bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using framing theory to unite the injury field and add power to our voices
Authors: Mitchko J , Holmes W
Published: March 2011

Overview

CDCs National Center for Injury Prevention and Control sought to identify a new approach to communicating about injury and violence and unite the field of injury around a central message.

Methods

CDC used framing theory to develop messages that would have the greatest impact as they present injury in a way that reflects broad and deeply held societal values. Over the last several years, CDC has developed an overarching frame, “we want a society where people can live to their full potential” and frame-based messages on a variety of injury and violence-related topics. The frame and messages were tested with injury representatives, policy makers and the general public using focus groups, in-depth interviews and trainings (in person and webinars). Participants identified with the message framing of living to their full potential and helping others to do the same. Based on the findings, “Adding Power to Our Voices,” a framing guide (www.cdc.gov/injury/framingguide.html), was developed, giving specific guidance and communication tools to help injury professional connect specific injury issues to the full potential frame so as to create a unified injury message.

Results and Evaluation

CDC's injury framing initiative has been well received and has been adopted by CDC staff and partners. A quantitative and qualitative evaluation is currently underway to assess the implementation and use of the injury framing approach. Findings from the evaluation will be presented and will be used to further enhance the injury framing tools and their use.
Epidemiology of suicidal Behaviour among youth in the U.S.: examining the influence of sociocultural context
Authors: Swahn M H , Bossarte R M , Van Dulmen M , Kretschmar J , Jones A
Published: March 2011

The objectives of this paper are to determine the prevalence, demographic characteristics and patterns of suicidal behaviours among youth across sociocultural contexts in the U.S. Analyses are based on data from six studies of child and adolescent development, health and adaptation; The Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (NICHD; N=1009); The Youth Risk Behaviour Survey (YRBS; N=14 041); The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (AddHealth; N=20 745), The Youth Violence Survey (N=4116); the National Study of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (N=6231), and the Behavioural Health/Juvenile Justice Project (BHJJ) (N=455). These six studies capture samples of normative adolescents as well as a sample of high-risk youth defined as youth who have been processed through the Child Welfare System and a sample of youth who have been adjudicated. Our findings show that the prevalence of suicide ideation varied from 7.0% to 23.8% among adolescents 15 years of age and was highest among adolescents in high-risk samples. For example, in the BHJJ a sample of adjudicated youth, at the time of intake 44% of participants had talked about committing suicide and 17% had previously attempted suicide. In comparison, in the nationally representative Add Health, 3.6% of participants had attempted suicide. Prevalence of suicidal behaviours as well as the characteristics of those most vulnerable to suicidal behaviours varies across sociocultural contexts. These variations need to be considered in future research and in the design and implementation of prevention and intervention efforts.
Alcohol use initiation as a prospective risk factor for suicide attempts across adolescence and young adulthood
Authors: Swahn M H , Bossarte R M , McCarty F
Published: March 2011

The current study examines early alcohol use initiation as a predictor of suicide attempt in a large cohort of youth. Analyses were based on the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a cohort of adolescents followed to young adulthood. Analyses were restricted to adolescents age 13 years and older who participated in all three data waves (Wave 1:1995; Wave 2:1996 and Wave 3:2002) (N=10 417). Logistic regression models were computed to determine the associations between early alcohol use initiation (prior to age 13) and suicide attempt in Wave 1–Wave 3 while controlling for potential confounders (ie, binge drinking, delinquent behaviours, depression, low self esteem and psychiatric treatment). In this study, 13.8% of adolescents initiated alcohol use prior to age 13. Early alcohol use initiation was associated with suicidal ideation and attempt across all three data waves in unadjusted logistic regression analyses. In multivariate analyses, early alcohol use initiation was associated with suicidal ideation and attempt in Wave 1 (Adj.OR 2.40; 95% CI 1.15 to 5.00) and Wave 2 (Adj.OR 3.13; 95% CI 1.67 to 5.87) but not in Wave 3 (Adj.OR 1.71; 95% CI 0.54 to 5.43) relative to non-drinkers. Early alcohol use is associated with increased risk for suicidal ideation and attempt during adolescence, but not in young adulthood. Additional research is needed to determine the factors that may reduce the adverse consequences of early alcohol use initiation as well as to determine strategies for reducing and delaying alcohol use among youth.
Pan American Health Organization Collaborating Centres for violence and injury prevention
Authors: Rodrigues E , Guedes A , Maurice P , Gutierrez M I , Hijar M , Smith S , Tran N , Ballesteros M , Peres M F Tourinho
Published: March 2011

Objective

Road traffic injuries and violence continue to be important public health problems throughout the Americas. This workshop will describe the role World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization (WHO/PAHO) Collaborating Centers (CC) play in supporting WHOs goals for violence and injury prevention in the Americas, particularly in achieving the 2011 strategic objectives for the region.

