bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supervising Structured Learning Experiences for Students in New Jersey: Training Teachers in School-Based Occupational Health and Safety Practice
Authors: Shendell Derek G. , Hemminger Laura E. , Campbell Jennifer K. , Schlegel Barry 
Published: January 2017

This article describes the structured learning experience (SLE) supervisory training curriculum coordinated by the New Jersey Safe Schools Program, a project supported by the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Career and Technical Education. The New Jersey SLE supervisory training program comprises training courses and resources for teachers who supervise secondary school minors (students aged 16 to 18 years and special needs students up to age 21) enrolled in various programs—college preparatory, general education, career and technical education, career academies, and special education. One goal of the program is to enhance knowledge and awareness of legal and scientific occupational safety and health principles to ensure safe, rewarding work experiences inside and outside classrooms. This article describes our experiences and data available from November 2005 to January 2008. We summarize relevant federal and state laws and agencies; potential exposure agents and microenvironments of concern; stakeholders and training partners; process and immediate impact data from SLE supervisory trainings; and lessons learned to inform states that may adopt similar strategies or regulations.
Efficacy of a Program to Prevent Beryllium Sensitization among New Employees at a Copper-Beryllium Alloy Processing Facility
Authors: Thomas Carrie A. , Bailey Rachel L. , Kent Michael S. , Deubner David C. , Kreiss Kathleen , Schuler Christine R. 
Published: January 2017

Objectives. In 2000, 7% of workers at a copper-beryllium facility were beryllium sensitized. Risk was associated with work near a wire annealing/pickling process. The facility then implemented a preventive program including particle migration control, respiratory and dermal protection, and process enclosure. We assessed the program's efficacy in preventing beryllium sensitization. Methods. In 2000, the facility began testing new hires (program workers) with beryllium lymphocyte proliferation tests (BeLPTs) at hire and at intervals during employment. We compared sensitization incidence rates (IRs) and prevalence rates for workers hired before the program (legacy workers) with rates for program workers, including program worker subgroups. We also examined trends in BeLPTs from a single laboratory. Results. In all, five of 43 legacy workers (IR=3.8/1,000 person-months) and three of 82 program workers (IR=1.9/1,000 person-months) were beryllium sensitized, for an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 2.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5, 10.1). Two of 37 pre-enclosure program workers (IR=2.4/1,000 person-months) and one of 45 post-enclosure program workers (IR=1.4/1,000 person-months) were beryllium sensitized, for IRRs of 1.6 (95% CI 0.3, 11.9) and 2.8 (95% CI 0.4, 66.2), respectively, compared with legacy workers. Test for trend in prevalence rates was significant. Among 2,159 first-draw BeLPTs during 95 months, we identified seven months when high numbers of redraws were required, with one possible misclassification in this facility. Conclusions. Fewer workers became sensitized after implementation of the preventive program. However, low statistical power due to the facility's small workforce prevents a definitive conclusion about the program's efficacy. These findings have implications for other copper-beryllium facilities, where program components may merit application.
Racial Differences in Age at First Sexual Intercourse: Residential Racial Segregation and the Black-White Disparity among U.S. Adolescents
Authors: Biello Katie Brooks , Ickovics Jeannette , Niccolai Linda , Lin Haiqun , Kershaw Trace 
Published: January 2017

Objectives. The age of adolescents at first sexual intercourse is an important risk factor for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and adolescent pregnancy. Black adolescents are at higher risk than white adolescents for first sexual intercourse at younger ages as well as STDs and pregnancy. Individual- and family-level factors do not fully explain this disparity. We examined whether five dimensions of black-white residential racial segregation can help explain the racial disparity in age at first sexual intercourse. Methods. Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 and U.S. Census 2000 data, we performed multiple hierarchical discrete time-to-event analyses on a nationally representative cohort of adolescents followed since 1997. Although the cohort study is ongoing, we used data from 1997 through 2005. Results. Concentration and unevenness significantly modified the association of race and age at first sexual intercourse. However, stratified results suggested differences in the effect of race on age at first sexual intercourse at each level of segregation across dimensions of segregation. Conclusions. Residential racial segregation may modify the black-white disparity in risk of first sexual intercourse at younger ages, but these associations are complex Future studies should be conducted to elucidate the causal mechanisms.
On the Road to Well-Being: The Development of a Communication Framework for Sexual Health
Authors: Robinson Susan J. , Stellato Adam , Stephens Jennifer , Kirby Susan , Forsythe Ann , Ivankovich Megan B. 
Published: January 2017

