bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Care and Production of Clothing in Norwegian Homes: Environmental Implications of Mending and Making Practices
Authors: Laitala Kirsi , Klepp Ingun Grimstad
Published: August 2018

Mending, re-design, and altering are alternatives for prolonging the use period of clothing. It is a common assumption that nobody mends clothing anymore in Western societies. This paper studies Norwegian consumers’ clothing mending and making practices. We ask how common the different mending and making activities are, has this changed during the past several years, who are the clothing menders and makers, and further, are these practices related to consumers’ environmental opinions? We build on three quantitative surveys in Norway from 2010, 2011, and 2017. Many consumers do mend their clothing at least occasionally, especially the simpler tasks, such as sewing on a button and fixing an unravelled seam. Women and the elderly are more active in making and mending, whereas the young are bit more likely to make something new out of old clothing. The mending activities were correlated with respondents’ environmental opinions. Mending clothes is more common than is usually assumed. Knowledge of current practices and barriers for clothing mending enables us to recommend measures that can potentially increase the use time of clothing. These results can be beneficial in clothing design, home economics, and crafts education as well as understanding consumer behavior and making policies that aim at environmental improvements within clothing consumption.
Symmetry Analysis, Explicit Solutions, and Conservation Laws of a Sixth-Order Nonlinear Ramani Equation
Authors: Aliyu Aliyu , Inc Mustafa , Yusuf Abdullahi , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: August 2018

In this work, we study the completely integrable sixth-order nonlinear Ramani equation. By applying the Lie symmetry analysis technique, the Lie point symmetries and the optimal system of one-dimensional sub-algebras of the equation are derived. The optimal system is further used to derive the symmetry reductions and exact solutions. In conjunction with the Riccati Bernoulli sub-ODE (RBSO), we construct the travelling wave solutions of the equation by solving the ordinary differential equations (ODEs) obtained from the symmetry reduction. We show that the equation is nonlinearly self-adjoint and construct the conservation laws (CL) associated with the Lie symmetries by invoking the conservation theorem due to Ibragimov. Some figures are shown to show the physical interpretations of the acquired results.
A Robust Distributed Big Data Clustering-based on Adaptive Density Partitioning using Apache Spark
Authors: Hosseini Behrooz , Kiani Kourosh
Published: August 2018

Unsupervised machine learning and knowledge discovery from large-scale datasets have recently attracted a lot of research interest. The present paper proposes a distributed big data clustering approach-based on adaptive density estimation. The proposed method is developed-based on Apache Spark framework and tested on some of the prevalent datasets. In the first step of this algorithm, the input data is divided into partitions using a Bayesian type of Locality Sensitive Hashing (LSH). Partitioning makes the processing fully parallel and much simpler by avoiding unneeded calculations. Each of the proposed algorithm steps is completely independent of the others and no serial bottleneck exists all over the clustering procedure. Locality preservation also filters out the outliers and enhances the robustness of the proposed approach. Density is defined on the basis of Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) distance which makes clusters more homogenous. According to the density of each node, the local density peaks will be detected adaptively. By merging the local peaks, final cluster centers will be obtained and other data points will be a member of the cluster with the nearest center. The proposed method has been implemented and compared with similar recently published researches. Cluster validity indexes achieved from the proposed method shows its superiorities in precision and noise robustness in comparison with recent researches. Comparison with similar approaches also shows superiorities of the proposed method in scalability, high performance, and low computation cost. The proposed method is a general clustering approach and it has been used in gene expression clustering as a sample of its application.
Bacteriophage Sf6 Tailspike Protein for Detection of Shigella flexneri Pathogens
Authors: Kunstmann Sonja , Scheidt Tom , Buchwald Saskia , Helm Alexandra , Mulard Laurence A. , Fruth Angelika , Barbirz Stefanie
Published: August 2018

Bacteriophage research is gaining more importance due to increasing antibiotic resistance. However, for treatment with bacteriophages, diagnostics have to be improved. Bacteriophages carry adhesion proteins, which bind to the bacterial cell surface, for example tailspike proteins (TSP) for specific recognition of bacterial O-antigen polysaccharide. TSP are highly stable proteins and thus might be suitable components for the integration into diagnostic tools. We used the TSP of bacteriophage Sf6 to establish two applications for detecting Shigella flexneri (S. flexneri), a highly contagious pathogen causing dysentery. We found that Sf6TSP not only bound O-antigen of S. flexneri serotype Y, but also the glucosylated O-antigen of serotype 2a. Moreover, mass spectrometry glycan analyses showed that Sf6TSP tolerated various O-acetyl modifications on these O-antigens. We established a microtiter plate-based ELISA like tailspike adsorption assay (ELITA) using a Strep-tag®II modified Sf6TSP. As sensitive screening alternative we produced a fluorescently labeled Sf6TSP via coupling to an environment sensitive dye. Binding of this probe to the S. flexneri O-antigen Y elicited a fluorescence intensity increase of 80% with an emission maximum in the visible light range. The Sf6TSP probes thus offer a promising route to a highly specific and sensitive bacteriophage TSP-based Shigella detection system.
Interaction-induced zero-energy pinning and quantum dot formation in Majorana nanowires
Authors: Escribano Samuel D , Yeyati Alfredo Levy , Prada Elsa
Published: August 2018

