bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous Production of IF-WS2 Nanoparticles by a Rotary Process
Authors: Xu Fang , Wang Nannan , Chang Hong , Xia Yongde , Zhu Yanqiu
Published: June 2014

This manuscript demonstrates the design, modification and initial investigation of a rotary furnace for the manufacturing of inorganic fullerene WS2 nanoparticles. Different preparation methods starting with various precursors have been investigated, of which the gas-solid reaction starting with WO3 nanoparticles was the most efficient technique. Furthermore, the influence of temperature, reaction time, and reaction gases etc. on the synthesis of inorganic fullerene WS2 nanomaterials was investigated, and these parameters were optimised based on combined characterisations using XRD, SEM and TEM. In addition, the furnace was further modified to include a baffled tube, a continuous gas-blow feeding system, and a collection system, in order to improve the batch yield and realise continuous production. This technique has improved the production from less than 1 g/batch in a traditional tube furnace to a few tens of g/batch, and could be easily scaled up to industry level production.
Effect of Organo-Modified Nanoclay on the Thermal and Bulk Structural Properties of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-Epoxidized Natural Rubber Blends: Formation of Multi-Components Biobased Nanohybrids
Authors: Salehabadi Ali , Bakar Mohamad , Bakar Noor
Published: June 2014

Multi-component nanohybrids comprising of organo-modified montmorillonite (MMT) and immiscible biopolymer blends of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR-50) were prepared by solvent casting technique. The one and three dimensional morphology of PHB/ENR-50/MMT systems were studied using Polarizing Optical Microscopy (POM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique was used to evaluate the thermal properties of the nanohybrids. The melting temperature (Tm) and enthalpy of melting (ΔHm) of PHB decrease with respect to the increase in ENR-50 as well as MMT content. The non-isothermal decomposition of the nanohybrids was studied using thermogravimetric (TG-DTG) analysis. FTIR-ATR spectra supported ring opening of the epoxide group via reaction with carboxyl group of PHB and amines of organic modifier. The reaction mechanism towards the formation of the nanohybrids is proposed.
Tetrabutylammonium Bromide (TBABr)-Based Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) and Their Physical Properties
Authors: Yusof Rizana , Abdulmalek Emilia , Sirat Kamaliah , Rahman Mohd
Published: June 2014

Density, viscosity and ionic conductivity data sets of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) formed by tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBABr) paired with ethlyene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,5-pentanediol and glycerol hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) are reported. The properties of DES were measured at temperatures between 303 K and 333 K for HBD percentages of 66.7% to 90%. The effects of HBDs under different temperature and percentages are systematically analyzed. As expected, the measured density and viscosity of the studied DESs decreased with an increase in temperature, while ionic conductivity increases with temperature. In general, DESs made of TBABr and glycerol showed the highest density and viscosity and the lowest ionic conductivity when compared to other DESs. The presence of an extra hydroxyl group on glycerol in a DES affected the properties of the DES.
Development of Multilayer Microcapsules by a Phase Coacervation Method Based on Ionic Interactions for Textile Applications
Authors: Chatterjee Sudipta , Salaün Fabien , Campagne Christine
Published: June 2014

The present study describes the development of multilayer microcapsules by 11 alternate additions of chitosan (Chi) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in a combined emulsification and phase coacervation method based on ionic interactions. After an alkali treatment, microcapsules are applied on polyester (PET) fabric by a padding process to investigate their wash-durability on fabric. Air atmospheric plasma treatment is performed on PET fabric to modify the surface properties of the textiles. Zeta potential, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), wetting measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) with surface roughness measurements are realized to characterize and determine wash durability of microcapsule samples onto PET. After alkali treatment, the microcapsules are selected for textile application because they are submicron sized with the desired morphology. The results obtained from various characterization techniques indicate that microcapsules are wash-durable on PET fabric pre activated by air plasma atmospheric as Chi based microcapsules can interact directly with PET by ionic interactions.
Suitability Evaluation of Multipoint Simultaneous CO2 Sampling Wireless Sensors for Livestock Buildings
Authors: Calvet Salvador , Campelo José , Estellés Fernando , Perles Angel , Mercado Ricardo , Serrano Juan
Published: June 2014

The environment in livestock buildings must be controlled to ensure the health and welfare of both workers and animals, as well as to restrict the emission of pollutants to the atmosphere. Among the pollutants generated inside these premises, carbon dioxide (CO2) is of great interest in terms of animal welfare and ventilation control. The use of inexpensive sensors means that complete systems can be designed with a number of sensors located around the building. This paper describes a study of the suitability of multipoint simultaneous CO2 sensors operating in a wireless sensor network, which was found to operate satisfactorily under laboratory conditions and was found to be the best alternative for these applications. The sensors showed a highly linear response to CO2 concentrations, ranging from 500 to 5000 ppm. However, individual sensor response was found to differ, which made it necessary to calibrate each one separately. Sensor precision ranged between 80 and 110 ppm CO2, and sensor response to register a 95% change in concentration was estimated at around 5 min. These features mean this type of sensor network can be used to monitor animal welfare and also for environmental control in poorly ventilated livestock premises. According to the tests conducted in this study, a temporal drift may occur and therefore a regular calibration of sensors would be needed.
Simulation and Implementation of a Morphology-Tuned Gold Nano-Islands Integrated Plasmonic Sensor
Authors: Ozhikandathil Jayan , Packirisamy Muthukumaran
Published: June 2014

