bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Dual Monitor Computer Work Versus Laptop Work on Cervical Muscular and Proprioceptive Characteristics of Males and Females
Authors: Farias Zuniga Amanda M. , Côté Julie N.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

The effects of performing a 90-minute computer task with a laptop versus a dual monitor desktop workstation were investigated in healthy young male and female adults.

Background:

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are common among computer (especially female) users. Laptops have surpassed desktop computer sales, and working with multiple monitors has also become popular. However, few studies have provided objective evidence on how they affect the musculoskeletal system in both genders.

Methods:

Twenty-seven healthy participants (mean age = 24.6 years; 13 males) completed a 90-minute computer task while using a laptop or dual monitor (DualMon) desktop. Electromyography (EMG) from eight upper body muscles and visual strain were measured throughout the task. Neck proprioception was tested before and after the computer task using a head-repositioning test. EMG amplitude (root mean square [RMS]), variability (coefficients of variation [CV]), and normalized mutual information (NMI) were computed.

Results:

Visual strain ( p < .01) and right upper trapezius RMS ( p = .03) increased significantly over time regardless of workstation. Right cervical erector spinae RMS and cervical NMI were smaller, while degrees of overshoot (mean = 4.15°) and end position error (mean = 1.26°) were larger in DualMon regardless of time. Effects on muscle activity were more pronounced in males, whereas effects on proprioception were more pronounced in females.

Conclusion:

Results suggest that compared to laptop, DualMon work is effective in reducing cervical muscle activity, dissociating cervical connectivity, and maintaining more typical neck repositioning patterns, suggesting some health-protective effects.

Application:

This evidence could be considered when deciding on computer workstation designs.
Body art as branded labour: At the intersection of employee selection and relationship marketing
Authors: Timming Andrew R
Published: January 2017

Using mixed methods, this article examines the role of body art as a form of branded labour in customer-facing jobs. It brings together employee selection and relationship marketing into one framework, and uniquely conceptualizes body art as an asset in the labour market, rather than the traditional liability. In Study 1, 192 respondents with management experience participated in an online laboratory experiment in which they were asked to rate photographs of tattooed and non-tattooed job applicants in two hypothetical organizations: a fine dining restaurant and a popular nightclub. In Study 2, 20 in-depth, qualitative interviews were carried out with managers, tattooed front-line employees and potential consumers in two real-world service sector firms. The results show how body art can be strategically used to positively convey the brand of organizations, primarily those targeting a younger, ‘edgier’ demographic of customer.
India and Africa South of the Sahara
Authors: Gupta Anirudha
Published: January 2017

During the years immediately following the Second World War, India's prestige rose high in colonial Africa—and for several reasons. Among the dependent countries of Asia and Africa, India alone had an unusually long and unbroken record of resistance to colonial rule. This record earned greater respectability as India approached the threshold of political independence. Success more than any other element in the Gandhian technique of mass movement impressed colonial peoples all over the world. Among the African nationalists, the Indian National Congress became the model for waging successful mass struggle. In many cases they even adopted the nomenclature “Congress” to identify their respective parties.1 References to Mahatma Gandhi and his satyagraha became usual with the African nationalist leaders. Wrote Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana: “After months of studying Gandhi's policy and watching the effect it had, I began to see that, when backed by a strong political organization, it could be the solution to the colonial problem.”2 Other leaders in other territories expressed similar views, and indeed it appeared for a time that the Gandhian model would become an inseparable part of the African nationalist heritage.
India and the Soviet Union
Authors: Budhraj Vijay Sen
Published: January 2017

At a Press conference held soon after assuming office as Prime Minister on 24 March 1977, Morarji R. Desai said that his Government would follow a policy of “proper non-alignment”. He also said that his Government would not wish to have any “special” relations with any one country. Obviously he had the Soviet Union in mind when he made this observation; for it is often asserted that the 20-year Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Co-operation between India and the Soviet Union signed in August 1971 had established “special” relations between the two countries. Commenting on this treaty, the new Prime Minister said that if it meant that India should not have friendship with other countries, then it would have to change. “At least we will not act upon it in that manner.”1 Again, four days later, addressing the first joint session of the sixth Parliament, the Acting President stated that the new Government would “follow a path of genuine non-alignment”.