Majorana modes emerge in non-trivial topological phases at the edges of specific materials such as proximitized semiconducting nanowires under an external magnetic field. Ideally, they are non-local states that are charge-neutral superpositions of electrons and holes. However, in nanowires of realistic length their wave functions overlap and acquire a finite charge that makes them susceptible to interactions, specifically with the image charges that arise in the electrostatic environment. Considering a realistic three-dimensional model of the dielectric surroundings, here we show that, under certain circumstances, these interactions lead to a suppression of the Majorana oscillations predicted by simpler theoretical models, and to the formation of low-energy quantum-dot states that interact with the Majorana modes. Both features are observed in recent experiments on the detection of Majoranas and could thus help to properly characterize them.
Analysis of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Women
Authors: Tairova Maria Stanislavovna , Graciolli Lucas Odacir , Tairova Olga Sergueevna , De Marchi Thiago
Published: August 2018

AIM: Study the cardiovascular risk factors in a feminine population vulnerable to cardiovascular events particularly to evaluate the principal factors or possible confounding variables.METHODS: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. Were analysed all the female patients from the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Institute of Sports Medicine of Caxias do Sul who had the complete information on cardiovascular disease history, comorbidities and habits and who knew the complete gynaecological history by a phone interview.RESULTS: Were analysed 91 patients. About the comorbidities and habits, 45.2% of these patients presented some tobacco load, 82.4% are hypertensive, 61.5% are dyslipidemic, 25.3% are diabetic and the BMI average was 29.27 (overweight). Between the patients who undergone a hysterectomy and had an episode of the acute coronary syndrome (10 patients), 70% had the event after the procedure. Between the post-menopause women with at least one episode of the acute coronary syndrome, 80.5% (33 patients) had the first event after the menopause.CONCLUSION: We found multiple lifetime risk factors that predisposed the women of the sample to have cardiovascular disease. Between the women with specific to women risk factors and without, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease was very similar. This information supports the idea that these are just confounding factors of CVD and the principals involved are the genetic factors and habits. For this reason, the focus of CVD prevention and treatment should be directed towards these aspects.
Evaluating Reliability of Theory of Planned Behaviour Questionnaire for Withdrawal of Divorce Petition
Authors: Ardian Nahid , Afshani Seyed Alireza , Morowatisharifabad Mohammad Ali , Mazloomi Mahmoodabad Seyed Saeid , Vaezi Ali Akbar , Refahi Seyed Ali Asghar , Mohsen Askarshahi Mohsen , Hadjizadehmeimandi Masoud , Mahmoodabadi Hassan Zareei
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND: Given the increased rate of divorce, it is important to analyse the characteristics of divorce applicants. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) can provide a suitable framework to predict, explain, and/or change the behaviours. In Iran, no instrument can be found, based on health education models, to investigate divorce petition filing as a behaviour.AIM: This study was conducted to design a questionnaire on withdrawal of divorce petition based on the TPB and estimate its validity and reliability.MATERIAL AND METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted in 27 participants involved in the divorce process using directed content analysis. The face and content validity of 58 items, drawn from the qualitative study, were evaluated by 10 experts. The reliability was estimated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The SPSS version 16 was used to analyse data.RESULTS: Estimates of the face and content validity (quantitative and qualitative), revealed that of the 58 items, 48 were valid based on four of the constructs of the TPB. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was also derived greater than 0.6.CONCLUSION: The designed questionnaire, whose validity and reliability was confirmed in this study, can be used in similar studies. However, the social and cultural differences and their related effects should be considered.
Male Infertility and Sperm DNA Fragmentation
Authors: Zeqiraj Afrim , Beadini Sheqibe , Beadini Nexhbedin , Aliu Hesat , Gashi Zafer , Elezaj Shkelzen , Bexheti Sadi , Shabani Agim
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND: One of the main factors affecting male infertility is DNA fragmentation in sperm. Male infertility is a heterogeneous group of disorders, known causes account for only 30-50%, and unknown cause (idiopathic) constitute the rest. Infertility involves nearly 15% of couples in the reproductive age, and only the male problem involves about 40% of the problems.AIM: We have studied our DNA damage to sperm cells of a group of infertile males (113 patients) with abnormal sperm parameters (oligoasthenospermia and oligospermia) and a group of male patients (80 patients) with normal semen parameters (normospermia) to document whether the Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD) analysis could increase the information obtained from the sperm routine analysis to explain the causes of infertility.MATERIALS: A group of 193 patients were analysed, 113 patients in the working group and 80 patients in the control group were screened. The ejaculate samples were taken by the patient to whom the reason for the analysis was explained. All patients were from the Republic of Kosovo. Samples are collected from 2014/2018. Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD) analyses in the ejaculate were analysed by the Biolab Zafi laboratory in Peja.RESULTS: Clinical data were compared between the two groups by one-way ANOVA, mean ± SD, student's t-test. A p-value of less than P < 0.05% was considered statistically significant. Outcomes: In our study, we have gained significant (P < 0.05) results in the workgroup and the control group across all hormonal parameters, sperm parameters, and fragmented DNA in the sperm.CONCLUSION: Based on our obtained results we can conclude that DNA fragmentation in spermatozoa is useful in the selection of unsuitable DNA sperm for use in ART methods. We conclude that our DNA fragmentation analysis results are encouraging and can be used for diagnostic purposes in determining male infertility.
History of Service Robots and New Trends
Authors: Zielinska Teresa T.
Published: August 2018