This work presents simulation, analysis and implementation of morphology tuning of gold nano-island structures deposited by a novel convective assembly technique. The gold nano-islands were simulated using 3D Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) techniques to investigate the effect of morphological changes and adsorption of protein layers on the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties. Gold nano-island structures were deposited on glass substrates by a novel and low-cost convective assembly process. The structure formed by an uncontrolled deposition method resulted in a nano-cluster morphology, which was annealed at various temperatures to tune the optical absorbance properties by transforming the nano-clusters to a nano-island morphology by modifying the structural shape and interparticle separation distances. The dependence of the size and the interparticle separation distance of the nano-islands on the LSPR properties were analyzed in the simulation. The effect of adsorption of protein layer on the nano-island structures was simulated and a relation between the thickness and the refractive index of the protein layer on the LSPR peak was presented. Further, the sensitivity of the gold nano-island integrated sensor against refractive index was computed and compared with the experimental results.
Practicing Patienthood Online: Social Media, Chronic Illness, and Lay Expertise
Authors: Sosnowy Collette
Published: June 2014

The use of digital technologies and social media by people with serious illness to find, share, and create health information is much celebrated but rarely critiqued. Proponents laud “Health 2.0” as transforming health care practice and empowering patients. Critics, however, argue that a discourse of developing lay expertise online masks the disciplinary practices of the neoliberal state’s emphasis on individual responsibility. Notably, the perspectives of people who are engaging with social media related to their health and illness are under-represented in this debate. This research examines the experiences and perspectives of women who blog about their lives with Multiple Sclerosis in order to situate them in the context of these conflicting ideologies. Methods consisted of an ethnographic content analysis (N = 40), an online survey (n = 20), and an online discussion forum (n = 9). Findings revealed that blogging is neither inherently empowering nor inevitably disciplinary. Rather, it simultaneously offers opportunities for patients to gain medical knowledge and resist medical patriarchy, as well as compounds expectations placed upon patients to assume greater responsibility for managing their care.
Evaluation of the Efficiency of Low Carbon Industrialization in Cultural and Natural Heritage: Taking Leshan as an Example
Authors: Yao Liming , Xu Jiuping , Li Yifan
Published: June 2014

This paper concentrates on the evaluation of the efficiency of low carbon industrialization in the tourism sector. Combining the general indices of the regional industrialization with the specific characteristics of low carbon development in the tourism sector, a comprehensive index system is scientifically designed. Due to the complexity of the index system and the tight correlation among some indices, rough set theory (RST) is applied to reduce the dimensions of the index system and delete some overlapped information. Then, the data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to evaluate the efficiency of low carbon industrialization in every year, in order to investigate the development of regional economy, where the year is considered as the Decision-Making Unit (DMU). Furthermore, the super efficiency value of each DMU is calculated to compare the level of low carbon industrialization in each year. Finally, Leshan city, which is a typical representative of a World Cultural and Natural region in China, is considered as a practical application to show the effectiveness of the proposed model. Then, some valuable suggestions are given to help decision makers improve regional development.
Développement local et politiques de gestions des communes rurales en Hongrie centrale (Local development and management politics of rural municipalities in central Hungary)
Authors: Depraz Samuel
Published: June 2014

La transformation systémique intervenue en 1989 en Hongrie a entraîné un renouvellement profond des bases de gestion des communes sur fond de démocratisation et d'ouverture à l'économie de marché. Elles ont eu pour objectif l'affirmation de la démocratie locale et l'introduction d'une discipline budgétaire stricte dans des municipalités devenues quasi-souveraines quant à la gestion des affaires locales. Le résultat de cette politique semble toutefois rester en-deçà des espérances, tout au moins dans les espaces ruraux de la grande plaine Hongroise. La pauvreté rurale conjuguée à une structure défavorable du peuplement, une gestion budgétaire très parcimonieuse et, plus encore, une stabilité édilitaire inhérente aux hiérarchies sociales héritées du socialisme rendent les communautés rurales hongroises peu à même de mener des politiques endogènes de développement.
L'évolution du modelé lacustre et la salinité des lacs de Cojocna (plaine de Transylvanie, Roumanie) (Morphological evolution and salinity of Cojocna lakes (Transylvanian plain, Romania))
Authors: Serban Gheorghe , Alexe Mircea , Touchart Laurent
Published: June 2014