Materials and Methods

CCs form an inter-institutional collaborative network with seven centres in the PAHO region, which work in the area of Violence and Injury Prevention. PAHO has developed a strategic plan that establishes targets for regional expected results (RER) targeting the development of institutional capacity at the national level, development and implementation of national plans for violence prevention and road safety, strengthening of information systems, and conducting cost analysis.

Results

In 2009, the PAHO countries had increased their institutional capacity for violence and injury prevention, they had implemented National Plans for violence prevention and road safety, also had established systems for the collection and management of data on violence and road traffic injuries, and they carried out work to understand the cost of injuries. To identify strategies for improving upon these indicators, a meeting of CCs was convened in Sao Paulo in November 2009; targets for 2011 for these indicators were established.

Discussion and Conclusion

To reach the 2011 targets and adequately address violence prevention and road safety promotion, countries need to learn from each others successes and work together. CC will continue supporting PAHO to achieve these goals.
Traumatic brain injury in the United States: national estimates of prevalence and incidence, 2002–2006
Authors: Faul M , Xu L , Wald M M , Coronado V , Dellinger A M
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an important public health problem in the United States (US) resulting in disabling conditions and long-term societal costs. Thus, there a compelling need for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation initiatives informed by national, population-based data.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence and incidence of TBI in the US utilizing several nationally representative data sets.

Methods

To produce national estimates, we averaged and analysed data from 2002–2006 for TBI-related visits to hospital-based emergency departments (EDs), hospitalisations, and deaths from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, the National Hospital Discharge Survey, and the National Vital Statistics System, respectively.

Results

For 2002–2006, the estimated average annual incidence of TBI was 1.7 million, including 52 000 deaths, 275 000 hospitalisations, and 1 365 000 ED visits. For all age groups, the leading external causes were as follows: falls (35.2%); motor vehicle traffic (17.3%); struck by/against events (16.5%); assaults (10%). Rates were higher for males than females in all age groups. Falls produced the greatest number of TBI-related ED visits, (523 043) and hospitalizations (62 334). Motor vehicle traffic was the leading cause of TBI death, with rates highest among those 20–24 years. Children 0–4 years, adolescents 15–19 years, and adults >65 years were most likely to sustain a TBI and adults >75 years had the highest rate for hospitalisation and death. Annually, almost half a million TBI-related ED visits, 473 947, were made by children aged 0–4 years. TBI was a contributing factor to one third of all injury related deaths in the US.
The prevalence of low back pain Among employees of a paediatric hospital in Nairobi
Authors: Mutiso V M , Amayo E
Published: March 2011

Objective

To determine the prevalence of Low Back Pain among employees at a paediatric hospital in Nairobi in the year 2005.

Design Descriptive

Cross sectional study.

Setting

A medium sized paediatric hospital in Nairobi

Results

Questionnaires were sent to 347 employees of the hospital. The response rate was 19.3%. The age range was 25–57 years with a mean of 34 year. The majority were female comprising 67.2%.Nurses comprised 42.2% of the total. 63.6%had suffered back pain in that year of which 90.5% was located in the lower back. Conclusion: Low Back Pain is a common affliction among employees at this hospital.
Evaluating violence prevention strategies at all levels of the social ecology: successes and challenges
Authors: Saul J
Published: March 2011

For more than two decades, the case has been made that violence is a public health problem and this view has spread globally. Since violence is a complex and multi-faceted problem, it requires comprehensive solutions. One way of building comprehensive solutions to violence is through the use of a social ecological framework. That is, to develop, test and diffuse prevention strategies that will affect risk and protective factors at the individual, relationship, community and societal levels. For this presentation, evaluation research in child maltreatment, suicide, and youth, intimate partner and sexual violence was used to categorise what we know about prevention at different levels of the social ecology. What we can say about effective violence prevention (ie, what works) varies depending on the type of violence. Across all types of violence, we know more about effectively addressing risk factors at the individual and relationship levels. Specific examples of effective strategies will be given based on research funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Current gaps in knowledge and the challenges to addressing those gaps will be presented. Comprehensive approaches to violence prevention are needed; however, there are significant gaps in knowledge that stand in the way. Currently, those committed to addressing violence at multiple levels of the social ecology are faced with using evidence-based strategies to address some factors and using unproven strategies to address others. Future directions for evaluation research will be suggested in order to move toward a more comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to preventing violence.
Burden of work place injuries to the surgical unit in the General Hospital, Nuwara-Eliya, Sri Lanka
Authors: Abeyrathna A N , Darmaratne S D , Adikari A A S K
Published: March 2011

Background

Injuries accounts for 9% of world deaths. In Sri Lanka, injuries were the leading cause of hospital admissions for the past decade. Published data on the burden of work place injuries in Sri Lanka are scarce.

Aim

To describe the burden of work place injuries to the surgical unit in the General Hospital, Nuwara-Eliya, Sri Lanka.