The chapter gives an overview of the current developmental trends in service robotics. First the short history of service robots with its precursors is presented together with the definitions. The developmental trends and statistical data are summarized. The overview of service robots includes the ancient robot precursors, the middle ages, and the period of industrial revolution. The representative examples of different kinds of service robots built in the 20th and 21st centuries are also given. The chapter is concluded by discussing the perspectives of service robotics.
Fusion of Gravitational Search Algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization, and Grey Wolf Optimizer for Odor Source Localization
Authors: Jain Upma , Tiwari Ritu , Godfrey W. Wilfred
Published: August 2018

This chapter concerns the problem of odor source localization by a team of mobile robots. A brief overview of odor source localization is given which is followed by related work. Three methods are proposed for odor source localization. These methods are largely inspired by gravitational search algorithm, grey wolf optimizer, and particle swarm optimization. Objective of the proposed approaches is to reduce the time required to localize the odor source by a team of mobile robots. The intensity of odor across the plume area is assumed to follow the Gaussian distribution. Robots start search from the corner of the workspace. As robots enter in the vicinity of plume area, they form groups using K-nearest neighbor algorithm. To avoid stagnation of the robots at local optima, search counter concept is used. Proposed approaches are tested and validated through simulation.
Undermining Leadership Effectiveness
Authors: Akanbi Linda B.
Published: August 2018

This chapter highlights the tactics used by faculty, students, and administrators to undermine the leadership of a minority female hired from a national search to chair an academic department of all-White faculty. The tactics ranged from lack of support from her immediate supervisor to collusion to re-assign this minority female to a lesser position. She also received biased evaluations from faculty and students. This faculty member was able to persevere through self-confidence, through refusing to be intimidated, and through her ability to turn challenges into opportunities to showcase her strength and determination to prevail. At one point, she filed a discrimination complaint. As part of her legacy, she established an annual scholarship in her name for African American education majors matriculating at the institution.
Architecture as a Tool to Solve Business Planning Problems
Authors: McKee James
Published: August 2018

Businesses are now very large and complex organizations and their analysis provides a great deal of information that in order to be understood must be well organized and presented. Architecture is a scheme that allows a systematic examination of the entire enterprise and can provide a well-organized presentation of the key components, their interdependencies, and the important causal relations. This chapter discusses the problems associated with developing an architecture and suggests a framework for developing a reference model to guide the definition of business architecture.
Organizational Transparency
Authors: Almeida Gustavo de Oliveira , Cappelli Claudia , Maciel Cristiano
Published: August 2018

Transparency is one of the most frequent words in the contemporary public discourse, due to the growing demand for organizational transparency from the many stakeholders, which include shareholders, national and international watchdog organizations, the mass media, and influential bloggers. For instance, since shareholders invest money in corporations, they require financial disclosure, the exposure of future strategies, and the revelation of the corporation's decision-making processes. Therefore, the chapter has as its main objective to present the main concepts related to organizational transparency, and its dimensions, according to a review of literature and competing models of transparency. The chapter aims to contrast the importance and implications of transparency for the society and organizations. The chapter also aims to present a research agenda on the topic and present how the society is requiring an ever-higher level of transparency of all kinds of organizations.
Cognitive Process Elements of People Decision-Making
Authors: Spiegel Thais
Published: August 2018

The ability to make choices is regarded as essential to human action and to modern life, individually, collectively, and in the corporate context, and is crucial to the concept of freedom. This chapter examines individual decision-making processes. In this respect, it is important to distinguish between the task of deciding, described as a system of events and relationships in the external, “objective” world and the system of cognitive processes that take place in the “psychological world.” The study of decision making has a long history that spans a variety of perspectives, philosophical positions, and prescriptions—amidst a great deal of controversy—that have evolved into descriptive processes and approximated how decisions are actually taken. This exploratory study builds on the premise that, in order for decision making to be understood completely and improved, the underlying cognitive processes must be examined. It thus sets out to identify how decision making is shaped by the cognitive processes of the agents involved.
Promoting Strategic Human Resource Management, Organizational Learning, and Knowledge Management in Modern Organizations
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: August 2018

