bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ferroelectric-Relaxor Behavior of Highly Epitaxial Barium Zirconium Titanate Thin Films
Authors: Pal Madhuparna , Liu Ming , Ma Chun Rui , Chen Chong Lin , Guo R. , Bhalla Amar
Published: July 2015

Ferroelectric-relaxor behavior on highly epitaxial Barium Zirconium Titanate (Ba (Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3) thin film was investigated using the Piezoresponse Force Microscopy specifically to investigate the onset of relaxor behavior. The surface roughness, microstructure and the grain size of the film were systematically studied. Ferroelectric switching at random localized points were observed at room temperature though it has been previously reported that the phase transition in BZT-20 occurs at 285K. Phase reversal with the reversal of the applied voltage was also seen. Scanning Capacitance Microscope has been employed to interrogate the localized change in the capacitance with change in voltage. The thin film sample showed the presence of ferroelectric nanoregions at room temperature unlike its bulk counterparts which is paraelectric at room temperature.
Electrophoretic Method for Fabricating Porous Ceramics – Application to Different Oxide Materials
Authors: Moritz Kirsten , Aneziris Christos G.
Published: July 2015

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) with controlled gas evolution by electrolysis was used for producing ceramic green bodies with unidirectional pore channels. The method was applied to alumina, alumina-toughened zirconia, and mullite. It requires stable aqueous suspensions with sufficiently high particle charge for the electrophoresis and appropriate amounts of electrolyte for the gas bubble formation. An anionic polyelectrolyte and ammonia were shown to be a suitable additive combination for all three oxide powders. The amount of polyelectrolyte was chosen for each of the powders on the basis of electroacoustic measurements of the zeta potential. The addition of ammonia solution was necessary in order to obtain the desired porous structures.
Fabrication and Characterization of 3-D Photonic Crystals of Various Microspheres by Electrophoretic Self-Assembly
Authors: Louh Rong Fuh , Huang Yi Jui , Tsai Ya Chih , Ho Danny , Liao Doris
Published: July 2015

Fabrication of high sphericity, monodispersed microspheres (100~600 nm) of various oxides (SiO2, TiO2, ZnO, In2O3, SnO2) via sol-gel process and polystyrene (PS) microspheres (200~400 nm) via emulsion polymerization is presented. A high colloidal stability suspension was obtained by adjusting the zeta potential of such spheres and pH of the colloid. The 3-D photonic crystal (PhC) templates of opaline structure on ITO-coated glasses and silicon wafers were easily formed under electrophoretic self-assembly (EPSA) of microspheres under the influence of exerting electrical forces. Different setups of counter-electrode were attempted to establish an electrical field. The lattice constant of an ordered opal structure by EPSA can also be tuned by the electrical field gradient. Interestingly various self-assembled 3-D structures of silica microspheres in either symmetrical curvilinear profile or triangular ridges can be produced through EPSA route using specific counter-electrode setups. The measured optic properties of such 3-D PhC templates manifest photonic bandgap (PBG) based on planar-wave expansion (PWE) simulation to verify the existence of real PBG in PhC samples with tunable nanostructures. The PS PhC templates are currently used to easily transform into inverse opal structure (IOS) by infiltrating sol of other oxides with high dielectric constant (e.g. ZnO or TiO2) and filled with metallic nanoparticles (Ni or Cu) by electrochemical deposition or chemical bath deposition (CBD).
Multilayered Ceramic Constructs Created by EPD
Authors: Mochales Carolina , Zehbe Rolf , Frank Stefan , Rahimi Farzaneh , Urbanska Aleksandra , Fleck Claudia , Müller Wolf Dieter
Published: July 2015

Zirconia-based ceramics have gained considerable interest for several applications (e.g. solid electrolytes in fuel cells and in oxygen sensors, thermal barrier coatings and biomaterials for dental and orthopaedic applications) due to their high mechanical strength, improved fracture toughness and easy affordability. Zirconia occurs in three crystal modifications at low-pressure conditions: monoclinic, tetragonal and cubic. The monoclinic phase is the natural room temperature stable phase, while the tetragonal and the cubic phase can be stabilized at room temperature by doping with the right amount of some oxide dopants (e.g. CaO, MgO, CeO2and Y2O3). The stabilization of the tetragonal phase results in a remarkable increase in mechanical toughness, whereas the stabilization of the cubic phase results in an increase of the ionic conductivity to values significantly higher than for other ceramics. In order to optimize the properties of the final ceramic by combining the high mechanical toughness of the tetragonal phase of zirconia together with the high ionic conductivity of its cubic phase, we established an EPD layering process with nanometric sized powders of Y-TZP with different mol percentages of yttrium oxide (3 % and 8 %) and produced multilayers of alternating tetragonal and cubic phases with a clearly defined interface. The crack propagation through this interface was studied by means of micro-indentation
Corrosion Resistance of Enamel Vitreous Coating Obtained by Electrophoretic Deposition
Authors: Pérez García María Rosalina , Muñoz Josemari , Diez José Antonio
Published: July 2015