This article is an attempt to explain what led to the establishment of “special” relations, why there were hints about a change in these relations when those whom Indira Gandhi had jailed replaced her in office in March 1977, and what actually happened thereafter. It is also an attempt to explain why the Janata Government continued the policy of friendship with the Soviet Union and to assess the elements of continuity and change in Indo-Soviet relations.
Pressure-controlled compaction characterization of fiber preforms suitable for viscoelastic modeling in the vacuum infusion process
Authors: Yenilmez Bekir , Caglar Baris , Sozer E Murat
Published: January 2017

A woven fabric’s compaction in the vacuum infusion process is characterized by applying an initial settling under a minor load, compaction, settling under a major load, decompaction and relaxation. The effects of compaction rate, relaxation pressure, wetting and debulking cycles are all investigated. Although wetting helps by increasing fiber volume fraction insignificantly, its contribution is more significant during debulking cycles by increasing the fiber volume fraction to 57.4% as compared to 55.4% for the debulked dry specimens. Recovery during decompaction is much less than the deformation during compaction, and thinning/thickening of the specimens with time under constant pressure, so called settling/relaxation pressures, indicates that fabric specimens are not elastic materials, but viscoelastic. The experimental data of this study will be valuable to compare different viscoelastic and elastic compaction models in our next study.
Mechanochemical surface modification of carbon fibers using a simple rubbing method
Authors: Motozuka S , Tagaya M , Hayashi K , Kameyama T , Oguri H , Xu Z
Published: January 2017

A simple rubbing treatment was used to mechanochemically modify the surface of polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fibers and its effect on their surface structure and functional groups was studied using several surface characterization techniques. To control the mechanochemical effect, the shear forces accompanying rubbing were kept constant. Scanning electron microscopy tests and the peak positions and widths of the main Raman spectroscopy bands indicated that there were no morphological changes to the carbon fibers following rubbing. In contrast, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed an increase in oxygen-containing functional groups; in addition to hydroxyl species, the main groups introduced were alkoxide, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups. The ratio of carboxyl groups on the carbon fiber surface increased with the shear force magnitude, indicating carbon surface oxidation. The difference between the Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicates that the modification was confined to the first few atomic layers; therefore, this rubbing method is capable of producing efficient mechanochemical surface modification of carbon fibers. This technique is simple, is relatively inexpensive, and is applicable to carbon fiber-reinforced plastic processing techniques.
Optimal milling conditions of aeronautical composite material under temperature, forces and vibration parameters
Authors: Chibane Hicham , Serra Roger , Leroy René
Published: January 2017

Optimal conditions for milling carbon/epoxy composite material were established by response surface methodology. The combination of cutting parameters such as cutting speed (Vc) and chip thickness (h) was set at various design points of a central composite design. Significant regression models describing the changes of vibration level, delamination of composite, cutting force, workpiece temperature were developed with the coefficient of determination greater than 0.90. Results suggested that beyond a threshold of vibration, the occurrence of delamination is regular. Vibration criterion was defined from the observations of the workpiece according to the delamination defect. The optimum milling conditions were graphically represented using design contour plots. The best combination of process variables was found, according to the cutting conditions. This new technique should help the operator to select the optimum cutting conditions such as cutting speed and feed rate (chip thickness) in order to avoid damage to the carbon/epoxy composite material T800S/M21 and increase machining productivity.
Are Military Regimes Really Belligerent?
Authors: Kim Nam Kyu
Published: January 2017

Does military rule make a state more belligerent internationally? Several studies have recently established that military autocracies are more likely than civilian autocracies to deploy and use military force in pursuit of foreign policy objectives. I argue that military regimes are more likely to resort to military force because they are located in more hostile security environments, and not because they are inherently aggressive. First, I show that rule by military institution is more likely to emerge and exist in states facing external territorial threats. Second, by examining the relationship between military autocracies and conflict initiation, I find that once I control for states’ territorial threats, the statistical association between military regimes and conflict initiation disappears. Additionally, more evidence suggests that civilian dictatorships are more conflict-prone than their military counterparts when I account for unobserved dyad heterogeneity. The results are consistent across different measures of international conflict and authoritarian regimes.
“Grab Your Culture and Walk with the Global”
Authors: Ozer Simon , Bertelsen Preben , Singla Rashmi , Schwartz Seth J.
Published: January 2017

