scholarly journals Dilemmas and Discretion in Complex Organizations: Professionals in Collaboration with Spontaneous Volunteers During Disasters

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Persson ◽  
Sara Uhnoo
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Response ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Institutional Logics ◽  
Management Research ◽  
Rescue Service ◽  
Emergency Responders ◽  
Structure And Agency ◽  
Major Interest ◽  
Interest In Research

Discretion is of major interest in research on professions. This article focuses on professionals’ discretionary reasoning about collaboration with spontaneous volunteers. By applying theories on discretion and institutional logics and drawing on disaster management research, we analyse interviews with fire and rescue service professionals involved in managing a large-scale forest fire in Sweden. We identify five major dilemmas concerning the involvement of spontaneous volunteers in the official disaster response and analyse the influence on professional reasoning of multiple institutional logics (professional, citizen, bureaucratic and market) embedded in the emergency organization. The analytical framework connects structure and agency by linking institutional logics to discretional reasoning, and the findings clarify professional emergency responders’ perspectives on the opportunities and challenges of involving spontaneous volunteers in an operation.

scholarly journals A standardized framework for testing the performance of sleep-tracking technology: step-by-step guidelines and open-source code

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Menghini ◽  
Nicola Cellini ◽  
Aimee Goldstone ◽  
Fiona C Baker ◽  
Massimiliano de Zambotti
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Validation Studies ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Large Scale Data ◽  
Fast Pace ◽  
Epoch Analysis ◽  
Tracking Devices

Abstract Sleep-tracking devices, particularly within the consumer sleep technology (CST) space, are increasingly used in both research and clinical settings, providing new opportunities for large-scale data collection in highly ecological conditions. Due to the fast pace of the CST industry combined with the lack of a standardized framework to evaluate the performance of sleep trackers, their accuracy and reliability in measuring sleep remains largely unknown. Here, we provide a step-by-step analytical framework for evaluating the performance of sleep trackers (including standard actigraphy), as compared with gold-standard polysomnography (PSG) or other reference methods. The analytical guidelines are based on recent recommendations for evaluating and using CST from our group and others (de Zambotti and colleagues; Depner and colleagues), and include raw data organization as well as critical analytical procedures, including discrepancy analysis, Bland–Altman plots, and epoch-by-epoch analysis. Analytical steps are accompanied by open-source R functions (depicted at https://sri-human-sleep.github.io/sleep-trackers-performance/AnalyticalPipeline_v1.0.0.html). In addition, an empirical sample dataset is used to describe and discuss the main outcomes of the proposed pipeline. The guidelines and the accompanying functions are aimed at standardizing the testing of CSTs performance, to not only increase the replicability of validation studies, but also to provide ready-to-use tools to researchers and clinicians. All in all, this work can help to increase the efficiency, interpretation, and quality of validation studies, and to improve the informed adoption of CST in research and clinical settings.

First Responders’ and Librarians’ Intention to Use Web-Based Resources for Response Information During Biological, Chemical, and Radiological Terrorism Events

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
James Turner ◽  
Terri Rebmann ◽  
Travis Loux ◽  
Donghua Tao ◽  
Alexander Garza
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Response ◽  
First Responders ◽  
Internet Access ◽  
Intention To Use ◽  
National Library ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Emergency Responders ◽  
Internet Connection ◽  
Response Information

AbstractEmergency planners and first responders often access web-based information resources during disasters; however, these tools require an active Internet connection, which may be unavailable during a disaster. The National Library of Medicine (NLM) provides several free non-web-based disaster response tools. This study assessed intention to use web-based and non-web-based informational and response tools during disasters among emergency responders and librarians. Educational workshops were held in four Missouri cities in spring, 2016. The NLM tools were presented and attendees practiced using the tools during disaster scenarios. Pre- and post-intervention data about NLM tool awareness and intention to use these tools versus other web-based resources was collected. McNemar tests assessed a pre/post change in intention to use each resource. Four workshops were held, with a total of 74 attendees. Intention to use the NLM tools was low prior to the workshops (range: 20.3–39.2%), but increased significantly immediately afterwards (p < .001 for all pre/post comparisons). The workshops resulted in increased NLM tool awareness and increased intention to use the tools during future disasters. This provides evidence of attendees’ perceptions of the usefulness of the non-web-based NLM tools in place of other web-based tools in situations without Internet access.