Objectives. Recognizing the need to work with all partners who have an interest in addressing sexual health issues, we explored values held by diverse stakeholders in the United States. Based on these findings, we developed a framework for use in communicating about sexual health issues and potential solutions. Methods. Our methods included an environmental scan, small-group metaphor elicitation and message framing assessments, interviews, and online surveys with diverse members of the public and health professionals. Results. Of four overarching value-based themes, two were best accepted across audiences: the first theme emphasized the importance of protecting health along the road of life through enabling good choices, and the second called for adding health promotion approaches to traditional disease prevention control. Nearly all supporting statements evaluated were effective and can be used to support either of the two best accepted overarching themes. Conclusions. Although there is a great diversity of opinion regarding how to address sexual health issues in the U.S., among diverse stakeholders we found some common values in our exploratory work. These common values were translated into message frameworks. In particular, the idea of broadening sexual health programs to include wellness-related approaches to help expand disease control and prevention efforts resonated with stakeholders across the political spectrum. These findings show promise for improved sexual health communication and a foundation on which to build support across various audiences, key opinion leaders, and stakeholders.
Effects of Performance Improvement Programs on Preparedness Capacities
Authors: Davis Mary V. , Bevc Christine A. , Schenck Anna P. 
Published: January 2017

Objective. In response to public health systems and services research priorities, we examined the extent to which participation in accreditation and performance improvement programs can be expected to enhance preparedness capacities. Methods. Using data collected by the Local Health Department Preparedness Capacities Assessment Survey, we applied a series of weighted least-squares models to examine the effect of program participation on each of the eight preparedness domain scores. Participation was differentiated across four groups: North Carolina (NC) accredited local health departments (LHDs), NC non-accredited LHDs, national comparison LHDs that participated in performance or preparedness programs, and national comparison LHDs that did not participate in any program. Results. Domain scores varied among the four groups. Statistically significant positive participation effects were observed on six of eight preparedness domains for NC accreditation programs, on seven domains for national comparison group LHDs that participated in performance programs, and on four domains for NC non-accredited LHDs. Conclusions. Overall, accreditation and other performance improvement programs have a significant and positive effect on preparedness capacities. While we found no differences among accredited and non-accredited NC LHDs, this lack of significant difference in preparedness scores among NC LHDs is attributed to NC's robust statewide preparedness program, as well as a likely exposure effect among non-accredited NC LHDs to the accreditation program.
Media Use and Communication Inequalities in a Public Health Emergency: A Case Study of 2009–2010 Pandemic Influenza a Virus Subtype H1N1
Authors: Lin Leesa , Jung Minsoo , McCloud Rachel F. , Viswanath Kasisomayajula 
Published: January 2017

Objectives. Studies have shown that differences among individuals and social groups in accessing and using information on health and specific threats have an impact on their knowledge and behaviors. These differences, characterized as communication inequalities, may hamper the strength of a society's response to a public health emergency. Such inequalities not only make vulnerable populations subject to a disproportionate burden of adversity, but also compromise the public health system's efforts to prevent and respond to pandemic influenza outbreaks. We investigated the effect of socioeconomic status (SES) and health communication behaviors (including barriers) on people's knowledge and misconceptions about pandemic influenza A(H1N1) (pH1N1) and adoption of prevention behaviors. Methods. The data for this study came from a survey of 1,569 respondents drawn from a nationally representative sample of American adults during pH1N1. We conducted logistic regression analyses when appropriate. Results. We found that ( 1) SES has a significant association with barriers to information access and processing, levels of pH1N1-related knowledge, and misconceptions; ( 2) levels of pH1N1-related knowledge are associated positively with the adoption of recommended prevention measures and negatively with the adoption of incorrect protective behaviors; and ( 3) people with higher SES, higher news exposure, and higher levels of pH1N1-related knowledge, as well as those who actively seek information, are less likely than their counterparts to adopt incorrect prevention behaviors. Conclusion. Strategic public health communication efforts in public health preparedness and during emergencies should take into account potential communication inequalities and develop campaigns that reach across different social groups.
The Engagement of Academic Institutions in Community Disaster Response: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Dunlop Anne L. , Logue Kristi M. , Isakov Alexander P. 
Published: January 2017