Les lacs salés de Cojocna sont situés sur un diapir à l'ouest du bassin transylvain. Ils sont nés de l'effondrement de toits de mines de sel abandonnées, puis de leur inondation. Leur évolution est extrêmement rapide du fait de la dissolution des évaporites, qui réduit les seuils, fait entrer en coalescence les anciens puits et amoindrit les pentes. Deux types de lacs ont une évolution divergente. Les premiers, comme le lac Durgǎu, conservent une dissolution active, que confirment leur hypersalinité et la croissance des concentrations de la surface vers le fond. Les seconds, comme le lac des Bains, ont subi un colmatage tel que la dissolution est gênée par une barrière sédimentaire. Ils sont en cours de comblement et leur salinité décroît, perdant alors leur attractivité touristique et curative. Les auteurs font des propositions d'aménagement pour préserver ces plans d'eau.
Trajectoire de la géographie économique francophone au XXe siècle ( Trajectory offrench economic geography in the 20th century)
Authors: Benko Georges
Published: June 2014

Cet article veut montrer l 'évolution des grandes tendances de la géographie économique française au cours d'un siècle. D'abord les précurseurs sont mis en valeur avec leurs savoir faire, il s 'agit d'une période d'émergence. La deuxième période est consacrée à la science régionale, et à ses différentes perspectives, des marxistes à un auteur comme P. Claval. La troisième partie présente « le tournant territorial », et ses diverses tendances, comme celle de la régulation ou celle de la proximité, entre autres. Actuellement deux grands axes divergent au sein de la géographie économique, jouant les enjeux de la complémentarité.
Le chemin de Léon Damas, sur les traces de la Tortue. Vers une géographie "vernaculaire" de la Guyane ? (Léon Damas' path, on the tracks of the Turtle, Toward a "vernacular" geography of Guyana)
Authors: Lézy Emmanuel
Published: June 2014

How could we build a "vernacular" geography of Guyana, and why should we try to do so ? Based on Léon Damas' essays, this paper shows how some construction principles and some specific forms can be identified, as Damas simultaneously voiced an "official" and an "indigenous" vision of Guyana. The principles and forms identified cannot be retrieved from a general "universal" geographic knowledge and considered as an autonomous sphere. Their universality, i.e. their ability to describe some of the world's dimensions seldom considered by the European geography, indicates that indeed, such geographies are an essential contribution to the perception of world's form and to the understanding of man's place within it.
A chloroplast tree for Viburnum (Adoxaceae) and its implications for phylogenetic classification and character evolution
Authors: Clement Wendy L. , Arakaki Mónica , Sweeney Patrick W. , Edwards Erika J. , Donoghue Michael J.
Published: June 2014

• Premise of the study: Despite recent progress, significant uncertainties remain concerning relationships among early‐branching lineages within Viburnum (Adoxaceae), prohibiting a new classification and hindering studies of character evolution and the increasing use of Viburnum in addressing a wide range of ecological and evolutionary questions. We hoped to resolve these issues by sequencing whole plastid genomes for representative species and combining these with molecular data previously obtained from an expanded taxon sample.

• Methods: We performed paired‐end Illumina sequencing of plastid genomes of 22 Viburnum species and combined these data with a 10‐gene data set to infer phylogenetic relationships for 113 species. We used the results to devise a comprehensive phylogenetic classification and to analyze the evolution of eight morphological characters that vary among early‐branching lineages.

• Key results: With greatly increased levels of confidence in most of the early branches, we propose a phylogenetic classification of Viburnum, providing formal phylogenetic definitions for 30 clades, including 13 with names recognized under the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants, eight with previously proposed informal names, and nine newly proposed names for major branches. Our parsimony reconstructions of bud structure, leaf margins, inflorescence form, ruminate endosperm, extrafloral nectaries, glandular trichomes, palisade anatomy, and pollen exine showed varying levels of homoplasy, but collectively provided morphological support for some, though not all, of the major clades.

• Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the value of next‐generation plastid sequencing, the ease of creating a formal phylogenetic classification, and the utility of such a system in describing patterns of character evolution.
EXISTENCE AND NUMERICAL APPROXIMATION OF SOLUTIONS OF AN IMPROVED INTERNAL WAVE MODEL
Authors: Grajales Juan Carlos Munoz
Published: June 2014

In this paper we establish local existence of solutions for a new model to describe the propagation of an internal wave propagating at the interface of two immiscible fluids with constant densities, contained at rest in a long channel with a horizontal rigid top and bottom. We also introduce a spectral-type numerical scheme to approximate the solutions of the corresponding Cauchy problem and perform a complete error analysis of the semidiscrete scheme.
EXTRACTION OF MOLASSES FROM SUGAR CRYSTALS IN A CENTRIFUGE
Authors: Please Colin P. , Fowkes Neville D. , Mason David P. , Khalique Masood M. , Hutchinson Ashleigh Jane , Rademeyer Maryke , Loubser Richard , Davis Steve
Published: June 2014