Methods

A descriptive study was carried out in the surgical unit from 1 May 2008 to 30 June 2008. All patients admitted during this period with work place injuries were included in the study. Data were collected using an interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Data were entered into an excel data sheet and was analysed using SPSS 12.1 statistical software.

Results

Of the admissions with unintentional injuries work place injuries constituted 25.5% (n=83). The mean age of the injured was 33.5 years (SD=11.0 years). Majority were males (79.5%). Only 14 (16.9%) were under the influence of alcohol at the time of admission. A total of 247 patient days were spent by this sample (mean=2.6 days and SD=1.7 days, range 1–8 days). Majority of the injured had injuries to fingers and hands (36.1%) with lacerations, tendon cuts and fractures while 13.3% were admitted with injuries to the lower limbs.

Discussion and Conclusions

Hand and finger injuries were an important cause of work place injuries (36.1%) and needs improvement of safety measures for its prevention and control.
Challenges of drink-driving enforcement in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen H , Passmore J , Nguyen N , Pham C
Published: March 2011

Alcohol is a well documented risk factor for road traffic crashes, however information on drinking and driving in low income countries is often limited. In Vietnam, despite the fact that the control of drink-driving (DD) has been part of road safety law since 2001, implementation and enforcement has been limited. In 2008, the National People's Assembly approved a revised law which included strengthening of efforts in DD prevention including a decrease in blood and breath alcohol concentration limits down from 80mg/dl (0.08) to 50mg/dl (0.05) (0.25mg/l breath) for motorcycle riders and from 0.08 to zero for drivers of cars and other four wheel vehicles. The law came into effect on 1 July, 2009. To describe the current knowledge, attitude and practice of DD in Vietnam, a cross sectional survey of 1200 adult household members was conducted in three provinces. Nearly 80% of respondents where aware of new restrictions for DD, however, less than 20% knew what that limit was and when it took effect. More than 90% of respondents reported awareness of the dangers of DD and that the threshold was necessary, however, more than 80% still reported that they drive or ride after drinking and 58% would still travel as a passenger with a motorcycle rider who had drunk alcohol. These results show a number of challenges to implementing DD regulations in Vietnam. Further communication and education on the risks and consequences of DD is required however these in themselves will be ineffective without consistent enforcement and strengthening the perception of being caught. Currently, incomplete police procedures as well as a lack of equipment is limiting enforcement capacity.
Hip fractures. epidemiology and validation of hospital data on 582 fractures during 1994-2008
Authors: Ytterstad B , Emaus N , Heiberg I
Published: March 2011

Background

The exact number of hip fractures occurring in Norway is unknown. Estimates vary from 7000 to 9000 per year, constituting great human costs and expenditure of health resources. An injury registry (IR) was July 1. 1985 established in Harstad, Norway and contains by now 25 years of prospectively collected data on injuries with upstream variables useful for preventive purposes. Data from the IR have extensively been used for analysis of the injury panorama, finding target groups for preventive action and evaluation of the effect of these. Several intervention studies have been published, mainly on traffic injuries, burns in children and fall-fractures in the aged (65+ years). From 2008 the IR is owned and administered by the University Hospital of Northern Norway (UNN) in Tromsø.

Materials and Methods

During the period 1994–2008, the IR registered 582 hip fractures in persons living in Harstad (23 000). By searching through medical records (paper or electronic) for every person in the IR, a validation of the IR was made possible. Inclusion criterias were IDC codes S720 (neck), S721 (pertrochanteric) og S722 (subtrochanteric). Correct ICD coding was validated by checking x-ray descriptions from primary admittance. Exclusion criterias were (1) double registry because of readmission, for example, from osteosynthesis failure, necrosis of the caput (2) other fractures, for example, pelvic/femoral shaft (3) pathological fractures (metastasis), (4) admission for other complications, for example, infection, trombosis and bleeding.

Results

541 hip fractures were verified. Of 42 non-verified (7.2 %) 10 were osteosynthesis failure or caput necosis, falls without verified fracture 10, shaft fractures 9, pelvic fractures 4, pathological fractures 5, double entry 3 and other address 1. For the years 2002–2007 the patient journal was electronic. Validated IR data on hip fractures for these 6 years could thus be compared with data from the National Patient Registry (NPR). This central registry is a main source for national estimates of hip fractures. The NPR data contained 3.3% fewer hip fractures compared with the validated Harstad injury registry. Mean ages were as follows: for both genders 81.8 years, for women (74%) 82.4 years and for men (26%) 80.0 years. Mean survival after fracture was investigated for 354 patients: For both genders 3.2 years, for women (73%) 3.4 yrs and for men (27%) 2.6 years.