This chapter describes the concept of strategic human resource management (SHRM), the concept of electronic human resource management (e-HRM), the importance of SHRM in modern organizations, and the current trends of organizational learning and knowledge management (KM) in modern organizations. SHRM is the strategic practice of attracting, developing, rewarding, and retaining employees with the important goal of increasing various benefits to both employees as individuals and organization as a whole. SHRM strategically utilizes organizational resources and talent within HR functions to make organizations more effective in the modern workforce. Organizational learning and KM allow for organizational employees to share knowledge and learn exactly what is relevant to their specific tasks toward encouraging human capital and knowledge creation. The chapter argues that promoting SHRM, organizational learning, and KM has the potential to enhance organizational performance and achieve strategic goals in modern organizations.
Developing Global Supply Chain Manager for Business Expansion
Authors: Wulansari Puspita , Fernando Yudi
Published: August 2018

Global competition has forced companies to continuously innovate and frequently asses and improve their supply chain processes, flexibility, and fast delivery as effectiveness is required in each supply chain processes. This is to ensure cost efficiency, faster delivery, and in the end would lead to customer satisfaction. To be able to perform better among competitors and improve firm supply chain performance, firms need the talents who are able to manage global resources effectively and understand culture, suppliers'/workers' attitude, and comply with global regulations. Successful implementation of global supply chain has linked with talents capable of maximizing the management of global resources. The aim of this chapter is to discuss the competency needed for global supply chain managers to support international business expansion.
Major Techniques and Current Developments of Supply Chain Process Modelling
Authors: Xu Henry , Agrey Renae
Published: August 2018

Modeling of supply chain processes is fundamental to the analysis of these processes and is essential for process design prior to implementation of a supply chain management system. In this chapter, the background of business process modeling is first introduced. This is followed by a summarized description and critical discussion of the major techniques for supply chain process modeling such as the SCOR model, BPMN, UML, IDEF, and simulation. These techniques have been widely used in academic research and development of management information systems. Finally, future trends are pointed out, and the chapter is concluded.
Offshoring IT
Authors: Cockrell Susan , Damron Terry Stringer , Melton Amye M. , Smith Alan D.
Published: August 2018

Offshore outsourcing basically describes the practice of contracting to outside vendors in another country, especially in cases where the client company has no direct ownership. This operational strategy of low-cost, global expansion and the increased capability of vendors in India, China, the Philippines, South Korea has opened a great number of avenues of traditional organizational functions of IT. Such functions as software development, call centers, and accounting are typically offshored. Since the late 1990s, offshore outsourcing has included more sophisticated finance and accounting functions, beyond that of simple data input and transactions. Offshore finance and accounting outsourcing is especially becoming an attractive option for many companies. The obvious benefits are gaining access to scarce and valuable skills, cutting costs, and domestic and global achieving competitiveness. However, there are risks as well. A relatively balanced approach of benefits and risks are discussed in this chapter.
Stress Testing Corporations and Municipalities and Supply Chains
Authors: Wolf Frank
Published: August 2018

In this chapter, the authors address a very real issue of current business life, and that is the prediction and prevention of corporate and municipal insolvencies and bankruptcies. The concept of stress testing banks for capital sufficiency under conditions of plausible risks is by now an accepted governmental mandate. Stress testing corporations and municipalities however is relatively new. The authors present a process for both corporate and municipal stress testing together with a review of legal considerations. Over time, it is expected that stress testing corporations and municipalities will become as routine as an annual visit to the family physician. This chapter is designed to establish the ground work for stress testing corporations and municipalities, including supply chains and not-for-profit organizations. This discussion applies equally well to global supply chains.
PSK Method for Solving Intuitionistic Fuzzy Solid Transportation Problems
Authors: Kumar P.Senthil
Published: August 2018

This article proposes a method for solving intuitionistic fuzzy solid transportation problems (IFSTPs) in which only the transportation costs are represented in terms of intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IFNs). The remaining parameters, namely: supply, demand and conveyance capacity, are all considered into crisp numbers. This type of STP is called a type-2 IFSTP. When solving the real life solid transportation problems (STPs) those tend to face the uncertainty state as well as hesitation due to many uncontrollable factors. To deal with uncertainty and hesitation many authors have suggested the intuitionistic fuzzy representation for the data. In this article, the author tried to categorise the STPs under the uncertain environment. He formulates the intuitionistic fuzzy STPs and utilizes the triangular intuitionistic fuzzy number (TIFN) to deal with uncertainty and hesitation. The PSK (P.Senthil Kumar) method for finding an intuitionistic fuzzy optimal solution for fully intuitionistic fuzzy transportation problem (FIFTP) is extended to solve the type-2 IFSTP and the optimal objective value of type-2 IFSTP is obtained in terms of TIFN. The main advantage of this method is that the optimal solution of type-2 IFSTP is obtained without using the basic feasible solution and the method of testing optimality. Moreover, the proposed method is computationally very simple and easy to understand. A case study is presented to illustrate the procedure of the proposed method.
Microstructural Evolution in MgAlLiZnCaY and MgAlLiZnCaCu Multicomponent High Entropy Alloys
Authors: Tun Khin Sandar , Gupta Manoj
Published: August 2018

