bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of H2 S on Differential Aeration Cells With AISI 4340 Steel Electrodes
Authors: KHOKHAR M. INAM , FUGASSI PAUL , HANEY E. G.
Published: February 2013

The effect of H2S upon differential aeration cells using Fe, Mo, Pb, Sn, annealed 4340 steel, and hardened 4340 steel electrodes has been studied. The electrolytes in all cases were 0.6 M aqueous NaCl at pH 2 and pH 6.5. Injection of H2S into the oxygen atmosphere electrode at pH 2 in the case of Fe and both types of 4340 electrodes causes reversal of the cell voltage with the nitrogen atmosphere electrode being cathode. Under all other conditions, the usual behavior is observed with the nitrogen atmosphere electrode serving as anode.
Electrochemical Evaluation of Resistance of Stainless Alloys to Chloride Media
Authors: JACKSON R. P. , VAN ROOYEN D.
Published: February 2013

Electrochemical methods have been used to compare the resistance of several stainless steel.al.loys to corrosion in chloride media. These methods consisted of the determination of critical current densities and pitting potentials, and also the amount of chloride required for passive film breakdown at a fixed passive potential. The results correlated very well with rust staining observed in exposures in a marine atmosphere. Some alloying effects were explored, and the mechanism of pitting and crevice corrosion is also discussed.
Intergranular Corrosion Resistance of Carpenter 20Cb-3
Authors: HENTHORNE M. , DeBOLD T. A.
Published: February 2013

Carpenter 20Cb-3 strip in the stabilized, TIG welded and solution annealed conditions has been sensitized in the range 1050 to 1625 F (566 to 885 C) prior to intergranular corrosion testing in the Huey, ferric sulfate-sulfuric acid, nitric-hydrofluoric acid and Strauss tests. In stabilized annealed material, the sensitization temperature producing maximum susceptibility is about 1450 to 1500 F (788 to 816 C). Welded plus sensitized material showed susceptibility to intergranular corrosion immediately adjacent to the weld with the most severe sensitization temperature being about 1250 F (677 C). Stress relieving stabilize annealed or welded material in the range of about 1100 to 1600 F (593 to 871 C) is not recommended unless prior testing or experience indicate satisfactory performance. Huey rates following a 1250 F (677 C) sensitization increase as the annealing temperature is increased in the range 1725 to 2250 F (941 to 1232 C). Rates following a 1400 F (760 C) sensitization increase with a 2050 F (1121 C) anneal and decrease for 2200 F (1204 C) and higher treatments. The attack in stabilize annealed material sensitized at 1450 F (788 C) is attributed primarily to M6C. M23C6 plays a role at lower temperatures particularly in the as-welded or solution annealed conditions. Sigma phase can form at the higher sensitization temperatures.
The Effect of Some Electrolytes on the Stress Corrosion Cracking of AISI 4340 Steel
Authors: BAKER H. R. , SINGLETERRY C. R.
Published: February 2013

The effects of solutions of 16 different electrolytes on the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of AISI 4340 steel U-bend specimens have been studied at various concentrations and at 25, 65, and 100 C (77, 149, and 212 F). Stresses were near the yield point of the alloy. In unbuffered solutions of neutral salts, there was poor correlation between time to failure and the initial or final pH of the solution. In strongly buffered solutions, there was a strong pH dependence; the time to failure in 10% NaCl increased about 100 fold between pH 4–5 and pH 7. Susceptibility to cracking increased moderately with the concentration of KNO3 solutions, but decreased with rising concentration of NaCl solutions. The cracking rate increased by 50% per 10 C for NaCl solutions. The rate increased 85% per 10 C for KNO3 solutions. KNO2 or NaNO2, dicyclohexylammonium nitrate, some K2CrO4 solutions and all alkaline solutions with a strong reserve of base inhibited SCC by factors of 10 to 100 times as compared with cracking in distilled H2O.
Role of pH on the Stress Corrosion Cracking of Titanium Alloys
Authors: KHOKHAR M. INAM , BECK F. H. , FONTANA M. G.
Published: February 2013

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) experiments were conducted on Ti-8-1-1 wire specimens in hydrochloric and sulfuric acids of variable pH in order to determine the effect of pH on the susceptibility to cracking. The alloy exhibited increasing susceptibility with decreasing pH. By varying the applied potential, it was observed that susceptibility zones exist both in the cathodic and the anodic ranges. In the cathodic range, susceptibility also increased with decreasing applied potential. Corrosion potential-time data in hydrochloric acid (pH 1.7) and sulfuric acid (pH 1.7) indicate that chloride ions lower the corrosion potential of the specimen which, in turn, increases the susceptibility.
Mechanisms of Stress Corrosion Cracking of Titanium-Aluminum Alloys in Methanol-HCl Solutions
Authors: McMAHON C. J. , TRUAX D. J.
Published: February 2013

