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Pant P, Allen M, Tansel B. Mercury uptake and translocation in Impatiens walleriana plants grown in the contaminated soil from Oak Ridge. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2011; 13:168-176. [PMID: 21598784 DOI: 10.1080/15226510903567489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) contaminated soils from Oak Ridge, Tennessee were investigated for phytoavailability of mercury as measured by degree of Hg translocation in aboveground biomass of Impatiens walleriana plants grown in the soils. After 90 days of incubation, results revealed a higher concentration of total Hg in the leaves than in the flowers or the stems. Plants that were grown in the soils with higher Hg concentrations showed significantly higher Hg uptake and translocation in the aboveground plant-biomass, and the correlation with the initial soil-Hg was significant for the leaves and the stems in the plants that were tested. On an average, only 4.06 microg of Hg could be found in the above ground plant biomass of all the plants, compared to an average 3673.50 microg of initial total Hg concentrations in these soils. Statistical analysis revealed a greater affinity of Hg for the soil carbon, which supported the finding of this study on low soil Hg bioavailability.
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Schultz D, Allen M, Barrett SF. Equipping an automated wheelchair with an infrared encoder wheel odometer - biomed 2011. BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES INSTRUMENTATION 2011; 47:24-28. [PMID: 21525591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Assistive technology is a rapidly growing field that provides a degree of freedom and self-sufficiency to people of limited mobility. Smart wheelchairs are a subset of assistive technology, and are designed to be operated by people who are unable to use a traditional control system. Instead, smart wheelchairs are equipped with a combination of automated functionality and steering mechanisms specialized to meet a persons individual needs. One feature common to the automated capabilities of smart wheelchairs is the tracking system. The wheelchairs microcontroller needs to know how far the chair has travelled, its speed, and the rotational direction of its wheels in order to successfully navigate through an environment. The purpose of this research was to develop an odometer to track the motion of a motorized wheelchair. Due to federal regulations that prohibit changing the structure or internal mechanics of a medical device, the odometer had to be designed as a separate, removable part. The final design for the odometer consisted of two infrared sensors that measure edge transitions of a segmented black and white encoder wheel. The sensor output was then run through two comparator op amps and a high pass filter to produce a clean, crisp square wave signal output. The signal was then fed to an Atmel ATmega164P microcontroller. The microcontroller was programmed to compare the sensor signal with its internal clock, sense edge transitions, and thereby extrapolate the speed, travelled distance, and rotational direction of the wheelchair.
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Endrino JL, Anders A, Albella JM, Horton JA, Horton TH, Ayyalasomayajula PR, Allen M. Antibacterial efficacy of advanced silver-amorphous carbon coatings deposited using the pulsed dual cathodic arc technique. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/252/1/012012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Jordan TS, Choudhary F, Heinink R, Mathew S, Hussain I, Allen M. P92 Training opportunities in thoracic ultrasound for respiratory specialist trainees in the West Midlands Deanery. Thorax 2010. [DOI: 10.1136/thx.2010.150979.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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105
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Jordan TS, Idris E, Haqqee R, Allen M. P202 Clinics for obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnoea (OSAH)--time for a change? Thorax 2010. [DOI: 10.1136/thx.2010.151068.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Patel N, Coleborn P, Hampton A, Campbell V, Allen M, Gahkani A, Spiteri M. P111 FTIR Spectroscopic profiling of COPD sputum: identification of distinct spectral signatures and correlation to COPD status. Thorax 2010. [DOI: 10.1136/thx.2010.150987.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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107
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Brunetto AT, Sarker D, Papadatos-Pastos D, Fehrmann R, Kaye SB, Johnston S, Allen M, De Bono JS, Swanton C. A retrospective analysis of clinical outcome of patients with chemo-refractory metastatic breast cancer treated in a single institution phase I unit. Br J Cancer 2010; 103:607-12. [PMID: 20664586 PMCID: PMC2938255 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6605812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2010] [Revised: 06/24/2010] [Accepted: 06/25/2010] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND METHODS Novel approaches to treat chemo-refractory metastatic breast cancer (MBC) are currently under investigation. This retrospective series reviews the outcome of 70 MBC patients who have participated in 30 phase I trials at the Royal Marsden Hospital from 2002 to 2009. RESULTS The median treatment lines before phase I trial entry for MBC was 5 (range: 1-12 lines). The overall response rate was 11.4% (95% CI: 4.0-18.9%) and the clinical benefit rate at 4 months was 20% (95% CI: 10.6-29.3). The median time to progression was 7.0 weeks (95% CI: 6.4-7.5) and median overall survival was 8.7 months (95% CI: 7.6-9.8) from start of first phase I treatment. No patients discontinued trial because of treatment-related toxicities. Abnormal lactate dehydrogenase, serum albumin <35 mg per 100 ml, >or=5 previous treatment lines, liver metastases and Eastern Cooperative Group performance status >or=2 at study entry were significantly associated with poor overall survival in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION This retrospective analysis provides evidence that patients with MBC tolerate phase I clinical trials and a significant proportion of patients with chemo-refractory disease, particularly those with triple-negative or Her2-positive breast cancer, may benefit from treatment.