In this research study, two light weight multi-component high entropy alloys (HEAs) consisting of six constituent elements were synthesized. The high entropy alloy having a chemical composition of Mg35Al33Li15Zn7Ca5Y5(atomic pct.) had a density of 2.25 g/cm3, while the high entropy alloy having a composition of Mg35Al33Li15Zn7Ca5Cu5(atomic pct.) had a density of 2.27 g/cm3. The strategy of non-equiatomic composition, high entropy of mixing coupled with low density was applied in designing the alloy systems. Disintegrated melt deposition (DMD) technique was used to synthesize the materials and characterization studies were performed on as-cast materials. The present study emphasizes on examining and understanding the microstructural development in the two light weight high entropy alloys. The formation and presence of phases and microstructural evolution were studied by interchanging yttrium and copper. Microstructural observations revealed presence of multiple phases in the developed alloys and the simplification of the microstructure when copper is used instead of yttrium. Microhardness results revealed a significant increase in hardness of of both the HEAs (3.8 – 4.2 times) when compared to AZ31 commercial magnesium alloy.Keywords: High Entropy Alloy, Magnesium, Aluminum, Casting, Microstructure
Effects of Current Pulsation on Magnetic Properties and Giant Magnetoimpedance of Electrodeposited NiFe Coatings on Cu Wires
Authors: Chobaomsup Viriyah , Jantaratana Pongsakorn , Boonyongmaneerat Yuttanant
Published: August 2018

This work presents a systematic study of the effects of current pulsation on soft magnetic properties and giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) of nickel-iron (NiFe) coatings electrodeposited on copper wires. The specimens were prepared by the electrodeposition technique with controlled bath compositions and varied applied current waveforms. The microstructural and chemical investigations indicate that current pulsation with 50% duty cycle and 50 Hz frequency provides significantly smoother coating surface of uniform nodules, with comparable Fe content but different phase composition, as compared to the direct current condition. The vibrating sample magnetometer evidently shows that the deposits prepared with a pulsed current exhibit relatively small coercivity, below 4 Oe. Using the four-point probe technique, the MI ratio of the pulse deposits is found to reach a significantly high value above 2,000% with decent sensitivity. The benefits of current pulsation in improving the characteristics of NiFe deposits, and correspondingly the alloys’ soft magnetic properties and MI effects are demonstrated.
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?: Despite evidence to the contrary, the American Economic Review concluded that all was well with its archive
Authors: McCullough B. D.
Published: August 2018

In 2011, the Annual Report of the Editor of the American Economic Review reported that the journal’s data-code archive was functioning well, and no changes were made to the archive rules. This was based on an audit of the archive that the Editor had commissioned. In point of fact, all was not well with the archive: the archive did not support the publication of reproducible research. The rules for the archive should have been changed and were not; thus the American Economic Review continued to publish articles that were not reproducible. The cause of reproducible research was set back many years. Currently it appears that the AER intends to reproduce articles prior to publication; this would be a horrible mistake.
Emergency preparedness training preferences and perceived barriers to training among various healthcare providers and public health practitioners in Massachusetts
Authors: Broach, MD, MPH, MBA, FACEP John , Smith, MA, MD, FACEP Mary-Elise
Published: August 2018

Introduction: Emergency preparedness training is vital to a wide range of healthcare and public health disciplines. Although agencies may try to tailor their training efforts based on perceived need, the topics and methods of instruction may be misguided, resulting in wasted effort and poor participation in training events. Objective: The objective of this study was to understand in a rigorous way, the training preferences and barriers to training among practitioners in Massachusetts.Methods: In August 2013, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health distributed an online survey to health professionals in Massachusetts regarding their emergency preparedness training topic preferences and any perceived barriers and challenges associated with obtaining this training. A total of 796 healthcare and public health professionals responded to the survey and answered some or all of the questions asked.Results: The results of the survey identified important differences in preference for some topics based on a provider's practice location and discipline. However, Community Recovery and Community Preparedness were seen as desirable by all disciplines with more than 80 percent of respondents rating each of these issues as being highly important. Barriers to training were also assessed. Time spent away from work was the most commonly identified barrier (77.41 percent). Travel distance and financial constraints were also rated highly with scores of 65.48 and 63.71 percent, respectively.Conclusions: This study demonstrates important areas of agreement with respect to desired training topics and points out areas where providers in different disciplines and from different geographic areas may have differing educational preferences. Even within the limitation of this investigation, we expect that this study will be a valuable tool for those attempting to effectively target emergency preparedness training and structure course offerings in ways that minimize the impact of barriers to training.
Validation of a novel irritant gas syndrome triage algorithm
Authors: Culley, PhD, MPH, RN, CWOCN, FAAN Joan M. , Donevant, PhD(c), MSN, RN, CCRN Sara , Craig, PhD, MS, BS Jean , Richter, DrPH, MSN, MA, RN Jane , Tavakoli, DrPH, MPH, ME Abbas S. , Svendsen, PhD Erik , DiNardi, PhD, CIH, FAIHA Salvatore
Published: August 2018