Initiation and early slow growth of stress corrosion cracks in Ti-Al alloys in methanol-HCl solutions occurs by slip-induced grain boundary splitting. Later crack propagation occurs by cleavage and other forms of transgranular cracking. Crack initiation and failure by stress corrosion cracking (SCC) can occur at stresses far below the microyield stress because of localized slip in isolated groups of grains. Increases in aluminum content and precipitation of Ti3Al enhance SCC susceptibility because of intensification of slip bands and inhibition of plastic relaxation.
Electrochemical Reactions at Paper Shielded Metal Surfaces
Authors: PICARD ROBERT J. , GREENE NORBERT D.
Published: February 2013

Paper in contact with an electrode during anodic polarization alters the critical anodic current density (Ic) as a result of changes in ionic concentration at the paper-metal interface. This phenomenon appears to be related to crevice corrosion and offers a method for studying electrochemical processes occurring in shielded areas.
Microstructures and Some Properties of Fe-28%Cr-4%Mo Alloys
Authors: STREICHER MICHAEL A.
Published: February 2013

The effect of heat treatment on the microstructure and properties of 28Cr-4Mo and 28Cr-4Mo-2Ni alloys with low carbon and nitrogen levels was investigated. Sigma and chi phases form in these alloys in the range 1300 to 1700 F (704 to 927 C). The rate of formation is slow. Heating 1 hour at 1500 F (816 C) results in only a small amount of sigma phase at grain boundaries. This does not impair corrosion resistance. Annealing at 2000 F (1093 C) readily dissolves this sigma phase, and also much larger amounts of sigma and chi phases formed after heating 100 hours at 1500 F. These alloys are subject to embrittlement by hydrogen. It was shown that embrittlement produced in cold worked material by brief cathodic charging in 10% H2SO4 containing a sulfide can be eliminated by exposure to boiling water or aging at room temperature. Both compositions showed excellent resistance to crevice corrosion in a 9 month test in the ocean at the New Jersey shore. Resistance to caustic cracking was demonstrated by a test in 50% NaOH at 200 C (392 F). A Type 304, 18Cr-8Ni stainless steel was severely cracked in this test with almost no general corrosion. The 28Cr-4Mo alloy was not cracked but was severely attacked by general corrosion, and the 28Cr-4Mo-2Ni alloy resisted cracking and was also resistant to general corrosion.
The Influence of Copper and Bicarbonate Ions on the Corrosion of Aluminum Alloys in Saline Solutions
Authors: BECERRA ALCIBIADES , DARBY RON
Published: February 2013

Corrosion rate studies on three aluminum alloys (1100, 5052, and 6063) have been conducted in saline solutions containing various concentrations of cupric and bicarbonate ions. Corrosion rates determined by linear polarization, Tafel extrapolation, and weight loss are compared. The time average corrosion rates for each alloy are represented by a two dimensional second order response surface as a function of both cupric and bicarbonate ion concentration, including a coupling term representing a synergistic effect. The relative resistance of the three alloys is compared and the mechanism of the effect of the cupric and bicarbonate ions on the corrosion rate is discussed.
Stress Corrosion Cracking of Admiralty Brass in Aqueous Copper Sulfate
Authors: PINCHBACK T. R. , CLOUGH S. P. , HELDT L. A.
Published: February 2013

Admiralty brass (Cu-Zn-Sn) is shown to be susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in copper sulfate solutions. Fracture surfaces of the resultant transgranular cracks are characterized by cleavage like features. Surface analysis by scanning Auger microprobe revealed a high concentration of tin at the leading edge of the propagating stress corrosion crack. The fractographic features and the presence of tin suggest that hydrogen embrittlement may be involved in the cracking mechanism.
Stress Corrosion Cracking of High and Low Strength Carbon Steels in Nitrate Solutions
Authors: ASPHAHANI AZIZ , UHLIG H. H.
Published: February 2013

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior in 60% Ca(NO3)2, 3% NH4NO3 solution boiling at 110 C is reported for relatively pure 1% Ni, 1% Cr, or 1% Ti steels as a function of carbon content. The steels were water-quenched, cold-rolled, or furnace-cooled. Commercial 4140 steel heat-treated to various hardness levels was similarly tested. It was also subjected to SCC in boiling 3% NaNO3 and boiling 3% NaCl. Critical potentials below which SCC does not occur were measured in 3% NaNO3 for the latter steel at 4 hardness levels. The results are interpreted in terms of stress-sorption cracking.
Accelerated Grain Boundary Corrosion of Dilute Zinc-Aluminum Alloys Under High Applied Cathodic Currents
Authors: DEVILLERS L. P. , NIESSEN P.
Published: February 2013

Under relatively high applied cathodic current densities (⩾0.5 mA/cm2), hot rolled Zn-Al alloys in hot water suffer very rapid boundary attack and blistering which appear to be caused mainly by hydrogen accumulation within the corroding boundaries. This effect does not occur in pure zinc, but additions of 0.03% Al are sufficient for this attack. The grain boundary corrosion rates have an approximately logarithmic dependence on the current density and a linear dependence on temperature in the range 40 to 90 C. Grain boundary corrosion rates are much less dependent on the alloy purity than is the case for intergranular corrosion when no cathodic current is applied. Instead, the rates are in this case very dependent on the water composition and are particularly sensitive to the presence of carbonates.
A Quantum-chemical Study of the Corrosion Inhibition of Iron by Means of Aniline Derivatives in Hydrochloric Acid
Authors: VOSTA JAN , ELIASEK JAROSLAV , KNIZEK PETR
Published: February 2013