In this study, a non-commercial ceramic compound with high corrosion resistance based on Na2O, Al2O3, SiO2, K2O, CaO, TiO2, FeO and others, was developed and stabilized in an aqueous media. The enamel coatings were developed over stainless steel 316L at 7.5 V and 30, 60 and 90 secounds by electrophoretic deposition technique (EPE coatings). EPE coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques showing a compact and homogeneous enamel surface and a typical composition of the glass frit deposited. Surface micro hardness measurements of EPE coatings were 7.6 times harder than the steel base material using an automatic hardness tester equipped. As well as, surface roughness measurements of EPE coatings were 19 times and 15 times less rugged than the steel base material at about Raand Rz, respectively using a confocal microscope. EPE coatings at 60 s and 90 s show a better behavior for reducing the corrosion process, evaluated using potentiodynamic polarization method in 3.5 wt. % NaCl solution.
Electrophoretic Deposition of Porous Ti Coatings for Bone Implants: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Braem Annabel , Neirinck Bram , Van der Biest Omer , Vleugels Jef
Published: July 2015

A new powder metallurgical processing route for porous Ti coatings on Ti-6Al-4V substrates based on the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of TiH2 suspensions is presented. After dehydrogenation and sintering in vacuum, coatings with a fully interconnected porosity (up to 51%, interconnective pore channels (IPC) of 2-50 µm) and high adhesion strength (up to 47 MPa) are obtained. Further evaluation of these coatings for potential use in biomedical implants shows that EPD Ti coatings are significantly less prone to bacterial adhesion compared to state-of-the-art vacuum plasma sprayed (VPS) coatings, while still allowing substantial bone ingrowth. Using EPD, the coating process can easily be transferred to complex-shaped implant components.
Optimization of Chitosan-Based Scaffolds Obtained via Cathodic Polarization
Authors: Altomare Lina , Bertoldi Serena , Montorsi Monia , Candiani Gabriele , Cigada Alberto , de Nardo Luigi
Published: July 2015

Cathodic polarization is a powerful technique largely used for the deposition of thin films on metallic substrates; it offers the distinctive advantage of an easy control over the composition, thickness, and morphology of the films by simply adjusting the process parameters such as the electrolyte bath composition, the applied potential (or current density), and the process duration. In this work, electrochemical deposition (ECD) was exploited to engender biopolymer blends composed by chitosan/collagen and chitosan/poly (ethylene oxide) and deposited at different weight ratios (5:1, 3:1) and compared to pristine material. Our findings demonstrate that ECD is an effective technique for the preparation of scaffolds made of chitosan blends in which morphology and mechanical properties can be optimized via scaffold composition.
Electrophoretic Deposition of Gelatin/Hydroxyapatite Composite Coatings onto a Stainless Steel Substrate
Authors: Frajkorová Františka , Molero Esther , Ferrari Begoña
Published: July 2015

Biodegradable polymers and bioactive ceramics are being combined in a variety of novel materials for tissue engineering scaffolds. These composite systems, which combine the useful mechanical properties of polymers with the bioactivity of ceramics, seem to be a promising choice for bone tissue engineering. In recent years, the use of biopolymers that gelate on cooling has received a lot of attention with regards to the production of laminates and coatings. In this work, we report the incorporation of hydroxyapatite (HA) into a gelatin coating on stainless steel substrate using colloidal processing technology. A titania (Ti) buffer layer prepared by dip coating was inserted to improve the bonding strength between the HA/gelatin layer and stainless steel substrate. The suspensions, composed of 1 vol% of HA and three different additions of gelatin, were formulated with a focus on rheological properties for codeposition of both phases by electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The composite coatings performed by EPD were investigated in terms of deposition efficiency and kinetics over different deposition times. The EPD process was performed at both ambient temperature and the gelling temperature of the suspension. While at room temperature no electrophoretic growth of the layers was observed, the thermal gelation of gelatin promotes the growth of a homogeneous, well-adherent coating.
Dispersion and Stabilization of TiN and TiC Nanoparticles in Organic Suspensions
Authors: Mendoza Carlos , González Z. , Castro Yolanda , Ferrari Begoña
Published: July 2015

In this work the stability of TiN and TiC nanopowders in isopropyl alcohol as well as the fabrication of dense and well adhered thin coatings based on TiN and TiC by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) have been evaluated in terms of zeta potential and mass deposited when hydrazineis added. The surface of TiN and TiC nanoparticles has been modified to improve the dispersion in isopropyl alcohol adding a cationic polymer (polyethylenimine) as dispersant with two different molecular weights. The influence of acidic/basic character of the solvent also has been evaluated in order to reach the most efficient EPD process. It was found that the adsorption of polyethylenimine with higher molecular weight can preserve the homogeneity of TiC coatings. The surface of TiN nanoparticles can be tuned in order to achieve a similar polyethylenimine adsorption which also improves the deposition in basic media.
Titania Nanoparticle Film Prepared by Electrophoretic Deposition under DC Constant-Current Condition
Authors: Mori Yasushige , Yamada Kenta , Hattori Yuya , Sato Yuuki , Yoshikado Shinzo , Tsuchiya Katsumi
Published: July 2015