Massecuite is a mixture of sugar crystals and molasses produced during the manufacture of sugar. A centrifuge, which is a rotating cylindrical basket, is used to separate the sugar crystals from the molasses. Water and steam are introduced into the centrifuge during the latter part of the process to further facilitate drainage. Models developed indicate that a fifty percent increase in molasses drainage can result from the addition of steam, whereas water does not significantly affect drainage.
AN ECOSYSTEM WITH HTII RESPONSE AND PREDATORS’ GENETIC VARIABILITY
Authors: Viberti Clara , Venturino Ezio
Published: June 2014

A new model to investigate environmental effects of genetically distinguishable predators is presented. The Holling type II response function, modelling feeding satiation, leads to persistent system's oscillations, as in classical population models. An almost complete classification of the cases arising in the Routh–Hurwitz stability conditions mathematically characterizes the paper. It is instrumental as a guideline in the numerical experiments leading to the findings on the limit cycles. This result extends what found in an earlier parallel investigation containing a standard bilinear response function.
La cantine au prisme du paternalisme industriel. Alimentation et consentement à l'usine de Dalmine (Lombardie) entre fascisme et république
Authors: Ricciardi Ferruccio
Published: June 2014

La cantine de l’usine de Dalmine, ouverte en 1934, est un élément fondamental de la politique d’assistance sociale dont l’institution est célébrée par la propagande officielle. L’actualisation du paternalisme industriel d’antan sous l’égide du fascisme répond ainsi à la nécessité de resserrer l’étau sur la population ouvrière en réprimant toute manifestation d’opposition mais aussi en créant le consensus indispensable pour faire accepter la rationalisation du travail, la baisse des salaires et la suppression des libertés syndicales tout au long de l’entre-deux-guerres. Pendant la guerre, travailler dans une grande entreprise devient une garantie de survie alors que le sentiment d’appartenance à l’entreprise se renforce. Dans l’immédiat après-guerre l’usine devient un espace propice à l’émergence d’un nouveau pouvoir ouvrier. À l’usine de Dalmine, vitrine de l’esprit de collaboration et d’entraide revendiqué par l’idéologie corporatiste, la cantine est devenue un enjeu aussi bien économique que politique. Elle assure la sécurité alimentaire dans une conjoncture de pénurie et, en même temps, renforce chez les travailleurs le rapport de dépendance/reconnaissance. Ainsi, la cantine se présente comme un miroir qui donne à voir le jeu social de l’espace usinier, les relations industrielles et leur évolution au fil du temps.
Pour une sociologie des critiques postcoloniales
Authors: Brisson Thomas
Published: June 2014

Résumé L'article propose une analyse sociologique des critiques postcoloniales formulées par des intellectuels arabes, indiens ou asiatiques. Partant du constat que la plupart de ces critiques émanent d'intellectuels résidant et travaillant en Occident (le plus souvent dans les universités américaines) il cherche à approfondir l'analyse des déterminations qui forment le cadre dans lequel s'élaborent ces pensées de rupture : à l'effet propre du déplacement ou de l'exil s'ajoute à la fois celui de disciplines et d'espaces académiques auxquels appartiennent ces intellectuels, ainsi que celui d'une histoire politique internationale plus générale. La pertinence de cette grille d'analyse qui cherche à rendre compte de productions intellectuelles en combinant trajectoires singulières, espaces de savoir et déterminations politiques globales, est mise à l'épreuve à partir du cas particulier de Tu Weiming, intellectuel sino-américain considéré comme l'un des représentants les plus importants du courant néo-confucéen.
Técnica y optimización tipológica: el caso de las Officine di Smistamento de la Fiat-Lingotto (1916)
Authors: Ramos-Carranza A.
Published: June 2014

A principios del siglo XX, algunos edificios industriales realizados en hormigón armado, resultaron ser un campo experimental idóneo para la comprobación y consolidación del nuevo sistema constructivo, propiciando además la optimización de conocidos tipos arquitectónicos. Este artículo se centra en analizar un caso concreto: las Officine di Smistamento con las que se inició en Turín el complejo industrial de la Fiat-Lingotto. Función, construcción y forma derivan en nuevas expresiones que afectan a la definición del espacio arquitectónico y a la imagen del edificio. Las Officine di Smistamento modificaron el modelo de ciudad previsto para el sector del Lingotto. Entraron en juego aspectos urbanos que acercarían esta arquitectura a los presupuestos de la ideología futurista del momento. La metodología seguida consiste en el estudio de las investigaciones históricas precedentes y la profundización en el conocimiento de este ejemplo mediante un análisis gráfico detenido y la elaboración de dibujos específicos.
Critical constructivist teaching in good sportsmanship through Olympism education: an action based teacher education program conducted in Sri Lanka
Authors: Nanayakkara Samantha
Published: June 2014