When various properties of organic compounds are to be expressed, it is necessary to explore the connection between their experiment and theory. To determine the mechanism of the inhibition process by organic materials, the electron structure of a set of organic compounds is studied and correlated with their electrochemical corrosion measurements. This paper discusses the inhibition of corrosion in 5% hydrochloric acid by means of p-substituted anilines with respect to quantum chemistry.
Localized Corrosion Resistance of Mn-Substituted Austenitic Stainless Steels: Effect of Molybdenum and Chromium
Authors: BRIGHAM R. J. , TOZER E. W.
Published: February 2013

The pitting and crevice corrosion resistance of a number of Mn-substituted austenitic stainless steels has been determined quantitatively using temperature as a localized corrosion criterion. The go/no-go temperatures, the critical pitting temperature (CPT), and the crevice corrosion temperature (CCT) can be summarized by the equations and for Mn-substituted austenitic stainless steels over the composition range 0 to 5% Mo and 18 to 22% Cr. The resistance to localized corrosion of these Cr-Ni-Mn-Mo alloys is compared with that of Cr-Ni-Mo austenitic stainless steels.
Corrosion-Erosion Behavior of Materials in a Coal-Gasification Environment
Authors: NATESAN K.
Published: February 2013

Materials considered for application in the high temperature gaseous environments that are present in various coal-gasification processes must be resistant to corrosive and erosive wear. Possible interactions between the materials and the gaseous environment that lead to oxidation, hot corrosion, sulfidation, carburization, and metal dusting are discussed. Existing formalisms for predicting erosive wear loss of materials are presented. The need for additional research on corrosion of materials in complex multicomponent gas environments and on erosion of materials in the relevant range of process conditions to develop suitable models for corrosion-erosion behavior of materials is discussed.
The Corrosion Resistance of Inconel Alloy 600 in High Temperature Phosphate Solutions
Authors: PESSALL N. , DUNLAP A. B. , FELDMAN D. W.
Published: February 2013

A test program is described in which the corrosion resistance of Inconel Alloy 600 and other alloys is evaluated in sodium phosphate solutions at temperatures between 275 and 325 C. For Inconel Alloy 600, a significant increase in corrosion resistance is associated with the increase in phosphate solubility which occurs when the Na/P ratio (r) is reduced from 3.0 to below 2.0. In solutions characterized by 2 > r > 1.35, the corrosion resistance of Inconel Alloy 600 exhibits a minimum value. Inconel Alloy 690 and Incoloy Alloy 800 exhibit similar corrosion behavior. Raman spectroscopic studies of sodium phosphate solutions indicate a conversion at 200 C of Na3PO4 → Na2HPO4, while both Na2HPO4 and NaH2PO4 are stable up to 320 C. The Raman spectra provide the basis for a good correlation between the corrosion resistance of Inconel Alloy 600 and the concentration of HPO4= or H2PO4− species in the high temperature phosphate environments.
Stress Corrosion Cracking of Steam Generator Tube Materials in Sodium Hydroxide Solutions
Authors: PATHANIA R. S. , CHITTY J. A.
Published: February 2013

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) tests were carried out on specimens of Monel 400, Inconel 600, and Sanicro 30 steam generator tubing in solutions containing 10 to 500 g NaOH/kg H2O at 300 C for times up to 600 days. Applied stress and sodium hydroxide concentration had a significant effect on the (SCC) resistance of the three materials.
“Horse Shoe” Corrosion of Copper Alloys in Flowing Sea Water: Mechanism, and Possibility of Cathodic Protection of Condenser Tubes in Power Stations
Authors: BIANCHI G. , FIORI G. , LONGHI P. , MAZZA F.
Published: February 2013

The morphology of horse shoe corrosion of copper and copper alloys in sea water cooled condensers in power stations is presented, and the mechanism of nucleation and of development of this type of corrosion is discussed. Horse shoe corrosion is the result of the formation of an active-passive cell: the pH of the sea water is the determining factor, and development of the corrosion is strongly influenced by the local hydrodynamic conditions. The results allow the requirements for a reliable cathodic protection of the condenser tubes to be defined.
Stress Corrosion Cracking and Anodic Behavior of AISI 304 Stainless Steel, Inconel 600, and Incoloy 800 Straining in Boiling NaOH Solutions
Authors: PARK Y. S. , GALVELE J. R. , AGRAWAL A. K. , STAEHLE R. W.
Published: February 2013