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Soller L, Ben-Shoshan M, Fragapane J, Joseph L, St Pierre Y, Harada L, Fortin C, Allen M, Clarke AE. Treatment of initial allergic reactions to peanut inside and outside of health care facilities. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 2010. [PMCID: PMC2874302 DOI: 10.1186/1710-1492-6-s1-p31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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109
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Abbasi RU, Abu-Zayyad T, Al-Seady M, Allen M, Amman JF, Anderson RJ, Archbold G, Belov K, Belz JW, Bergman DR, Blake SA, Brusova OA, Burt GW, Cannon C, Cao Z, Deng W, Fedorova Y, Finley CB, Gray RC, Hanlon WF, Hoffman CM, Holzscheiter MH, Ivanov D, Hughes G, Hüntemeyer P, Ivanov D, Jones BF, Jui CCH, Kim K, Kirn MA, Loh EC, Liu J, Lundquist JP, Maestas MM, Manago N, Marek LJ, Martens K, Matthews JAJ, Matthews JN, Moore SA, O'Neill A, Painter CA, Perera L, Reil K, Riehle R, Roberts M, Rodriguez D, Sasaki N, Schnetzer SR, Scott LM, Sinnis G, Smith JD, Sokolsky P, Song C, Springer RW, Stokes BT, Stratton S, Thomas SB, Thomas JR, Thomson GB, Tupa D, Zech A, Zhang X. Indications of proton-dominated cosmic-ray composition above 1.6 EeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2010; 104:161101. [PMID: 20482038 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.104.161101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2009] [Revised: 03/28/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
We report studies of ultrahigh-energy cosmic-ray composition via analysis of depth of air shower maximum (X(max)), for air shower events collected by the High-Resolution Fly's Eye (HiRes) observatory. The HiRes data are consistent with a constant elongation rate d<X(max)>/d[log(E)] of 47.9+/-6.0(stat)+/-3.2(syst) g/cm2/decade for energies between 1.6 and 63 EeV, and are consistent with a predominantly protonic composition of cosmic rays when interpreted via the QGSJET01 and QGSJET-II high-energy hadronic interaction models. These measurements constrain models in which the galactic-to-extragalactic transition is the cause of the energy spectrum ankle at 4x10(18) eV.
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Zou F, Carrasquillo MM, Pankratz VS, Belbin O, Morgan K, Allen M, Wilcox SL, Ma L, Walker LP, Kouri N, Burgess JD, Younkin LH, Younkin SG, Younkin CS, Bisceglio GD, Crook JE, Dickson DW, Petersen RC, Graff-Radford N, Younkin SG, Ertekin-Taner N. Gene expression levels as endophenotypes in genome-wide association studies of Alzheimer disease. Neurology 2010; 74:480-6. [PMID: 20142614 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e3181d07654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Late-onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD) is a common disorder with a substantial genetic component. We postulate that many disease susceptibility variants act by altering gene expression levels. METHODS We measured messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of 12 LOAD candidate genes in the cerebella of 200 subjects with LOAD. Using the genotypes from our LOAD genome-wide association study for the cis-single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (n = 619) of these 12 LOAD candidate genes, we tested for associations with expression levels as endophenotypes. The strongest expression cis-SNP was tested for AD association in 7 independent case-control series (2,280 AD and 2,396 controls). RESULTS We identified 3 SNPs that associated significantly with IDE (insulin degrading enzyme) expression levels. A single copy of the minor allele for each significant SNP was associated with approximately twofold higher IDE expression levels. The most significant SNP, rs7910977, is 4.2 kb beyond the 3' end of IDE. The association observed with this SNP was significant even at the genome-wide level (p = 2.7 x 10(-8)). Furthermore, the minor allele of rs7910977 associated significantly (p = 0.0046) with reduced LOAD risk (OR = 0.81 with a 95% CI of 0.70-0.94), as expected biologically from its association with elevated IDE expression. CONCLUSIONS These results provide strong evidence that IDE is a late-onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD) gene with variants that modify risk of LOAD by influencing IDE expression. They also suggest that the use of expression levels as endophenotypes in genome-wide association studies may provide a powerful approach for the identification of disease susceptibility alleles.