The globalization-based acculturation process in the Indian Himalayan region of Ladakh represents a highly complex network of intercultural interactions. Ladakhi youth negotiate their cultural orientation and identity in relation both (a) to indirect intercultural exposure through media and (b) to intermittent cultural contact through tourism in Ladakh. Additionally, many Ladakhi students take sojourns in large Indian cities. Like other Eastern populations exposed to cultural globalization, young Ladakhis are influenced by several local and global cultural streams. Within this acculturative process, Ladakhi youth are caught between ambiguous societal pressures toward both tradition and change. Through in-depth interviews, in the present study we investigated the negotiations of eight Ladakhi students’ cultural identity in Leh (Ladakh) and Delhi. In doing so, we drew pragmatically on theories of multiculturalism and dialogical self. Participants reported negotiating their cultural identity through dialogue between various personal, cultural, religious, and social voices, where these voices require selectively incorporating various cultural elements within the parameters established by societal constraints. Results indicate the vast complexity and dynamics within the Ladakhi acculturation process, with multiple interacting cultural streams, religions, and significant sociohistorical factors calling for an in-depth qualitative approach to elucidate the processes underlying globalization-based acculturation.
Rethinking the law and politics of democratic police accountability
Authors: McDaniel John LM
Published: January 2017

This paper evaluates the work and impact of a number of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales and attempts to refocus public discourse and scrutiny on their police and crime plans as a key prism through which their performance should be measured. Drawing upon the literature published by various PCCs, the Stevens Commission, the Home Affairs Committee and numerous academics, the paper will argue that a major reform of democratic police accountability in England and Wales is needed. Due to the often voluminous and piecemeal nature of the documents published on the PCCs’ websites, the textual analysis is limited to the police and crime plans for Greater Manchester, the West Midlands and the London Metropolitan area.
Framing Effect in the Trolley Problem and Footbridge Dilemma
Authors: Cao Fei , Zhang Jiaxi , Song Lei , Wang Shoupeng , Miao Danmin , Peng Jiaxi
Published: January 2017

The present study investigated the effect of dilemma type, framing, and number of saved lives on moral decision making. A total of 591 undergraduates, with a mean age of 20.56 (SD = 1.37) were randomly assigned to 12 groups on the basis of a grid of two dilemma types (the trolley problem or the footbridge dilemma) by three frames (positive, neutral, or negative frame) by two different numbers of workers (5 or 15 people). The main effects of dilemma type, frame, and number of saved workers were all significant. The interaction of dilemma type and number of saved workers and the interaction of the three independent factors were significant. Results indicated that moral judgment is affected by framing. Specifically, people were more inclined to utilitarianism in the positive or neutral frame and more inclined to intuitionism in the negative frame. Furthermore, this effect can be moderated by dilemma type and number of saved lives. Implications of our results are discussed.
A Multisample Analysis of Psychometric Properties for the Malaysian Adapted Sport Anxiety Scale-2 Among Youth Athletes
Authors: Hashim Hairul Anuar , Shaharuddin Saidatin Sabiyah , Hamidan Shazarina , Grove J. Robert
Published: January 2017

This study examined psychometric properties of a Malaysian-language Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) in three separate studies. Study 1 examined the criterion validity and internal consistency of SAS-2 among 119 developmental hockey players. Measures of trait anxiety and mood states along with digit vigilance, choice reaction time, and depth perception tests were administered. Regression analysis revealed that somatic anxiety and concentration disruption were significantly associated with sustained attention. Worry was significantly associated with depth perception but not sustained attention. Pearson correlation coefficients also revealed significant relationships between SAS-2 subscales and negative mood state dimensions. Study 2 examined the convergent and discriminant validity of SAS-2 by correlating it with state anxiety measured by the CSAI-2R. Significant positive relationships were obtained between SAS-2 subscales and somatic and cognitive state anxiety. Conversely, state self-confidence was negatively related to SAS-2 subscales. In addition, significant differences were observed between men and women in somatic anxiety. Study 3 examined the factorial validity of the Malaysian SAS-2 using confirmatory factor analysis in a sample of 539 young athletes. Confirmatory factor analysis results provided strong support for the SAS-2 factor structure. Path loadings exceeding 0.5 indicated convergent validity among the subscales, and low to moderate subscale intercorrelations provided evidence of discriminant validity. Overall, the results supported the criterion and construct validity of this Malaysian-language SAS-2 instrument.
Does Mind Wandering Mediate the Association Between Mindfulness and Negative Mood? A Preliminary Study
Authors: Wang Yuzheng , Xu Wei , Zhuang Capella , Liu Xinghua
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between trait mindfulness and mood and to examine whether the relationship is mediated by mind wandering. Eighty-two individuals ( M age = 24.27 years, SD = 5.64, 18 men, 22%) completed a series of measures including the Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, the Profile of Mood States Questionnaire, and Meditation Breath Attention Exercise. Results showed that the level of mindfulness was significantly correlated with positive and negative mood, and the association between mindfulness and negative mood was mediated by mind wandering. This study indicated the important role of mind wandering in the relation between mindfulness and negative mood. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.
Translation and Initial Validation of the Japanese Version of the Self-Beliefs Related to Social Anxiety Scale
Authors: Maeda Shunta , Shimada Hironori , Sato Tomoya , Tashiro Kyoko , Tanaka Yuki
Published: January 2017