The straining electrode technique was used to evaluate the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) susceptibility of AISI 304 stainless steel in 20N NaOH solution, and of Inconel 600 Alloy and Incoloy 800 Alloy in boiling 17.5N NaOH solution. The crack propagation rate estimated from the straining experiments correlated well with failure time measurements from previous constant load experiments. It was found that the straining electrode technique is a useful method for estimating, through short term experiments, parameters like crack propagation rate, crack morphology, and repassivation rate, as a function of the electrode potential.
Comparison of Potentiodynamically Determined Pitting Rates with Actual Pitting Rates for Mild Steel and Admiralty Brass in Oxygen Bearing Waters
Authors: TAIT W. S.
Published: February 2013

Pitting rates of mild steel and admiralty brass, determined microscopically are compared with those obtained potentiodynamically for both laboratory and field tests. The comparisons clearly demonstrate that the potentiodynamic method is a viable means for measuring the pitting rates of the systems studied. Solution resistance effects for TDS levels below 452 ppm greatly overshadow the rates obtained potentiodynamically. Consequently, special electrode configurations need be utilized in order to obtain meaningful results for these lower TDS solutions.
Potential-pH Diagrams for Iron and Nickel in High Salinity Geothermal Brine Containing Low Concentrations of Hydrogen Sulfide
Authors: MACDONALD DIGBY D. , SYRETT BARRY C.
Published: February 2013

Potential-pH diagrams are reported for iron and nickel in sulfide containing high salinity geothermal brine at 25 and 250 C. Metal sulfides, as well as dissolved chloride complexes, were considered in deriving the diagrams, and the potential-pH relationships for those equilibria involving dissolved H2S or its anions are plotted for a constant total dissolved sulfide content of 10 ppm. The diagrams are used to analyze the general features of the thermodynamic behavior of iron and nickel in geothermal systems, and to identify processes that might be expected to occur in high temperature sulfide containing brines.
Corrosion in Molten Salts: An Annotated Bibliography
Authors: JANZ GEORGE J. , TOMKINS REGINALD P. T.
Published: February 2013

The corrosion and containment properties of molten salts are reported as an annotated bibliography, in tabular form. The tables are arranged by subject area and provide ready access to important research publications and review articles. Data on corrosion rates are given for some selected cases. Indexes to corrosion studies by molten salt and by metal, alloy, and compound. 29 Tables; 458 References.
The Effect of Ferrite Content on Stress Corrosion Cracking in Duplex Stainless Steel Weld Metals at Room Temperature
Authors: BAESLACK W. A. , DUQUETTE D. J. , SAVAGE W. F.
Published: February 2013

Constant extension rate tests have been conducted on Type 304 stainless steel base metal specimens and on stainless steel weld metal specimens with ferrite contents of Ferrite Number 1, 3, 6, 11, 16, and 24, at room temperature in deaerated, 1 N HCI. Stress corrosion cracking in wholly austenitic Type 304 base metal occurs transgranularly, while cracking in duplex weld metal occurs either by the combined action of stress assisted ferrite dissolution and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in the austenite or entirely by stress assisted dissolution of the ferrite. Ferrite content and distribution are important in determining both the stress corrosion susceptibility and crack morphology of duplex weld metals. The most susceptible duplex weld metals are those which exhibit a continuous or nearly continuous vermicular ferrite structure.
Putrid Sea Water as a Corrosive Medium
Authors: EFIRD K. D. , LEE T. S.
Published: February 2013

Putrid sea water results from the diagenesis of natural sea water due to the decomposition of plant and animal macroorganisms. The result is a solution of low pH, high sulfide, and high total organic composition which can accelerate corrosion of copper base alloys, particularly when they are subsequently exposed to flowing, clean, aerated sea water.
Corrosion Inhibition of a Carbon Steel by 2-Ethylamino-Ethanol in Aerated 3% NaCI Solutions – Effect of pH
Authors: T M. DUPRA , BUI N. , DABOSI F.
Published: February 2013

Colorimetric and electrochemical corrosion rate measurement techniques were used to evaluate the efficiency of 2-ethylamino-ethanol in corrosion inhibition of a carbon steel in aerated 3% NaCI solutions. It was shown that, for inhibitor concentrations above 310 ppm, the high pH value of the solutions is by itself responsible for a partial 40% efficiency in corrosion protection, as compared to an overall efficiency of about 90%. In order to differentiate the intrinsic inhibiting action of 2-ethylamino-ethanol, another efficiency definition is proposed as a differential efficiency, in which the influence of the pH is eliminated. The obtained differential values range from 70 to 80%. This high activity of the inhibitor may be interpreted both by its ability to stabilize the hydroxide surface film and by its adsorption onto bare sites of the metal.
Rate Controlling Steps of SCC of High Strength Steels
Authors: STELLWAG B. , KAESCHE H.
Published: February 2013

Stress corrosion crack velocities have been measured for a high strength steel in 0.5N NaCI solution at room temperature without potentiostatic control. Changing the strength level of the steel alters the shape of the SCC velocity vs stress intensity curve distinctly. With increasing strength, the common plateau region (so called stage II) disappears, and SCC velocity becomes exponentially dependent on stress intensity. Additional experiments (acoustic emission studies, crack growth incubation measurements, load change tests, fractography) confirm the current understanding, that absorbed hydrogen is the damaging species. The results can be well interpreted by assuming that lattice decohesion of the metallic bonds by absorbed hydrogen is a fundamental feature of the cracking process. Conclusions can be drawn as to the rate controlling steps of crack growth.
Leveling the emergency preparedness playing field
Authors: Sherry, JD, MPH Nishamarie , Harkins, JD Anne Marie
Published: February 2013

