surgeries when the HFT was used and not used, while adjusting for potential risk factors, and ( 2) estimate HFT use of about 75% and 100%, in intervention compared with control hospitals, in Period 2 compared with Period 1, and Period 3 compared with Period 2.

Results.

A total of 202 incidents (49 injuries, 125 glove tears, and 28 contaminations) were reported. Adjusted for differences in surgical type, length, emergency status, blood loss, time of day, and number of personnel present for ≥75% of the surgery, the HFT-associated reduction in rate was 35%. An increase in use of HFT of ≥75% was significantly greater in intervention hospitals, during the first post-intervention period, and was sustained five months later.

Conclusion.

The use of HFT and the HFT video were both found to be effective.
Effectiveness of Occupational Injury Prevention Policies in Spain
Authors: Benavides Fernando G. , García Ana M. , Lopez-Ruiz Maria , Gil Josep , Boix Pere , Martinez José Miguel , Rodrigo Fernando
Published: January 2017

Objective.

We examined the effectiveness of preventive interventions against occupational injuries (preferential action plans [PAPs]) developed by Spanish regional governments starting in 2000.

Methods.

We included 3,252,028 occupational injuries with sick leave due to mechanical causes occurring between 1994 and 2004 in manufacturing and private service companies. Time trends for occupational injury rates were estimated before and after implementation of PAPs in each region, with a control group defined for those regions in which no PAPs were implemented (e.g., Galicia, Madrid, and Cataluña). We determined annual change percentages and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) through a negative binomial regression model. Regions were grouped into three categories according to formal quality of their PAPs.

Results.

The regions with the best PAPs (Andalucia, Aragon, Valencia, and Murcia) showed annually increasing occupational injury rates (2.3%, 95% CI–2.5, 7.4) before implementation of PAPs. After PAPs were implemented, occupational injury rates decreased significantly to −7.4% (95% CI −10.2, −4.5). Similar results were also found for regions with PAPs of lower quality and even for regions that didn't implement a PAP (control group). These results did not vary substantially in stratified analysis by gender, age, type of contract, or length of sick leave.

Conclusion.

PAPs are not related to a general decline in occupational injury rates in Spain starting in 2000. Reinforcement of Spanish health and safety regulations and labor inspection activities since 2000, resulting from a social agreement between central government and social agents, remains an alternative hypothesis requiring additional research.
The Development and Validation of Sexual Health Indicators of Canadians Aged 16–24 Years
Authors: Smylie Lisa , Clarke Barbara , Doherty Maryanne , Gahagan Jacqueline , Numer Matthew , Otis Joanne , Smith Greg , McKay Alexander , Soon Christine
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

We developed and validated a set of self-administered, multidimensional indicators of sexual health among Canadians aged 16–24 years.

Methods.

This study used a mixed-method qualitative and quantitative approach to develop and validate indicators of sexual health We used the four-stage Dillman method to identify, focus-test, pilot-test, and validate key metrics to measure sexual health We collected quantitative data to validate the measures through a computer-assisted self-interviewing program among a purposive sample of 1,158 people aged 16–24 years recruited from four Canadian provinces.

Results.

The survey contained 75 items measuring five dimensions of sexual health: (1) physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being in relation to sexuality; (2) approach to sexuality; (3) sexual relationships; (4) sexual experiences; and (5) discrimination, coercion, and violence. Principal components analysis for composite measures found seven components with eigenvalues ≥1. The factor structure was stable across gender, age, size of area of residence, and language in which the survey was completed. Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged from 0.79 to 0.90. Indicators of condom use at last vaginal sex, protection self-efficacy, sexually transmitted infection/HIV testing self-efficacy, and sexual orientation also showed good construct validity.

Conclusions.

The indicators constituted a conceptually grounded survey that is easy for young adults to complete and contains valid, reliable, and psychometrically robust measures The survey instrument provides a tool for future research to collect population-level data to measure and monitor trends in the sexual health of young people in Canada.
Measurement of Sexual Health in the U.S.: An Inventory of Nationally Representative Surveys and Surveillance Systems
Authors: Ivankovich Megan B. , Leichliter Jami S. , Douglas John M.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

To identify opportunities within nationally representative surveys and surveillance systems to measure indicators of sexual health, we reviewed and inventoried existing data systems that include variables relevant to sexual health.

Methods.

We searched for U.S. nationally representative surveys and surveillance systems that provided individual-level sexual health data. We assessed the methods of each data system and catalogued them by their measurement of the following domains of sexual health: knowledge, communication, attitudes, service access and utilization, sexual behaviors, relationships, and adverse health outcomes.

Results.

We identified 18 U.S.-focused, nationally representative data systems: six assessing the general population, seven focused on special populations, and five addressing health outcomes. While these data systems provide a rich repository of information from which to assess national measures of sexual health, they present several limitations. Most importantly, apart from data on service utilization, routinely gathered, national data are currently focused primarily on negative aspects of sexual health (e.g., risk behaviors and adverse health outcomes) rather than more positive attributes (e.g., healthy communication and attitudes, and relationship quality).

Conclusion.

Nationally representative data systems provide opportunities to measure a broad array of domains of sexual health. However, current measurement gaps indicate the need to modify existing surveys, where feasible and appropriate, and develop new tools to include additional indicators that address positive domains of sexual health of the U.S. population across the life span. Such data can inform the development of effective policy actions, services, prevention programs, and resource allocation to advance sexual health.
Community Attitudes about Discussing Sexual Health: Assessing Public Opinion of Local STD Prevention Campaigns
Authors: Thomas Rosalind , Homawoo Brigitte Bekan , McClamroch Kristi , Wise Benjamin , Coles F. Bruce
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

We assessed public views about the acceptability of and need for sexually transmitted disease (STD) and sexual health-related educational messaging in local campaigns.