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is one of useful methods for the preparation of the thin film with homogeneous microstructure on a conductive substrate. In the EPD method, the structure of the particle thin film could be controlled by adjusting the electrical operating conditions. Titania nanoparticle (NP) films, which are used for the electrode of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), require not only the homogeneous microstructure but also controlled pore size distribution, contributing to high-rate transport of electrons for the high conversion efficiency of DSSCs. In this study, titania NP films were prepared by EPD under DC constant-current conditions using available NPs dispersed in ethanol. The thickness as well as the weight of the titania NP film appeared to be increased almost linearly with EPD operation time, while the porosity of the film calculated from those values was not always constant but increased slightly with the operation time and asymptotically reached about 60%. We confirmed that the forces on the particles depositing onto the substrate became weaker as the EPD operation time increased, due to the electrostatic charges gradually building up on the thin NP film with particle deposition. The deposition behavior of titania NPs was drastically changed upon varying the water content in ethanol. We detected many pinholes on the surface of thin NP films when the water content in ethanol increased. The amount of particles accumulated on the substrate via EPD could be calculated based on the electrical conductivity of the suspension and the mobility of particles in the suspension, but was found to be underestimated when the water content increased.
Electrophoretic Deposition of Metal Nanoparticle Monolayers from Nonpolar Solvents for Hydrogen Sensing
Authors: Grym Jan , Yatskiv Roman , Černohorský Ondřej , Verde María , Lorinčík Jan , Pham Viet Hung , Gebre Tesfaye , Dickerson James H.
Published: July 2015

We report on the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of metal nanoparticles (NPs) prepared in reverse micelles on semiconductor substrates with the aim to fabricate sensitive Schottky-based hydrogen sensors with fast response and high degree of selectivity. We discuss the mechanism of NP monolayer formation and show which parameters are essential for the transition from three-dimensional to two-dimensional growth.
How Electrophoretic Deposition with Ligand-Free Platinum Nanoparticles Affects Contact Angle
Authors: Heinemann Alexander , Koenen Sven , Schwabe Kerstin , Rehbock Christoph , Barcikowski Stephan
Published: July 2015

Electrophoretic deposition of ligand-free platinum nanoparticles has been studied to elucidate how wettability, indicated by contact angle measurements, is linked to vital parameters of the electrophoretic deposition process. These parameters, namely the colloid concentration, electric field strength and deposition time, have been systematically varied in order to determine their influence on the contact angle. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy has been used to confirm the homogeneity of the achieved coatings.
Electrophoretic Characterization of Clay Mineral Systems for Smectite Recovery
Authors: Manapat Jill , Arugay Ivyleen , Ambait Johanna Michelle , Galvan Mitch Irene , Diaz Leslie Joy
Published: July 2015

A novel technique that makes use of electrophoretic deposition (EPD) in upgrading the quality of Philippine clay, specifically for smectite recovery, was explored in this study. Focus was given on understanding the electrophoretic behavior of smectite and kaolinite to effectively control colloidal stability during EPD. Zeta potential measurements showed that pH has negligible effect on the electrophoretic mobility of smectite, but has an appreciable effect on the mobility of kaolinite with the isoelectric point (IEP) of kaolinite recorded around pH 5. Knowing this behavior, EPD of a 3.5wt% smectite-kaolinite slurry was carried out at pH 5 and pH 10. Separation of clay minerals was expected only at pH 5 where kaolinite is almost immobile. However, analysis of deposits using XRD showed some degree of separation (~60% smectite recovery) for both pH values when EPD was performed using stainless steel electrodes at a specific applied voltage and electrode gap, for twenty minutes, without stirring. Further investigation of EPD design is needed to improve smectite recovery.
Hydrodynamic Modeling of Electrocodeposition on a Rotating Cylinder Electrode
Authors: Vakhrushev Aleksandr , Molchanov Eugene
Published: July 2015

The mathematical model of hydrodynamic mathematical modeling of copper electrodeposition on rotating cylinder electrode are presented. Mass transfer of electrolyte ions is described by diffusion-convection equation. Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations with Low Reynolds k-e model are used to describe turbulent flow of electrolyte. The results of mathematical modeling are in good agreement with the published experimental data
Electrophoretic Deposition of Nanoparticles as Electrocatalysts for Electrolysis in the Solar Sulfur Ammonia Hydrogen Production
Authors: Pacheco Nicole S. , Verma Neil , Haider Komail , Talbot Jan B.
Published: July 2015

Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were deposited using electrophoretic deposition from two different bath chemistries, 90 vol.% water and 10 vol.% isopropanol with hexadecyltrimethlyammonium bromide (CTAB) and 100 % ethanol. The deposits were tested for electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of ammonium sulfite to ammonium sulfate as part of a solar sulfur ammonia thermochemical cycle to produce hydrogen.
Plagiarism of programming assignments amongst undergraduate students
Authors: Louw Daniël , Pieterse Vreda
Published: July 2015

No abstract available
Assessing patterns of dissolved methane in shallow aquifers related to Carboniferous and Triassic sedimentary basins, Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Kennedy Gavin W. , Drage John M.
Published: July 2015

The study examines patterns of groundwater methane in shallow aquifers located in Carboniferous and Triassic sedimentary basins in Nova Scotia to improve our understanding of the factors influencing the observed distribution. A combined total of over 800 dissolved methane samples were collected from water wells during surveys conducted in 1975 and 2013. Statistical analyses of the methane data did not detect a significant difference between groupings of methane concentrations for aquifer type, bedrock group, and distance to wetlands. A significant difference, however, was observed between sedimentary basins and bedrock formations, which was largely attributed to localized higher methane concentrations found in the Stellarton Formation/basin compared to other on-shore sedimentary basins of the province. A significant difference was also found between groupings of methane data based on the distance to major stream systems, which was used to indicate topographic position (i.e., valley vs. upslope). The low sample density and percentage of detectable methane concentrations, and the multiple sources of dissolved methane in shallow groundwater in sedimentary basins made it difficult to detect and interpret statistical and spatial trends. Geochemical classification indicates that elevated dissolved methane in well water is associated with sodium dominated groundwater.
Hybrid sup-norm bounds for Hecke–Maass cusp forms
Authors: Templier Nicolas
Published: July 2015

Let

f

be a Hecke–Maass cusp form of eigenvalue

\lambda

and square-free level

N

. Normalize the hyperbolic measure such that

\mathrm {vol}(Y_0(N))=1

and the form

f

such that

\|{f}\|_2=1

. It is shown that

\|{f}\|_\infty \ll_\epsilon \lambda^{\frac{5}{24}+\epsilon} N^{\frac{1}{3}+\epsilon}

for all

\epsilon>0

. This generalizes simultaneously the current best bounds in the eigenvalue and level aspects.
Determinants of Caregivers' Use and Adoption of Household Water Chlorination: A Qualitative Study with Peri-Urban Communities in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Rothstein Jessica D. , Leontsini Elli , Olortegui Maribel Paredes , Yori Pablo Peñataro , Surkan Pamela J. , Kosek Margaret
Published: July 2015

The gap between the efficacy and the effectiveness of household water treatment in reducing diarrhea-related morbidity indicates the need for a better understanding of the determinants of long-term behavior change. To explore the barriers to drinking water chlorination in the Peruvian Amazon, where diarrhea is endemic among under-5 children, we conducted qualitative research with 23 caregivers from peri-urban communities of Iquitos, Peru. Our inquiry drew on the Transtheoretical Model of behavior change and the Integrated Behavioral Model for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene to identify the most relevant contextual, psychosocial, and technological determinants of initial action and long-term adoption of chlorination. Our findings suggest that the decision to try out this practice resulted from the combined effect of knowledge of chlorination benefits and product availability and affordability. Progress from action to adoption was influenced by caretakers' understanding of dosage, the packaging of chlorine products, knowledge and skills for multipurpose laundry bleach, the taste of treated water, and reinforcement. This analysis suggests that a focus on these determinants and the household domain may help to improve the sustainability of future intervention efforts.
Isolation and Antibiogram of Clostridium tetani from Clinically Diagnosed Tetanus Patients
Authors: Hanif Hajra , Anjum Awais , Ali Naeem , Jamal Asif , Imran Muhammad , Ahmad Bashir , Ali Muhammad Ishtiaq
Published: July 2015

Clostridium tetani, the etiologic agent of tetanus, produces a toxin that causes spastic paralysis in humans and other vertebrates. This study was aimed for isolation, identification, and determination of antimicrobial susceptibility of C. tetani from clinically diagnosed tetanus patients. Isolation was done from deep-punctured tissues of the foot and arm injuries of 80 clinically diagnosed tetanus patients from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences hospital. We successfully screened out five C. tetani isolates out of 80 samples based on the strain-specific characteristics confirmed through biochemical testing and toxin production. A disc diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibilities and C. tetani isolates showed susceptibility to cefoperazone, chloramphenicol, metronidazole, penicillin G, and tetracycline, but were found to be resistant to erythromycin and ofloxacin. During animal testing, all the infected mice developed symptoms of tetanus. The results showed that identification of C. tetani is possible using biochemical and molecular tools and that the strains of C. tetani isolated had not developed resistance against the antibiotics most often used for the treatment of tetanus.
Ebola Virus Disease: Rapid Diagnosis and Timely Case Reporting are Critical to the Early Response for Outbreak Control
Authors: Stamm Lola V.
Published: July 2015