Objective. Using comparative analysis, we examined the factors that influence the engagement of academic institutions in community disaster response. Methods. We identified colleges and universities located in counties affected by four Federal Emergency Management Agency-declared disasters (Kentucky ice storms, Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, California wildfires, and the Columbia space shuttle disintegration) and performed key informant interviews with officials from public health, emergency management, and academic institutions in those counties. We used a comparative case study approach to explore particular resources provided by academic institutions, processes for engagement, and reasons for engagement or lack thereof in the community disaster response. Results. Academic institutions contribute a broad range of resources to community disaster response. Their involvement and the extent of their engagement is variable and influenced by ( 1) their resources, ( 2) preexisting relationships with public health and emergency management organizations, ( 3) the structure and organizational placement of the school's disaster planning and response office, and ( 4) perceptions of liability and lines of authority. Facilitators of engagement include ( 1) the availability of faculty expertise or special training programs, ( 2) academic staff presence on public health and emergency management planning boards, ( 3) faculty contracts and student practica, ( 4) incident command system or emergency operations training of academic staff, and ( 5) the existence of mutual aid or memoranda of agreements. Conclusion. While a range of relationships exist between academic institutions that engage with public health and emergency management agencies in community disaster response, recurrent win-win themes include co-appointed faculty and staff; field experience opportunities for students; and shared planning and training for academic, public health, and emergency management personnel.
The Epidemiology and Surveillance Workforce among Local Health Departments in California: Mutual Aid and Surge Capacity for Routine and Emergency Infectious Disease Situations
Authors: Enanoria Wayne T.A. , Crawley Adam W. , Hunter Jennifer C. , Balido Jeannie , Aragon Tomas J. 
Published: January 2017

Objective. Public health surveillance and epidemiologic investigations are critical public health functions for identifying threats to the health of a community. We conducted a survey of local health departments (LHDs) in California to describe the workforce that supports public health surveillance and epidemiologic functions during routine and emergency infectious disease situations. Methods. The target population consisted of the 61 LHDs in California. The online survey instrument was designed to collect information about the workforce involved in key epidemiologic functions. We also examined how the public health workforce increases its epidemiologic capacity during infectious disease emergencies. Results. Of 61 LHDs in California, 31 (51%) completed the survey. A wide range of job classifications contribute to epidemiologic functions routinely, and LHDs rely on both internal and external sources of epidemiologic surge capacity during infectious disease emergencies. This study found that while 17 (55%) LHDs reported having a mutual aid agreement with at least one other organization for emergency response, only nine (29%) LHDs have a mutual aid agreement specifically for epidemiology and surveillance functions. Conclusions. LHDs rely on a diverse workforce to conduct epidemiology and public health surveillance functions, emphasizing the need to identify and describe the types of staff positions that could benefit from public health surveillance and epidemiology training. While some organizations collaborate with external partners to support these functions during an emergency, many LHDs do not rely on mutual aid agreements for epidemiology and surveillance activities.
Systems Engineering Methods for Enhancing the Value Stream in Public Health Preparedness: The Role of Markov Models, Simulation, and Optimization
Authors: Yaylali Emine , Ivy Julie Simmons , Taheri Javad 
Published: January 2017

Objectives. Large-scale incidents such as the 2009 H1N1 outbreak, the 2011 European Escherichia coli outbreak, and Hurricane Sandy demonstrate the need for continuous improvement in emergency preparation, alert, and response systems globally. As questions relating to emergency preparedness and response continue to rise to the forefront, the field of industrial and systems engineering (ISE) emerges, as it provides sophisticated techniques that have the ability to model the system, simulate, and optimize complex systems, even under uncertainty. Methods. We applied three ISE techniques—Markov modeling, operations research (OR) or optimization, and computer simulation—to public health emergency preparedness. Results. We present three models developed through a four-year partnership with stakeholders from state and local public health for effectively, efficiently, and appropriately responding to potential public health threats: ( 1) an OR model for optimal alerting in response to a public health event, ( 2) simulation models developed to respond to communicable disease events from the perspective of public health, and ( 3) simulation models for implementing pandemic influenza vaccination clinics representative of clinics in operation for the 2009–2010 H1N1 vaccinations in North Carolina. Conclusions. The methods employed by the ISE discipline offer powerful new insights to understand and improve public health emergency preparedness and response systems. The models can be used by public health practitioners not only to inform their planning decisions but also to provide a quantitative argument to support public health decision making and investment.
State-Level Legal Preparedness for Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies in the U.S.: A Network Analysis of State Laws and Regulations
Authors: Guclu Hasan , Bjerke Elizabeth Ferrell , Galvan Jared , Sweeney Patricia , Potter Margaret A. 
Published: January 2017

Objective. This study explored if and to what extent the laws of U.S. states mirrored the U.S. federal laws for responding to nuclear-radiological emergencies (NREs). Methods. Emergency laws from a 12-state sample and the federal government were retrieved and translated into numeric codes representing acting agents, their partner agents, and the purposes of activity in terms of preparedness, response, and recovery. We used network analysis to explore the relationships among agents in terms of legally directed NRE activities. Results. States' legal networks for NREs appear as not highly inclusive, involving an average of 28% of agents among those specified in the federal laws. Certain agents are highly central in NRE networks, so that their capacity and effectiveness might strongly influence an NRE response. Conclusions. State-level lawmakers and planners might consider whether or not greater inclusion of agents, modeled on the federal government laws, would enhance their NRE laws and if more agents should be engaged in planning and policy-making for NRE incidents. Further research should explore if and to what extent legislated NRE directives impose constraints on practical response activities including emergency planning.
The Future of Global Peripheral Cities
Authors: Maricato Erminia 
Published: January 2017