Cognitive models of social anxiety posit that there are several types of maladaptive beliefs responsible for persistent social anxiety. Although these beliefs are theoretically important, currently there is no validated measure of these beliefs in Japan. In the present study, we translated into Japanese a well-validated measure of these beliefs, the Self-Beliefs Related to Social Anxiety (SBSA) Scale. The psychometric properties of the scale were also examined in two nonclinical samples ( ns = 401 and 30). Using confirmatory factor analysis, the Japanese version of the SBSA was found to have a correlated three-factor structure that consisted of “conditional beliefs,” “unconditional beliefs,” and “high standard beliefs.” In addition, the Japanese version of the SBSA and its subscales demonstrated good internal consistency reliability and test–retest reliability. The Japanese version of the SBSA also demonstrated good convergent and divergent validity. Future applications of the Japanese version of the SBSA are discussed.
Integrating Occupational Health with Mainstream Public Health in Massachusetts: An Approach to Intervention
Authors: Davis Letitia , Souza Kerry
Published: January 2017

In the late 19th century, workers' health was among the central concerns of the social reform movement to improve public health. Today, few state health agencies have comprehensive occupational health programs. Yet, state public health agencies have critical roles to play in occupational health and may be particularly instrumental in addressing the occupational health needs of underserved worker populations.

Since the mid-1980s, with support from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has been working to build an occupational health program and promote the integration of occupational health concerns with ongoing public health activities in the state. This article provides a framework for considering the range of integration activities and presents examples of successful occupational health integration efforts in Massachusetts.
A Conceptual Framework for Integrating Workplace Health Promotion and Occupational Ergonomics Programs
Authors: Punnett Laura , Cherniack Martin , Henning Robert , Morse Tim , Faghri Pouran ,   The CPH-NEW Research Team
Published: January 2017

Musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and mental health are all associated with the physical and psychosocial conditions of work, as well as with individual health behaviors. An integrated approach to workplace health-promotion programs should include attention to the work environment, especially in light of recent findings that work organization influences so-called lifestyle or health behaviors. Macroergonomics provides a framework to improve both physical and organizational features of work and, in the process, to empower individual workers. The Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace (CPH-NEW) is a research-to-practice effort examining the effectiveness of worksite programs that combine occupational safety and health—especially /sc>ergonomics—with health promotion, emphasizing the contribution of work organization to both. Two intervention studies are underway in three different sectors: health care, corrections, and manufacturing. Each study features participatory structures to facilitate employee input into health goal-setting, program design and development, and evaluation, with the goal of enhanced effectiveness and longer-term sustainability.
Workplace Health Protection and Promotion through Participatory Ergonomics: An Integrated Approach
Authors: Henning Robert , Warren Nicholas , Robertson Michelle , Faghri Pouran , Cherniack Martin ,   The CPH-NEW Research Team
Published: January 2017

A multidisciplinary team of researchers at the Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace (CPH-NEW) developed an evidencebased approach to address three recognized challenges to workplace programs designed to improve employee health: establishing employee ownership, integrating with work organization, and sustainability. The two main innovations being introduced in combination were ( 1) integrating traditional workplace health protection (e.g., ergonomics, industrial hygiene) with health promotion (e.g., assisting workers in improving health behaviors) and ( 2) introducing a bottom-up participatory model for engaging employees in innovative iterative design efforts to enhance both components of this integrated program. In the program, which was modeled after participatory ergonomics programs, teams of workers engage in the iterative design of workplace interventions to address their prioritized health concerns with the support of a multilevel steering committee. The integrated approach being tested can complement existing worksite safety and health initiatives and promote organizational learning, with expected synergistic effects.
Reducing Hazardous Cleaning Product Use: A Collaborative Effort
Authors: Pechter Elise , Azaroff Lenore S. , López Isabel , Goldstein-Gelb Marcy
Published: January 2017

Workplace hazards affecting vulnerable populations of low-wage and immigrant workers present a special challenge to the practice of occupational health. Unions, Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) groups, and other organizations have developed worker-led approaches to promoting safety. Public health practitioners can provide support for these efforts.