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a life-threatening zoonosis caused by infection with the Ebola virus. Since the first reported EVD outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, several small outbreaks have been reported in central Africa with about 2,400 cases occurring between 1976 and 2013. The 2013–2015 EVD outbreak in west Africa is the first documented outbreak in this region and the largest ever with over 27,000 cases and more than 11,000 deaths. Although EVD transmission rates have recently decreased in west Africa, this crisis continues to threaten global health and security, particularly since infected travelers could spread EVD to other resource-limited areas of the world. Because vaccines and drugs are not yet licensed for EVD, outbreak control is dependent on the use of non-pharmaceutical interventions (e.g., infection control practices, isolation of EVD cases, contact tracing with follow-up and quarantine, sanitary burial, health education). However, delays in diagnosing and reporting EVD cases in less accessible rural areas continue to hamper control efforts. New advances in rapid diagnostics for identifying presumptive EVD cases and in mobile-based technologies for communicating critical health-related information should facilitate deployment of an early response to prevent the amplification of sporadic EVD cases into large-scale outbreaks.
Anchoring in Economics: On Frey and Gallus on the Aggregation of Behavioural Anomalies
Authors: Earl Peter E.
Published: July 2015

This paper examines the research area identified by Frey and Gallus (Aggregate Effects of Behavioral Anomalies: A New Research Area, 2014) and the relationship between it and the choices that economists make. It supports the Frey and Gallus view that, as a consequence of individuals employing external inputs rather than relying upon their own judgemental capacities, the quality of decision-making may differ at the market and macro levels from what has been observed in laboratory experiments. It seeks to forestall potential moves by rational choice theorists to argue that such processes, imposed by competitive pressures, will swiftly eliminate anomalous behaviour. But it questions Frey and Gallus’s use of conventional rational choice theory as the reference point for judging the quality of real-world decisions. It argues that choice is an activity based on evolving sets of habits and rules, rather than based on given preference systems, and that Frey and Gallus’s failure to consider alternative reference points is itself a manifestation of anchoring.
Evaluation of emergency drug releases from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Quarantine Stations
Authors: Roohi, RN, MPH Shahrokh , Grinnell, BS Margaret , Sandoval, MPH Michelle , Cohen, MD Nicole J. , Crocker, BSN, RN Kimberly , Allen, RPh, MPH Christopher , Dougherty, PharmD, RPh Cindy , Jolly, PharmD, RPh Julian , Pesik, MD Nicki
Published: July 2015

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Quarantine Stations distribute select lifesaving drug products that are not commercially available or are in limited supply in the United States for emergency treatment of certain health conditions. Following a retrospective analysis of shipment records, the authors estimated an average of 6.66 hours saved per shipment when drug products were distributed from quarantine stations compared to a hypothetical centralized site from CDC headquarters in Atlanta, GA. This evaluation supports the continued use of a decentralized model which leverages CDC's regional presence and maximizes efficiency in the distribution of lifesaving drugs.
Emergency managers as change agents: Recognizing the value of management, leadership, and strategic management in the disaster profession
Authors: Urby Jr, PhD, JD Heriberto , McEntire, PhD David A.
Published: July 2015

This article discusses the influence of management theory, some principles of leadership, four strategic management considerations, that are applied to emergency management, allow emergency managers to transform their followers, organizations, and communities at large. The authors argue that in the past there has been little recognition of the value, or application, of these three areas of emphasis in the disaster profession. Using more of these principles, emergency managers may transform into transformational change agents who make a difference in their followers' lives, who themselves transform other people and improve emergency management.
The variational effects of jurisdictional attributes on hazard mitigation planning costs
Authors: Jackman, PhD Andrea M. , Beruvides, PhD, PE Mario G.
Published: July 2015

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. Based on these results, a previous study hypothesized that the cost of creating a HMP might be an influential factor in explaining why most jurisdictions had failed to write or gain approval for a HMP. The frequency of natural hazards experienced by the planning jurisdiction, the number of jurisdictions participating in the plan, and the population and population density were found to explain more than half of the variation in HMP costs. This study is a continuation of that effort, finding that there are significant differences in cost both across ranges of values for the jurisdictional attributes and single-jurisdictional versus multijurisdictional plans.
The general use of outdoor warning sirens: A preliminary survey of emergency managers
Authors: Brotzge, PhD Jerald A. , Donner, PhD William R.
Published: July 2015