This article explores how action research practice is used to empower teachers in critical constructivist teaching in Sri Lanka. The study that informs the article aimed to provide a broader understanding of how to empower teachers by providing opportunities to create their own teaching methods, and to disseminate the findings of teaching good sportsmanship through Olympism education. This study combined the Year Five primary teacher and the physical education teacher in the same school for the purpose of teaching good sportsmanship through Olympism for primary students. The study population comprised a representative sample of five primary and five physical education teachers. The intervention was carried out for a six-month period. Three action cycles were planned throughout the program and later modified with various strategies, according to teachers’ self and interaction assessments. Data were collected through a base line survey, teachers’ reflective diaries, and focus group discussions. Results revealed that once the action based Olympism education teacher training was introduced, there was a dramatic increase in the outcome of teachers’ knowledge, attitudes and skills required for teaching good sportsmanship through the concept of Olympism at primary schools. Teachers were also able to reflect on their own practice and come up with useful strategies to overcome their problems. This research concluded that strategically designed and carefully managed action research programs are useful for developing and enhancing competencies in teachers in order to teach concepts of Olympism effectively.
A study on Ludwig Wittgenstein’s concept of language games and the private language argument
Authors: Weerasekara R. A. D. Priyanka
Published: June 2014

The intent of this paper is to examine at what Wittgenstein’s says about language as a use in the term of language games and the private language argument. The major argument of Wittgenstein on the language is the rules of the use of ordinary language is neither right nor wrong, neither true nor false, the language is merely useful for the particular applications in which they are applied . On Wittgenstein’s view, Language is defined not as a system of representation but as a system of devices for engaging in various sorts of social activity, hence ‘the meaning of the word is its use in the language’. Wittgenstein gave us considerable help in understanding what he means by ‘the meaning of the words is its use in the language’ in the term of Language Games and the Private Language Argument. There are various misunderstandings of Wittgenstein’s philosophical ideas by professionals and ordinary readers. They have stemmed largely from a failure to grasp, or come to terms with this aspect of his thought. Thus the major objective of this study is to examine comprehensively what Wittgenstein says about the concept of Language game and the private language argument. The study is based on empirical research methodology. Primary data will be collected by used empirical experiments. Secondary data will be collected by published documents. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/suslj.v12i1.7025 Sabaragamuwa University Journal 2013; V. 12 No. 1 pp 83-95
A Effect of Heavy Metal to Toxicity of Triclosan Focused on Vibrio fischeri Assay
Authors: Kim Ji-Sung , Kim IL-Ho , Lee Woo-Mi , Lee Hye-in , Kim Seok-Gu
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this study is to evaluate effect of heavy metals (i.e., Cu2+, Zn2+, Cr6+, Cd2+, Hg2+, and Pb2+) to toxicity of Triclosan as binary mixture. The individual toxicity and combined toxic effects of Triclosan with heavy metals were evaluated by Vibrio fischeri assay. In individual toxicity, the Hg2+ was found to be most toxic followed by Triclosan, Pb2+, Cr6+, Cu2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+, respectively. To evaluate combined toxic effect, correlation analysis of ‘predicted value’ calculated by Concentration addition (CA) model and Independent action (IA) model with ‘experimental value’ were performed based on the toxicity of individual compound. As a result, all of the combinations showed that IA model were more correlated with experimental value than CA model. On the basis of the median effect concentration of combination (EC50mix) predicted by IA model, experimental EC50mix of Triclosan + Cu, Triclosan + Zn, Triclosan + Pb, Triclosan + Hg, Triclosan + Cd, and Triclosan + Cr were 191%, 226%, 138%, 137%, 209%, and 138% of EC50mix predicted by IA model, respectively, indicating that all of the combinations produced antagonistic effect.
Independence through Community Access and Navigation in adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders Part 2: Treatment planning and implementation
Authors: Snethen, PhD, LRT/CTRS Gretchen , McCormick, PhD, CTRS Bryan P. , Smith, MS Rachel L. , Van Puymbroeck, PhD, CTRS Marieke
Published: June 2014

Social isolation and nonparticipation in the community are chronic issues for adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders that can lead to poorer health outcomes. The Independence through Community Access and Navigation (I-CAN) intervention was developed as a theoretically grounded intervention that uses motivational interviewing to understand the interests and motivations of clients for participation. The intervention is designed to support participation in community-based activities by providing access and skill acquisition in a community environment. Participation between the recreational therapist and the participant decreases over time to encourage the individual to begin to independently access his or her community. This article presents the treatment planning steps and the implementation protocol for the I-CAN intervention.
Recreation therapy scholarship: A necessary contribution to the future of recreation therapy
Authors: Austin, PhD David R. , McCormick, PhD, CTRS Bryan P.
Published: June 2014