This article describes a successful multiyear project led by immigrant cleaning workers with their union, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 615, and with support from the Massachusetts COSH (MassCOSH) to address exposure to hazardous chemicals. After the union had identified key issues and built a strategy, the union and MassCOSH invited staff from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Occupational Health Surveillance Program (OHSP) to provide technical information about health effects and preventive measures. Results included eliminating the most hazardous chemicals, reducing the number of products used, banning mixing products, and improving safety training. OHSP's history of public health practice regarding cleaning products enabled staff to respond promptly. MassCOSH's staff expertise and commitment to immigrant workers allowed it to play a vital role.
Application of the Industrial Hygiene Hierarchy of Controls to Prioritize and Promote Safer Methods of Pest Control: A Case Study
Authors: Weinberg Justine Lew , Bunin Lisa J. , Das Rupali
Published: January 2017

In 2005, the California Department of Public Health, Occupational Health Branch (OHB) investigated an incident of pesticide exposure and identified 27 vineyard workers who became ill due to drift of cyfluthrin, a pesticide being applied to a neighboring orange field to control katydids. Another pest, citrus thrips, was also present in the field. We investigated safer alternatives for katydid and thrips control to prevent illness due to pesticide exposure and used the industrial hygiene hierarchy of controls to prioritize the control methods.

OHB evaluated factors that contributed to pesticide exposure and identified safer alternatives by conducting literature reviews on katydid and thrips control, drift prevention technology, and other relevant topics, and by interviewing integrated pest management advisors, conventional and organic growers, equipment manufacturers, county agricultural commissioners, pest control advisors, regulatory agencies, and others. We prioritized methods using the industrial hygiene hierarchy of controls. We identified safer pest control practices that incorporated hazard elimination, chemical substitution, engineering controls, and administrative controls, including employer policies and government regulations.
Supervising Structured Learning Experiences for Students in New Jersey: Training Teachers in School-Based Occupational Health and Safety Practice
Authors: Shendell Derek G. , Hemminger Laura E. , Campbell Jennifer K. , Schlegel Barry
Published: January 2017

This article describes the structured learning experience (SLE) supervisory training curriculum coordinated by the New Jersey Safe Schools Program, a project supported by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Career and Technical Education. The New Jersey SLE supervisory training program comprises training courses and resources for teachers who supervise secondary school minors (students aged 16 to 18 years and special needs students up to age 21) enrolled in various programs—college preparatory, general education, career and technical education, career academies, and special education. One goal of the program is to enhance knowledge and awareness of legal and scientific occupational safety and health principles to ensure safe, rewarding work experiences inside and outside classrooms.

This article describes our experiences and data available from November 2005 to January 2008. We summarize relevant federal and state laws and agencies; potential exposure agents and microenvironments of concern; stakeholders and training partners; process and immediate impact data from SLE supervisory trainings; and lessons learned to inform states that may adopt similar strategies or regulations.
Efficacy of a Program to Prevent Beryllium Sensitization among New Employees at a Copper-Beryllium Alloy Processing Facility
Authors: Thomas Carrie A. , Bailey Rachel L. , Kent Michael S. , Deubner David C. , Kreiss Kathleen , Schuler Christine R.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

In 2000, 7% of workers at a copper-beryllium facility were beryllium sensitized. Risk was associated with work near a wire annealing/pickling process. The facility then implemented a preventive program including particle migration control, respiratory and dermal protection, and process enclosure. We assessed the program's efficacy in preventing beryllium sensitization.

Methods.

In 2000, the facility began testing new hires (program workers) with beryllium lymphocyte proliferation tests (BeLPTs) at hire and at intervals during employment. We compared sensitization incidence rates (IRs) and prevalence rates for workers hired before the program (legacy workers) with rates for program workers, including program worker subgroups. We also examined trends in BeLPTs from a single laboratory.

Results.

In all, five of 43 legacy workers (IR=3.8/1,000 person-months) and three of 82 program workers (IR=1.9/1,000 person-months) were beryllium sensitized, for an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 2.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5, 10.1). Two of 37 pre-enclosure program workers (IR=2.4/1,000 person-months) and one of 45 post-enclosure program workers (IR=1.4/1,000 person-months) were beryllium sensitized, for IRRs of 1.6 (95% CI 0.3, 11.9) and 2.8 (95% CI 0.4, 66.2), respectively, compared with legacy workers. Test for trend in prevalence rates was significant. Among 2,159 first-draw BeLPTs during 95 months, we identified seven months when high numbers of redraws were required, with one possible misclassification in this facility.

Conclusions.