With more direct, personal warning systems becoming popular, the continued maintenance of older warning systems, such as outdoor warning sirens, may be jeopardized as emergency managers (EMs) seek to optimize their limited budgets. However, the extent to which sirens are embedded into the American landscape and culture argues against their removal. To better quantify the distribution and use of outdoor warning sirens, an international survey of EMs was conducted to learn more about where siren systems are deployed and how they are operated. Approximately 593 respondents started the 31 question survey with 383 completing it. Questions were asked regarding siren network size, alternative warning systems, siren use and capabilities, and testing. For those without sirens, a series of questions were asked for why sirens were not used. In general, a lack of perceived threat, high costs, and large geographic area kept some jurisdictions from installing sirens. Of those that operate siren networks, half of networks are small (≤10 sirens), while a small percentage of jurisdictions (6.3 percent) operate very large networks (>100). A large majority of respondents expected to maintain or expand their networks within the next 5 years. Three-quarters of respondents use additional warning systems. Nearly half of respondents use sirens for nonweather applications, and nearly two-thirds have the capability to use multiple sound alerts. Overall, sirens remain a popular tool for warning on a variety of local hazards though how the sirens are operated and tested vary widely by jurisdiction.
Public health incident management: Logistical and operational aspects of the 2009 initial outbreak of H1N1 influenza in Mexico
Authors: Cruz, PhD Miguel A. , Hawk, MPA Nicole M. , Poulet, MS Christopher , Rovira, MS Jose , Rouse, MPA Edward N.
Published: July 2015

Hosting an international outbreak response team can pose a challenge to jurisdictions not familiar with incident management frameworks. Basic principles of team forming, organizing, and executing mission critical activities require simple and flexible communication that can be easily understood by the host country's public health leadership and international support agencies. Familiarity with incident command system principles before a public health emergency could save time and effort during the initial phases of the response and aid in operationalizing and sustaining complex field activities throughout the response. The 2009 initial outbreak of H1N1 in Mexico highlighted the importance of adequately organizing and managing limited resources and expertise using incident management principles. This case study describes logistical and operational aspects of the response and highlights challenges faced during this response that may be relevant to the organization of public health responses and incidents requiring international assistance and cooperation.
Conceptualizing intragroup and intergroup dynamics within a controlled crowd evacuation
Authors: Elzie, ME Terra , Frydenlund, MS Erika , Collins, PhD Andrew J. , Robinson, PhD R. Michael
Published: July 2015

Social dynamics play a critical role in successful pedestrian evacuations. Crowd modeling research has made progress in capturing the way individual and group dynamics affect evacuations; however, few studies have simultaneously examined how individuals and groups interact with one another during egress. To address this gap, the researchers present a conceptual agent-based model (ABM) designed to study the ways in which autonomous, heterogeneous, decision-making individuals negotiate intragroup and intergroup behavior while exiting a large venue. A key feature of this proposed model is the examination of the dynamics among and between various groupings, where heterogeneity at the individual level dynamically affects group behavior and subsequently group/group interactions. ABM provides a means of representing the important social factors that affect decision making among diverse social groups. Expanding on the 2013 work of Vizzari et al., the researchers focus specifically on social factors and decision making at the individual group and group/group levels to more realistically portray dynamic crowd systems during a pedestrian evacuation. By developing a model with individual, intragroup, and intergroup interactions, the ABM provides a more representative approximation of real-world crowd egress. The simulation will enable more informed planning by disaster managers, emergency planners, and other decision makers. This pedestrian behavioral concept is one piece of a larger simulation model. Future research will build toward an integrated model capturing decision-making interactions between pedestrians and vehicles that affect evacuation outcomes.
Selection and allocation of manual traffic control points and personnel during emergencies
Authors: Parr, PhD, EIT Scott A. , Wolshon, PhD, PE, PTOE Brian , Dixit, PhD, PE Vinayak
Published: July 2015

Manual traffic control is an intersection control strategy in which law enforcement officers allocate intersection right-of-way to turning movements. Many emergency traffic management plans call for manual traffic control in response to oversaturated roadway conditions. This is because it is thought to more effectively move traffic during temporary surges in demand. The goal of this research was to evaluate the current state-of the- practice used by the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) in selecting intersections for manual traffic control and allocating police personnel to them during emergencies.This research uses the emergency traffic management plans developed by the ACE for nine counties in the Maryland Eastern Shore region. This area encompassing 14,318 intersections of which 74 were selected for manual traffic control during emergencies. This work sought to quantify the correlations that exist between intersection attributes and the ACE' decision to allocate officers to control them. The research findings suggest that US routes, State routes, and emergency evacuation routes are statistically significant in determining the need for police control at intersections. Also significant are intersection on contraflow corridors and intersections near grade separated interchanges. The model also determined that intersections isolated from evacuation routes and county exits were more likely to be selected for manual control, indicating that rural areas may rely on manual traffic control in the absence of multilane highway and freeways. This research also found that intersections involving evacuation routes, contraflow corridors, and grade separated interchanges may warrant additional police personnel (two or more officers) for manual traffic control.
Options for improving evacuation: Investigating an unconventional strategy and expanding route options using TRansportation ANalysis and SIMulation System
Authors: Lewis, PhD Carol Abel , Onyejekwe, MS Sandra , Wynn, MS Garlin , Mosley, MS Brandon
Published: July 2015