In June 2013 an unprecedented movement spearheaded by young people took to the streets of Brazilian cities. Despite the diversity of explanations of the protests, one thing became clear: the urban question was at the center of events. Brazil has become an international role model for its innovations in social policy and even urban policy. There have been social struggles for a democratic city. New policies, new programs, new projects, and a Ministry of Cities have been created. This democratic and participatory process has taken place in the context of fiscal adjustment and therefore contention over resources. When the federal government resumed investment in cities following a developmentalist project, capital linked to the production of space took over the leadership of the urban process and the virtuous cycle of urban policy declined. Investment in works directed by the real estate market in the context of mega-events such as the World Cup and the Olympics together with tax relief for the purchase of automobiles deepened the deterioration of urban living conditions, especially housing and mobility. Em junho de 2013 um grupo de jovens criou uma onda de protestos jamais vistos nas cidades brasileiras. Não obstante a multiplicidade de explicações para esses protestos, algo ficou claro: a questão urbana era o elemento central desses eventos. O Brasil tornou-se modelo internacional para inovações em política social e urbana. Havia uma luta social por centros urbanos democráticos. Novas políticas, novos programas, novos projetos e um Ministério das Cidades foram criados. Esse processo democrático e participatório ocorreu num contexto de ajuste fiscal e consequentemente de contenção de despesas. Quando o governo federal retomou os investimentos em cidades após um projeto desenvolvimentista, o capital atrelado à produção de espaço tomou as rédeas do processo de urbanização e o ciclo virtuoso da política urbana foi interrompido. Investimentos em projetos direcionados pelo mercado imobiliário no contexto de megaeventos como a Copa do Mundo e as Olimpíadas, bem como incentivos fiscais para a compra de automóveis, aumentaram a deterioração da qualidade de vida urbana, especialmente no que diz respeito à moradia e à mobilidade.
Rural Brazil during the Lula Administrations: Agreements with Agribusiness and Disputes in Agrarian Policies
Authors: Sauer Sérgio 
Published: January 2017

President Lula’s two terms were maintained—and President Dilma Rousseff was elected—by a broad alliance that included backward sectors of the agrarian ruling class. This elite’s influence extended to the cabinet, and it partially ensured support of the rural caucus and agribusiness but prevented government action on land policies from producing more significant advances. The Workers’ Party administrations were marked by mistrust of the agrarian elite because Lula—and also Dilma—maintained a contradictory but friendly relationship with the agrarian social movements. Coupled with economic concessions and incentives granted to agribusiness, this alliance was critical in neutralizing and derailing structural land policies such as the expansion of land expropriation and settling landless families, resulting in an increase in monocropping and economic dependence on the export of raw materials. Such alliances did not prevent the agrarian elite from supporting the removal of President Dilma and allying themselves with the new government, demanding the elimination of the Ministry of Agrarian Development and openly denying land rights to indigenous people and traditional communities. Os dois mandatos da administração de Lula foram mantidos por um amplo sistema de alianças que incluía setores retrógrados da elite agrária. Esse mesmo sistema permitiu a eleição da Presidente Dilma Rousseff. A influência dessa elite estendia-se aos postos do primeiro escalão do governo e a ele assegurava o apoio da bancada rural e do agronegócio. Ao mesmo tempo, impedia que o Estado fizesse avanços significativos em políticas agrárias. A elite rural via as administrações do Partido dos Trabalhadores com desconfiança, pois, tanto Lula quanto Dilma nutriram um relacionamento ao mesmo tempo contraditório e amistoso com movimentos sociais agrários. No contexto de concessões e apoio franqueados ao agronegócio, essa aliança com a elite agrária foi fundamental para neutralizar ou mesmo bloquear políticas agrárias estruturais tais como o aumento da desapropriação de terras e o assentamento de famílias. Consequentemente, aumentou-se a dependência da exportação de matéria-prima. Tais alianças não impediram que a Bancada Ruralista apoiasse o impeachment da Presidente Dilma e se alinhasse ao novo governo empoçado. Ademais, na nova conjuntura essa elite apoiou o fim do Ministério do Desenvolvimento Agrário e nega abertamente o direito de acesso e posse da terra a camponeses, agricultores sem terra, povos indígenas e comunidades tradicionais.