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other similar antidiscrimination laws have always required that comprehensive emergency preparedness programs implemented by government emergency management agencies address the functional needs of people with disabilities. In addition, the Department of Justice and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have issued extensive guidance regarding the application of Title II of the ADA to emergency preparedness initiatives. Nonetheless, emergency managers have hesitated to undertake inclusive preparedness initiatives due to lingering confusion over the type and nature of services that are legally required under the ADA and frustration over the perception that federal emergency preparedness guidelines set unrealistic and unattainable standards for compliance.This confusion is reflected in two recent cases brought against emergency managers in California and New York. Using the claims of those two cases as a backdrop, this article will lay the foundation for a better understanding of how the ADA and related emergency preparedness guidance interact and will discuss how the law and guidance together provide the best direction for emergency managers to practically implement inclusive emergency preparedness programs.
Emergency water supply planning for the national capital region
Authors: Welter, PE, BCEE Gregory , Bieber, MS, MPA Steven , Bonnaffon, MS Heidi , Freudberg, MS Stuart
Published: February 2013

This article summarizes the methods used to develop and document operational plans to address contingency conditions for large-scale failure of the public water supply system in an emergency for an urban/suburban metropolitan region. Operational plans were developed to address the following four critical water usage needs: 1) drinking water, 2) firefighting, 3) hospital facilities, and 4) general sanitation. The objective of the project was to identify readily implementable operational procedures that could be documented and distributed in advance to appropriate personnel and not requiring substantive capital improvements. In this article, there is an extensive use of figures from the emergency plan document. These are primarily examples of site plans annotated for use in water distribution and water collection operational fact sheets. The intent of this article and the accompanying graphics is to illustrate a practical approach to emergency water supply plan documentation.
Challenges faced during a mass emergency notification system implementation
Authors: Gulum, MS Muhammet S. , Murray, PhD, PE Susan L.
Published: February 2013

Objectives: Several events on university campuses in recent years have raised awareness about the importance of effective mass emergency notification systems (MENSs). These systems are developed to deliver critical information during life-threatening events. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a MENS implementation.Design: The Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) installed an MENS to notify the campus community of emergency information via phone, e-mail, short message service text, and instant messaging. Since then, the university has tested the system five times. The elapsed time to contact users and user confirmation rates were evaluated. Additionally, two surveys of 100 system users examined awareness, participation, and satisfaction.Participants: One hundred randomly selected individuals participated in each survey. Respondents were from across the campus and included faculty, staff, students, and community members who use the system.Conclusions: System test results indicate low confirmation rates of alerts sent via the MENS, although there was a slight improvement in the latest system test. The reasons behind this ineffectiveness are examined using on-campus surveys. The survey results illustrate that although students tend to recognize the MENS features, the lack of awareness and confidence in the notification systems may be the reason behind the low confirmation rates. Therefore, organizations should pay significant attention to both implementing the right MENS as well as creating awareness and emphasizing its importance.
From planning to action: Reflections on managing pH1N1 at a Canadian pediatric hospital
Authors: Bruce-Barrett, RN, BScN, MN, PMP Cindy , Pinard, RN, BScN Marie
Published: February 2013

In response to the efforts taken for the management of pandemic H1N1, staff and leaders at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) questioned whether success can be attributed to years of skillful preparation or just plain luck. This article reports the outcomes of a series of debriefing sessions that were held with the staff after the second wave of the pandemic came to a close. Findings reveal strengths and opportunities in transforming pandemic planning into action. The results may help to inform others interested in refining their pandemic plans or to enhance their overall emergency preparedness for the future.
Senior adult emergency preparedness: What does it really mean?
Authors: Staley, MSEH, PhD John A. , Alemagno, MA, PhD Sonia , Shaffer-King, MA Peggy
Published: February 2013

Objectives: The vulnerability of seniors in an emergency is a national priority, but preparedness level of older adults to respond to disasters is uncertain, particularly in those who may be socially isolated and lacking support mechanisms. The objective of this study was to query a sample of seniors across Ohio to determine how social isolation and other risk factors impact preparedness.Methods: Older adult Ohioans (1,496) participated in a preparedness survey; questions included readiness, knowledge of preparedness, emergency plans, medical conditions, and social isolation.Results: Analysis of self-reported preparedness indicated that seniors at the highest priority level (defined as socially isolated with medical and/or mobility impairment) were least likely to have items considered conducive to basic preparedness (eg, 3 day supply of food, manual can opener, and battery-operated radio). Additionally, rural senior adults were disproportionately most vulnerable among older adults.Conclusions: Seniors lack many provisions that considered necessary for home sheltering and sustainability during a disaster, and social isolation is directly correlated with preparedness levels of seniors. Future interventions should target social isolation and basic food, prescription, and medical preparedness needs of susceptible seniors.
Preparedness for public health emergencies at hospitals under Department of Health in coastal area of Myanmar (Burma)
Authors: Myint, MBBS, MPH, PhD Nyan W. , Kaewkungwal, PhD Jaranit , Singhasivanon, PhD Pratap , Thet, MBBS, MPH Khin Win , Panjapiyakul, PhD Pornpet , Chaisiri, MPH Kamron , Siriwan, MD Pichit , Mallik, MBBS, MD Arun K.
Published: February 2013