scholarly journals Extraction of short chain chitooligosaccharides from fungal biomass and their use as promoters of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Crosino ◽  
Elisa Moscato ◽  
Marco Blangetti ◽  
Gennaro Carotenuto ◽  
Federica Spina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Biomass ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Trichoderma Viride ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal ◽  
Am Fungi ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Short Chain ◽  
Mycorrhizal Symbiosis ◽  
Major Interest

AbstractShort chain chitooligosaccharides (COs) are chitin derivative molecules involved in plant-fungus signaling during arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) interactions. In host plants, COs activate a symbiotic signalling pathway that regulates AM-related gene expression. Furthermore, exogenous CO application was shown to promote AM establishment, with a major interest for agricultural applications of AM fungi as biofertilizers. Currently, the main source of commercial COs is from the shrimp processing industry, but purification costs and environmental concerns limit the convenience of this approach. In an attempt to find a low cost and low impact alternative, this work aimed to isolate, characterize and test the bioactivity of COs from selected strains of phylogenetically distant filamentous fungi: Pleurotus ostreatus, Cunninghamella bertholletiae and Trichoderma viride. Our optimized protocol successfully isolated short chain COs from lyophilized fungal biomass. Fungal COs were more acetylated and displayed a higher biological activity compared to shrimp-derived COs, a feature that—alongside low production costs—opens promising perspectives for the large scale use of COs in agriculture.

scholarly journals Time-resolved PIV measurements of a deflected submerged jet interacting with liquid-gas and liquid-liquid interfaces

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Puttinger ◽  
Mahdi Saeedipour
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Layer ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Free Surface Flow ◽  
Industrial Applications ◽  
Liquid Pool ◽  
Surface Flow ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Submerged Jet ◽  
Major Interest

AbstractThis paper presents an experimental investigation on the interactions of a deflected submerged jet into a liquid pool with its above interface in the absence and presence of an additional lighter liquid. Whereas the former is a free surface flow, the latter mimics a situation of two stratified liquids where the liquid-liquid interface is disturbed by large-scale motions in the liquid pool. Such configurations are encountered in various industrial applications and, in most cases, it is of major interest to avoid the entrainment of droplets from the lighter liquid into the main flow. Therefore, it is important to understand the fluid dynamics in such configurations and to analyze the differences between the cases with and without the additional liquid layer. To study this problem, we applied time-resolved particle image velocimetry experiments with high spatial resolution. A detailed data analysis of a small layer beneath the interface shows that although the presence of an additional liquid layer stabilizes the oscillations of the submerged jet significantly, the amount of kinetic energy, enstrophy, and velocity fluctuations concentrated in the proximity of the interface is higher when the oil layer is present. In addition, we analyze the energy distribution across the eigenmodes of a proper orthogonal distribution and the distribution of strain and vortex dominated regions. As the main objective of this study, these high-resolution time-resolved experimental data provide a validation platform for the development of new models in the context of the volume of fluid-based large eddy simulation of turbulent two-phase flows.

scholarly journals Development of a Radar Reflector Kit for Older Adults to Use to Signal Their Location and Needs in a Large-Scale Earthquake Disaster

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 1883
Author(s):  
Yuma Morisaki ◽  
Makoto Fujiu ◽  
Ryoichi Furuta ◽  
Junichi Takayama
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Synthetic Aperture Radar ◽  
Satellite Imagery ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Synthetic Aperture ◽  
Earthquake Disaster ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
The World ◽  
Vulnerable People