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Accounting for vulnerable populations in rural hazard mitigation plans: Results of a survey of emergency managers
Authors: Horney, PhD, MPH Jennifer A. , Nguyen, PhD Mai , Cooper, PhD John , Simon, MA Matt , Ricchetti-Masterson, MSPH Kristen , Grabich, MS Shannon , Salvesen, PhD David , Berke, PhD Philip
Published: June 2014

Rural areas of the United States are uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of natural disasters. One possible way to mitigate vulnerability to disasters in rural communities is to have a high-quality hazard mitigation plan in place. To understand the resources available for hazard mitigation planning and determine how well hazard mitigation plans in rural counties meet the needs of vulnerable populations, we surveyed the lead planning or emergency management official responsible for hazard mitigation plans in 96 rural counties in eight states in the Southeastern United States. In most counties, emergency management was responsible for implementing the county’s hazard mitigation plan and the majority of counties had experienced a presidentially declared disaster in the last 5 years. Our research findings demonstrated that there were differences in subjective measures of vulnerability (as reported by survey respondents) and objective measures of vulnerability (as determined by US Census data). In addition, although few counties surveyed included outreach to vulnerable groups as a part of their hazard mitigation planning process, a majority felt that their hazard mitigation plan addressed the needs of vulnerable populations “well” or “very well.” These differences could result in increased vulnerabilities in rural areas, particularlyfor certain vulnerable groups.
The road less taken: Modularization and waterways as a domestic disaster response mechanism
Authors: Donahue Jr, DHEd, MBA, FACHE Donald A. , Cunnion, MD, PhD, MPH Stephen O. , Godwin, MS, RN Evelyn A.
Published: June 2014

Preparedness scenarios project the need for significant healthcare surge capacity. Current planning draws heavily from the military model, leveraging deployable infrastructure to augment or replace extant capabilities. This approach would likely prove inadequate in a catastrophic disaster, as the military model relies on forewarning and an extended deployment cycle. Local equipping for surge capacity is prohibitively costly while movement of equipment can be subject to a single point of failure. Translational application of maritime logistical techniques and an ancient mode of transportation can provide a robust and customizable approach to disaster relief for greater than 90 percent of the American population.
Location selection criteria for a second data center or off-site storage of materials
Authors: Cochran, MA Mitchell , Witman, PhD Paul
Published: June 2014

As organizations develop secondary data centers, it is critical that they be placed in locations that serve the organization yet do not have a shared risk with the primary data center. The organization needs to consider factors or guidelines which mitigate potential issues that could affect both the primary and secondary data center. It is impossible to eliminate all risk to a single data center but an organization needs to ensure that at least one data center remains operable. The article will propose that data centers be located 50 km or approximately 30 miles apart. The proposal is supported by evaluating earthquake intensity maps that will show that earthquakes damage drops to relatively safe levels after the 30 miles from the epicenter. The article will show that other environmental factors such as power, floods, fire, transportation, fire, and soil are also mitigated by a 30-mile separation guideline.
How much do hazard mitigation plans cost? An analysis of federal grant data
Authors: Jackman, PhD Andrea M. , Beruvides, PhD, PE Mario G.
Published: June 2014

Under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and Federal Emergency Management Agency’s subsequent Interim Final Rule, the requirement was placed on local governments to author and gain approval for a Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) for the areas under their jurisdiction. Low completion percentages for HMPs—less than one-third of eligible governments—were found by an analysis conducted 3 years after the final deadline for the aforementioned legislation took place. Follow-up studies showed little improvement at 5 and 8 years after the deadline. It was hypothesized that the cost of a HMP is a significant factor in determining whether or not a plan is completed. A study was conducted using Boolean Matrix Analysis methods to determine what, if any, characteristics of a certain community will most influence the cost of a HMP. The frequency of natural hazards experienced by the planning area, the number of jurisdictions participating in the HMP, the population, and population density were found to significantly affect cost. These variables were used in a regression analysis to determine their predictive power for cost. It was found that along with two interaction terms, the variables explain approximately half the variation in HMP cost.
Development of a national sport event risk management training program for college command groups
Authors: PhD, MBA Stacey A.
Published: June 2014

The US Department of Homeland Security identified college sport venues as terrorist targets due to the potential for mass casualties and catastrophic social and economic impact. Therefore, it is critical for college sport safety and security personnel to implement effective risk management practices. However, deficiencies have been identified in the level of preparedness of college sport event security personnel related to risk management training and effective emergency response capabilities. To address the industry need, the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security designed, developed, and evaluated a national sport event risk management training program for National Collegiate Athletic Association command groups. The purpose of this article was to provide an overview of the design, development, and evaluation process.
Mainland China nurses’ willingness to report to work in a disaster
Authors: Loke, PhD, MN, BSN, RN Alice Yuen , Fung, DHSc, MPH, BN, RN Wai Man Olivia , Liu, MSc, RN Xiwen
Published: June 2014