Conclusions

Hip fractures occur predominantly at the age of 80–82 years and in women in three out of four cases. Mean survival after the fracture is 3.2 years. The Harstad Injury Registry shows during 15 years (1994–2008) a 7.2 % over-reporting of hip fractures while data from the National Patient Registry show a 3.3% under-reporting.
The Harstad injury prevention study: prevention of burns in children evaluated after over two decades of community-based intervention in Norway
Authors: Ytterstad B
Published: March 2011

Objective

To report the long-term effectiveness of a community-based burn prevention program for children under the age of 5. The outcome is reported in terms of changes in burn injury rates/severity and short-term hospital care costs.

Design

Prospective intervention study in Harstad. Trondheim (reference for 6 years).

Methods

The variables were selected according to the Nordic system. Burn data collection started 15 May 1985. The first 19.5 months of the study provided baseline. A mix of passive and active interventions were used, including the promotion of the purchase and installation of cooker safeguards, the lowering of tap water thermostat setting to 55°C in homes and the promotion of increased parental vigilance in putative burn risk situations.1

Results

From baseline to the first 6 years of the intervention period, the mean burn injury rate decreased 51.5 % in Harstad (p<0.05). During the first 6 years of study 230 bed-days and multiple operations were consumed. During the last 16 years of the study, no burns requiring surgical interventions were recorded for the intervention population. However, two refugee children were admitted (in 2002 and 2006) in need of split skin transplantations.

Discussion and Conclusion

When assessing the effectiveness of the local interventions, one has to consider secular trend. Trondheim rates remained stable for the 6 years of available data (1987–92). A report from Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen suggests that the secular trend for serious burns in children has remained stable in Norway from 1984 to 2004.2 A prevention program for burns in young children can be effective long-term using a community-based injury prevention program. Local data are useful for detecting target groups and altering interventions when needed.
Daphne abstract
Authors: Hughes K , Bellis M A , Calafat A , Juan M , Blay N , Quigg Z
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Young people's alcohol and drug use increases during holidays. Despite strong associations between substance use and both violence and unintentional injury, little is known about this relationship in young people holidaying abroad. We examine how risks of violence and unintentional injury abroad relate to substance use and the effects of nationality and holiday destination on these relationships.

Methods

A cross-sectional comparative survey of 6502 British and German holidaymakers aged 16–35 years was undertaken in airports in Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain.

Results

Overall, 3.8% of participants reported having been in a physical fight (violence) on holiday and 5.9% reported unintentional injury. Two thirds reported having been drunk on holiday and over 10% using illicit drugs. Levels of drunkenness, drug use, violence and unintentional injury all varied with nationality and holiday destination. Violence was independently associated with being male, choosing the destination for its nightlife, staying 8–14 days, smoking and using drugs on holiday, frequent drunkenness, and visiting Majorca (both nationalities) or Crete (British only). Predictors of unintentional injury were being male, younger, using drugs other than just cannabis on holiday, frequent drunkenness and visiting Crete.

Conclusions

Violence and unintentional injury are substantial risks for patrons of international resorts offering a hedonistic nightlife. Understanding those characteristics of resorts and their visitors most closely associated with such risks should help inform prevention initiatives which protect both the health of tourists and the economy of resorts marketed as safe and enjoyable places to visit.
Drink-driving in Vietnam: perceptions and risk
Authors: Nguyen T M
Published: March 2011

Rapidly increasing motorisation and an expanding alcohol industry in Vietnam have placed traffic injury among the leading causes of death. However, there is little local research into the specific contribution of alcohol to this burden and the socio-cultural contexts of drink driving.

Objectives

(1) To measure alcohol intoxication of male patrons in restaurants and males with traffic-related injuries at an Emergency Department, (2) To estimate risk of traffic injury after acute alcohol consumption using case–crossover analysis, and (3) To compare perceptions toward drink-driving of injured and uninjured males.

Methods

Male patrons at seven restaurants (n=464) and men admitted to hospital following traffic injuries (n=480) were interviewed and measured for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) by a breathalyzer.

Results

Among the uninjured restaurant patrons, 76.6% had a BAC over the legal limit (0.08g/100ml) and 39.7% were above 0.15g/100ml. Among patients, 57.5% were over 0.08g/100ml and 45.6% above 0.15g/100ml. The odd-ratio of traffic injury for patients who drank alcohol within 6 h prior to injury was 8.5 (95% CI 5.34 to 13.51) and this followed a clear dose–response relationship. There was no significant difference between the two groups of men in perceptions toward drink-driving. Most respondents over-estimated the number of drinks they could consume in 1 h to drive safely and legally and most had never planned to avoid driving after drinking. Most men experienced peer approval for drink-driving while very few perceived risk of detection by the police.