Various agencies including state departments of transportation, emergency management offices, a municipal works agency, or a highway patrol agency may prepare evacuation plans. Storm strength and landfall predictions determine procedures and strategies. Studies have been conducted that examined various methods considering evacuees’ behaviors, traffic control, safety, and preferential routing. The occasions when a hurricane is imminent require residents to make a choice between sheltering-in-place or evacuating. Tremendous growth is anticipated in many US coastal communities and that will place greater pressure on evacuation strategies in future years. Given the inevitability of future hurricane evacuations and the intensive growth projections for US coastal areas, this research examines evacuation options with a focus on the Houston-Galveston region. The research examines two scenarios using the TRansportation ANalysis and SIMulation System simulation model which relies on a GIS base. Study results showed that both scenarios perform well as alternative options for inclusion in regional planning. It is recommended that these two scenarios be included in the array of responses available for decision makers depending on the myriad of variables—citizen response, congestion levels on the roadways and location, and prediction of an impending storm. The options may be applied independently or in concert with other strategies.
Do social media have a place in public health emergency response?
Authors: Black, PhD, MPH David R. , Dietz, PhD, PE J. Eric , Stirratt, MPH Amanda A. , Coster, PhD Daniel C.
Published: July 2015

Objectives: To ascertain whether analyses of social media trends for various Twitter responses following a major disaster produce implications for improving the focus on public health resources and messaging to disaster victims.Methods: Radian6 and trend analyses were used to analyze 12-hour counts of Twitter data before, during, and after the March 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Radian6 was used to organize tweets into categories of preparedness, emergency response, and public health.Results: Radian6 revealed that 49 percent of tweets were either positive or somewhat positive in sentiment about preparedness and only 7 percent were negative or somewhat negative. Trend analyses revealed a rapid onset of tweet activity associated with all keywords followed by mostly fast exponential decline. Analyses indicate that opportunities for improving public health awareness by leveraging social media communications exist for as much as 5 days after a disaster.Conclusions: Analyses suggest key times for public health social media communication to promote emergency response.
Conceptual framework and quantification of population vulnerability for effective emergency response planning
Authors: Ramisetty-Mikler, PhD, MPH Suhasini , Mikler, PhD Armin R. , O’Neill, PhD Martin , Komatz, MPH, CPH, GISS Jared
Published: July 2015

Objective: The study focused on the methodological advancement and analytical approach of using multilevel data to define population vulnerability and risk in bioemergency disaster planning.Methods: The authors considered two types of vulnerabilities, transportation vulnerability that stems from lack of access to transportation (public or private) and communication vulnerability that stems from unavailability of needed language-specific communication resources. The authors used Transit Authority general transit feed data and the American Community Survey 5-year estimate data (2006-2010 summary files) to quantify these vulnerabilities. These data were integrated with Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing (TIGER) data for spatial analysis. A response plan was generated for Tarrant County, TX, and deemed feasible before consideration of vulnerable populations.Results: The results point to the importance of integrating geographical and population demographic features that represent potential barriers to the optimum distribution and utilization of resources into the analysis of response plans. An examination of transportation vulnerabilities indicate that, of those vulnerable in Tarrant County, nearly 23,000 individuals will be at-risk of not being able to reach the Point Of Dispensing (POD) to obtain services as they are beyond walking distance to the POD and lack access to transportation resources. The analysis of language vulnerability depicts an uneven distribution resulting in nonuniform demand at PODs for translation resources. There are more than 11,000 at-risk households in the South East region of Tarrant County alone that are truly in need of translation services.Conclusions: The authors demonstrated that multiple vulnerabilities at each POD can be quantified by aggregating the vulnerability at the available granularity (ie, all blocks or block groups) in a given service area. The quantification of vulnerability at each service area facilitates a POD-based at-risk analysis for the response plan. Disparities stemming from social, behavioral, cultural, economic, and health characteristics of diverse subpopulations could induce the need for additional targeted resources to support emergency response efforts.
Assessment of genetic diversity and differentiation of two major camel ecotypes (Camelus dromedarius) in Sudan using microsatellite markers
Authors: Eltanany M. , Elfaroug Sidahmed O. , Distl O.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. Although Sudan has the second largest camel population in Africa, it has not yet been genetically differentiated. The present study was undertaken to evaluate, for the first time, the genetic diversity and relationship of two major camel ecotypes representing the eastern (Butana) and western (Darfur) regions of Sudan using 12 microsatellite markers. A total of 107 samples of study ecotypes were investigated displaying high mean values of genetic diversity (mean number of alleles: 11.5 ± 1.45; polymorphism information content: 0.67 ± 0.04; observed heterozygosity: 0.69 ± 0.05; expected heterozygosity: 0.72 ± 0.04). The global inbreeding coefficient (FIT = 0.041 ± 0.03, P > 0.05) was attributed to substantial and non-significant within-population inbreeding (FIS = 0.034 ± 0.03) and scarce but highly significant differentiation between ecotypes (FST = 0.008 ± 0.00; P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis indicated a historical intermixing between different genealogical lineages making up the current admixed gene pool of the geographically divergent ecotypes. Consistent with this, STRUCTURE cluster analysis showed these ecotypes to be one mosaic admixed population. The results showed abundant genetic diversity within Sudanese dromedaries. Our study indicates that the two Sudanese camel ecotypes (Butana and Darfur) appear as an admixture of two geographical branches and do not support the contemporary division of Sudanese dromedaries into their respective socio-ethno-geography.
Nonlinear Effects of Financial Sector Development on Iran Economic Growth: With an Emphasis on the Role of Interest Rate
Authors: Gapy Nooshin Khani Gharie , Sobhanian Seyed Mohammad Hadi , Soretz Susanne , Sahabi Bahram
Published: July 2015