A cross-sectional study among a convenience sample of nurses in China was conducted to understand the factors affecting Chinese nurses’ willingness to report to work in a disaster. A total of 946 questionnaires were collected. Nearly 90 percent of nurses regarded disaster self-help information, an evacuation plan, and contingency measures a must in preparing for disaster care. Many nurses indicated willingness to work during a disaster that may threaten the safety of their family members than when there is a life-threatening infectious disease outbreak (83.6 and 69.6 percent, p = 0.000). Nurses with longer years of clinical experience were more willing to work in both situations (p = 0.014 and 0.000). Fear of contracting an infectious disease and spreading it to family members was a major factor for nurses’ unwillingness to report to work. Hospital administrators should understand their workforce’s willingness in reporting to work and provide appropriate disaster training and support to maximize workforce in a disaster.
First responder and physician liability during an emergency
Authors: Eddy, BA Amanda
Published: June 2014

First responders, especially emergency medical technicians and paramedics, along with physicians, will be expected to render care during a mass casualty event. It is highly likely that these medical first responders and physicians will be rendering care in suboptimal conditions due to the mass casualty event. Furthermore, these individuals are expected to shift their focus from individually based care to community- or population-based care when assisting disaster response. As a result, patients may feel they have not received adequate care and may seek to hold the medical first responder or physician liable, even if they did everything they could given the emergency circumstances. Therefore, it is important to protect medical first responders and physicians rendering care during a mass casualty event so that their efforts are not unnecessarily impeded by concerns about civil liability. In this article, the author looks at the standard of care for medical first responders and physicians and describes the current framework of laws limiting liability for these persons during an emergency. The author concludes that the standard of care and current laws fail to offer adequate liability protection for medical first responders and physicians, especially those in the private sector, and recommends that states adopt clear laws offering liability protection for all medical first responders and physicians who render assistance during a mass casualty event.
Leadership, collaboration, and effective training principles and practices from a decade of training by a center for public health preparedness
Authors: Reid, PhD, MBA William Michael , Brown, PhD Lisa M. , Landis, PhD, MPH Danielle C.
Published: June 2014

Objective: To review a decade's experience of a Centers for Disease Control and Preparedness (CDC) funded Center for Public Health Preparedness (hereafter referred to as the Center) and to identify interventions that led to surmounting serious obstacles to achieving the Center's CDC-mandated goals and objectives. The Center's purpose was to train the public health workforce to protect the population from bioterrorism, infectious diseases, and emerging public health threats. Design: This case study used the concepts of the judgment process as developed by Noel Tichy and Warren Bennis to describe the experiences and actions of the Center's leaders. Center staff used public health principles of collaboration, the use of relevant science, and professional training principles in developing and delivering training in epidemiology, behavioral health, crisis leadership, and other fields through distance learning and on-site methods.Setting: The study's primary focus was on training in Florida, although the program's reach was national and international.Participants: Preparedness training was provided to approximately 10,000 public health officials, primarily drawn from Florida.Main outcome measure(s): This is a descriptive study of the Center's activities. The interventions were the steps taken by Center leadership to accomplish the federal and state goals of the program, despite meeting major challenges. The outcome measures were degrees of success, as measured by federal and state officials and other indicators, in delivering high quality training that met CDC and state goals.Results: The Center delivered trainings in fields determined to be needed in Florida and nationally. Participant and observer evaluations were strongly positive. Nationally published papers and presentations contributed to the training evidence base. The Florida Department of Health incorporated the trainings into Florida's mandatory training for Incident Command strike teams. The leaders of the Center and the Florida Department of Health developed a formal statement of principles to guide the training. These could be useful to other training organizations. Conclusions: The study illustrates the value of the Tichy and Bennis judgment process framework to describe actions of the Center leadership's successful effort to overcome system obstacles and provide high quality training to public health workers. The framework can be used by leaders in other organizations to increase their ability to make good judgments.
Use of mock media in emergency management exercises: the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program experience
Authors: Lerner, JD Ken , Meshenberg, MCP Michael
Published: June 2014

Disasters of any kind attract significant attention from news media, and media play an important role in disaster response. In a US government program for hazardous materials preparedness, risk communication functions were incorporated into planning and are demonstrated during response exercises. To provide the best training and most realistic play, exercise controllers play the role of news media reporters—mock media—during these exercises. They attend news conferences, interview exercise players in the field, and make calls to participants. They produce news stories including television reports, newspaper articles, radio spots, blog entries, and social media messages. This allows exercise players to experience how their actions and statements would be represented in the media, more effectively mimicking the environment of a real event.
Coastal emergency managers’ preferences for storm surge forecast communication
Authors: Morrow, PhD Betty Hearn , Lazo, PhD Jeffrey K.
Published: June 2014