Fewer workers became sensitized after implementation of the preventive program. However, low statistical power due to the facility's small workforce prevents a definitive conclusion about the program's efficacy. These findings have implications for other copper-beryllium facilities, where program components may merit application.
Racial Differences in Age at First Sexual Intercourse: Residential Racial Segregation and the Black-White Disparity among U.S. Adolescents
Authors: Biello Katie Brooks , Ickovics Jeannette , Niccolai Linda , Lin Haiqun , Kershaw Trace
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

The age of adolescents at first sexual intercourse is an important risk factor for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and adolescent pregnancy. Black adolescents are at higher risk than white adolescents for first sexual intercourse at younger ages as well as STDs and pregnancy. Individual- and family-level factors do not fully explain this disparity. We examined whether five dimensions of black-white residential racial segregation can help explain the racial disparity in age at first sexual intercourse.

Methods.

Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 and U.S. Census 2000 data, we performed multiple hierarchical discrete time-to-event analyses on a nationally representative cohort of adolescents followed since 1997. Although the cohort study is ongoing, we used data from 1997 through 2005.

Results.

Concentration and unevenness significantly modified the association of race and age at first sexual intercourse. However, stratified results suggested differences in the effect of race on age at first sexual intercourse at each level of segregation across dimensions of segregation.

Conclusions.

Residential racial segregation may modify the black-white disparity in risk of first sexual intercourse at younger ages, but these associations are complex Future studies should be conducted to elucidate the causal mechanisms.
On the Road to Well-Being: The Development of a Communication Framework for Sexual Health
Authors: Robinson Susan J. , Stellato Adam , Stephens Jennifer , Kirby Susan , Forsythe Ann , Ivankovich Megan B.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

Recognizing the need to work with all partners who have an interest in addressing sexual health issues, we explored values held by diverse stakeholders in the United States. Based on these findings, we developed a framework for use in communicating about sexual health issues and potential solutions.

Methods.

Our methods included an environmental scan, small-group metaphor elicitation and message framing assessments, interviews, and online surveys with diverse members of the public and health professionals.

Results.

Of four overarching value-based themes, two were best accepted across audiences: the first theme emphasized the importance of protecting health along the road of life through enabling good choices, and the second called for adding health promotion approaches to traditional disease prevention control. Nearly all supporting statements evaluated were effective and can be used to support either of the two best accepted overarching themes.

Conclusions.

Although there is a great diversity of opinion regarding how to address sexual health issues in the U.S., among diverse stakeholders we found some common values in our exploratory work. These common values were translated into message frameworks. In particular, the idea of broadening sexual health programs to include wellness-related approaches to help expand disease control and prevention efforts resonated with stakeholders across the political spectrum. These findings show promise for improved sexual health communication and a foundation on which to build support across various audiences, key opinion leaders, and stakeholders.
Shifting the Paradigm in Oregon from Teen Pregnancy Prevention to Youth Sexual Health
Authors: Nystrom Robert J. , Duke Jessica E.A. , Victor Brad
Published: January 2017

Oregon's work on teen pregnancy prevention during the previous 20 years has shifted from a risk-focused paradigm to a youth development model that places young people at the center of their sexual health and well-being. During 2005, the Oregon Governor's Office requested that an ad hoc committee of state agency and private partners develop recommendations for the next phase of teen pregnancy prevention. As a result of that collaborative effort, engagement of young people, and community input, the Oregon Youth Sexual Health Plan was released in 2009. The plan focuses on development of young people and embraces sexuality as a natural part of adolescent development. The plan's five goals and eight objectives guide the work of state agencies and partners addressing youth sexual health. Oregon's development of a statewide plan can serve as a framework for other states and entities to address all aspects of youth sexual health.
Improving Occupational Safety and Health among Mexican Immigrant Workers: A Binational Collaboration
Authors: Flynn Michael A. , Check Pietra , Eggerth Donald E. , Tonda Josana
Published: January 2017

Latino immigrants are 50% more likely than all workers in the United States to experience a fatal injury at work. Occupational safety and health (OSH) organizations often find that the approaches and networks they successfully use to promote OSH among U.S.-born workers are ineffective at reaching Latino immigrants. This article describes the collaboration between the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores) to promote OSH among Mexican immigrant workers. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs operates 50 consulates throughout the U.S. that provide four million discrete service contacts with Mexican citizens annually. The focus of this ongoing collaboration is to develop the internal capacity of Mexican institutions to promote OSH among Mexican immigrants while simultaneously developing NIOSH's internal capacity to create effective and sustainable initiatives to better document and reduce occupational health disparities for Mexican immigrants in the U.S.
Integrated Screening for Tuberculosis and HIV in Tuberculosis Contact Investigations: Lessons Learned in North Carolina
Authors: Stout Jason E. , Katrak Shereen , Goswami Neela D. , Norton Brianna L. , Fortenberry Ellen R. , Foust Evelyn , Leone Peter A.
Published: January 2017