Objective: To assess the current preparedness for public health emergencies (PHEs) at the public hospitals in coastal area of Myanmar.Design: Cross-sectional design.Participants: The survey questionnaires were sent to 65 hospitals (25 percent of total hospitals) located in coastal area of Myanmar in 2010. The hospital directors from the respective hospitals were requested to provide information about the PHE preparedness within their responsible hospitals.Main outcome measure: Scores of each area of PHE preparedness derived from hospital directors’ responses were used to assess the differences between the current levels of preparedness against the referral criteria.Results: Forty of 65 hospitals returned completed questionnaires. Among the responded hospitals, 50 percent had PHE preparedness plan of which 37.5 percent linked with the community plan, 45 percent reported having review and revise the plan at least yearly, 65 percent had protocol for PHE, 85 percent had surveillance for diseases under national surveillance, 82.5 percent had emergency procurement of drugs and supply, 60 percent had isolation rooms, 47.5 percent had training for PHE in 2009 while 37.5 percent conducted drills during 2009, 30 percent appointed media responsible person, 42.5 percent had triage area, and 67.5 percent had evacuation arrangements for medical documents and patients records. The study results revealed that there were statistical differences at different referral levels of hospitals in capacity for planning (p < 0.01), resources (p = 0.03), communication (p < 0.01), and response (p = 0.02).Conclusions: This study suggested that preparedness for PHEs required capacity strengthening especially in the primary referral level hospitals to have an effective response to PHE.
Impact of personal communication networks on emergency evacuation times
Authors: Morabito Patrick N. , Long, PhD Michael E. , Brooks, PhD Bernard P. , Schneider, ScD Jennifer L.
Published: February 2013

Any large-scale anthropogenic or natural disaster, such as a chemical spill, terrorist attack, fire, hurricane, or flooding, impacts human behavior and vehicle movement in the affected area. The response of the affected population is driven by available information about the event. However, inattentiveness to public announcements via vehicle radios, listening to other audio media, and an initial lack of reliable information in the chaotic moments immediately after a disaster will result in an uninformed or misinformed public. For example, the sudden and unannounced nature of a disaster often results in uncertainty with regard to geographic location and extent of the event, resulting in inaccurate information worsened by inattention to public communication. Therefore, the uncertainties and lack of attention to the initial public announcements exacerbate the initial emergency response effort. The question of how the communication network might enhance or diminish the proliferation of information that would facilitate the evacuation of the population must be addressed. Consequently, the authors created a simple model of interpersonal communication via cell phones and their respective personal contact networks to begin a study of the role and impact of information as it passed rapidly through personal communication channels as individuals share in the context of initial repetitive public information during an evolving disaster response. The model demonstrates that increasing the access to mobile phones can significantly improve the speed and degree of success of evacuations.
Hydraulic fracturing and the need for risk assessment
Authors: Schneider, PhD Robert O.
Published: February 2013

This analysis examines the perceived lag in the policy process with respect to risk assessment and risk management in relationship to the development of new technologies that have the potential to create new threats to public health and safety. Hydraulic fracturing and the ongoing revolution in natural gas exploration make an excellent case study of the difficulties that inevitably arise, are difficult to resolve, and that expand threats to public health and safety when policy makers do not prioritize risk assessment and risk management until the negative impacts or potential harms of previous decisions are felt. The analysis begins with a description of the hydraulic fracturing revolution and a discussion of the potential risks associated with it. This will include some of the preliminary scientific work on the subject. The analysis will highlight concerns that timely assessment and management of these risks is often frustrated by the policy process itself. In essence, the conclusion reached is that significant improvements in the timely assessing and managing the risks associated with technological advances require policy makers to emulate the emergency management profession in elevating risk assessment and risk management to the level of a first priority in the policy process.
The state of interoperability in the states
Authors: Stone, JD Lori Romer
Published: February 2013