Storm surge, the most deadly hazard associated with tropical and extratropical cyclones, is the basis for most evacuation decisions by authorities. One factor believed to be associated with evacuation noncompliance is a lack of understanding of storm surge. To address this problem, federal agencies responsible for cyclone forecasts are seeking more effective ways of communicating storm surge threat. To inform this process, they are engaging various partners in the forecast and warning process.This project focuses on emergency managers. Fifty-three emergency managers (EMs) from the Gulf and lower Atlantic coasts were surveyed to elicit their experience with, sources of, and preferences for storm surge information. The emergency managers—who are well seasoned in hurricane response and generally rate the surge risk in their coastal areas above average or extremely high—listed storm surge as their major concern with respect to hurricanes. They reported a general lack of public awareness about surge. Overall they support new ways to convey the potential danger to the public, including the issuance of separate storm surge watches and warnings, and the expression of surge heights using feet above ground level. These EMs would like more maps, graphics, and visual materials for use in communicating with the public. An important concern is the timing of surge forecasts—whether they receive them early enough to be useful in their evacuation decisions.
Comparison of high-volume air sampling equipment for viral aerosol sampling during emergency response
Authors: Cooper, MS, MBA, CIH Casey , Slagley, PhD, CIH, CSP Jeremy , Lohaus Jr, PhD James , Escamilla, MS Elizabeth , Bliss, BSc, MSc Christopher , Semler, MSc Diana , Felker, PhD Daniel , Smith, PhD David , Ott, PhD, CIH Darrin
Published: June 2014

Objective: This study compared the performance of two high-volume bioaerosol air samplers for viable virus to an accepted standard low-volume sampler. In typical bioaerosol emergency response scenarios, high-volume sampling is essential for the low infective concentrations and large air volumes involved.Design: Two high-volume air samplers (XMX/2LMIL and DFU-1000) were evaluated alongside a low-volume sample (BioSampler). Low and high concentrations (9.3-93.2 agent containing particles per liter of air [ACPLA]) of male-specific coliphage 2 (MS2) virus were released into a 12 m3 aerosol test chamber and collected using the air samplers. The collection media from the samplers were then processed and viable virus was assessed via plaque assay. Setting: Aerosol test chamber.Subjects, participants: None.Interventions: Collection media and flow rate were modified for the XMX/2L-MIL sampler for viable analysis.Main outcome measures: Concentration estimates in units of plaque forming units per liter of air (PFU/liter) assessed by the samplers as compared to the levels inside the chamber as evaluated with a slit to agar plate in units of ACPLA. Comparison was made via one-way analysis of variance. Results: Both the XMX/2L-MIL and DFU-1000 achieved collection effectiveness equal to or greater than the low-volume air sampler for the evaluated MS2 concentrations. The XMX/2L-MIL reliably collected quantifiable low concentrations of MS2, but the DFU-1000 was unable to do so.Conclusions: For emergency response to suspected bioaerosols, the evaluated high-volume samplers are as effective as the standard low-flow sampler and should be considered in conducting a health risk assessment. If low concentrations are expected, then high-flow samplers using liquid collection are preferred.
A gas chromatograph for quantification of peroxycarboxylic nitric anhydrides calibrated by thermal dissociation cavity ring-down spectroscopy
Authors: Tokarek T. W. , Huo J. A. , Odame-Ankrah C. A. , Hammoud D. , Taha Y. M. , Osthoff H. D.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. The peroxycarboxylic nitric anhydrides (PANs, molecular formula RC(O)O2NO2) can readily be observed by gas chromatography coupled to electron capture detection (PAN-GC). Calibration of a PAN-GC remains a challenge because the response factors (RF's) differ for each of the PANs and because their synthesis in sufficiently high purity is non-trivial, in particular for PANs containing unsaturated side chains. In this manuscript, a PAN-GC and its calibration using diffusion standards, whose output was quantified by blue diode laser thermal dissociation cavity ring-down spectroscopy (TD-CRDS), are described. The PAN-GC peak areas correlated linearly with total peroxy nitrate (ΣPN) mixing ratios measured by TD-CRDS (r > 0.96). Accurate determination of RF's required the concentrations of PAN impurities in the synthetic standards to be subtracted from ΣPN. The PAN-GC and its TD-CRDS calibration method were deployed during ambient air measurement campaigns in Abbotsford, BC, from 20 July to 5 August, 2012, and during the Fort McMurray Oil Sands Strategic Investigation of Local Sources (FOSSILS) campaign at the AMS13 ground site in Fort McKay, AB, from 10 August to 5 September 2013. For the Abbotsford data set, the PAN-GC mixing ratios were compared and agreed with those determined in parallel by thermal dissociation chemical ionization mass spectrometry (TD-CIMS). Advantages and disadvantages of the PAN measurement techniques used in this work and the utility of TD-CRDS as a PAN-GC calibration method are discussed.