In Japan, older adults account for the highest proportion of the population of any country in the world. When large-scale earthquake disasters strike, large numbers of casualties are known to particularly occur among seniors. Many are physically or mentally vulnerable and require assistance during the different phases of disaster response, including rescue, evacuation, and living in an evacuation center. However, the growing number of older adults has made it difficult, after a disaster, to quickly gather information on their locations and assess their needs. The authors are developing a proposal to enable vulnerable people to signal their location and needs in the aftermath of a disaster to response teams by deploying radar reflectors that can be detected in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite imagery. The purpose of this study was to develop a radar reflector kit that seniors could easily assemble in order to make this proposal feasible in practice. Three versions of the reflector were tested for detectability, and a sample of older adults was asked to assemble the kits and provide feedback regarding problems they encountered and regarding their interest in using the reflectors in the event of a large-scale disaster.

Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response: There’s An App for That

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 486-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Bachmann ◽  
Nathan K. Jamison ◽  
Andrew Martin ◽  
Jose Delgado ◽  
Nicholas E. Kman
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Value Relevance ◽  
Disaster Medicine ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Smartphone Applications ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Emergency Responders ◽  
Lay Public

AbstractIntroductionSmartphone applications (or apps) are becoming increasingly popular with emergency responders and health care providers, as well as the public as a whole. There are thousands of medical apps available for Smartphones and tablet computers, with more added each day. These include apps to view textbooks, guidelines, medication databases, medical calculators, and radiology images.Hypothesis/ProblemWith an ever expanding catalog of apps that relate to disaster medicine, it is hard for both the lay public and responders to know where to turn for effective Smartphone apps. A systematic review of these apps was conducted.MethodsA search of the Apple iTunes store (Version 12; Apple Inc.; Cupertino, California USA) was performed using the following terms obtained from the PubMed Medical Subject Headings Database: Emergency Preparedness, Emergency Responders, Disaster, Disaster Planning, Disaster Medicine, Bioterrorism, Chemical Terrorism, Hazardous Materials (HazMat), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). After excluding any unrelated apps, a working list of apps was formed and categorized based on topics. Apps were grouped based on applicability to responders, the lay public, or regional preparedness, and were then ranked based on iTunes user reviews, value, relevance to audience, and user interface.ResultsThis search revealed 683 applications and was narrowed to 219 based on relevance to the field. After grouping the apps as described above, and subsequently ranking them, the highest quality apps were determined from each group. The Community Emergency Response Teams and FEMA had the best apps for National Disaster Medical System responders. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had high-quality apps for emergency responders in a variety of fields. The National Library of Medicine’s Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders (WISER) app was an excellent app for HazMat responders. The American Red Cross had the most useful apps for natural disasters. Numerous valuable apps for public use, including alert apps, educational apps, and a well-made regional app, were also identified.ConclusionSmartphone applications are fast becoming essential to emergency responders and the lay public. Many high-quality apps existing in various price ranges and serving different populations were identified. This field is changing rapidly and it deserves continued analysis as more apps are developed.BachmannDJ, JamisonNK, MartinA, DelgadoJ, KmanNE. Emergency preparedness and disaster response: there’s an app for that. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(5):1–5.

scholarly journals A new pest management research facility Scions largescale precision track sprayer

2014 ◽  
Vol 67 ◽  
pp. 267-273
Author(s):  
S.F. Gous ◽  
T.M. Withers ◽  
A.J. Hewitt
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Spray Deposition ◽  
Management Research ◽  
Application Research ◽  
Pesticide Application ◽  
Research Facility ◽  
Liquid Pressure ◽  
Plant Canopies ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Potential Use