In this paper, a threshold error correction approach is used to analyze whether in various interest rate regimes, the effectivity of financial development indicators on economic growth rate is different or not. Over the period 1973 – 2007, we show that in high interest rate regime, stock index’s growth rate and growth rate of banking facilities indicator (as financial development indicators), have positive effect on Iran economic growth.Nevertheless, in low interest rate regime, financial development reduces Iran economic growth. Basically this negative impact can be attributed to negative real interest rate due to high inflation. Furthermore we question whether financial index growth will equally affect economic growth before and after crossing a threshold level. Our results suggest that when threshold variable is considered as banking facilities index, there is no linear relationship between the mentioned index growth and economic growth. However, when the stock index is considered as a threshold variable, passing the threshold level will promote economic growth. 
Bankruptcy Prediction for Non-Financial Firms of Pakistan
Authors: Roomi Muhammad Sohaib , Ahmad Waqas , Ramzan Muhammad , Zia-ur-Rehman Muhammad
Published: July 2015

In this study we use two models for the measuring of financial status of the non-financial firms which are listed in the Karachi Stock Exchange. The Non-financial companies represent the biggest slice at the Karachi Stock Exchange. The non-financial companies of Pakistan are the total population and sample size is 25 higher and 25 lower capital companies. The technique which used in this study was Convenience sampling technique and all 50 non-financial listed companies at KSE were included to gain deeper insights into this study. The State Bank of Pakistan shows balance sheet analyses of companies, for compiling of data financial reports were used for the years 2007 to 2012. The results of the study showed that Abbas model and Altman’s Z-Score model was a effective tool for checking the financial health of non-financial companies listed at Karachi stock exchange. This study further explores that lower capital firm have more financially distressed companies as compare to high capital  non-financial companies listed at KSE.
Preparation of Polystyrene Spheres Using Surfactant-Free Emulsion Polymerization
Authors: Yohanala P. T. Flaviana , Mulya Dewa Restu , Quarta Karinda , Widiyastuti Widiyastuti , Winardi Sugeng
Published: July 2015

Polystyrene spheres have been synthesized using potassium persulphate (KPS) as initiators without using anysurfactant or stabilizing agent. Simple mixing method was used to synthesize styrene monomer into polystyrenespheres. The influences of mixing time, ammount of styrene monomers, and ammount of initiators were studiedin this research. Size measurement and its distribution were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).Monodisperse spheres and verry narrow size distribution are expected in this research. The results showed thatthe most optimum time to synthesize styrene monomer into polystyrene latex is 6 hours, where biggest and mostuniform spheres size were obtained. Meanwhile when ammount of styrene monomers were increased, thediameter of polystyrene spheres were also increased. The biggest and most uniform polystyrene spheres diameterwas shown by 14% volume ratio of styrene monomer. For initiators influence, the smaller diameter ofpolystyrene spheres were obtained for 0.2 gram KPS than in 0.05 gram KPS. Polystyrene spheres using 0.05gram KPS also has more uniform size than in 0.2 gram.
Distillation Assisted by Microwave for Extracting Essential Oil from Java Cananga Flowers
Authors: Mahfud M. , Chandra K. F. A. , Qadariyah L. , Prihatini P.
Published: July 2015

Cananga oil is one type of essential oil that called etheric oil or light oil. To increase the production of canangaoil, it is need to improve distillation methods and operating conditions, so that extraction process can producecananga oil more efficient. The aims of this research are to study several factors that influence the distillationmethods assisted by microwave, i.e.: flowers conditions, extraction time, mass of material, and microwave power.The experiment was conducted in a round bottom flask distiller that was placed inside a microwave oven andequipped with a Liebig condenser. The operating variables are: flowers conditions (fresh, wilted, chopped). Thecontent of distiller (100, 150, 200 gr). The results of this research shows that the yield of fresh flowers (0.6251 -1.1965%) were higher than wilted flowers (0.5391 - 1.0755%). The mass ratio of material by volume ofdistillation flask influences on yield obtained. The denser of material, the less of oil yield be obtained. The oilyield increase with time extraction, microwave power and temperature. The distillation assisted by microwave ismore efficient than conventional distillation, because we can increase the oil yield with shorter extraction time.The quality of cananga oil obtained by distillation assisted by microwave is conforming to quality standard ofIndonesian (SNI) and Essential Oil Association (EOA).