Conclusion

Programs to raise community awareness and effective legal enforcement are necessary and urgent in Vietnam.
Progress of forensic medicine in the research of injuries of cardiac muscle, bone and skeletal muscle by electric shock
Authors: Huitong L
Published: March 2011

Electrical injuries and electrocution are increasing in our daily life, but there are many cases that have less obvious shin electric marks, even no electric marks at all, so it causes difficulties in forensic investigations. Therefore, it requires a deeper study on the expressions of other organs after an electric shock. Researchers have done a good deal of studies in the injuries of cardiac muscle, bone and skeletal muscle by electric shock in the past several years, and those researches have shown a positive effect after application in forensic investigations. This paper reviews the research progress in the aspects mentioned above.
The role that the three attentional networks and the infrequent targets detection play in safely driving
Authors: Castro C
Published: March 2011

Different tasks have been developed to obtain an individual measure of the functioning of the three attentional networks (Alerting, Orienting and Executive Control by Posner and Petersen's model), such as the Attentional Networks Test (ANT) by Fanet al(2002) and the Attentional Networks Test–Interaction (ANTI) by Callejaset al(2004). Generally, these tasks measure the functioning of the Alerting network by means of a phasic alertness task, that is, measuring the reduction in reaction time provided by a warning signal in comparison to when this signal is not available. However, this measure may provide only a partial estimation of the functioning of the Alertness network, as the vigilance function of attention is not analysed in these tasks. The present work modifies the original ANTI task to add a measure of vigilance, thus attempting to obtain a more complete estimation of the functioning of the Alertness network. Participants now have to detect an infrequent event while performing a variation of the ANTI task so that some indicators of vigilance can be obtained. These data are analysed according to the STD (Signal Detection Theory) and the measures of d' and ?for sensitivity and decision processes are obtained throughout the time taken to perform the task. In addition, the usual Alerting, Orienting and Executive Control network measures are obtained, together with the usual interaction. The results are compared with those found in the original task and implications for safety driving are highlighted.
‘Harmful’ traditional practices: interventions to address gendered forms of violence against women and girls
Authors: Creighton S , Gill A
Published: March 2011

Harmful cultural or harmful traditional practices (HTP) have been a concern for the violence against women movement and the health service for a number of years. These forms of violence include female genital mutilation (FGM), prenatal sex selection, child marriage, forced marriage and so-called honour-killings/honour based violence (HBV). They are not individual, isolated cases of violence, but expressions of discriminatory social, cultural and religious norms that define women's subordinate position in the family, community and society and enforce control over women's freedom, including their sexuality. By focussing on the panoply of expressions of HBV, particularly those relating to marriage and FGM practices which unfortunately still impact on many women in the UK. We will draw international attention to the HTP in the name of which women continue to be subjected to violence. To date, most laws enacted to address HTP have consisted of amendments to national criminal laws. These amendments have certainly condemned violence against women, and thereby constitute an important step towards ending the impunity enjoyed by its perpetrators. However, these measures do not provide for victim support or require preventative health measures to be taken. Health professionals in FGM cases, for example, often have first contact with a victim/survivor of a ‘harmful practice’ only if there has been a medical complication. It is therefore imperative that these professionals are trained to identify violence and sensitively treat its victims/survivors. Citing findings from the recent violence against women and girls (VAWG) Home Office and Department of Health stakeholder events in 2009, we offer recommendations related to these practices and call for more regular and systematic training for health professionals particularly those working in maternity, obstetrics, gynaecology and sexual health in assisting those affected by harmful traditional practices.
Evidence based policy and interventions to support adult victims of sexual violence
Authors: Rogstad K E
Published: March 2011

Adult victims of sexual violence, whether male or female, require a spectrum of care which should be of high quality. For those who present soon after assault, their immediate healthcare needs include emergency treatment for injuries, testing for sexually transmitted infections including HIV and Hepatitis viruses, and pregnancy testing. They also require preventative measures including post-coital contraception and prophylaxis against HIV and Hepatitis B. Forensic testing and careful documentation of the history and any injuries is needed if the police are to be informed, and should be offered even if reporting is declined in case the person changes their mind at a future date. Follow up may be required for repeat tests depending on when they initially present. Psychological support should be offered both immediately after the event, and also be available at a later date even if they do not require immediate support. In the UK many police forces have Specialised Sexual Assault Referral Centres, the best of which provide a comprehensive service of forensic and healthcare services. Some choose instead to attend sexual health services (in particular Genitourinary Medicine (Sexual Health and HIV clinics), or are referred on to services for ongoing care. The session will cover service provision models and the requirements of victims in detail.
Injury prevention: addressing the social determinants
Authors: Marmot M
Published: March 2011