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Chad L, Ben-Shoshan M, Alizadehfar R, Fragapane J, Soller L, Joseph L, Harada L, Fortin C, Allen M, Clarke A. Parental Attitudes Towards Epinephrine Auto-Injectors. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2009.12.829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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112
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Malinis M, Myers J, Bordon J, Peyrani P, Kapoor R, Nakamatzu R, Lopardo G, Torres A, Feldman C, Allen M, Arnold F, Ramirez J. Clinical outcomes of HIV-infected patients hospitalized with bacterial community-acquired pneumonia. Int J Infect Dis 2010; 14:e22-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2009.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2008] [Revised: 02/10/2009] [Accepted: 03/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Coleman L, Williams E, Allen M, Kim B, Cereb N, Yang S, Setterholm M. 169-P: Impact of adding HLA-C at the time of donor recruitment on future patient-directed requests. Hum Immunol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2009.09.202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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114
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Mark D, Middelkoop K, Roux S, Gray G, Mlisana K, Nchabaleng M, Churchyard G, De Bruyn G, Latka M, Magagula D, Kublin J, Allen M, Bekker L. P15-13. HVTN 503(Phambili) trial discontinuation of enrolment/vaccination: the impact on trial participant attitudes to vaccine trials and scientific research. Retrovirology 2009. [PMCID: PMC2767709 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-6-s3-p214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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115
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Latka M, Grey G, Fielding K, Bekker L, Mlisana K, Nchabeleng M, DeBruin G, Allen M, Kublin J, Churchyard G. P13-05. Factors associated with pregnancy during the HVTN 503/Phambili trial, a phase IIB HIV trial of the Merck Ad-5 multi-clade HIV vaccine. Retrovirology 2009. [PMCID: PMC2767678 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-6-s3-p187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Gray GE, Bekker L, Churchyard G, Nchabeleng M, Mlisana K, de Bruyn G, Roux S, Mathebula M, Latka M, Bennie T, Metch B, Moodie Z, Allen M, Eaton N, Kublin J. P15-08. Did unblinding affect HIV risk behaviour and risk perception in the HVTN503/Phambili study? Retrovirology 2009. [PMCID: PMC2767703 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-6-s3-p209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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Rasmussen P, Allen M. 018 Organizationally and financially integrated comprehensive stroke center: impact on institutional financial performance and interventional stroke patient volume. J Neurointerv Surg 2009. [DOI: 10.1136/jnis.2009.000851r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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118
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Allen M, Wigglesworth M. Innovation Leading the Way: Application of Lean Manufacturing to Sample Management. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 14:515-22. [DOI: 10.1177/1087057109336587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Historically, sample management successfully focused on providing compound quality and tracking distribution within a diverse geographic. However, if a competitive advantage is to be delivered in a changing environment of outsourcing, efficiency and customer service must now improve or face reconstruction. The authors have used discrete event simulation to model the compound process from chemistry to assay and applied lean manufacturing techniques to analyze and improve these processes. In doing so, they identified a value-adding process time of just 11 min within a procedure that took days. Modeling also allowed the analysis of equipment and human resources necessary to complete the expected demand in an acceptable cycle time. Layout and location of sample management and screening departments are key in allowing process integration, creating rapid flow of work, and delivering these efficiencies. Following this analysis and minor process changes, the authors have demonstrated for 2 programs that solid compounds can be converted to assay-ready plates in less than 4 h. In addition, it is now possible to deliver assay data from these compounds within the same working day, allowing chemistry teams more flexibility and more time to execute the next chemistry round. Additional application of lean manufacturing principles has the potential to further decrease cycle times while using fewer resources. ( Journal of Biomolecular Screening. 2009:515-522)
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Harrington D, Ben-Shoshan M, Sheth S, Godefroy S, Fragapane J, Soller L, Allen M, Allen M, Dufresne C, Harada L. Precautionary Statements on Packaged Foods in Canada: Perspectives and Purchasing Behaviours of Allergic and Non-Allergic Consumers. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2008.12.409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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120