A radio is one of the most important elements of a first responder’s uniform. To a police officer, it is a lifeline to a dispatcher who has critical information about an outstanding warrant on the driver of the car she just pulled over; to a firefighter, it is the voices of his colleagues in a smoke-filled building as they search for trapped victims. Radios allow first responders to communicate directly with each other in emergency situations, but there is still much more work to be done before first responders everywhere can talk to each other across agency, county, and state lines.With so much depending on reliable radio communications, the managers of these systems and other people working in the field of interoperable communications need to be aware of incompatible and inadequate communication systems that can cause delays, confusion, and even loss of life; the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) mandates on narrowbanding and rebanding; and the pending development of a broadband communications network for the nation’s emergency services.This article highlights these important developing issues for those working in interoperable communications and the need for a continued emphasis on improving interoperability.
Assessment of communication needs for emergency management officials in high-consequence emergencies
Authors: McCauley-Bush, PhD Pamela , Jeelani, BS, MS Mohammad , Gaines, BS, MS Susan , Curling, PhD Llewelyn , Armbrister, BS, MS Philip , Watlington, BS, MS Arturo , Major, BS Renaldo , Rolle, BS Lorneska , Cohen, BS Sarah
Published: February 2013

Objective: To identify the communication needs for Bahamian emergency management officials using wireless technology to support emergency-related activities.Design: This study began with literature review, a focus group interview, and a paper-based survey of emergency management officials.Setting: Focus group interview was held at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) office in Nassau, Bahamas, with subject matter experts (SMEs). A survey was conducted in which 31 Bahamian emergency management officials had participated. Data were compiled and analyzed at the University of Central Florida (UCF).Subjects and participants: A focus group consisting of 14 SMEs representing NEMA, emergency support functions, and affiliated organizations. Thirty-one Bahamian emergency management officials including 14 SMEs participated in the survey.Interventions: Professors at the College of The Bahamas and UCF read and gave input at each phase of the study, as well as final review in the form of thesis defense at UCF.Main outcome measures: A list of communication needs for emergency management officials in high-consequence emergency management situations was compiled.Results: Identified communication needs include an improved wireless communication infrastructure, official implementation of wireless devices for use in emergencies, and devices with improved durability, usability, and functionality.Conclusions: The surveys and interviews with officials proved to be an effective technique for identifying user problems, difficulties, and preferences with wireless handheld communication devices and telecommunication systems. This methodology can be used to identify the communication needs for emergency management officials around the globe.
The Scarborough project: A resilience preparedness training model for comprehensive community trainers—A model in Maine
Authors: Lumb, PhD Richard C. , Breazeale, PhD Ronald
Published: February 2013

The complexity of homeland security reaches into every aspect of American life. It appears to the casual observer that danger or the threat of harm by natural disaster or from domestic or foreign entities is high and that our emergency responders are occasionally hard pressed to manage the demands placed on them. Government agencies share intelligence and information about potential problems; response is geared to the level of threat and depth of risk. The average citizens, who go about their daily life somewhat mystified by it all, are generally ill prepared to respond to disaster. Citizens must be able to individually and collectively work together to prepare for a natural or human-caused incident during the interim period when public emergency responders are gearing up to broadly respond (eg, in the first 72 hours).As defined by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), preparedness is focused on the development of plans and capabilities for effective disaster response.Response is the immediate reaction to a disaster, and recovery consists of those activities that continue beyond the emergency period to restore critical community functions and to manage reconstruction. The authors add the critical dimension of resilience, the ability to bounce back when adversity or a disaster event occurs.The blended train-the-trainer model prepares individuals with appropriate skills, knowledge, and abilities to enable them to train other community members in resilience preparedness. This model is eclectic and addresses a comprehensive community approach to resilience and preparedness training to include government, citizens, business, schools, volunteer groups, and other partners.Training begins in late September of 2011.Trainees are being selected, and a group session to conduct a backward design exercise will determine their needs for targeted training, within the model, to increase their motivation and learning outcomes. A program evaluation has been designed and is discussed in this article.
Attending to the future: The role of learning in emergency response
Authors: McIntyre, PhD J. J. , Lachlan, PhD Kenneth A. , Spence, PhD Patric R.
Published: February 2013

This study extends on previous examinations of postcrisis and postemergency responses by examining social and mediated learning. The article argues that mediated learning and learning in the classroom may be particularly important after a crisis, both to ameliorate the negative emotional consequences of such events as well as to prompt the learning of information that might be important in future emergencies. Furthermore, an argument is made that the classroom can be used to facilitate postcrisis learning and this can be viewed as part of the university postcrisis response plan. Using data collected after a university shooting, the article bolsters previous research that individuals have the capacity to learn from the media in the midst of a crisis and that the classroom was underutilized as a medium for postcrisis and postemergency learning.
Organizing cross-border fire brigade response in the Dutch-German border region
Authors: Boersma, PhD Kees , Engelman, MSc Erwin
Published: February 2013

This article addresses the opportunities and problems with cross-border collaboration between the Dutch and German fire brigades. The following are the main problems: 1) no uniformity in concluding and using the cross-border agreements for emergency assistance, 2) the language problem, 3) the material and equipment problem, 4) communication problems, and 5) differences in organizational autonomy. The following are the possible solutions for the aforementioned problems: 1) new routines by joint-training sessions, 2) bilingual information systems, 3) technical standardization of equipment, 4) standardization of communication, and 5) building trust on the basis of insights into each other’s routines.
School districts and disaster expertise: What types of school districts consult emergency management professionals?
Authors: Robinson, PhD Scott E.
Published: February 2013