Combating the syndemics of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV in the United States will require increasing efficiency as the incidence of TB declines. Fortunately, new tools such as the interferon gamma release assays can be combined with existing strategies such as opt-out HIV testing to facilitate simultaneous, integrated testing for both infections. We describe the lessons learned from our experience with integrated testing for TB and HIV in the setting of TB contact investigations in North Carolina. Integrated testing represents a unique opportunity to leverage TB and HIV program resources to enhance case detection and improve linkages to care. However, joint training in field investigations and diagnostics is critical prior to conducting contact investigations. Furthermore, integrated testing must be tightly coupled to treatment and prevention programs to reduce disease transmission and morbidity from untreated disease in communities.
Facebook-Augmented Partner Notification in a Cluster of Syphilis Cases in Milwaukee
Authors: Hunter Paul , Oyervides Otilio , Grande Katarina M. , Prater Daphne , Vann Vannessa , Reitl Irmine , Biedrzycki Paul A.
Published: January 2017

Public health professionals face many challenges in infectious disease cluster case identification and partner notification (PN), especially in populations using social media as a primary communication venue. We present a method using Facebook and social network diagram illustration to identify, link, and notify individuals in a cluster of syphilis cases in young black men who have sex with men (MSM). Use of Facebook was crucial in identifying two of 55 individuals with syphilis, and the cooperation of socially connected individuals with traditional PN methods yielded a high number of contacts per case. Integration of PN services for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as collaboration between the city and state information systems, assisted in the cluster investigation. Given that rates of syphilis and HIV infection are increasing significantly in young African American MSM, the use of social media can provide an additional avenue to facilitate case identification and notification.
Integrating the 3Ds—Social Determinants, Health Disparities, and Health-Care Workforce Diversity
Authors: LaVeist Thomas A. , Pierre Geraldine
Published: January 2017

The established relationships among social determinants of health (SDH), health disparities, and race/ethnicity highlight the need for health-care professionals to adequately address SDH in their encounters with patients. The ethnic demographic transition slated to occur during the next several decades in the United States will have numerous effects on the health-care sector, particularly as it pertains to the need for a more diverse and culturally aware workforce. In recent years, a substantial body of literature has developed, exploring the extent to which diversity in the health-care workforce may be used as a tool to eliminate racial/ethnic disparities in health and health care in the U.S. We explore existing literature on this topic, propose a conceptual framework, and identify next steps in health-care policy for reducing and eliminating health disparities by addressing SDH and diversification of the health-care workforce.
Addressing Health and Health-Care Disparities: The Role of a Diverse Workforce and the Social Determinants of Health
Authors: Jackson Chazeman S. , Gracia J. Nadine
Published: January 2017

Despite major advances in medicine and public health during the past few decades, disparities in health and health care persist. Racial/ethnic minority groups in the United States are at disproportionate risk of being uninsured, lacking access to care, and experiencing worse health outcomes from preventable and treatable conditions. As reducing these disparities has become a national priority, insight into the social determinants of health has become increasingly important. This article offers a rationale for increasing the diversity and cultural competency of the health and health-care workforce, and describes key strategies led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Minority Health to promote cultural competency in the health-care system and strengthen community-level approaches to improving health and health care for all.
Federal Investments to Eliminate Racial/Ethnic Health-Care Disparities
Authors: Moy Ernest , Freeman William
Published: January 2017

Health care is an important lever for moderating the effects of social determinants on health. We present a model that describes the relationships among social disadvantage, health-care disparities, and health disparities. Improving access to health care and enhancing patient-provider interaction are critical pathways for reducing disparities. Increasing the diversity of the public health and health-care workforces is an efficient strategy for reducing disparities because it impacts both access to care and patient-provider communication Federal policy makers should continue interest in workforce diversity to optimize the health of all Americans.
Preparedness and Emergency Response Research Centers: Using a Public Health Systems Approach to Improve All-Hazards Preparedness and Response
Authors: Leinhos Mary , Qari Shoukat H. , Williams-Johnson Mildred
Published: January 2017