If we examine the epidemiological data we find that the occurrence of injuries of most kinds is not evenly spread between countries and within societies. Instead, we see that the burden of injury falls disproportionately on poorer countries and on poorer communities within countries. Furthermore, studies indicate that within countries the distribution of injuries follows a social gradient: the risk of injury is progressively greater from the most advantaged to the least advantaged in society. It follows that to make progress in reducing the burden of injury we must look beyond the immediate causes and examine the underlying causes of the distribution of injury: the social determinants. This came under the remit of the Commission on Social Determinants of Health set up by the WHO in 2005 and chaired by Sir Michael. The Commission on Social Determinants of Health reported to WHO in August 2008, and made its recommendations, based on extensive evidence, across three overarching areas for action: (1) improve the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age; (2) tackle the structural drivers of those conditions at global, national and local level; (3) monitoring, training and research. Within these areas of action the WHO Commission made recommendations in 12 areas: (1) early child development and education, (2) healthy places – the living environment, (3) fair employment and decent work, (4) social protection across the life course, (5) universal health care, (6) health equity in all policies, (7) fair financing, (8) market responsibility, (9) gender equity, (10) political empowerment, (11) good global governance, (12) knowledge, monitoring and skills. Sir Michael will discuss how tackling the social determinants underpins progress in reducing the burden of injury.
Preventing disability, respecting disabled people: have we got the balance right?
Authors: Shakespeare T
Published: March 2011

There are multiple intersections between injury and disability. Human rights approaches to disability (eg, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) suggests some rethinking may be needed. Many disabled people reject a pathological conception of disability and celebrate disability an identity. Evidence shows that disabled people are at higher risk of injury: should they then be a priority for safety messages? It is more common to find that becoming disabled is represented as an avoidable tragedy: does this shock tactic undermine respect and acceptance of disabled people? This talk will explore some of these nuances and offer suggestions for an appropriate public health approach.
Why African road deaths do not matter
Authors: Kobusingye O
Published: March 2011

Africa has one of the highest road fatality rates worldwide. It also appears to be doing the least about it. Over the last few decades while road deaths in High Income Countries (HICs) dropped, numbers in African countries, and elsewhere in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs), rose. Many factors resulted in the success in the HICs: implementation of interventions that spanned land use and safer road infrastructure, safer vehicles, strict enforcement of speed, drink-driving, and occupant restraints, and improved post-crash care. Underlying all this was focused and sustained research, and continued improvement of road safety data. And perhaps most important, the cost of road crashes and deaths has become unacceptable to society in HICs. Riding on the success in HICs, the road safety community has been determined to improve data, particularly in LICs where gross under-reporting, even of deaths, is commonplace. In 2007 the World Health Organisation's African Region reported 52 302 deaths on the region's roads – a rate of 7.2 deaths per 100 000 population. This would have ranked African roads as the safest in the world, ahead of the European region's 12.8 deaths per 100 000 population. When the figures were modelled to address incomplete reporting, and to harmonise the definitions for a road fatality, it was estimated that 234 768 persons died on African roads, a rate of 32.2 deaths per 100 000 population. A major concern among the road safety community has been that few costing studies are available in regions where rates for road deaths and injuries are highest. But there is no indication that in fact cost will have the same impact on policy that it has had in HICs. It might be that the cost of African lives does little to impress African policy makers.
Safety management on bus rapid transit corridor Delhi: process and outcomes
Authors: Gandhi S , Tiwari G , Singh A
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Delhi government operationalised 5.8 km, phase-1 length of (14.8 km long) bus rapid transit system corridor in April 2008. First 6 months of operations witnessed six fatal accidents as against an annual average of nine during the preconstruction period; prompting this study to find reasons and measure efficacy of interventions.

Method

The corridor operator, Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System, introduced monitoring processes, based on which interventions were planned to improve operations and safety. The study included assessment of various interventions, over a period of 16 months postoperations. These included channelisation of pedestrian crossings and introduction of rumble strips to reduce bus speeds. The analysis of the study was conducted in two parts. First part included comparison of accident trends and second part included study of conflicts postinterventions.

Results

Fatal accident rate increased by 30%, over preconstruction period, in first 6 months of operations. Type of victims postconstruction were only pedestrians as against a mix of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists earlier.

All accidents were limited to conflicts with buses within bus lane with 85% occurring near bus shelter. Fatalities dropped to ‘ZERO’ postintroduction of rumble strips. Instances of buses speeding over 60 km/h fell by 67%. Pedestrians crossing bus lanes increased by 23%.

Conclusion

Channelisation of pedestrian crossing did not result in reduced conflicts; however reduction in speeds were achieved through implementation of rumble strips. The study concludes that it is possible to achieve zero death targets on road systems by introducing consistent, monitoring-based intervention processes.
Preventing injuries in the EU, in particular among vulnerable groups – implementation of the 2007 Council Recommendation
Authors:   European Commission
Published: March 2011

Injuries due to traffic accidents, workplace accidents, home and leisure time accidents as well as injuries due to interpersonal violence and self-harm impose a huge burden to health. With 256 000 fatalities each year (cf. Injury DataBase report 2009), injury is the fourth most common cause of death within the EU, and the “Killer number one” among young people. This parallel session called by the European Commission will consist of a series of brief presentations followed by a discussion to highlight results of programmes and future expectations with regard to injury prevention, in particular among vulnerable groups. The session will open with a welcome from the European Commission followed by short presentations, describing the importance of policy tools to take action against injuries and violence and of monitoring progress. Examples of prevention measures in EU countries and grass roots actions from NGO will be presented. This will be followed by a discussion on how the problem can be targeted and what could be the next steps for action. Conclusions might be used by the European Commission for its preparatory work to report on the implementation of the 2007 Council Recommendation on the prevention of injury and promotion of safety. Presentations include:

Injury surveillance in EU and associated projects (injury database - joint action) by EU Member State - Violence and self-harm prevention by WHO - Europe. - Injuries among vulnerable groups by EU Member State/NGO. - Promotion in schools and training of (health) professionals by Belgium (5-year Program of the Ministry of the French Community) - Sport and leisure injuries including risk taking behaviour by NGO KfV, Austria
Phenotypic and genotypic differentiation ofVaccinium vitis-idaeabetween coastal barrens and forests in Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Balsdon Jennifer L. , Smith Tyler W. , Lundholm Jeremy T.
Published: March 2011

Coastal barrens and forests are very different environments, making it surprising that some plant species grow in both habitats. Vaccinium vitis-idaea  L., common in both habitats, was studied for phenotypic and genotypic differences that may correlate with the different environments. Of the measured phenotypic traits, leaf thickness demonstrated the best response to differences between habitat types. Amplified fragment length polymorphisms were used to assess the genetic diversity of 85 V. vitis-idaea plants between habitats. The overall genotypic diversity (D = 0.99) and evenness (E = 0.77) from this study were higher than that found in other studies on V. vitis-idaea, and were likely influenced by the sampling methods used. Although the harsh environment of the coastal barrens was expected to increase clonal reproduction, we found no evidence of extensive cloning in either habitat type. An AMOVA revealed that genetic variation was highest (87.8%) within populations, and that V. vitis-idaea was not genetically distinct between the coastal barrens and forests. This outcome is consistent with the hypothesis that coastal barrens and forest habitats along the Nova Scotia coast represent extremes of a successional continuum, rather than discrete plant communities.
Bromus inermisinvasion of a native grassland: diversity and resource reduction
Authors: Fink Krista A. , Wilson Scott D.
Published: March 2011

Invasion-driven diversity reduction is often attributed to decreased resource availability, but this has rarely been examined. We tested whether the invasion of native grassland by the introduced grass, Bromus inermis, was associated with reduced diversity, increased standing crop (including roots), and decreased resource availability. Diversity and evenness were significantly lower in invaded stands, but richness was not significantly different. Both shoot and root mass were significantly greater in B. inermis stands, suggesting that resource demand should be higher. Light penetration and soil moisture were significantly lower beneath B. inermis. In contrast, most nutrients (including available N) did not vary between vegetation types. Some nutrients (P, K, Ca, and Mn) were significantly more abundant beneath B. inermis, possibly reflecting the invader’s tendency to invade lower landscape positions. Overall, the results are consistent with invasion-driven diversity reduction being caused by increased resource demand and decreased availability of light and water.
Effects of commercial thinning on site occupancy and habitat use by spruce grouse in boreal Quebec
Authors: Lycke Ambroise , Imbeau Louis , Drapeau Pierre
Published: March 2011

Partial cuts are increasingly proposed to maintain habitats for species negatively affected by clearcutting, even if their benefits on nonpasserine birds and large mammals are still poorly documented. Our main objective was to evaluate effects of commercial thinning (CT) on spruce grouse ( Falcipennis canadensis L.), a game bird of the boreal forest. Because this species is known to be associated with a dense vegetation cover, we hypothesized that habitat use would be lower in treated sites. In spring 2006, we evaluated site occupancy in 94 forest stands (50 CT and 44 uncut stands) in Quebec by visiting each on three occasions during the breeding season (March–May). Additionally, during the molting period (May–July), we used radiotelemetry to monitor habitat use by 19 males. As compared with uncut stands, results show that a lower proportion of CTs were used in spring (39% versus 60%, after accounting for detection). During the molting period, CTs were also used less than expected according to their availability. The significant reduction of lateral and vertical forest cover in CT may explain these results. We conclude that even if CT is perceived beneficial for wildlife, it does not completely fulfill the needs of species associated with dense understory vegetation, such as spruce grouse.
Whole-tree water relations of co-occurring mature Pinus palustris and Pinus elliottii var.elliottii
Authors: Gonzalez-Benecke Carlos A. , Martin Timothy A. , Cropper, Wendell P.
Published: March 2011