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Candriella M, Uga E, Perino A, Angilella G, Alloni V, Trada M, Grossi L, Tripaldi C, Bagnasco G, Silano V, Olmo LM, Allen M, Provera S. [Assessment of breast feeding rates during compulsory vaccination: preliminary outcomes]. Minerva Pediatr 2009; 61:9-14. [PMID: 19179998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
AIM In consideration of the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on promoting and supporting breast feeding, a measurement of breast feeding rates was planned within Vercelli's Province (ASL 11, Piedmont, Italy) in order to compare the local situation to the national and international one, and to promote ideas and strategies for increasing the practice of breast feeding up to six months or beyond. METHODS During Diptheria Tetanus whole cell Pertussis vaccination (DTP) vaccination a questionnaire about their children's feeding was handed out to all mothers. Preliminary outcomes were elaborated after a follow-up of six months. RESULTS So far 1591 questionnaires have been collected. During the first DTP immunizations 31.63% of the children were exclusively breastfed and 15.81% were partially breastfed. At the second vaccination, 11.14% and 37.68% of infants were completely and partially breastfed, respectively. A 36.11% of partially breast feeding still emerged during the third DTP vaccination. CONCLUSIONS The outcomes of this study are inferior compared to WHO expectation and to national statistics. Increasing breast feeding rates should consequently become a priority aim, pursuing it through the health workers training, the support of mothers who encounter difficulties during their hospital stay or at home, and making the public aware of breast feeding practices.
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Saletu B, Allen M, Itil T. The Effect of Coca-Cola, Caffeine, Antidepressants, and C Chlorpromazine on Objective and Subjective Sleep Parameters. PHARMACOPSYCHIATRY 2009. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1094435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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122
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Rogers C, Bargery A, Allen M. Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast - Ten Years Experience from the Jasmine Centre. Eur J Surg Oncol 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2008.06.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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123
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Gallagher B, Allen M, Jones B. Animal abuse and intimate partner violence: researching the link and its significance in Ireland - a veterinary perspective. Ir Vet J 2008; 61:658-67. [PMID: 21851702 PMCID: PMC3113873 DOI: 10.1186/2046-0481-61-10-658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on domestic violence has established a substantial association between intimate partner abuse and the abuse of children within the home. It is only recently however, that researchers have demonstrated the correlation between non-accidental injury in animals, and abuse of women by their intimate male partners. A growing body of evidence suggests that animal abuse can be an early indicator for other forms of violent behaviour. This research includes the responses of a sample of 23 women using refuge services in the Republic of Ireland. It investigates the connection between domestic violence and animal abuse, and ascertains if there is sufficient support service for animals and people relevant to domestic abuse. In the survey population, 57% of women reported witnessing one or more forms of abuse, or threats of abuse, of their pets. Five of which were reported to have resulted in the death of the pet. Eighty seven per cent of women felt a facility to accommodate pets would have made their decision to leave the family home easier. Four women disclosed that lack of such a service and concern for the welfare of their companion animals caused them to remain in their abusive relationships for longer than they felt appropriate. Nine families placed pets in the care of family or friends, one woman is unaware of the fate of her pet, while the pets of six families remained with the abusive male after his partner entered a refuge. The majority of women felt unable to talk to anyone about their fears for their pets' welfare. Many felt that there is no service which can provide temporary accommodation for womens' pets while they are in refuge. The results obtained support those found elsewhere in larger studies in the USA and UK, and demonstrate an association of animal abuse in households where there is reported domestic violence.
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Daéid NN, Whitehead L, Allen M. Examining the effects of paper type, pen type, writing pressure and angle of intersection on white and dark dominance in ESDA impressions of sequenced strokes—An application of the likelihood ratio. Forensic Sci Int 2008; 181:32-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2008.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2008] [Accepted: 08/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Nic Daéid N, Hayes K, Allen M. Investigations into factors affecting the cascade developer used in ESDA—A review. Forensic Sci Int 2008; 181:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2008.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2008] [Revised: 09/11/2008] [Accepted: 09/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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