Objective: Our objective was to validate a novel irritant gas syndrome agent (IGSA) triage algorithm for use in an emergency department (ED). We assessed efficiency, accuracy, and precision of our IGSA triage algorithm based on signs/symptoms of actual patients.Design: After characterizing the signs/symptoms of an actual IGSA exposure event, we developed and validated the IGSA triage algorithm using a simulated computer exercise to compare the IGSA triage algorithm to the preferred hospital triage algorithm, the Emergency Severity Index (ESI).Setting: This study was a simulated computer exercise using surveys developed in Research Electronic Data Capture software. Nurse volunteers simulated triaging 298 patients.Participants: Patient data included 146 patients treated during the disaster as well as 152 unexposed patients. Twenty-six nurse volunteers were assigned to triage the patients using one of the algorithms in the simulated computer exercise.Main Outcome Measure(s): The precision of the IGSA triage algorithm was 0.82 (confidence interval [CI] 0.78-0.85) and ESI 0.73 (CI 0.69-0.77). Weighted κ for ESI and IGSA accuracy for exposed patients was 0.32 (95% CI 0.26-0.37) and 0.81 (95% CI 0.77-0.85), respectively.Results: The IGSA triage algorithm was more accurate and precise than the ESI algorithm for triaging patients exposed to an irritant gas.Conclusions: This study validates the IGSA triage algorithm as the basis for the development of a prototype software application to quickly identify victims of a chemical disaster and triage patients efficiently and accurately with the potential to dramatically improve the processing of patients in EDs.
Volume 13, Number 1
Authors: DeVito, Jr. Richard A.
Published: August 2018

Full complete issue
Book review
Authors: Murray, EdD, CCLS, CTRS Susan ‘BOON’
Published: August 2018

Therapeutic Recreation Practice: A Strengths Approach, Lynn Anderson & Linda Heyne
Emergency preparedness of families of children with developmental disabilities: What public health and safety emergency planners need to know
Authors: Wolf-Fordham, JD Susan , Curtin, MSW Carol , Maslin, MEd Melissa , Bandini, PhD Linda , Hamad, PhD Charles D.
Published: August 2018

Objective: To assess the emergency preparedness knowledge, behaviors, and training needs of families of children with developmental disabilities (DD).Design: An online survey.Participants: A sample of 314 self-selecting US parents/guardians of children with DD, aged birth-21 years.Main outcome measures: 1) Preparedness self-assessment; 2) self-report regarding the extent to which families followed 11 specific preparedness action steps derived from publicly available preparedness guides; and 3) parent training and support needs.Results: Although most participants assessed themselves to be somewhat to moderately well prepared, even those who reported being “very well prepared” had taken fewer than half of 11 recommended action steps. Most participants expressed a need for preparedness support; virtually all the respondents felt that training was either important or very important.Conclusions: Children with disabilities are known to be particularly vulnerable to negative disaster impacts. Overall, parents in this study appeared under-prepared to meet family disaster needs, although they recognized its importance. The results suggest opportunities and methods for public health and safety planning, education and outreach to parents of children with DD who would benefit from targeted training such as information and skill building to develop effective family preparedness plans and connections to local emergency management and responders.
Effects of exercise on disability in older adults with arthritis: A 3-year follow-up
Authors: Mobily, PhD Kenneth E.
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise on functional disability outcomes in older adults with arthritis. Exercise was operationalized as frequency of exercise per week at baseline and follow-up, and as miles walked per week at baseline and follow-up. Results indicated that subjects reporting high exercise frequency at baseline and follow-up were least impaired after 3 years. Surprisingly, changing from low rate of exercise to a high rate of exercise by follow-up was not associated with less impairment. These data suggest that benefit is secured only with adoption and continuity of exercise. Additional results indicated that frequent walking at follow-up yielded benefit, irrespective of walking mileage at baseline. Implications and applications for therapeutic recreation inducing comparable outcomes in practice are discussed.
Therapeutic recreation at camp: A Delphi study identifying important elements
Authors: Means, MS, CTRS W. Thomas , Simpson, PhD Steven
Published: August 2018