Emergency management calls for collaboration among a wide range of organizations. Many of these organizations are involved in matters of emergency management by statute or organizational mission. However, other organizations participate in emergency management as a task secondary to some other core mission. Why and to what extent these organizations collaborate with emergency management professionals are key questions in our attempt to build a broad coalition of organizations to support emergency management activities. The article considers the case of public school districts. Some school districts collaborate with other organizations to overcome their limited internal capacity to prepare for disasters. Other districts continue to rely on their limited internal capacities. The empirical model compares the relative importance of structural characteristics and perceived vulnerability in predicting which districts are likely to consult with external emergency specialists. The results show that the most persistent force behind the decision to engage an emergency management specialist in preparing for emergencies is the size of the school district.
Interoperability update
Authors: Stone, JD Lori Romer
Published: February 2013

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Creating monsters for the greater good of humanity: Conflicting interests of science and homeland security
Authors: Rose, PhD Patrick P. , Lee, JD Clark J. , Sasor, MEng Sarah E. , Stoddard III, PhD, MPH Earl
Published: February 2013

Society’s rising expectations for improved treatments and better health outcomes continuously push the boundaries of discovery in biomedical research. One focus of such research is to develop the newest drugs to address humanity’s increasing exposure to emerging infectious diseases. This has led both privately and publicly funded researchers to take on the task of studying highly infectious diseases in laboratory settings. Illustrating this phenomenon is the recent work of two research laboratories at universities that have demonstrated how easily the avian flu virus (influenza A H5N1) could be manipulated into a highly infectious and deadly form for humans. These studies, which were funded by the United States Government through the National Institutes of Health of the US Department of Health and Human Services, have sparked a fierce debate as to their risks and benefits to humankind. Lacking in the current debate, however, is any significant attempt to describe in basic terms the risks and benefits of such research or the basic safeguards already built into the biomedical research enterprise that serves to protect the public’s welfare.In this article, the authors will attempt to frame the ongoing debate for those outside the scientific research community by discussing a number of competing public policy issues that the recent H5N1 controversy raises about research on dangerous pathogens or biological agents and the concerns that emergency planners and managers nation-wide face when such research is conducted in their communities.
One neighborhood, two families: A comparison of intergovernmental emergency management relationships
Authors: McEntire, PhD David A. , Lindsay, MCP John R.
Published: February 2013

This article provides a comparative study of the emergency management systems in Canada and the United States, paying special attention to the nature of intergovernmental relations in these two neighboring countries. This article first provides background information on the challenge of intergovernmental coordination in emergency management. It then explores the similar and distinct contexts of emergency management in Canada and the United States. A discussion of the methods used for this study follows. Findings of the research are presented along with a discussion about the results of this study. This article concludes with implications for emergency management. The major lesson of this research is that even similar sociopolitical contexts may result in very different emergency management approaches, and emergency managers should understand how this impacts their work.
On the horizon: The role of aviation in local emergency management planning
Authors: Wallace, BS Timothy S. , Katz, PhD, PMP Jonathan L.
Published: February 2013

The authors wished to identify available guidance for local emergency management agencies (LEMAs) on the use of aviation resources in local emergency management (EM) planning. If handled properly, aviation is a proven asset that can be effectively used before, during, and after emergencies.The authors determined that literature on LEMA planning provides little evidence of local governments systematically addressing the role of aviation in their planning for emergencies. Most localities could improve their response capabilities if they integrate aviation into their planning. To provide ideas and to spur discussion in the LEMA community, this article addresses the current position of aviation in local emergency planning, what aspects of the role of aviation in emergencies that LEMAs should take into account including federal and state authority in EM aviation, and possible means and templates to assist LEMAs in incorporating aviation into their planning.
Enabling the homeland security enterprise through systems engineering the National Exercise Program
Authors: Crowther, PhD Kenneth G. , Gradishar, MS Anna K. A. M. , French, DBA Michael R.
Published: February 2013

On August 17, 2010, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano signed a memorandum directing an evolution of the National Exercise Program (NEP). The Memo emphasized the importance of the NEP for strengthening and evaluating our nation’s preparedness and reinforced core statutory and regulatory guidance.While the NEP has traditionally focused on national-level exercises, the revised NEP should serve the full homeland security enterprise. This article suggests a direction for evolution of the proposed NEP. It describes how exercise components and stakeholders operate and how they might be better synchronized using methodical system engineering and the careful application of innovative science and technology. Central to aligning and integrating subsystems into a coherent, synergistic whole is the concept of “interface.” System interfaces focus on describing common standards and protocols by which system components relate, interact, and share information. The authors identify five process interfaces from the Secretary’s Memo and describe system architecting principles that could improve NEP flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and robustness. Systems engineering methodologies provide time-proven approaches to describe system characteristics and behavior in ways that facilitate the development of effective interfaces—interfaces that promote overall systems efficiency and provide a basis for measuring and tracking systems performance. This harmonization of information promotes the application of modeling and simulation, which, in turn, promote greater exercise realism and efficiency and create a scientific environment in which to explore and experiment with new concepts and technologies.