The natural range of longleaf pine ( Pinus palustris P. Mill.) and slash pine ( Pinus elliottii var. elliottii Engelm.) includes most of the southeastern US Coastal Plain, and there is now considerable interest in using these species for ecological forestry, restoration, and carbon sequestration. It is therefore surprising that little information is currently available concerning differences in their ecological water relations in natural stands. In this study, we compared water use, stomatal conductance at the crown scale (Gcrown), and whole-tree hydraulic conductance of mature pine trees growing in a naturally regenerated mixed stand on a flatwoods site in north-central Florida. We found remarkable similarities between longleaf and slash pine in stored water use, nocturnal transpiration, and whole-tree hydraulic conductance. Mean daily transpiration rate was higher for slash than for longleaf pine, averaging 39 and 26 L·tree–1, respectively. This difference was determined by variations in tree leaf area. Slash pine had 60% more leaf area per unit basal sapwood area than longleaf pine, but the larger plasticity of longleaf pine stomatal regulation partially compensated for leaf area differences: longleaf pine had higher Gcrownon days with high volumetric water content (θv) but this was reduced to similar or even lower values than for slash pine on days with low θv. There was no species difference in the sensitivity of Gcrownto increasing vapor pressure deficit.
Comparative analysis of the production technologies of logging, sawmill, pulp and paper, and veneer and plywood industries in Ontario
Authors: Shahi Chander , Upadhyay Thakur Prasad , Pulkki Reino , Leitch Mathew
Published: March 2011

Technological growth in production and efficient utilization of input factors are the two biggest contributors to total factor productivity (TFP). TFP of the four major forest industries (logging, pulp and paper, sawmill, and veneer and plywood industries) of Ontario are compared by analyzing their production structures using duality theory in production and costs. The study uses annual data of output and four inputs — labour, capital, energy and materials — from 1967 to 2003. Different restrictions on the translog cost function are applied to each industry to determine the cost function that best describes each industry’s technology, which is further used to estimate Morishima elasticities of substitution, own-price and cross-price elasticities, rate of technological change, and TFP. The production structure of sawmill and veneer and plywood industries is found to be linear homogeneous and homothetic, and that of logging and pulp and paper industries is non-homothetic. Further, Hicks neutral technological change for all four industries is rejected, indicating that the production structure in all four industries is biased in favour of certain inputs and against others. This suggests that policies that improve the efficiency of each industry should focus on input-saving factors of that industry, thereby improving its competitive position.
BIFURCATIONS OF LIMIT CYCLES CREATED BY A MULTIPLE NILPOTENT CRITICAL POINT OF PLANAR DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS
Authors: LIU YIRONG , LI JIBIN
Published: March 2011

Bifurcations of limit cycles created from a multiple critical point of planar dynamical systems are studied. It is different from the usual Hopf bifurcations of limit cycles created from an elementary critical point. This bifurcation phenomena depends on the stability of the multiple critical point and the multiple number of the critical point. As an example, a cubic system which can created four small amplitude limit cycles from the origin (a multiple critical point) is given.
SPATIO-TEMPORAL MODELING OF WAVE FORMATION IN AN EXCITABLE CHEMICAL MEDIUM BASED ON A REVISED FITZHUGH–NAGUMO MODEL
Authors: ZHAO Y. , BILLINGS S. A. , GUO Y. , COCA D. , DEMATOS L. L. , RISTIC R. I.
Published: March 2011

The wavefront profile and the propagation velocity of waves in an experimentally observed Belousov–Zhabotinskii reaction are analyzed and a revised FitzHumgh–Nagumo (FHN) model of these systems is identified. The ratio between the excitation period and the recovery period, for a solitary wave is studied, and included within the model. Averaged traveling velocities at different spatial positions are shown to be consistent under the same experimental conditions. The relationship between the propagation velocity and the curvature of the wavefront are also studied to deduce the diffusion coefficient in the model, which is a function of the curvature of the wavefront and not a constant. The application of the identified model is demonstrated on real experimental data and validated using multistep ahead predictions.
UNIFORM DISSIPATIVENESS, ROBUST SYNCHRONIZATION AND LOCATION OF THE ATTRACTOR OF PARAMETRIZED NONAUTONOMOUS DISCRETE SYSTEMS
Authors: RODRIGUES HILDEBRANDO M. , WU JIANHONG , GABRIEL LUÍS R. A.
Published: March 2011

In this series of papers, we study issues related to the synchronization of two coupled chaotic discrete systems arising from secured communication. The first part deals with uniform dissipativeness with respect to parameter variation via the Liapunov direct method. We obtain uniform estimates of the global attractor for a general discrete nonautonomous system, that yields a uniform invariance principle in the autonomous case. The Liapunov function is allowed to have positive derivative along solutions of the system inside a bounded set, and this reduces substantially the difficulty of constructing a Liapunov function for a given system. In particular, we develop an approach that incorporates the classical Lagrange multiplier into the Liapunov function method to naturally extend those Liapunov functions from continuous dynamical system to their discretizations, so that the corresponding uniform dispativeness results are valid when the step size of the discretization is small. Applications to the discretized Lorenz system and the discretization of a time-periodic chaotic system are given to illustrate the general results. We also show how to obtain uniform estimation of attractors for parametrized linear stable systems with nonlinear perturbation.