A new large scale precision track sprayer has been developed and evaluated for spray deposition and pesticide application research under controlled conditions The spray room is fitted with a 4 m wide electrically driven boom suspended 4 m above ground running on a 12 m long Ibeam It is fitted with 9 independently controlled shut off valves and nozzles Sprays can be applied to live plant canopies up to 3 m tall within a 2 m times; 3 m sample area The number location and type of nozzle on the boom can be altered as can spray liquid pressure and boom speed in order to simulate a wide range of spray application scenarios Calibration of the largescale precision track sprayer has been undertaken for a range of droplet spectra from extremely coarse to very fine This paper documents the calibration results and discusses the potential use of this facility for pesticide application research

scholarly journals Analysis of the Emergency Fire Response Team for Disaster Response in Japan

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyeongho Choi ◽  
Euipyeong Lee
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Response ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Fire Departments ◽  
Fire Response ◽  
Fire Fighters ◽  
On Demand ◽  
Fire Extinguishing ◽  
The Status ◽  
Response Team ◽  
Hyogo Prefecture

32,000 fire fighters from 451 fire departments in 41 prefectures were mobilized to support and assist fire extinguishing and lifesaving in the Hyogo Prefecture Nanbu Earthquake that occurred on January 17, 1995. Based on this experience, the emergency fire response team for disaster response (EFRT) was established by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) on June 30, 1995. When large scale disasters occur over wide areas, EFRTs in Japan are dispatched to the disaster places to assist fire fighting on demand or by the order of the commissioner of the FDMA. This study analyzed the background required for establishing the EFRT; the process and details of the legislation; the establishment of basic plans, organizations, and operation plans; and assistance dispatch along with the plan for receiving outside support; registration and the plan for reinforcing equipment; the status of training for preparing assistance dispatch; and activity results in order to provide basic information to prepare large scale disasters and establish coping policies in Korea.

scholarly journals Onsite Disaster Response System for an Inclusive Society and Social Safety Net by Types of Disabilities: Focusing on the Welfare Facilities for the Disabled in "D City"

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-70
Author(s):  
Jiyeon Myeong ◽  
Hongjik Kim
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Management ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Management Research ◽  
Social Safety Net ◽  
Response System ◽  
The Disabled ◽  
Disaster Situation ◽  
Physical Limitations ◽  
Inclusive Society

As the types of disaster diversity and the occurrence of disaster became more frequent, complex damage is also increasing. The nation is making various efforts, including creating an emergency management system and supporting crisis management research, to minimize damage to property, facilities and lives that are caused by disasters. However, the practical system for those who have a disadvantage in terms of disaster awareness and early evacuation due to their physical limitations is still insufficient. In this study, the vulnerability of people with disabilities when it comes to disaster safety was analyzed by visiting the living facilities tailored for each type of disability by examing each facility's disaster resonse manual and observing the facilities. In addition, through surveying and interviewing employees and users of facilities, we analyzed the recognition of evacuation. Finally, this study proposed strengthening related disaster response policies to establish an inclusive society and a social safety net by analyzing behavioral patterns for each type of disability in the initial disaster situation.

Improving the global exchange of germplasm for crop breeding

2021 ◽  
pp. 81-100
Author(s):  
Selim Louafi ◽  
◽  
Eric Welch ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Institutional Logics ◽  
Comprehensive Approach ◽  
Crop Breeding ◽  
Global Challenges ◽  
Global Exchange ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Resource System

Different norms, rules and practices organize the exchange of germplasm to address broader global challenges such as advancement of science and innovation, food security, sustainable agriculture or global equity. Some of these institutions are now embedded in various treaties and national regulations. This chapter claims that these regulations are not as successful as they could be because they fail to effectively integrate the complexity of the exchange environment. In order to better understand how exchange could be improved, it is important to go beyond a legalistic approach to exchange and look at the broader socio-technical context in which these exchanges take place. By developing an analytical framework that includes several dimensions beyond the regulatory one, this contribution creates the foundation for a more comprehensive approach that acts upon the relationship between germplasm and the diversity of institutional logics, germplasm and its resource system, and germplasm and its social environment.

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