For many individuals with disabilities, specialized camps offer intentional recreational activities designed to meet specific goals. The purpose of this study was to identify the most important elements of Therapeutic Recreation (TR) when applied to residential summer camps for individuals with disabilities. This study used a panel of experts using a Delphi approach. Experts initially identified 29 elements and in subsequent rounds provided ratings and definitions of each element. Statistical analysis identified nine elements as most important: Planning, Evaluation, Socialization, Implementation, Staff Qualifications & Competency Assessment, Management, Prevention, Safety Planning, & Risk Management, Program Evaluation & Research, Quality Improvement. Identifying key elements is critical in developing a framework for future research, as well as justifying TR service and prioritizing which elements should be considered when creating a TR camp program.
An update of a physical health community-based treatment program for clients with severe and persistent mental illness
Authors: Tankel, BS, CTRS Ron
Published: August 2018

This article revisits the case study of a program published in the American Journal of Recreation Therapy (December 2014. Vol. 13, Number 1, pp. 31-35) and describes how the program has evolved in the last 2 years. We have found that motivation on the part of clients has been maintained and have implemented additional programming to meet the needs of clients.
Therapeutic riding and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An application of the theory of self-efficacy
Authors: Goodwin, MS, CTRS, TRS Brenna Jeanne , Hawkins, PhD, CTRS, LRT Brent L. , Townsend, PhD, CTRS Jasmine A. , Van Puymbroeck, PhD, CTRS, FDRT Marieke , Lewis, PhD, CTRS Stephen
Published: August 2018

Research supports claims of benefits of therapeutic riding for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); however, the effect of specific subtypes of therapeutic riding (eg, therapeutic riding drill team) has been underinvestigated. Furthermore, the theories underlying therapeutic riding programs have not been well reported, especially among studies with children with ASD. This study used qualitative data from interviews to determine which aspects of Bandura's self-efficacy were evident among participants in a 16-week therapeutic riding drill team program. Results provided evidence of the presence of selfefficacy among participants during the program. Results of this study may be used to help recreational therapists target aspects of self-efficacy in therapeutic programs for children with ASD as a way to increase self-efficacy.
Pilot outcomes of an online physical activity intervention for individuals with serious mental illnesses
Authors: Snethen, PhD, CTRS Gretchen , Vargas, PhD, CTRS Gena Bell
Published: August 2018

Objective: This article describes the development and feasibility of an online physical activity (PA) intervention for individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI), who are at greater risk for obesity and obesity-related diseases than the general population. Individuals with SMI are more likely to lead sedentary lifestyles, which is a modifiable risk factor that has been identified as an intervention area by the National Institutes of Mental Health.Methods: Ten subjects were recruited to participate in a single group, interrupted time series design. Data (weight, body mass index, PA, and quality of life) were collected at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Exit interviews were conducted with participants and the recreational therapist to evaluate perception and feasibility of the intervention.Results: No significant differences were noted on outcome measures. Participants reported high satisfaction with participation and self-reported higher engagement in PA.Conclusions and Implications for Practice: This pilot study demonstrates that an online PA intervention is both feasible and accepted by consumers with SMI and provides diverse roles for recreational therapists working in behavioral health. This study provides valuable feedback for future implementation of an online PA intervention. Recommendations include: incorporate a “readiness to change” screening tool; extend the intervention; incorporate a nutrition component; incorporate opportunities for social interaction; and integrate objective measures of PA and self-monitoring strategies.
Sensory processing patterns and swim skill acquisition of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Mische Lawson, PhD, CTRS Lisa , Mazurowski, OTR/L Megan , Petersen, OTR/L Sarah
Published: August 2018

This descriptive study aimed to understand swim skill acquisition of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) engaged in KU Sensory Enhanced Aquatics. Researchers analyzed Sensory Profiles and documentation of 83 children with ASDs’ first 8-week session. Research questions included identifying what swim skills were acquired over 8 weeks, which sensory supports were used most frequently and how a child's sensory processing pattern impacted swim skill acquisition. Findings showed children with an ASD most frequently acquired swim skills in the Water Orientation, Front Stroke, and Backstroke categories. Goggles were the sensory supports used most frequently. Though there were more similarities than differences between children's sensory patterns and swim skill acquisition, sensory seeking children acquired the most swim skills compared to other patterns. Findings suggest that sensory supports may encourage swim skill acquisition of children with ASDs’ in a variety skill categories.
Comparative effectiveness of an individualized goal-directed approach and nongoal-directed approach for social outcomes in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Kemeny, PhD, CTRS M. Elizabeth , Hutchins, EdD, FDRT, CTRS Deborah , Gramlich, CTRS Courtney , Russell, CTRS Shannon , Kerr, CTRS Rachel
Published: August 2018