In 2008, at the request of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Institute of Medicine (IOM) prepared a report identifying knowledge gaps in public health systems preparedness and emergency response and recommending near-term priority research areas. In accordance with the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act mandating new public health systems research for preparedness and emergency response, CDC provided competitive awards establishing nine Preparedness and Emergency Response Research Centers (PERRCs) in accredited U.S. schools of public health. The PERRCs conducted research in four IOM-recommended priority areas: ( 1) enhancing the usefulness of public health preparedness and response (PHPR) training, ( 2) creating and maintaining sustainable preparedness and response systems, ( 3) improving PHPR communications, and ( 4) identifying evaluation criteria and metrics to improve PHPR for all hazards. The PERRCs worked closely with state and local public health, community partners, and advisory committees to produce practice-relevant research findings. PERRC research has generated more than 130 peer-reviewed publications and nearly 80 practice and policy tools and recommendations with the potential to significantly enhance our nation's PHPR to all hazards and that highlight the need for further improvements in public health systems.
Effects of Performance Improvement Programs on Preparedness Capacities
Authors: Davis Mary V. , Bevc Christine A. , Schenck Anna P.
Published: January 2017

Objective.

In response to public health systems and services research priorities, we examined the extent to which participation in accreditation and performance improvement programs can be expected to enhance preparedness capacities.

Methods.

Using data collected by the Local Health Department Preparedness Capacities Assessment Survey, we applied a series of weighted least-squares models to examine the effect of program participation on each of the eight preparedness domain scores. Participation was differentiated across four groups: North Carolina (NC) accredited local health departments (LHDs), NC non-accredited LHDs, national comparison LHDs that participated in performance or preparedness programs, and national comparison LHDs that did not participate in any program.

Results.

Domain scores varied among the four groups. Statistically significant positive participation effects were observed on six of eight preparedness domains for NC accreditation programs, on seven domains for national comparison group LHDs that participated in performance programs, and on four domains for NC non-accredited LHDs.

Conclusions.

Overall, accreditation and other performance improvement programs have a significant and positive effect on preparedness capacities. While we found no differences among accredited and non-accredited NC LHDs, this lack of significant difference in preparedness scores among NC LHDs is attributed to NC's robust statewide preparedness program, as well as a likely exposure effect among non-accredited NC LHDs to the accreditation program.
Media Use and Communication Inequalities in a Public Health Emergency: A Case Study of 2009–2010 Pandemic Influenza a Virus Subtype H1N1
Authors: Lin Leesa , Jung Minsoo , McCloud Rachel F. , Viswanath Kasisomayajula
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

Studies have shown that differences among individuals and social groups in accessing and using information on health and specific threats have an impact on their knowledge and behaviors. These differences, characterized as communication inequalities, may hamper the strength of a society's response to a public health emergency. Such inequalities not only make vulnerable populations subject to a disproportionate burden of adversity, but also compromise the public health system's efforts to prevent and respond to pandemic influenza outbreaks. We investigated the effect of socioeconomic status (SES) and health communication behaviors (including barriers) on people's knowledge and misconceptions about pandemic influenza A(H1N1) (pH1N1) and adoption of prevention behaviors.

Methods.

The data for this study came from a survey of 1,569 respondents drawn from a nationally representative sample of American adults during pH1N1. We conducted logistic regression analyses when appropriate.

Results.

We found that ( 1) SES has a significant association with barriers to information access and processing, levels of pH1N1-related knowledge, and misconceptions; ( 2) levels of pH1N1-related knowledge are associated positively with the adoption of recommended prevention measures and negatively with the adoption of incorrect protective behaviors; and ( 3) people with higher SES, higher news exposure, and higher levels of pH1N1-related knowledge, as well as those who actively seek information, are less likely than their counterparts to adopt incorrect prevention behaviors.

Conclusion.

Strategic public health communication efforts in public health preparedness and during emergencies should take into account potential communication inequalities and develop campaigns that reach across different social groups.
Communicating with the Workforce during Emergencies: Developing an Employee Text Messaging Program in a Local Public Health Setting
Authors: Karasz Hilary N. , Bogan Sharon , Bosslet Lindsay
Published: January 2017

Short message service (SMS) text messaging can be useful for communicating information to public health employees and improving workforce situational awareness during emergencies. We sought to understand how the 1,500 employees at Public Health – Seattle & King County, Washington, perceived barriers to and benefits of participation in a voluntary, employer-based SMS program. Based on employee feedback, we developed the system, marketed it, and invited employees to opt in. The system was tested during an ice storm in January 2012. Employee concerns about opting into an SMS program included possible work encroachment during non-work time and receiving excessive irrelevant messages. Employees who received messages during the weather event reported high levels of satisfaction and perceived utility from the program. We conclude that text messaging is a feasible form of communication with employees during emergencies. Care should be taken to design and deploy a program that maximizes employee satisfaction.