Methods.

A 28-item state-added module was included in the 2008 New York Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey ( n=3,751). Respondents rated acceptability of venues/dissemination channels and messaging and agreement with attitudinal/need statements. Additional data were analyzed from a separate state survey with individual county samples ( n=36,257). We conducted univariate, bivariate, and multivariable modeling analyses.

Results.

Each venue was acceptable to more than three-quarters of respondents (range: 79% for billboards to 95% for teaching STD prevention in high school). All message areas were acceptable to at least 85% of respondents (acceptability rating range: 85% to 97%). More than 70% agreed that there is a need for more open discussion about STDs. Bivariate analyses identified areas where messaging tailored to specific subgroups may be helpful (e.g., 26% of white people, 44% of African Americans, and 45% of Hispanic people agreed with the statement, “I need ideas about how to talk to my partner about protection from STDs”). Little geographic variation was seen. Results of multivariable modeling on opposition showed limited interaction effects.

Conclusion.

These data provide key information about current community norms and reflect the public's approval for hearing and seeing more about sexual health and STDs in a range of public forums.
Sexual Health and Responsibility Program (SHARP): Preventing HIV, STIs, and Unplanned Pregnancies in the Navy and Marine Corps
Authors: MacDonald Michael R. (Bob)
Published: January 2017

In 1999, the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center converted an HIV train-the-trainer program into a broader effort of preventing not just HIV, but also other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies The premise for this broader approach was that a more comprehensive sexual health promotion message of STI, HIV, and unplanned pregnancy prevention is more likely to include at least one personally relevant concern for any given individual and is, therefore, more likely to be internalized and acted upon by the greatest number of individuals, and that risk reduction for any one of these consequences of sexual activity may reduce risk for all This new effort was labeled the Sexual Health and Responsibility Program (SHARP) Within the Navy and Marine Corps, SHARP has become a focal and trusted source of sexual health promotion products, consultative services, and training, as well as a conduit for multidisciplinary collaboration and coordination The existence of this central sexual health program normalizes integrated and comprehensive sexual health messages, enables efficiencies, promotes program and policy uniformity, and provides a forum for cross-organizational collaboration and continuous improvement.
Addressing the Social Determinants of Health through the Alameda County, California, Place Matters Policy Initiative
Authors: Schaff Katherine , Desautels Alexandra , Flournoy Rebecca , Carson Keith , Drenick Teresa , Fujii Darlene , Lee Anna , Luginbuhl Jessica , Mena Mona , Shrago Amy , Siegel Anita , Stahl Robert , Watkins-Tartt Kimi , Willow Pam , Witt Sandra , Woloshin Diane , Yamashita Brenda
Published: January 2017

In Alameda County, California, significant health inequities by race/ethnicity, income, and place persist. Many of the county's low-income residents and residents of color live in communities that have faced historical and current disinvestment through public policies. This disinvestment affects community conditions such as access to economic opportunities, well-maintained and affordable housing, high-quality schools, healthy food, safe parks, and clean water and air. These community conditions greatly affect health. At the invitation of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies' national Place Matters initiative, Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson's Office and the Alameda County Public Health Department launched Alameda County Place Matters, an initiative that addresses community conditions through local policy change. We describe the initiative's creation, activities, policy successes, and best practices.
The Role of Effective Partnerships in an Australian Place-Based Intervention to Reduce Race-Based Discrimination
Authors: Ferdinand Angeline Samantha , Paradies Yin , Kelaher Margaret Anne
Published: January 2017

Localities Embracing and Accepting Diversity (LEAD) is an ongoing place-based pilot program aimed at improving health outcomes among Aboriginal and migrant communities through increased social and economic participation. Specifically, LEAD works with mainstream organizations to prevent race-based discrimination from occurring. The partnership model of LEAD was designed to create a community intervention that was evidence-based, effective, and flexible enough to respond to local contexts and needs.

LEAD's complex organizational and partnership model, in combination with an innovative approach to reducing race-based discrimination, has necessitated the use of new language and communication strategies to build genuinely collaborative partnerships. Allocating sufficient time to develop strategies aligned with this new way of doing business has been critical. However, preliminary data indicate that a varied set of partners has been integral to supporting the widespread influence of the emerging LEAD findings across partner networks in a number of different sectors.
A Community-Academic Partnership to Address Racial/Ethnic Health Disparities through Grant-Making
Authors: Ramos Michelle A. , Fox Ashley , Simon Ellen P. , Horowitz Carol R.
Published: January 2017

Because they focus on culturally and contextually specific health determinants, participatory approaches are well-recognized strategies to reduce health disparities. Yet, few models exist that use academic and community members equally in the grant funding process for programs aimed at reducing and eliminating these disparities. In 2008, the Communities IMPACT Diabetes Center in East Harlem, New York, developed a partnered process to award grants to community groups that target the social determinants of diabetes-related disparities. Community and academic representatives developed a novel strategy to solicit and review grants. This approach fostered equality in decision-making and sparked innovative mechanisms to award $500,000 in small grants. An evaluation of this process revealed that most reviewers perceived the review process to be fair; were able to voice their perspectives (and those perspectives were both listened to and respected); and felt that being reviewers made them better grant writers. Community-academic partnerships can capitalize on each group's strengths and knowledge base to increase the community's capacity to write and review grants for programs that reduce health disparities, providing a local context for addressing the social determinants of health.