A paucity of research exists with regard to the comparative benefits of individualized goal-directed recreational therapy process and a naturalistic peer-mediated approach for social skill outcomes for youth with autism spectrum disorders. Delivered in four sessions with the same type of recreational modalities with peer mentors, one group (n = 7) received an individualized goal-directed recreational therapy program while the other (n = 7) received a social group program. Measures included parent report of social skills, self-report of self-efficacy for physical activity, and real-time observation of discrete social skills. Based on the outcomes, individualized goal-directed recreational therapy using peer mentors appears to be more effective in targeting social skills and self-efficacy for physical activity than a nonindividualized naturalistic program. Recreational therapy may impact outcomes through more intentional targeting of individual goals to aid social competence and self-efficacy for physical activity.
Volume 17, Number 1
Authors: DeVito, Jr. Richard A.
Published: August 2018

Winter 2018
Spring 2003
Authors: DeVito, Jr. Richard A.
Published: August 2018

Volume 1, Number 1
Implementation of an Internet fire response form to improve the drill response process
Authors: Meittunen, MS, MBA Eric , De Ruiter, RN Hans-Peter , Gavin, BA Carol
Published: August 2018

Fire response drills are mandatory for healthcare organizations as a part of the accreditation process, as well as other companies. However, measuring the effectiveness of these exercises can be a challenge. An Internet fire response form was developed to improve fire response education for nurses and other healthcare staff, facilitate the process of measuring fire drill results, and promote the efficiency of fire drill documentation through a paperless work environment. The results indicate that leveraging the Internet with an electronic response instrument can improve fire preparedness as well as the documentation processes.
Fall 2003
Authors: DeVito, Jr. Richard A.
Published: August 2018

Volume 1, Number 3
Coordinating investigations: Can we walk and chew gum at the same time?
Authors: Guidotti, MD, MPH Tee L.
Published: August 2018

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Tenets of vulnerability: An assessment of a fundamental disaster concept
Authors: McEntire, PhD David A.
Published: August 2018

This article reviews academic findings on disaster vulnerability and provides 15 tenets about this fundamental concept. Research is taken mainly from sociologists but also include findings from other disciplines. The study uncovers what is known about vulnerability and stresses the importance of this concept for those interested in disaster reduction.
Fire truck crashes with apparatus driver fatalities: Fatality Analysis Report System (FARS): 1991-2000
Authors: Proudfoot Steven L. , Husting, PhD, MPH Edward Lee
Published: August 2018

This analysis reports crashes in which firefighters were killed on fire apparatus. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) from 1991 through 2000 included 33 incidents with 38 firefighter fatalities, including 23 apparatus drivers. Crashes increased steadily from two in 1991 to six in 2000. The average age of the victims was 37.7 years and the average of the drivers was 38.3. Alcohol was a possible factor in two incidents. The most commonly cited driver-related factors are “failure to keep in proper lane or running off road” and “driving too fast for conditions or in excess of posted speed limit.” Of 33 total incidents, 25 involved rollover. In 19 crashes involving rollover in which the apparatus drivers were killed, 12 drivers were either totally or partially ejected from the vehicle. Eleven were not wearing restraints. Twelve of the drivers were killed while using lights and sirens. Most fatalities took place on dry roads, in fair weather, during daylight hours. Twenty-one of 23 incidents occurred on rural roads. In 11 of the incidents, the driver was the sole vehicle occupant. Drivers should wear seat belts and adjust for vehicle limitations and hazardous conditions. Semiannual refresher driver training is recommended.
Calendar
Authors: DeVito, Jr. Richard A.
Published: August 2018

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Current emergency medical services workforce issues in the United States
Authors: Maguire, MSA, EMT-P, DrPH Brian J. , Walz, PhD Bruce J.
Published: August 2018

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Summer 2004
Authors: DeVito, Jr. Richard A.
Published: August 2018

Volume 2, Number 3
Emergency management and disaster response in Hawaii: The role of medical centers and the media
Authors: Prizzia, PhD Ross
Published: August 2018

The research is an administrative case study based on an extensive review of Hawaii government documents and interviews with key personnel of the Hawaii Emergency Preparedness Committee (EPC), civil defense, and other relevant government officials. Interviews with key personnel at the major medical centers were also conducted as well as a survey of 80 percent of the local Hawaii-based TV news reporters. The study describes the interagency coordination at the federal, state, county, and community level to improve capability. Recommendations from the study included increased funding for family emergency preparedness and local community response teams and continuous training by emergency response coordinators to improve state and county disaster preparedness. The study also recommends collaboration with disaster-trained media reporters. The study concluded that, overall, Hawaii is adequately prepared in emergency response capability, particularly in the areas of medical services and interagency coordination, but coordination with the media reporting on disasters could be improved.
May/June 2008
Authors: DeVito, Jr. Richard A.
Published: August 2018

Volume 6, Number 3
July/August 2008
Authors: DeVito, Jr. Richard A.
Published: August 2018

Volume 6, Number 4